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Best Squirrel Baffle
Best Squirrel BaffleAs one of our favorite children’s’ book loves to say, Those Darn Squirrels! They are great at breaking into bird feeders – they take cues from Oceans 11. Well it’s time to stop them with a squirrel baffle. After looking at several options on the market, we’ve found that the best squirrel baffle is the Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle Model NATORPEDO.
It has a design that adapts well to different pole sizes, is easy to install, and it does a fine job of discouraging the furry invaders.
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on the NATORPEDO see the Product Reviews section below.
Runner Up: Best Squirrel Baffle
Our runner-up pick is the Squirrel Stopper Metal Standard Baffle Model SQSB09. It is sturdy, adds springs to discourage squirrels, and even helps keep raccoons off some feeders.
It’s also more complicated to install than many other baffles and is on the pricey side, which took some points off.
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For further details on the SQSB09, see the Product Reviews section below.
Budget Choice: Squirrel Baffle
The Woodlink NABAF18 Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle model is simple, easy to use, and works well for combatting most squirrel problems.
Your personal mileage may vary, depending on how determined your neighborhood squirrels are.
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on the Woodlink NABAF18, see the Product Reviews area below.
Squirrel Baffle Buyer’s Tips
A squirrel baffle can be a huge deterrent to squirrels stealing your bird seed. A baffle, coupled with a squirrel-resistant bird feeder, can allow bird-lovers to regain control of their garden, and their sanity.
And as a bonus, you can watch the squirrels try and fail to bypass your baffles. It’s better entertainment than Game of Thrones!
One important aspect to consider is placing your squirrel baffle, and your bird feeder, properly. For feeder placement details, see How to Hang a Bird Feeder for more information.
Squirrel Baffle and Bird Feeder Locations
Success with squirrel baffles will require proper placement of your bird feeder. Most baffle makers recommend something like the following:
Feeder
Place the feeder at least 7′ above the ground.
Baffle
Place the baffle at least 5 feet above the ground.
Mounting Pole
Place the mounting pole at least 10′ from anything the squirrel can jump from. Walls, tree branches, roof eaves, bird baths, etc. should be considered when placing your pole.
Take a moment and analyze your surroundings to ensure the best placement – squirrels will happily leap from branches, railings, roofs, or any structure that they can reach.
And as a quick note, be sure to place your bird feeder in a location that is also protected from access by your local feline population!
Squirrel Baffle Reviews
When you’re committed to feeding wild birds at your home, you probably didn’t realize that most bird feeder set-ups come with a bonus: squirrel marauders. Yep, the world is just filled with the cute little bandits, uniquely constructed to take on even the most remote bird feeders.
They leap, they dangle, they climb – and they can clean out a bird feeder in no time at all, depriving your birds of their food, and costing you additional money in bird seed.
Unless you’re willing to go into battle by constructing your own squirrel guards – and then putting the results on YouTube – the simplest solution to the problem is to install a squirrel baffle on your feeder’s pole support.
Baffles vary in design, but not in function. They keep squirrels from climbing up to the feeder. It’s important to have one that’s easy to install, is durable and weather resistant, and that keeps the squirrels away from your feeder.
If you haven’t purchased a bird feeder yet, consider a squirrel-proof bird feeder for added protection.
We’ll start with a comparison table to get oriented, and then move onto individual reviews. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Erva Post-Mounted Squirrel Baffle
Key Points at a Glance
- Galvanized steel finish
- 23.25” diameter
- Round disc shape
- Attaches to 4” x 4” post with screws
- Only works on 4″ x 4″ posts
Dimensions and Specs
- 3.2 lbs
- 23.2 x 23.2 x 1.8 inches
The Details
If your bird feeder is mounted on a standard square wooden 4×4 post, the Erva model is worth checking out. This design is extra wide – almost 2 feet in diameter – and sets up a generous barrier for anything climbing upwards.
The installation is simple. The galvanized steel disc has a slit that extends from the center opening to the outer edge – this allows you to separate the edges enough to slide around your post, rather than sliding it on from the top. Once on the post, the entire disc is rejoined at the slit with clips.
The whole unit is attached to the post with included wood screws that fasten down the metal tabs just below the opening. It anchors well and stays put.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the generous size of the Erva baffle does well at deterring squirrels, but some users run into issues with the highly reflective metal finish.
That the glare can be blinding in the sun, and the shimmer can even scare off the birds you’re hoping to attract!
Additionally, the obvious downside here is that it will only work with 4″ x 4″ posts, which is pretty limiting.
- Generous baffle keeps squirrels away from your post mounted bird feeder
- Item slides over an existing 4 x 4 post easily
- Steel construction forms a chew proof baffle
- Galvanized finish prevents rusting
- 23.25" diameter provides plenty of protection
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. AUDUBON NACLBAF16 Clear Squirrel Baffle
Key Points at a Glance
- 16” diameter
- Round disc shape
- Attaches to 1” to 1/38” pole with coupler and screws
- Can be used as a weather guard above hanging feeders
Dimensions and Specs
- 1.15 lbs
- 15.4 x 15.4 x 3.8 inches
The Details
The Audubon NACLBAF16 baffle is a lighter-weight version that can also be used as a weather guard.
It fits pole sizes from 1” – 1 3/8” by using a coupler and screws.
It’s important to note that this design works best for squirrel resistance when mounted on the pole below the bird feeder. Unfortunately, it’s not really designed for deterring furry bandits coming from above the feeder. When mounted over the feeder, the disc works well as weather protection – but not squirrel protection.
Many find that the plastic construction does not withstand drops or weather as well as metal baffles would. This one is probably best when used on a patio or deck.
It does a serviceable job in deterring squirrels trying to climb the bird feeder pole, but the 16” diameter is smaller than others we reviewed, and some squirrels will find it no challenge.
The Bottom Line: Squirrel Baffle and Weather Shield
Overall, the NACLBAF16 is better suited as a weather guard to keep rain and moisture off the feeder.
The clear plastic allows easy viewing of birds, and some users report that they use theirs year-round – switching it to their hummingbird feeder in warmer months.
- Audubon 16" Clear Hanging or Pole Mount Baffle
- Hang it as a weather shield
- Pole-mount for use as a baffle
- Features clear plastic to minimize obstruction of view
- Fits a 1" to 1 3/8" pole
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Woodlink NABAF18 Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle, 18-Inch
Key Points at a Glance
- 18” diameter
- Cone shape
- Attaches to 1/2” to 1/3/8” pole with couplers and screws
- Black powder-coated steel
Dimensions and Specs
- 2.75 lbs
- 19 x 19 x 7 inches
The Details
The Woodland NABAF18 is an effective, easy-to-install product at a great price point. This combo resulted in it becoming our Budget Pick.
The cone-shaped design snaps together around a good range of pole diameters from 1/2-inch to 1-3/8-inch, making it a good choice for all types of installations.
The NABAF18 is made of powder-coated steel that is split to allow for installation. The user slides the cone around the pole, and then rejoins the metal by snapping the edges back together.
This yields a deep cone that the squirrels get trapped under as the attempt to climb the pole. At 18” in diameter, it deters most squirrels, and many find that it is also good for discouraging chipmunks.
The Bottom Line
The steel holds up well in the elements, and the black powder-coat finish does not cause problems with glare.
Most buyers find that the NABAF18 works pretty well, provided that it is installed correctly – at least 4’ from the ground.
The effectiveness of the Woodland baffle, coupled with its attractive price point, makes this an excellent budget choice.
- Made of textured powder coated steel
- Defeats squirrels every time
- No need to remove bird feeder when mounting
- Secure black coupler (included) around any 1/2-inch to 1-3/8-inch pole or shepherd hook
- Snaps apart with inward pressure on each side of the seam. Additional pieces that will hold the cover are tapped to the...
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle Model NATORPEDO
Key Points at a Glance
- Slide-on installation only
- Torpedo shape
- Attaches to 1/2” to 1 3/8” pole with couplers and screws
- Black powder-coated steel
Dimensions and Specs
- 2.45 lbs
- 6 x 6 x 15.8 inches
The Details
The Audubon Torpedo design looks a little different, but it works quite well! This squirrel baffle has easy installation and solid construction, making it our choice as the Best Squirrel Baffle.
The style, which looks much like a torpedo, indeed, is a two-piece system. To install, simply clamp the coupler on the pole, and then slide the baffle onto the coupling. Setup is quite simple.
It works on diameters of 1/2” to 1 3/8”, making it useful for most applications.
The baffle is proportioned and designed to prevent squirrels from getting a grip and climbing past it. Many buyers find that it works very well, as long as the squirrels are unable to jump above the baffle and directly onto the pole or feeder.
It’s suggested that the pole and baffle be located away from branches or railings that will allow a leap from persistent squirrels.
As long as the little marauders are forced to climb the pole from ground level, the Torpedo will stop them before they ever reach their goal.
The Bottom Line
The black powder-coated steel resists bird droppings and squirrel paws, and the unit holds up well, per reviewers.
This squirrel baffle works very well, will last a while, and doesn’t do much to impact your views of the feeder. It’s the best squirrel baffle for those who use post-mounted feeders.
- Torpedo shaped steel squirrel baffle
- Made of textured powder-coated steel
- Includes coupler for mounting to any pole 1/2" to 1 3/8" in diameter
- Torpedo baffle is 6-inch in diameter
- The baffle is a "slide on".
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Squirrel Stopper Metal Standard Baffle Deters Squirrels and Raccoons
Key Points at a Glance
- Slide-on installation only
- Torpedo shape
- Attaches to 1/2” to 2” pole with couplers and screws
- Black powder-coated steel
Dimensions and Specs
- 5.3 lbs
- 8 x 8 x 36 inches
The Details
The Squirrel Stopper SQSB09 takes the torpedo design a bit further by adding internal springs to the torpedo shape. By combining the torpedo shape with a spring system, the resulting jiggle and bounce of the baffle are highly discouraging to persistent squirrels and even raccoons!
The whole baffle will move both up and down and from side to side when squirrels, chipmunks, or even raccoons attempt to scale it. The movement seems to be the key here – all of these animals, even raccoons, don’t trust the baffle, and many buyers find that they finally left their feeders alone.
The good news is that once this squirrel baffle is installed, it works quite well. The bad news is that many find the installation process to be frustrating. Although the baffle slides onto a pole, the rest of the attachments require more patience and dexterity than the standard coupler/screw installation.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, struggles with installation are a common gripe with this one – but the end results seem to be worth the struggle. It’s hard to argue with effectiveness, though the difficulties of installation and the high price point result in this baffle getting our runner-up choice.
It’s quite effective, but getting to that point can be maddening.
- Stops the Squirrels
- Requires straight access from top or bottom of existing pole for mounting
- Easily mounts to poles from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter
- 3 stainless steel springs allow the baffle to move up and down and side to side
- Galvanized to prevent rust
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
A squirrel baffle is a simple solution that will help you take back control of your garden, and will save you a great deal of money in seed. The seed will go to the birds, not to the critters.
Our Top Choice product, the Audubon Torpedo Steel Squirrel Baffle Model NATORPEDO, is a solid, easy-to-install baffle with an innovative torpedo shape that repels squirrels and chipmunks effectively.
Our Runner Up choice, the Squirrel Stopper Metal Standard Baffle SQSB09, was our only product to use springs and movements to discourage invaders – it does this well, but will require more patience to install.
Our Budget Pick, the Woodlink NABAF18 Audubon Wrap Around Squirrel Baffle, deters squirrels with sheer size, and is easy to install. It’s a perfect first line of defense in your squirrel wars.
Happy feeding!
Last update on 2019-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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