I read recently about a very simple technique for guarding bird feeders from
squirrels; simply place a length of 4-inch pvc pipe around the feeder stand.
I thought, "oh, sure... another fool-proof squirrel solution!". But after
15 years of much experimentation and limited success with our incisored
friends, I decided to give it a try.

It really works! Unbelievable! The 4-inch pipe is too slick and too big
for the squirrels to get a grip around, and they just slide down when they
try to climb it.

I found three types of pvc pipe at the hardware store. One type is an aqua
green color, and has a very slick surface; probably the best for repelling
squirrels, but a rather garish color. Another is white, also not a very
suitable color for your front yard, and this type has a rougher surface,
possibly climbable by persistent squirrels. The third type is black and
reasonably slick. I used the black type, which blends very well into my
yard, and which does indeed repel the persistent little critters. I would
recommend at least four feet of the pipe to be sure they can't jump above
it.

Dave Nunnallee
dnun461 at ecy.wa.gov
Bellevue, WA