How Do I Use the Alarm on My BirdSnap Camera to Scare Away Squirrels?

Quick Answer

Open the BirdSnap app, go to your camera's live stream, and tap the Sound icon to trigger the alarm manually. Alternatively, go to Camera Settings → Alarm Settings to activate the audio or flashing light alarm. You can also adjust alarm volume in Sound Settings. The alarm triggers immediately and can be used anytime you are watching the live stream and spot an unwanted visitor.

What's Happening

The BirdSnap camera has a built-in speaker and optional status light that can be used as an active deterrent. When you spot a squirrel — or any unwanted animal — at the feeder, you can trigger an audible alarm directly from your phone through the live stream view. The sudden noise is effective at startling and dispersing squirrels without harming them.

How to Trigger the Alarm Manually

Step 1 — Open the BirdSnap app and tap your camera to open the live view.

Step 2 — Look for the Sound icon in the live view control bar (it may be labeled "Sound," "Alert," or show a speaker icon). Tap it to activate the alarm.

Step 3 — The camera's speaker will emit an alarm sound audible from the feeder location. Squirrels typically respond by immediately leaving the feeder.

Step 4 — Tap the icon again to stop the alarm once the area is clear.

Adjusting Alarm Volume

To set the alarm volume:

Step 1 — Go to Camera Settings → Sound Settings.

Step 2 — Adjust the Alarm Volume slider to your preferred level. Higher volumes are more effective outdoors but may also startle nearby birds — use a moderate level as a starting point.

Enabling or Disabling the Flashing Light Alarm

The camera can also trigger a visual alarm (flashing status light) in addition to the audio alarm. To configure:

Camera Settings → Alarm Settings → enable or disable the audio and/or flashing light alarm as preferred.

Using Two-Way Audio as a Deterrent

In addition to the dedicated alarm, you can use the two-way audio feature to speak directly through the camera's speaker. Tapping Hold to Talk in the live view allows you to say a word or make a noise, which is also effective at startling squirrels and is more personalized than the alarm tone.

When to Contact Support

If the alarm does not sound when triggered, check that the alarm volume is not set to zero in Sound Settings, and that the camera's speaker is not blocked by debris. If the alarm feature is missing from your app, update to the latest version of BirdSnap.

• Email: support@birdsnap.com
• Phone: +1 573-514-4826
• Live chat: Available at BirdSnap.com
• In-app chat: Tap the chat icon in the BirdSnap app
• Facebook Messenger: Message us via our official Facebook page

Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time.