As the chill of winter sets in, more people are eager to provide food for garden birds. However, the presence of rats often deters individuals from doing so. Lucy Taylor, an expert from Vine House Farm Bird Foods, offers simple tips to feed birds without attracting rodents.
Taylor explains that brown rats, also known as Common rats, can cause damage, spread diseases, and reproduce rapidly. To prevent rats from infesting your garden, the key step is to eliminate their primary food source, which in this case, is bird food.
To avoid attracting rats, it is essential to be cautious about the type of bird food used. Bird food mixes with cheap fillers like wheat or pulses may not be consumed by most birds, leading to leftovers on the ground that attract rats. Opting for high-quality seed mixes or straight foods like sunflower hearts minimizes waste and reduces the risk of attracting rodents.
Additionally, implementing physical barriers such as smooth metal feeder poles or plastic baffles can deter rats from accessing bird feeders. It is advisable to avoid leaving ground trays or dishes out overnight, as they can invite rats. Storing these feeding accessories in a secure place overnight can help mitigate the risk of attracting rodents.
In summary, it is crucial to enhance the variety of bird food in your garden during this season while taking precautions to prevent rats. By following these three key steps, you can ensure that your garden birds are well-fed and safe from potential rodent intrusions.