Greasing a bird feeder pole is often recommended to help deter squirrels and other animals from climbing up to steal birdseed. There are some important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to grease your pole.
Quick Answer
Greasing a bird feeder pole can be an effective way to deter squirrels, but it also has some downsides. The main benefits are that it makes the pole slippery and harder to climb. The main downsides are that it can get messy, may need frequent reapplication, and could potentially harm birds or other wildlife. Overall, greasing is an option to try, but also consider pole guards, baffles, location, and other deterrents before applying grease.
What is the Purpose of Greasing a Bird Feeder Pole?
The primary reason people grease bird feeder poles is to prevent squirrels and other animals like raccoons or bears from being able to climb up the pole and access the bird feeder. Squirrels in particular are very agile climbers and can easily scale poles, hoppers, suspended feeders, and other feeder designs.
By applying a slippery grease to the pole, it creates a barrier that makes it much more difficult for squirrels to get enough grip and traction to climb. This forces them to look elsewhere for food and leaves the birdseed for the birds. The grease essentially lubricates the pole and prevents clinging by squirrels and other critters.
What Type of Grease Should I Use?
The most common greases used for bird feeder poles are petroleum-based products like traditional axle grease, Vaseline petroleum jelly, or lithium-based greases. The main property needed is a thick, slippery consistency that is hard to gain traction on.
Avoid plant-based greases like coconut oil or vegetable shortening, as these can go rancid and have less long-lasting slipperiness. Make sure to thoroughly coat the entire pole surface from top to bottom to prevent any ungreased areas for feet traction.
How Often Does the Pole Need Reapplied Grease?
How often you’ll need to reapply grease depends on factors like weather, pole material, and squirrel persistence. Reapplication may be needed:
- Every 2-4 weeks during busy feeding seasons
- After heavy rains wash away the grease
- When you notice squirrels starting to breach the pole again
- On wood poles more often than metal
Check the pole regularly for thinning grease and make reapplication part of your routine feeder maintenance. The more slippery the pole stays, the better it will deter squirrels.
What Are Some Downsides of Greasing a Pole?
While greasing bird feeder poles can be effective against squirrels, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Messiness – Grease can get on surfaces and hands easily, requiring cleanup.
- Reapplication – Doesn’t tend to last long, needing frequent renewing.
- Bird safety – Grease could accidentally get on birds using the feeder.
- Cannot climb – Makes pole unsafe for humans to climb for maintenance.
- Residue – Can leave behind sticky, hard to remove residue.
These factors should be thought through before deciding if you want to deal with the hassle and maintenance requirements of a greased pole. There are some alternative squirrel deterrent options to consider first.
What Are Some Alternatives to Greasing?
Here are a few alternative options to making a pole slippery that may also deter squirrels:
- Pole baffles – Plastic or metal baffles that attach to pole preventing climbing.
- Pole guards – Slip-on plastic guards also prevent grip or footing.
- Location – Situate feeder with natural barriers like water or foliage.
- Weight – Suspended feeders can be made too heavy for squirrels.
- Feeder design – Use squirrel-resistant styles like tubes, cages, or saucer feeders.
Trying alternative set-ups and feeder styles before applying grease may provide effective deterrence without the need for messy greasing maintenance.
How Do I Apply Grease Correctly?
If you decide to try greasing your bird feeder pole, follow these steps:
- Pick a calm, dry day to apply the grease.
- Make sure the pole surface is clean and dry first.
- Choose an appropriate grease like petroleum jelly or lithium grease.
- Wearing gloves, thoroughly apply grease over the entire surface, top to bottom.
- Spread the grease evenly and smoothly without gaps.
- Re-apply every 2-4 weeks as needed.
- Clean any residues off surfaces or hands afterwards.
Taking precautions to fully coat the pole while minimizing mess will provide effective slippery results against squirrels and climbers.
Conclusion
Greasing bird feeder poles can definitely make them more squirrel-proof, but it also carries some annoyances from frequent reapplication, mess, and safety issues. Try alternative deterrents first like baffles, placement, and pole guards to see if they prevent access without grease. If squirrels still persist, apply petroleum jelly or a similar slippery grease evenly from top to bottom. Reapply regularly as needed to maintain the slipperiness and deter pests from stealing your birdseed.
