Your bird feeder is the neighborhood hot spot for birds seeking a snack and some company. And because of that, your bird feeder cam is capturing incredible images. But what happens when the party gets out of hand, and a lot more than birds show up at dinner time?

Bird feeder cams can attract a lot of unwelcome visitors, unfortunately. From squirrels and crows  to raccoons and bears, there are plenty of animals out there ready to pilfer your precious seed and scare away the cardinals and buntings.

Feeding pests can scare away your favorite birds, consume lots of your feed, and in some cases create problem wildlife. While some pests may be particularly hard to keep away from your feeder, there are things you can do to try to keep your bird feeder strictly for the birds. (P.S.: Are you looking for the best food to use in your bird feeder cam? Check out this blog.)

Placement and Location

Considering the actual location of your feeder is the first thing you can do to keep pests away.

  • Install the feeder at least 5 feet off the ground and 10 feet away from jumping points like trees, fences, or structures. Squirrels are incredible athletes–they can jump up to 4 feet vertically and 8 feet horizontally.
  • Place the feeder in an open area with nothing nearby that squirrels could use for launching points. While this may be useful for keeping away pests, keep in mind that may result in it being used less by birds who will still want some cover nearby to feel safe.

Erect Physical Barriers

  • Use a pole-mounted squirrel baffle–which looks like a cone or plate–at least 18 inches in diameter, that is positioned either above or below the feeder. This will help prevent climbing.
  • Consider placing a cage around your bird feeder with wire mesh openings that will allow birds to enter but keep squirrels out. Cages will also keep out larger birds that may be considered pests like starlings, grackles, and doves.

Alternative Strategies

  • Keep the area clean by regularly sweeping up or otherwise removing fallen seeds in order to avoid attracting other animals.
  • Use seeds that squirrels find less appealing, such as safflower seeds, nyjer or thistle seeds, and white millet.
  • If you live in an area with lots of activity, it may be recommended to completely remove your feeder when bears in are hyperphagia–a period of several weeks to a month or more in the fall when bears go on a feeding frenzy, eating anything in sight and chowing down enough to pack on 4 pounds a day.
  • You may also want to simply distract pests by setting up a separate ground feeder with peanuts or corn that may keep squirrels and raccoons busy and disinterested in your feeder. This will also help with birds like doves that often prefer to feed on the ground.

Keeping pests away from your smart bird feeder isn’t easy, but it’s well worth the effort.