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Bird feeders are a great way to attract and enjoy a variety of wild birds in your backyard. However, they can also attract unwanted visitors, such as mice and rats. These rodents can pose several problems for bird lovers, such as:
- Eating large amounts of birdseed and wasting your money
- Scaring away shy or timid birds that prefer a peaceful feeding area
- Spreading diseases or parasites that can harm birds or humans
- Leaving behind droppings or urine that can contaminate the feeders or the ground
- Damaging the feeders by gnawing on them to access the seed
- Invading your home or garage and causing more trouble inside
Fortunately, there are some effective ways to discourage mice from visiting your bird feeders without harming them or the birds. Here are some tips to help you keep your feeders rodent-free:
Use Hanging Feeders
One of the easiest ways to keep mice away from your bird feeders is to use hanging feeders instead of ground feeders or platform feeders. Hanging feeders are harder for mice to reach, especially if you hang them from metal poles or wires that mice cannot climb. You can also add baffles above and below the feeders to prevent mice from jumping or climbing onto them.
Some types of hanging feeders are better than others at preventing mice from accessing the seed. For example, tube feeders or hopper feeders with metal or plastic construction and rounded edges are more resistant to chewing than wooden or mesh feeders. Squirrel-proof feeders are also a good option, as they are designed to keep out larger rodents as well.
Clean Up Spilled Seed
Another important step to keep mice away from your bird feeders is to clean up any spilled seed or hulls on the ground regularly. Mice are attracted to the easy food source and will quickly find it if you leave it lying around. You should rake up or vacuum any debris under your feeders every day before dusk when mice are most active. You can also use a tray or a seed catcher under your feeders to collect any fallen seed and make it easier to clean.
Cleaning up spilled seed not only deters mice but also benefits the birds. It reduces the risk of mold, fungus, or bacteria growing on the seed, which can cause diseases in birds. It also prevents weeds from sprouting in your yard, which can compete with your plants or flowers.
Choose Shelled Sunflower Seed
One of the most popular types of bird seed is sunflower seed, which attracts a wide range of birds. However, sunflower seed also has a downside: it leaves behind a lot of hulls that can create a mess on the ground and attract mice. To avoid this problem, you can choose shelled sunflower seed instead, which has the hulls already removed.
Shelled sunflower seed has several advantages over regular sunflower seed. It is more nutritious and energy-dense for the birds, as they don’t have to waste time or energy cracking the shells. It is also more economical, as you get more seed per pound and less waste. And most importantly, it is less likely to attract mice, as it is eaten faster by the birds and leaves no hulls behind.
Maintain Your Yard
Another way to keep mice away from your bird feeders is to maintain your yard and remove any potential hiding places or shelters for them. Mice are shy and nervous animals that prefer to stay close to cover and avoid open spaces. If you make your yard less hospitable for them, they will be less likely to visit your feeders.
Some things you can do to make your yard less attractive to mice are:
- Keep your grass trimmed short and remove any weeds or brush
- Trim any overgrown shrubs or trees and remove any low branches near the ground
- Seal any gaps or holes in your house or garage that mice can use to enter
- Store any firewood, compost, or trash away from your house and in sealed containers
- Remove any sources of water that mice can drink from, such as birdbaths, fountains, or puddles
Clean Your Feeders Regularly
Finally, one of the best ways to keep mice away from your bird feeders is to clean your feeders regularly with a weak bleach solution. This will help remove any traces of food, droppings, urine, or saliva that mice may have left behind on the feeders or their surfaces. It will also eliminate any odors that may attract mice or other pests.
Cleaning your feeders regularly will also keep them safe and healthy for the birds. It will prevent the growth of mold, fungi, bacteria, or viruses that can cause diseases in birds. It will also make your feeders more attractive and inviting for the birds, as they will enjoy fresh and clean food.
