One Common Spice Is The Trick To Keeping Squirrels Off Of Your Bird Feeder

You spend all this time setting up the perfect bird feeder, and then a squirrel shows up like it's been personally invited. They'll empty your feeder, dig up garden beds, and even snack on grass seed before it has a chance to sprout. But one surprisingly simple way to make your setup less appealing to squirrels is by using cinnamon. This common kitchen spice doesn't harm squirrels, but it does mess with their strongest asset, which is smell. 

Squirrels navigate the world through scent. It's how they locate stashes, return to feeders, and sniff out buried food. That's exactly why cinnamon can throw them off. Its strong, unfamiliar aroma interrupts their routines and blurs the scent trails that would normally lead them straight to your bird feeder. It's not a miracle cure, and you won't find a long list of peer-reviewed studies proving its effectiveness. Still, many homeowners use cinnamon as a low-effort, low-risk way to keep squirrels at bay. When paired with physical barriers or smart feeder placement, it can help discourage repeat squirrel visits. You can also use cinnamon sticks in tighter spots like under raised beds or along fence lines, but they're usually not as strong.

Using powdered cinnamon or cinnamon extract is your best bet if you're trying to get results. They settle into the soil, stick to surfaces, and hold scents longer than other forms. That's exactly what you want in areas squirrels like to dig around or climb. No matter what form of cinnamon you choose to work with, staying consistent is the key to keeping squirrels away from your bird feeders or bird houses.

Squirrels don't give up easily. Even with cinnamon in play, a determined one will test every angle, leap from branches, and claw up poles just to reach a scoop of seed. That's why your bird feeder setup matters just as much as what you put around it. Start with location. Some squirrels, like red squirrels, can jump up to 6 feet high, which means a feeder hanging from a tree branch or positioned next to a fence is basically a free meal. The best place for a feeder is on a tall pole at least 5 feet off the ground and placed well away from any structures squirrels can leap from.

Adding a baffle to the pole can also make a big difference. These dome- or cone-shaped barriers block squirrels from climbing up and reaching the feeder. They're not perfect, but they do slow them down. Just make sure the baffle is wide and placed far enough below the hummingbird feeder to actually be effective. 

If squirrels are still finding a way in, consider upgrading your feeder. Some models automatically close when heavier animals land on them, without relying on deterrent sprays, strong smells, or complicated add-ons. Another option is to distract squirrels entirely by giving them their own feeder. A tray filled with corn or peanuts and placed well away from your bird setup can redirect their attention. Since squirrels often go for the easiest meal, offering something separate can reduce how often they target your bird feeder at all.