There are few things more frustrating than having your bird feeders overrun by rats. Not only do they steal the bird food but they can also be a danger to the birds themselves. There are a few things you can do to deter rats from your bird feeders however and keep your feathered friends safe and well-fed.
One of the best ways to keep rats out of your bird feeders is to keep them clean. Rats are attracted to the smells of food so if your feeders are dirty they’re more likely to be interested in what’s inside. Washing your feeders regularly with a vinegar solution will help to keep them clean and unappealing to rats.
You should also take care to keep your bird food clean and free from contaminants. Rats are attracted to bird food because it’s an easy source of food but if the food is dirty they’re more likely to pass it by. Store your bird food in a sealed container and keep it in a cool dry place to deter rats.
If you have a rat problem in your yard there are a few things you can do to deter them from your bird feeders. First trim back any trees or shrubs that are close to your feeders. Rats like to climb so they’ll use these as a way to get to your feeders.
You can also try using a rat trap near your feeders. Be sure to check the trap regularly however as you don’t want to accidentally trap a bird.
Finally you can try using a product like RatX to keep rats away from your bird feeders. RatX is a natural product that is safe to use around birds and other animals. It works by dehydrating rats so they’ll avoid your feeders altogether.
If you follow these tips you can keep rats out of your bird feeders and keep your feathered friends happy and well-fed.
How do you keep rats away from bird feeders?
There are a few things you can do to keep rats away from bird feeders such as: keeping your bird feeder clean placing the feeder away from trees and bushes where rats could hide and using a feeder that has a squirrel guard.
Do rats eat bird seed?
Yes rats are known to eat bird seed.
What kind of damage can rats do to a bird feeder?
Rats can damage bird feeders by chewing on the plastic or metal parts which can cause the feeder to leak or become unstable.
How can I tell if a rat is visiting my bird feeder?
You may be able to tell if a rat is visiting your bird feeder if you see seed shells or other rat droppings near the feeder.
What attracts rats to bird feeders?
Bird seed obviously is the main attractant for rats to bird feeders.
In addition if a feeder is not cleaned regularly the build-up of seed hulls and droppings can also attract rats.
How can I keep my bird feeder clean?
You should clean your bird feeder at least once a week.
To clean it simply remove the feeder from its hanger or pole and wash it with soap and water.
Rinse it well and let it air dry completely before refilling it with seed.
Can I use a rat trap to catch the rats visiting my bird feeder?
You can try to catch rats visiting your bird feeder with a rat trap but be aware that there is a risk that you may also accidentally catch a bird.
If you do use a rat trap be sure to check it regularly and remove any caught animals as soon as possible.
Is there a certain time of year when rats are more likely to visit bird feeders?
In the winter when food is scarce rats may be more likely to visit bird feeders in search of a meal.
How can I make my bird feeder less appealing to rats?
You can make your bird feeder less appealing to rats by keeping it clean placing it away from trees and bushes where rats could hide and using a feeder that has a squirrel guard.
What is the best way to keep rats away from my bird feeder?
The best way to keep rats away from your bird feeder is to take preventative measures such as: keeping your bird feeder clean placing the feeder away from trees and bushes where rats could hide and using a feeder that has a squirrel guard.
Do rat guards work?
Rat guards which are devices that fit over the top of a bird feeder and have a small hole in the center can help to keep rats away from the feeder.
What is the best type of bird feeder to use if I’m worried about rats?
A bird feeder with a squirrel guard can help to keep rats away from the feeder.
Can I use poison to kill the rats visiting my bird feeder?
No you should not use poison to kill rats visiting your bird feeder because there is a risk that the poison could also kill the birds that are eating the seed.
What should I do if I find a dead rat near my bird feeder?
If you find a dead rat near your bird feeder you should remove it as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
I think there may be a rat in my bird feeder.
How can I get it out?
If you think there may be a rat in your bird feeder the best thing to do is to take the feeder down and wash it with soap and water.
Rinse it well and let it air dry completely before refilling it with seed.
