What is a squirrel baffle?

A squirrel baffle is a type of barrier that is used to keep squirrels and chipmunks from climbing a shepherds’ hook. There are even larger versions that will keep raccoons, squirrels and chipmunks away from your expensive wild bird seed.

There are different versions of squirrel baffles. The one in the picture above is a called a “wrap-around” baffle. This is typically at least 18″ in diameter and is used when your shepherds’ hook is all one piece. In this case, since you cannot take your shepherds’ hook apart, you use this type of squirrel baffle to wrap around your pole. You then connect the two ends together to form a complete squirrel baffle. The baffle will sit on the hardware provided by the retailer.

To ensure your squirrel baffle will be effective:

1. Make sure your shepherds hook is at least 10 feet from any object
   1. ​Squirrels can jump 10 feet from left to right
   2. Objects to be 10 feet away include houses, trees, retaining walls, bushes, fences, etc. 
   3. If you don’t have 10 feet a squirrel baffle will not work
2. ​Make sure to place the baffle at least 4 feet up from the ground
   1. ​Squirrels can jump 4 feet, straight up
   2. If your shepherds’ hook is next to an earthen berm or hill you may have to take it up higher than 4 feet. 
3. ​Look up at the tree limbs close to your shepherds’ hook
   1. ​If you have any tree limbs above your feeder a squirrel baffle may not work.
   2. Remove all tree limbs that are remotely close to your feeder

​​If you have the above three impediments cleared then a squirrel baffle is a perfect, inexpensive choice to completely deter the squirrels.

The only issue with squirrel baffles is… they tend to collect their fair share of bird droppings (poop). To keep your baffle clean click here.