Protect Your Nestlings: The 5 Best Birdhouse Entry Protectors of 2025
As a backyard birder, there is no greater joy than seeing a bird family choose your house to raise their young. But this joy comes with a responsibility to keep them safe. A birdhouse’s simple wooden entry hole is its biggest vulnerability. Squirrels, woodpeckers, and aggressive non-native birds can chew the hole larger to attack the nest. A simple metal entry protector is the single most important upgrade you can make to turn your birdhouse into a secure fortress.
1. Bluebird House Predator Guard (1 1/2″)
Best for Bluebirds
Eastern Bluebirds are a cherished backyard visitor, and this predator guard is perfectly sized for them. The 1 1/2-inch opening allows bluebirds easy access while preventing larger birds like starlings from entering. Made from thick-gauge steel, it’s impossible for predators to chew through. This kit typically includes the necessary screws for a quick and easy installation, providing instant peace of mind.
Pros & Cons
- Perfect 1 1/2″ hole size for Eastern Bluebirds.
- Made from thick, chew-proof metal.
- Simple square design covers existing damage.
- Typically includes rust-resistant screws.
- May require a specific 1 9/16″ size for Western bluebirds.
2. Hotop Portal Protector (1 1/8″)
Best for Wrens & Chickadees
Protecting our smallest cavity-nesters is crucial. The 1 1/8-inch opening on this guard is ideal for House Wrens and Chickadees. More importantly, it effectively blocks larger, aggressive House Sparrows, which are a major threat to these native species. By keeping the entrance small, you ensure the rightful tenants are the only ones who can get inside. This multi-pack offers fantastic value for protecting several small birdhouses.
Pros & Cons
- Ideal 1 1/8″ size protects small birds from competitors.
- Great value multi-pack for multiple houses.
- Deters squirrels and woodpeckers from enlarging the hole.
- Easy to install with just a screwdriver.
- Too small for bluebirds or other larger cavity nesters.
3. Metal Portal Guard with Copper Finish
Best Copper Aesthetic
Who says safety can’t be stylish? This entry protector offers the same chew-proof security as other models but with a beautiful copper finish that develops an attractive patina over time. It’s a fantastic way to upgrade the look of a cedar or pine birdhouse while providing top-tier protection. This model comes in a 1 1/2″ opening, making it another great choice for bluebirds who appreciate fine real estate.
Pros & Cons
- Beautiful copper finish enhances the look of the birdhouse.
- Strong steel base provides excellent protection.
- Correctly sized for bluebirds and tree swallows.
- Adds a premium touch to your backyard habitat.
- Finish may change color (patina) over time, which may not be desired by all.
4. Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House Protector
Best Wooden Guard
While metal is best against chewing, a thick wooden guard offers a different kind of protection. By extending the entrance hole, it makes it much more difficult for predators like raccoons or cats to reach inside and claw at the nest. This 3/4-inch thick cedar block is a fantastic secondary layer of defense, especially when paired with a metal plate on top. It gives the birdhouse a natural look while adding significant depth to the entrance.
Pros & Cons
- Increases entry depth to thwart reaching predators.
- Natural cedar look blends seamlessly with the house.
- Resistant to rot and insects.
- Adds a second layer of security.
- Not fully chew-proof against determined squirrels without a metal plate.
5. 24PCS Metal Bird House Protector Guards
Best Value Multi-Pack
For the serious backyard “landlord” with multiple properties, this bulk pack is the most economical choice. You get a large quantity of protectors, typically with multiple sizes included, allowing you to outfit your entire collection of birdhouses for every species. These kits usually come with all the screws you’ll need, making it a one-stop-shop for a season of birdhouse upgrades. It’s the perfect way to ensure every nest on your property is secure.
Pros & Cons
- Incredible value with a large number of guards.
- Often includes multiple sizes for different birds.
- Ensures you always have a spare protector on hand.
- Screws are almost always included.
- Metal may be slightly thinner than premium single-pack guards.
The Ultimate Birdhouse Hole Size Guide
Choosing the right hole size is the most important step. A hole that is too big invites predators and competitors. A hole that is too small will prevent your desired bird from entering. Use this chart to match the protector to the birds you want to attract.
| Hole Diameter | Common Inhabitants |
|---|---|
| 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) | House Wren, Carolina Chickadee, Black-capped Chickadee |
| 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) | Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Prothonotary Warbler |
| 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm) | Eastern Bluebird, Downy Woodpecker, Tree Swallow |
| 1 9/16 inches (3.97 cm) | Western & Mountain Bluebirds (requires a slightly larger hole) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I install a predator guard?
The best time to install a guard is when you first put up a new birdhouse or during your annual clean-out before the spring nesting season begins. This ensures it’s ready before the first birds start house-hunting. However, you can add one at any time, even if a nest is already present—just work quickly and quietly to minimize disturbance.
Will the metal guard hurt the birds?
No. The metal on these guards is stamped smoothly to prevent any sharp edges. Birds are highly adaptable and will have no trouble using the new, reinforced entrance. The safety the guard provides far outweighs any brief period of curiosity from the birds.
Do I need to drill new holes to install the guard?
No, you do not need to drill holes for the guard itself. The guard is simply placed over the existing entrance hole. You will only need a screwdriver to drive the included mounting screws into the wooden face of the birdhouse.
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