Keep your bird feeder 10 feet from trees, fences, and other squirrel-jumping structures. Put it on a smooth, tall pole or a thin wire between two locations.
Install dome or cone-shaped squirrel baffles above or below your bird feeder. This makes it hard for squirrels to climb or drop onto the feeder.
Add cayenne pepper or other spices to birdseed. The spice tastes bad to squirrels but not birds.
Buy high-quality squirrel-proof feeders like those above. Look for weight-sensitive devices or squirrel-guarded cages.
Provide squirrels with food away from bird feeders. Provide nuts or maize away from bird feeders to deter them.
Remove seed and debris under the feeder regularly. This deters squirrels and other pests.
Apply non-toxic petroleum jelly or pole grease to the feeder pole. It's slippery and hard for squirrels to climb.
Birds prefer safflower, but squirrels don't. Switching to safflower seeds can reduce squirrel feeder raids.