Vaseline is often cited as a solution for keeping squirrels away from bird feeders. However, before using a solution such as this, it’s important to ask, “Will vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeders?”
In a rush to find a good solution, it’s easy to start using products that sound smart.
Unfortunately, these products don’t work well and/or endanger the birds you are feeding. As a result, it’s important to do your homework, understanding which solution to use for protecting your bird feeder, and which ones to avoid.
This guide is going to take a look at the question, “Will Vaseline Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeder?” and focus on offering a better alternative for long-term results.
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Last update on 2023-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder is one of the best solutions on the market when it comes to keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder. It’s well-rounded, easy to set up, and is going to provide comprehensive protection around the clock. With an impressive 18-inch/47-cm clearance, this is the perfect option to make sure squirrels can’t get their hands on the seeds you’re laying out for birds.
Along with offering incredible performance, this squirrel-proof bird feeder is also aesthetically pleasing making it a neat addition to your setup in the yard.
Start using this world-class squirrel-proof bird feeder and never worry about what the nearby squirrels are doing.
Will Vaseline Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeder?
Vaseline is not recommended for use on bird feeders.
It can cause significant health-related issues for birds due to increased exposure to chemicals. The vaseline can end up being ingested by the bird through regular contact and/or lead to unwanted skin conditions.
As a result, all bird feeders should not include the use of products such as vaseline. Yes, vaseline can work in getting rid of squirrels and keep them away, but a solution that poses a risk to the birds being protected isn’t worthwhile.
A natural reaction to problems such as this is to find something slippery like vaseline. While this may sound like a good idea, it is going to put the birds in harm’s way unnecessarily. Instead of doing this, look at organic or safer solutions for keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder.
If the goal is to keep the squirrels away then it’s best to use the solutions listed below. It’s all about implementing a trusted deterrent that’s easy to set up, fast, and is going to keep the birds safe year-round.
How To Stop Squirrels From Using Your Bird Feeder
Invest in a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Will vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeders?
Yes, but vaseline isn’t a long-term solution nor is it safe.
As a result, you have to focus on going with a permanent squirrel-proof option such as a specialized bird feeder to keep squirrels away. The right bird feeder is going to reduce the amount of stress put on the birds while also deterring squirrels.
This is essential when it comes to finding a safe solution for restricting squirrels.
Focus on comparing bird feeders and go with one that is specifically designed to handle squirrels. By doing this, you are going to have peace of mind when it comes to the bird food and making sure squirrels don’t eat it.
Along with buying a new squirrel-proof bird feeder, it’s also smart to install it properly.
This includes assessing potential weak points in your setup, where the squirrels sit, and how to avoid squirrels climbing onto something to access the bird food.
Hang Your Bird Feeder
When asking “Will vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeders?” it’s also important to understand the value of positioning.
Where is the bird feeder located on your property? Will squirrels be able to reach your bird feeder?
It’s smart to think about the location of your bird feeder right away. This is one of the easiest and most organic changes a person can make in their yard. It will take a few seconds and can be a game-changer in your bid to push the squirrels away.
Even when you go out and buy a new bird feeder to avoid squirrels, it’s still going to come down to the location. If it is not in the right place, your bird feeder is still going to be exposed to excited squirrels that want to get to the food by any means possible.
Look around your yard and try to find the highest possible point to suspend the bird feeder. This shouldn’t be exposed to something that is easy to climb.
By aiming for such a set up, the squirrels won’t be able to get to the bird food.
This can require a bit of planning but it will make a difference when it comes to hungry squirrels in your hard.
Use a Squirrel Baffle
Let’s assume you already have a bird feeder set up and just want to protect the bird food from squirrels.
This is normal and it is something the average homeowner is going to deal with when it comes to a newly installed bird feeder.
If that is the case, you want to take a look at a natural deterrent that can be included in your present setup. This is why more and more bird feeder owners are looking towards investing in safe squirrel baffles for their design.
What is a squirrel baffle?
A squirrel baffle is a simple solution that is strapped around a bird feeder pole to act as an obstacle for the squirrel. When a squirrel begins to climb the bird feeder, they are met by this “wrap around” contraption that blocks their path.
A good squirrel baffle for your bird feeder is something as simple as the Woodlink Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle.
This is a solution that is used by millions of people because it’s simple, easy to set up, and as effective as anything else on the market.
Put this to use and watch as the squirrel baffle keeps squirrels away from your bird feeder!
Buy Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a wonderful option when it comes to protecting your bird feeder.
Why do sunflower seeds deter squirrels?
It comes down to what they like to eat and what they don’t. In general, sunflower seeds are not a well-liked option for squirrels and they steer clear of them. This is a wonderful organic solution because most birds still enjoy sunflower seeds.
The goal is to see whether or not the birds you are feeding like sunflower seeds. If so, you can simply make this switch and watch a natural change in how many squirrels come to your yard.
In the beginning, it’s highly recomended to start slowly and see how the squirrels react to sunflower seeds in a bird feeder.
Are they still willing to jump into the bird feeder and grab the seeds? Do they run up the bird feeder, ignore the sunflower seeds, and leave?
These are important details because you will start to see patterns develop after a while. This is when you can follow through with the change and make it a permanent part of your bird feeding strategy.
For those asking, “Will vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeders?” this is a much better solution and incredibly safe at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Will vaseline keep squirrels off bird feeders?
No, and it is one of the worst solutions you can use in the yard!
There is no reason to use a product that is going to endanger your birds and lead to significant health-related concerns. Instead, you should be looking for a safe, well-designed solution that’s going to keep the birds happy.
What should you be using when it is time to squirrel-proof your bird feeder?
In general, you should be looking to make a long-term investment into a durable squirrel-proof bird feeder or at least a quality squirrel baffle. These products are going to offer tremendous respite when it comes to hungry squirrels.
For more information on keeping your birds safe, please take a look at the following articles – how to remove bird mites, building the right parakeet cage set up, finding the differences between parakeets and lovebirds, and how to train a budgie.