The best squirrel proof bird feeder pole we have found after numerous comparisons is the is the Squirrel-Stopper Pole from Liberty Products.
If you already have an existing bird feeder pole, you may be able to squirrel-proof it by simply attaching a squirrel baffle.
If you are starting from scratch, have squirrel problems and want a new pole to hang your feeders from, then this all-in-one squirrel proof pole and baffle set is a great choice.
If you simply want a pole to attach to your deck to hang your feeder from, then this pole below has been a favorite of many.
Some have further increased its squirrel-proofness by greasing the pole with cooking oil and/or using a baffle over their feeder.
And for those of you who already have an existing bird feeder pole, you can simple attach a baffle to stop the squirrels.
...Now Back to The Squirrel Stopper
At first, some felt the cost of the pole was a bit much, but a common comment is the price of this squirrel proof pole is definitely worth it in the long run.
An Investment Worthy of It's Price - Extremely High ROI :-)
When they see how much they save on bird seed after squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, etc. stop stealing, the investment is made up in a short amount of time.
Get The Squirrel Stopper Here!
People also note how much money they have already spent on buying shepherd hooks, squirrel baffles, squirrel proof bird feeders and other cheap, flimsy poles that the extra cost for the quality of the Squirrel-Stopper is also worth it in the long run.
It simply does what it's supposed to do - stop squirrels and others from eating seed that are only meant to feed the birds.
You can place a variety of feeders for seed, suet, an orange-feeder for orioles as wells as flower baskets and hummingbird feeders to attract a wide variety of birds.
Rust Issue
The only big issue I have seen with this pole is rust. Some, not all, users have had problems with the pole rusting over time.
However, I have read from customers that they simply rust-proof it completely by spraying it with a Rust-Olem Clear Coat product.
It may be worth it to do this as a preventative before installing.
Also, one other person says they simply, "...wipe it down at the beginning of each winter with an oily rag, to give it a bit of protection from water, and it hasn't needed anything more."
Squirrels From Above
Squirrel can launch themselves up to 11 feet from trees, fences, roofs, decks, bird baths or any elevated platforms.
Therefore, to stop squirrels from getting to your feeders from above make sure you install your pole at least 11 feet from any launching site.
If this is not possible and you have squirrels getting to your feeders from above, then you may need to install some kind of deterrent from the top, such as a dome baffle.
Most do not have any problems screwing in the auger when installing the pole.
However, if you have exceptionally hard, rocky soil it may be best to first loosen up the ground with a shovel or mattock and then use the auger to make it easier for insallation.
If You Are Vertically Challenged
The only other minor issue I read in reviews had to do with short people.
The hooks that the feeders will hang from are approximately 6 feet up and so some could not reach the hooks to install and refill the feeders.
To resolve this problem, some have simply put either an extra length of small chain or another hook from the existing arm hooks and then have no problem with reach.
You just don't want the feeder to go much below the 5-foot mark or else the squirrels will be able to jump and access them from below.
I think it says something when people come back months, even years later to update their reviews to say the pole and baffle is still working and they have bought a second one either for themselves to hang in a different location with more feeders or as a gift to give to fellow backyard bird watchers.
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder Comparison - Review of the top-rated squirrel proof feeders
Squirrel Baffles to install on existing poles
Bird Feeders Main Page - A review of all feeder types
Brome Squirrel Buster - Squirrel proof bird feeder review
Build Your Own Bird Feeder Pole
Other Bird Feeder Pole Favorites
Some choose to feed the squirrels separately with squirrel feeders which keeps them away from the bird feeders.
Here are some free squirrel feeder plans too if you want to build your own.
Even if you use a non-toxic grease, it still can potentially hurt birds.
If the grease gets on a bird's feathers, there is no way for the bird to clean and remove the grease from their feathers.
This will affect their ability to apply the waterproof oil from their uropygial gland when preening their feathers which will also affect their insulation.
So it is best not to use grease or vasoline or Crisco or anything similar that can affect the birds.
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