Watch the previous or next video in our series of tips for your yard.

While feeding birds in your yard is a popular pastime, squirrels and raccoons can often empty or destroy a bird feeder in no time flat. To keep furry critters away from bird feeders that are mounted on a pole, make a DIY guard from a piece of 6-inch stovepipe and end cap. If you arent interested in the DIY route, check out our top picks for squirrel-proof feeders and squirrel baffles.

To make a homemade squirrel and raccoon guard:

  • Step 1: Buy a 2’ long piece of 6” diameter stovepipe, a 6” diameter stovepipe end cap, 3 sheet metal screws, and a hose clamp.
  • Step 2: Clamp the end cap to a piece of scrap wood, and use a metal bit or hole saw to drill a hole in the center of the end cap the size of the bird feeder pole.
  • Step 3: Secure the stovepipe end cap to the stovepipe with sheet metal screws.
  • Step 4: Remove the bird feeder from the pole, and attach the hose clamp to the bird feeder pole to support the stovepipe guard.
  • Step 5: Slide the stovepipe guard over the top of the pole, so it rests on the hose clamp.
  • Step 6: Place the bird feeder back on the pole.

Watch the video above to find out more.


Further Information

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More