Are Pesky Squirrels Stealing All Your Bird Food? This Simple ‘5-7-9’ Rule Will Protect Your Feeders

The enigmatic set of numbers indicates the distances a bird feeder should be placed to prevent access from squirrels. Due to their jumping finesse, squirrels can reach bird feeders and other food sources by leaping 5 feet horizontally. Therefore, pushing the feeder further away than 5 feet from tree branches, buildings, or fences will restrict them from using the bird feeder as their launchpad and protect the seeds. Many might not be aware of the true agility squirrels possess. According to Georgia Wildlife, they can run at speeds up to 14 miles per hour and climb up a tree at 12 miles per hour. 

While the 5-7-9 rule is a potential strategy to trick the little masterminds and steer them away from bird feeders, there are two more options to deter the pests. Contrary to the 5-feet rule, experts suggest placing a bird feeder at a 3-feet distance from a window will make it difficult for squirrels to gain the momentum for a huge leap. Simultaneously, this close distance to the window would slow down birds and prevent window crashes– a recurring problem in many homes. According to an All About Birds report, glass windows create an illusion of foliage and sky, inviting birds to fly into and crash. 

Secondly, hanging your bird feeder somewhere far away from the house, about 30 feet away in an open space, while maintaining the 5-7-9 rule, will allow birds more room to access the feeders sans risk. While squirrels will only dream of the seed inside the bird feeders. As per expert advice, these handful of measures are useful to maintain your bird feeder and protect your seed from these pesky creatures. Experts from the Forest Preserve District of Will County (@WillCoForests) also chimed in with a few tips to keep squirrels off feeders.