Are raccoon guards effective on bluebird boxes?
The preferred method to keep raccoons from climbing the pole in the first place. Smooth metal poles can be sprayed with silicone making them to slippery to scale. You may also rub the pole with steel wool and then apply “carnauba” wax producing the same results. A quality grease rubbed on the pole should last the entire nesting season, but periodic inspections are recommended, and the pole cleaned and re-greased if necessary. The effectiveness of the extended wood block predator guard at the entrance hole is not completely is still undetermined. It is far from fool proof and may make it more difficult for bluebirds to access the box. The “Noel” predator guard with the adapter works well. Do not install this guard until after the first egg is laid. The exception is if the bluebirds have used the box previously with the guard in place.
