Rats, like mice, take advantage of thick ground covers to create nests. Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to deter Rats and Mice from your Birdfeeder () 10. This is why some bird feeds are enriched with pepper oils.īird feeds without peanuts, sunflower seeds, sorghum, and millet are also less likely to attract rats. Rats are notorious for eating pretty much everything, but that doesn’t mean that they eat actually everything.įor instance, they don’t like spiciness, but birds can’t taste it. Yet, heavier birds like certain woodpecker species might trigger the self-closing mechanism. This makes weight-sensitive feeders ideal if you want to attract finches, cardinals, and other small birds. That’s because weight-sensitive feeders feature a self-closing door that shuts when the feeder detects a weight above a certain threshold. Use a Weight-Sensitive FeederĪnother method to prevent rats from eating bird feed is by using a weight-sensitive feeder – this method works against other rodents, too, but they could also prevent some birds from feeding. If you don’t want to sweep under the feeder daily, consider installing a tray under the feeder and emptying it daily. See also 9 Small Red Birds (Pictures Included) Hence, keeping the area under the feeder clean is crucial. The reason why they might be attracted to bird feeders in the first place is because of the seeds that fall off. Sure, they can climb trees and often nest in tree hollows, but they forage on the ground. Rats – and most rodents – are ground-dwelling mammals. This is why you should steer clear of platform tray feeders. Due to the open structure of platform trays, they would have ultra-easy access to the bird feed. However, rats, mice, and other rodents can climb walls and trees alike. These feeders are often shaped like small houses that you can hang on trees or an exterior wall. ![]() In a yard, platform trays can add visual appeal. Avoid Using Platform TraysĪs mentioned, there are various types of bird feeders out there, including platform trays. They also keep the seeds dry and, like the cover, they prevent rats from getting to the seeds from above. Bird feeder weather guards are dome-like structures designed to keep birds out of the rain while eating. Use a Weather GuardĬovered bird feeders are nice and all, but what to do if you already have an open feeder and don’t want to change it? Others are open trays, while others are closed structures with a cover and access holes on the sides.Ī cover above the bird feeder can act as an above-feeder baffle, preventing rats from accessing the seeds from the top.Ĭovered feeders also come with the added advantage that they keep seeds dry in rain or adverse weather. Some consist of a cage-like structure only. If you’ve ever scoured the market in search of the perfect bird feeder, you might have noticed there are various styles out there. The only thing to pay attention to is matching the size with the diameter of your pole. See also 16 Ways To Keep Ants Off Your Feeders (DIY Methods & More)īaffles come in various sizes and are readily available on the market. Some birds with longer beaks, such as woodpeckers, can also reach the seeds. The cage is wide enough to allow small birds to pass through. These are regular bird feeders placed in a cage-like structure. There are numerous types, but one of the most effective is the cage style. It goes without saying that the easiest way to keep rats off bird feeders is by using rodent-proof feeders. Here’s how to prevent rats from eating suet. Other options include unappealing food options and keeping the area under the feeder clean. ![]() Installing squirrel baffles onto feeder poles.Especially in winter months, they also become a target for rats and other rodents.Ī few ways to keep rats off your bird feeders include: It also provides quick access to food in summer, not to mention that it attracts colorful avifauna into your yard.īut birds aren’t the only type of wildlife that bird feeders attract. Providing a tray with seeds can help birds in your area survive tough winters.
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