How to Make a Squirrel Guard Baffle

Most commercially made squirrel guard baffles are not very expensive, but why pay money for a squirrel baffle when you can easily make your own? You can create a homemade guard baffle to keep squirrels and other predators out of your birdhouses and feeders using a stovepipe or PVC pipe. Stovepipe guard baffles will not only keep out squirrels, but they can also deter snakes, raccoons, mice, cats and rats.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Tape measure
  • Galvanized nails, 2 to 3 inches long
  • Hammer
  • Stovepipe, 8 inches diameter or larger, 3 feet long
  • Tin snips or knife
  • Screwdriver
  • Sheet metal screws (optional)
  • Automotive grease, furniture polish or cooking spray (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark with a pencil where on your bird feeder post or pole you want the top of the baffle to be located. Make two marks on either side of the post. Ensure that the top of the squirrel baffle is a minimum of 5 feet above the ground.

    • 2

      Hammer two galvanized nails into either side of the bird feeder post at your pencil marks. Only hammer the nails halfway into the post.

    • 3

      Cut a hole into the stovepipe cap using tin snips or a knife. Make the hole barely wider in diameter than the post or pole of your bird feeder.

    • 4

      Assemble the stovepipe by screwing the cap to the stovepipe. Use the screws provided with the stovepipe or sheet metal screws.

    • 5

      Remove the bird feeder from the post or pole. Slip the stovepipe over the post, allowing the cap to hang from the galvanized nails. Replace the bird feeder.