Once a squirrel has discovered a regular food source in your garden or yard, you’ll have some difficulty getting rid of them!
For those gardens or yards with bird feeders, squirrels become pests when they eat from these feeders while wrecking, chewing, clawing and scratching at them to get to the food quicker.
But, whatever type of bird feeder you currently have in your garden, by adding a squirrel baffle you will thwart their attempt to access your feeders, leaving the food for those feathery friends it was initially intended for.
Here we look at five of the best squirrel baffles currently available on Amazon. To finish off, we also offer a short but informative buying guide with suggestions on how to ensure you get the best squirrel baffle for your individual requirements.
Contents
Best Squirrel Baffle: Our Top 5 Recommendations
1. Woodlink NABAF18 Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Claiming to be the best at defeating squirrels, and really easy to install, the Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle comes from the makers at WoodLink. One of the company’s exclusively licensed to manufacture birding products for the National Audubon Society, this model is backed by excellent research.
This is a black 18-inch baffle which simply wraps around those existing bird feeders. Therefore there’s no need to remove anything beforehand when mounting it.
Constructed in coated steel using a durable textured power, this is the easiest of baffles to set up and watch it get to work in an instant.
Simply secure the black coupler that’s included with your purchase, attaching it to the shepherd’s hook or pole. For the best fit, the bird feeder pole in question should be around ½ an inch to 1-3/8 inches to work correctly.
To remove, you simply snap the baffle apart by placing pressure on the inner sides of the seam.
To ensure this remains stable in use, there are additional pieces attached to the bottom of the unit to hold the cover in place securely.
Alongside deterring squirrels, this is also claimed to be discouraging to raccoons!
Customers of WoodLink’s Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle offer some of the highest-rated reviews with many satisfied customers seeing instant results! Many suggest that if the baffle’s positioned correctly, squirrels give up after just a few attempts!
- Many amazing results noted
- Easy to fit and remove
- A durable item
- No need to move current bird feeders to install or use
- Needs to be accurately positioned for it to work successfully
2. Audubon NACLBAF16 Clear Squirrel Baffle, 16-Inch
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Another Audubon Baffle model, this from the creators at Audubon and offers a clear see-through choice.
A 16-inch model, this can be hung, or pole mounted and it’s incredibly easy to install. Therefore, for those looking to use it as a squirrel deterrent, it can be pole mounted. Whereas, if you’d prefer to use it as a weather dome, you can simply hang it.
For the best results as a squirrel deterrent, it’s suggested that the baffle be mounted four and a half feet to five feet above the ground.
With the ability to fit those poles measuring one inch to 1-3/8 inches or by using a shepherd hook, this is so simple to adjust by merely tightening three screws in place.
The clear plastic feature of this model is designed to prevent the baffle from obstructing your view of the bird feeder itself.
Customers of the Audubon Clear Squirrel Baffle find this an efficient solution at keeping out squirrels while at the same time keeping the bird food or bird seed beneath it nice and dry and shielded from the wind.
- Clear plastic allows you to see the birds
- Duel use as a baffle or weather shield
- Easy to fit
- Some reports of birds flying into it due to the clear design!
3. Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
The Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle is a rather unusual type of baffle than what most people are used to and is therefore referred to as a slide-on baffle, as opposed to a wraparound or dome model.
From the creators at WoodLink, this is indeed shaped like a torpedo but is still made up of the most durable of materials – that is, the powered coated textured steel.
Complete with a coupler for easy mounting, this works well on many bird feeder pole types measuring 1/2 an inch to 1-3/8 inches in diameter. The baffle itself measures six inches in diameter.
This model works by being placed below the bird feeders, thus preventing squirrels and other pests from climbing up to reach the food or bird seed.
Customers of this baffle find this one of the easiest of deterrents to fit, claiming it really does do a good job when it comes to stopping squirrels accessing their feeders.
- Ability to use under the bird feeder rather than above
- Durable construction
- A simple slide-on model type
- Requires bird feeder to be removed before placing on pole
4. North States 2-Way Squirrel Baffler
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
The North States Bird Two Way Squirrel Baffler is a larger than average baffle model which measures 15.75 inches in diameter.
With the intention here of protecting your bird feeders from nearby squirrels, it claims to offer solutions to match even those most persistence of squirrels!
A warm grey in color, it’s also the easier of baffles to fit in the garden or yard.
Whether you want to hang or pole mount, both options are available with this baffle. To hang it, you’ll find an ‘S’ hook and baffle hanging adapter included with your buy. This allows you to place it on a sturdy branch or on a shepherd’s hook.
To pole mount it, a pole mount flange with screw set is included. This allows you to fix it on those poles that are ½ an inch to 1 ¼ inch in diameter.
A free-swinging inverted bowl type, this is constructed using durable molded plastic.
Customers of the North States Bird Two Way Squirrel Baffler find this is the most effective solution to deter squirrels and other unwanted visitors while being a cheaper model to purchase. The grey color also rates highly with many.
- Two-way fitting
- Fantastic color choice
- Works to deter the most persistent of squirrels
- Some claims of the hanging method not working as effectively as the bird feeder pole mounted method
5. Woodlink Post Mount Squirrel Baffle
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Another WoodLink Model this time it’s the Post Mount Squirrel Baffle product.
Powered coated and finished in a dark green color, this is undoubtedly the more attractive looking of baffles available!
A weather-resistant product, this is designed for those posts in your garden or yard rather than any poles.
Working hard to guard your bird feeders, not only is this claimed to be effective with squirrels but also with other unwanted visitors and predators too. This includes pesky raccoons!
One of the easiest of baffles to fit, this can be attached to existing 4 x 4-inch posts and secured neatly with Philips flat head zinc plated screws.
With a quick snap apart process, you simply place pressure on each side of the seam when installing and removing the baffle.
- Weather-resistant baffle
- Able to use on posts
- Guards against squirrels and other unwanted visitors
- Higher price than standard pole baffles
Buying Guide
Now that you’ve had the chance to read through some of our most recommended squirrel baffle feeders, you may have a clear idea of the better model for your needs.
But, before you part with your money, why not take a few minutes to read through this short buying guide?
Here we consider what features to look out for when choosing a squirrel baffle alongside offering tips on how to ensure your baffle is the most effective in your garden or yard, your bird watching enjoyment is the most important thing after all.
We also answer a few of the most common questions about baffles.
What to Look for When Buying a Squirrel Baffle
Though squirrel baffles are the most simple of products to shop for, there are several types which offer slight variations on the standard baffle. Therefore to ensure that you get the best model to eliminate your squirrel problems, we recommend a few simple tips:
- Bird Feeder Pole/post size: Ensure that the baffle you choose will fit the size of the bird feeder pole you intend to use it on. Some baffles are designed for metal poles while a few are primarily for wooden posts. Therefore the measurement will differ with each choice.
- Material: Most squirrel baffles are made using plastic. However, those that offer a coated powder resistant steel will be longer lasting as they can withstand the harsher elements. Some people prefer those that are clear and see-through. This way you still get to see visiting birds at your feeder.
- Hang or mount: Most squirrel baffles can be installed in one of two ways; that is hung via a hook or mounted on a post or a pole. The results are the same, this just relates to what you have in your garden to hang the baffle from.
- Price: Thought most baffles are extremely low to purchase there are a few that may seem a little pricier than usual. However, it’s worth considering what it is you’re getting for your money and how effective the baffle is for your specific needs.
Tips to Ensure the Effectiveness of Your Squirrel Baffle
Unfortunately, a squirrel baffle itself may not be enough to deter those most persistent of squirrels from trying to target your bird feeders and ruin your bird watching. Therefore many people like to use baffles alongside other means of deterrents to ensure they remain squirrel free for the foreseeable future.
Therefore when you buy a baffle, there are several other things to consider:
- Place your bird feeder away from trees, fences and anything else squirrels can easily climb up and leap from to get to your feeders.
- Consider placing a squirrel baffle under the feeder itself as well as above if your feeder is mounted on a pole. Some companies sell packs of baffles for this very reason!
- Try greasing poles with bird feeders on, as well as installing those baffle feeders above and below your feeders on a pole. This way, you cover all avenues. Consider grease, Vaseline, or cooking oil for best effect.
- Think about using specific squirrel proof bird feeders to hold all your bird seed and other food.
- Try offering those more persistent of squirrels their own feeding area and the food they prefer. This way you’re distracting them from the feeders themselves. You could just reach a compromise as they won’t have the need to visit your designated bird stations if they have a feeding area of their own. This way, in time, you could just come to enjoy their presence!
Interested to see a squirrel baffle in action!? Enjoy this video.
DON’T MISS: Our 5 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do squirrel baffles disturb the birds?
Baffles don’t seem to present problems for birds. The smarter of bird tend to realize that the baffles are there and purposely avoid them to get to the feeders. This is especially so for those smaller birds. However, the odd bird may occasionally fly into a clear baffle – but will soon learn a lesson!
Is installing a squirrel baffle complicated?
The installation of a baffle is perhaps the most straightforward of jobs to perform. With many offering a wrap around and snap-to feature, hanging a baffle or pole-mounted, it’s a quick and easy process and one that requires minimal effort.
How high do squirrels jump vertically?
Though a pest when it comes to bird feeders, squirrels are undeniably fantastic jumpers! This means that squirrels can jump a length of five to six feet from the ground. So, when putting your baffle in place, you’ll need to account for their aerobatic skills and place your feeding station as far away from trees and fences.
Can baffles hurt squirrels?
Squirrel baffles are specifically designed to pose no threat to those visitors such as squirrels and raccoons. They are simply a deterrent to encourage them to move on; with the clue being the word baffle! Though they may bounce or fall off the baffle, it will not hurt them. Though; it’s certainly a funny sight worth witnessing!
Final Thoughts on the Best Squirrel Baffles
By placing a baffle on your bird feeders, you make an active decision to deter any passing squirrels (or chipmunks and racoons!)
Perhaps one of the more successful of squirrel deterrents, baffles will not harm them, merely make it too much of a challenge for squirrels to reach your bird food.
In time, even those more persistent of pests will give up trying to outwit these fantastic designs. Therefore, consider the most appropriate type of baffle for your current bird feeder and ensure you get it set up in the best position possible.
Then, it’s merely a case of sitting back and watching as the deterrent really does baffle those visiting squirrels – leaving both you and your feathered friends in peace!
Happy bird watching!
