How to protect a bird feeder from rats and squirrels - 8 easy ways to keep them at bay this winter

Wondering how to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels? We don’t blame you. These pests will do everything they can to eat your feathered friends out of house and home - even if that means scaling trees and poles to get what they want.

These colder months can be a difficult time for wildlife. And so, when temperatures plummet, and food becomes scarce, it’s our responsibility to head out into the garden and offer the birds a helping hand with some smart wildlife garden ideas. However, as anyone who has ever used a bird feeder or bird table will know, it's basically guaranteed to attract rats and squirrels, too.

And while knowing how to get rid of rats is useful information to have at your fingertips, the first step is to protect a bird feeder from rats and squirrels in the first place. This way, you can continue to feed the many native birds that need our help without any thieving swines getting in the way…

1. Invest in a squirrel-proof feeder

When it comes to figuring out how to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels, it's worth noting that a number of bird feeders are specially designed to do just that. You just need to know what to look for.

There are a few options to choose from, such as weight-activated and caged, but if you already have one in the garden, you could just invest in a baffle - a dome that can be installed either above or below the feeder (depending on whether rats or squirrels are the worst offenders). This then stops rats and squirrels from being able to get close to your bird feeder.

This is echoed by ​gardens expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob.co.uk, who says, ‘The installation of baffles can significantly enhance the protection. Dome baffles placed above the feeder can prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. Tube baffles around the pole can hinder their climbing abilities.’

2. Install feeders out of reach

You can’t really blame other animals for sneaking some bird food when they can. After all, when the food is within reach, why wouldn’t you? So, if you want to protect a bird feeder from rats and squirrels, it’s best to install the feeders out of reach.

'Rodents are competent climbers, so they can and will scale trees and poles to access bird feeders,' says Eric. ‘'Hanging your bird feeders on a sturdy branch higher up the tree will deter them to a degree, as they are less likely to climb in search of food.'

He goes on to add that clinging birds that feed from hanging feeders, such as the Tit family, will also prefer a feeder hung higher up, as it provides extra protection from predators on the ground, such as cats and foxes.

So, grab a ladder and move your bird feeder somewhere that’s a little more difficult for rats and squirrels to get to, and you should find that they aren’t stealing from your feathered friends as much.

3. Get clever with your planting

One of the easiest ways to feed the birds this winter, without having to worry about pesky rats or squirrels stealing their food, is to ramp up the food on offer - but not just with bird seed. Yes, certain plants can also offer a whole host of sustenance for your flying friends.

'Ensure that your garden or green space is as wildlife-friendly as possible, with lots of natural food sources,' says Thomas Hibbert, bird expert at The Wildlife Trusts.

'Plant trees and shrubs that produce berries in autumn and winter, leave seedheads for finches, and let areas grow wild to encourage insects.'

Examples of these plants and trees include holly, hawthorn, pyracantha, crab apple, and birch, which are commonly found in the garden centre or online. An extra bonus is that rats and squirrels don’t tend to eat these other food sources, so the birds will be able to keep them to themselves.

4. Mix up your seed offering

If you're hoping to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels, it pays to think outside the box. Because, while they tend to love munching on peanuts and fat balls, they don't love everything that birds eat.

With that in mind, it pays to branch out and fill your bird feeder with seeds that rats and squirrels don’t like. You can find special squirrel-proof mixed bird seed fairly easily, but you can also buy safflower seeds, niger seeds, and millet separately if you want to mix them into the bird seed you’re already using.

5. Add a little something extra

Another easy way to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels? Add something that they really don't want to eat! This works for birdfeeders and for how to stop squirrels from digging up bulbs.

'There are several smells and tastes that rodents don’t like, including cayenne pepper, pepper, peppermint, and garlic,' says Eric Michels, Head of Pro at CJ Wildlife. In fact, the chilli powder bird feeder hack is said to be extremely effective.

'While these smells are unappealing to rodents, birds can’t actually taste them, so sprinkling a little cayenne pepper into your bird feeders, for example, will act as an additional deterrent.' You can even buy bird feed that’s already infused with cayenne pepper if you don’t have any handy.

As squirrels and rats also hate the smell of peppermint, you can also use that to your advantage. Harry says, ‘Soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them near to the feeder can also be effective as the strong scent repels rodents.’

Just remember that you’ll need to replace the cotton balls every few days for this to remain effective - especially if it rains.

6. Don’t scatter feed on the ground

Although it’s always lovely to see birds hopping about on the grass, it's a surefire recipe for trouble. As such, one of the best ways to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels is to avoid the temptation to scatter food underneath it.

Harry says, ‘Maintaining a clean feeding area is crucial for deterring these pests. Regularly removing fallen seeds eliminates a potential food source for rodents, and clearing any debris or clutter within the vicinity of the feeder removes potential hiding spots.’

Of course, this means you’ll have to head out into your garden regularly, as birds can often be messy eaters. But you need to be careful when refilling your feeder, too.

Eric adds, 'Always make sure you put bird food in a specialist feeder and clear up any spillages when refilling immediately.'

7. Make the most of smart technology

In today’s modern age, smart technology is everywhere - and you can use it inside and outside your house. Yes, you can even use it to protect a bird feeder from rats and squirrels!

There are many rodent and squirrel-proof smart bird feeders out there, and they have been designed to protect birds and their food in a variety of ways. Some come with cameras, while others come with weight detection and automatic doors for birds… and birds only.

In fact, Eric says that 'CJ Wildlife’s Leto Smart Feeder has built-in technology that allows birds below 70g to perch and feed, but if any creature above 70g sits on the perch, it is weighed down and triggers the opening to be covered, restricting access to the delicious bird food.'

Of course, this is probably the most expensive option on the list - but it’s also probably one of the most effective ways to protect a bird feeder from rats and squirrels.

8. Aim for 'just enough' food

It's good to be generous, but it doesn't do to be too generous with your bird food – especially if you want to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels.

'It is important you only use the amount of bird food or seed that you know (or estimate) will be eaten by birds within two or three days at most,' says Eric.

'Leaving bird feed out for too long not only means food could spoil and allow bacteria to build up, but having a substantial amount of food constantly available also increases the risk of attracting rodents in search of something to scavenge.'

Thomas adds that you should also 'ensure you clean any feeders regularly to prevent disease' and deter nightime scavengers.

FAQs

Do squirrels damage bird feeders?

Yes, squirrels can very easily damage bird feeders. This is largely due to the fact that they are often way too heavy and big for a bird feeder - but they’ll still climb and hang from it to eat the food inside.

Alongside this, they’re extremely stubborn and will do anything they can to get the food inside - which means they’ll often break the bird feeder in an effort to get closer to the bird seed.

How do you store bird feed?

'Making sure bird feed is stored correctly is important as it will deter unwanted vermin, as well as ensure food holds its nutritional value for birds,' says Eric.

'If rats and mice are able to get to food in your shed or garage, they will keep coming back for more! Always store food in a dry, cool place, in an airtight container with a secure lid, preferably raised off the floor to act as an additional deterrent.'

So, now that you know how to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels, it's time to get out there and feed the birds (tuppence a bag!) and help them make it through the cold winter months ahead.

Honestly, the sight of them happily flitting around your garden on a frosty morning will make it more than worth the hassle!