What are attic baffles?

Question:I desire to keep insulation out of my soffit vents

Answers:
These fit between the rafters and underneath the roof sheathing near soffit vents, holding the insulation back from the underside of the roof and allowing unobstructed air to flow to the soffit/eave vents. These are usually made of plastic or other lightweight material.
http://www.southface.org/web/resources&s...

Sometimes a vertical barrier or soffit dam, often made of cardboard, is installed in the attic along the edge of the building's outer walls. They keep blown-in insulation above the habitable part of the building and prevent it from clogging soffit or eave vents. The barriers are attached at the bottom to the ceiling joists or truss bottom cords but do not go all the way to the underside of the roof - this allows air circulation to continue.
http://www.b4ubuild.com/photos/framing/i...

Good luck!