To keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, remove debris and spilled seed from the ground around the feeder that could be attracting them.

(NAPS)—Bird feeding can be a fulfilling hobby, if you know how to outsmart a clever squirrel who’s eating your birdseed. These tips can help:

Baffles: Install baffles, at least 15 inches wide and sloped, between the top of the feeder and its hanger on a hanging feeder or between the ground and the feeder for feeders on posts.

Spinners: String spinners on a horizontal line.

Location: Mount bird feeders on a smooth metal pole at least six feet high and prune any branches within a 12-foot radius.

Feeders: 

• Metal Feeders help minimize the damage from hungry squirrels.
• Wire Cages placed around a bird feeder will keep squirrels out and allow smaller birds to continue feeding but prevent larger birds from accessing the feeder.
• Slammer Feeders designed with doors triggered by a large bird’s or squirrel’s weight close and hamper access to seed.
• Interactive Bird Feeders such as the Squirrel Boss Bird Feeder. This humane and effective squirrel-proof bird feeder has a remote control operated by you from inside your home that gives the squirrel a harmless static shock correction that tingles but doesn’t hurt the squirrel in any way. For more information, visit www.squirrelboss.com or call (888) 476-9499.

Seed: Squirrels are less enticed by nyger, millet, safflower, canary and canola seeds. Adding capsaicin to birdseed can also deter squirrels.