If you know me at all, then you know that my son is a budding ornithologist. Since the age of 3, he’s been absolutely fascinated by birds, and we’ve spent countless weekends chasing down “rare birds” in random neighborhoods or rural areas. Naturally, because of his love for all things feathered, we have several outdoor bird feeders at home to support our local bird population. But there’s one small issue…rats!

Feeding wild birds is a great way to enjoy nature right in your backyard, but it can also attract less welcome visitors like rats. These opportunistic feeders are always on the lookout for an easy meal, and if they discover seeds falling from your feeders, they might decide to settle in. But don’t worry—there are plenty of strategies to keep feeding your feathered friends without creating a rodent problem. In this blog, we’ll share tips on how to enjoy birdwatching while keeping your yard rat-free.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how bird feeders can attract rats if not properly managed.
• Discover effective tips to feed birds without encouraging a rodent infestation.
• Understand what signs of rat activity to watch for around your home and feeders.
• Learn when it’s time to take action or seek professional help for rodent control.

 

 

Understanding the Issue: Can Bird Feeders Attract Rats?

Bird feeders can indeed attract rats, but it’s not the bird food itself that’s the main issue—it’s the food that falls to the ground. Rats are scavengers and will happily snack on any seeds, nuts, or suet that drops to the ground under a feeder. They can climb easily, so they will get up to the feeder sometimes but food on the ground is much safer and easier for them. They’re are drawn to easy food sources, and a bird feeder that’s constantly spilling food can act as a neon sign saying, “Free Buffet!”

Rats thrive in environments where they have easy access to food, water, and shelter. If your yard has dense vegetation, piles of wood, or clutter where rats can hide, the chances of them sticking around increase, especially when food is nearby.

 

How to Feed Birds Without Feeding Rats

If you’re worried about rats but still want to feed birds, don’t fret! There are several steps you can take to make sure your bird feeders aren’t an attractive source of food for rodents.

 

Choose Your Type of Bird Feeders Wisely:

• Opt for bird feeders with trays or catchers underneath to reduce spillage.
• If your feeder is on a pole, use a baffle to keep squirrels and rodents from climbing it.
• Use weight-sensitive feeders that close when anything heavier than a bird lands on them—keeping rats and other animals out. Here is one that I have had great success with!

Keep the Area Clean:

• Regularly clean up the area beneath your bird feeder to avoid seed buildup. Using a rake or broom, remove any spilled seeds that could attract rats.
• Place a shallow tray beneath the feeder to catch dropped food, or set up your feeder over a surface that’s easy to sweep.

Use Rat-Resistant Bird Food:

• Avoid using birdseed mixes that contain fillers like millet, which often get discarded by birds and can fall to the ground. Opt for shelled sunflower seeds or other foods that leave less debris.
• You can also try using bird food treated with capsaicin (a component found in hot peppers). Birds aren’t affected by the spice, but rats and squirrels find it unappealing.

Position Your Feeder Wisely:

• Try to avoid hanging a feeder right next to your home. Most people love hanging them  from their eave and this can create a real issue! Try to get them at least 10-15 feet from the outside foundation.
• Set up bird feeders away from any potential rodent hiding spots like woodpiles, rock walls, or thick vegetation like shrubs.
• Elevate the feeders and use poles with baffles (a dome-shaped guard) to make it harder for rats to access the feeder.

Feed in Moderation:

• Don’t overfill your bird feeder. Only put out enough food for the birds to eat during the day. If there’s no food left overnight, it’s less likely to attract nocturnal rats.

Signs of Rat Activity Around Your Bird Feeders

Even with all these precautions, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any signs of rat activity in your yard. Catching the problem early can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Here are a few things to watch for:

• Droppings: Rat droppings are small, dark pellets, often found near feeding areas or hiding spots.
• Gnaw Marks: Rats constantly chew to keep their teeth sharp. Look for gnaw marks on bird feeders, wooden fences, or even outdoor furniture.
• Burrows or Nests: Rats may dig burrows around the edges of your yard, under decks, or in other secluded areas. You may also spot nesting materials like shredded paper, leaves, or fabric.
• Nocturnal Activity: Rats are nocturnal, so if you hear scurrying at night or see rats around your bird feeders in the early evening or morning, it’s a clear sign of a problem.

Preventing Rats from Entering Your Home

One of the biggest concerns with outdoor rats is the possibility of them making their way inside. To keep them from entering your home, follow these steps:

1. Seal Entry Points:

• Inspect your home for any small holes, cracks, or gaps where rats could squeeze in. Seal these entry points with metal flashing, stainless steel wool, caulking, or other rodent-proof materials.
• Pay special attention to areas around utility lines, foundation vents, and windows, as these are common entry points.
• We offer rodent inspections as a service, so If you’d like to have a professional take a look, just let us know!

2. Store Food Properly:

• Don’t leave pet food, birdseed, or any other potential food source sitting out in the open. Store these in airtight, rat-proof containers, preferably inside where they cannot be accessed by rats.

 

3. Tidy Up Your Yard:

• Remove any clutter or debris in your yard where rats might hide. Keep vegetation trimmed and consider removing any dense ground cover where they could nest.

 

DIY Control Measures

If you suspect rats are becoming a problem, there are a few steps you can take before calling in the professionals:

• Set Traps: Use rat traps in areas where you’ve noticed activity, but make sure to place them out of reach of pets, children, and small birds!
• Eliminate Attractants: Focus on keeping your bird feeding area clean and removing anything else that might attract rats, like pet food or open compost bins.

 

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried these steps and are still noticing rats in your yard or around your bird feeders, it may be time to call in professional pest control. Rats can be tricky to deal with, especially if they’ve already set up burrows or nests near your home. Professionals can assess the situation, provide effective control measures, and help make sure your home stays rodent-free.

If you need help, we have a dedicated team for sealing up buildings from rodent entry. Check out our rodent control process HERE!

 

 

Wrapping Up

By making a few mindful adjustments, you can keep your backyard bird feeders going strong without creating an unintentional rat haven. My son and I continue to enjoy watching the local birds without worry, knowing we’re doing our part to prevent rodent visitors from crashing the party. Just remember to keep your feeding areas clean, use rat-proofing techniques, and stay vigilant about potential signs of rat activity.

At the end of the day, feeding the birds can be a rewarding and peaceful activity for the whole most everyone—without the unwanted guests. If you ever feel overwhelmed or spot signs of a rat problem, Good Earth Pest Company is always here to help keep your home and yard safe.

 

Happy birdwatching!

 

~ Mike Kesecker, CEO of Good Earth Pest Company