Are you tired of squirrels stealing birdseed from your bird feeders? A Homemade Squirrel Baffle made of PVC pipe might be your solution! Not only is it an easy DIY project, but it can also be a great way to get the whole family involved in bird watching.

I love to watch birds. I would call myself a bird watcher, but that indicates a person who is good at identifying birds. That is not me. I have been considering getting a smart bird feeder that identifies birds, but it would be a waste if no birds come due to squirrels being on the feeder.

I have tried to deter squirrels in different ways, from squirrel-proof feeders to homemade baffles. None of those have worked. 

Upon recent research, I discovered that a wide PVC pipe would keep squirrels and raccoons at bay because they lack opposable thumbs to climb.

How wide and long does a pole need to be? Squirrels can jump about four feet off the ground and nine feet across. Therefore, place a barrier at least four feet up and over nine feet from a fence or branch.

PVC Squirrel Baffle

This baffle is made to pair with an extra-tall shepherd’s hook. The hook had a metal piece sticking out near the bottom that we cut off to fit it through the pipe.

To make this baffle, you need the following:

• 5 foot long 4″ wide PVC pipe
• 4″ flat PVC endcap
• optional: plate/disc*
• drill
• wide drill bit

A flat disc can be an additional block for squirrels and a perch for birds.

How to Make a Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder Baffle

To make your own squirrel baffle using PVC pipe, follow these simple steps:

1. Mark the middle of the end cap. Optional: Mark the center point of the plate/disc.
2. Drill a hole in the end cap and disc big enough to slide the shepherd’s hook/pole through. 
3. Slide the disc onto the pole, and then slide on the end cap.
4. Put the hook through the PVC pipe and then stick the hook securely into the ground. 
5. Secure the PVC against the ground by sliding the end cap down and in place at the end of the tube. 
6. Hang your bird feeders.

That is all there is to create a squirrel baffle for a shepherd’s hook. It has been satisfying to see the squirrels thwarted from accessing the feeders. They still get seed that drops, so it is a win-win for the backyard wildlife.

To attract different birds to your feeder, consider offering a variety of seed types and using a water source to create a welcoming environment for birds. Check with your local extension office for feed recommendations. I learned that black oil sunflower feed and a suet cake are best for the overwintering birds in our area.

Happy bird watching!