When it comes to bird food, the choice can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be quite difficult to know which is best! But this all depends on the birds you see mostly in your area and what types of foods they prefer,' says Eric. This mixture has been expertly blended to contain nutritious, energy-rich seeds and grains which will keep all species of feathered friends well-fed and energised all year round.' Apart from the risk of diseases that rats can carry, they will gnaw holes in feed bins and poultry houses to reach food, and if they reach it, they will often contaminate it with droppings and urine.

Another easy way to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels? Add something that they really don't want to eat! This works for birdfeeders and for how to stop squirrels from digging up bulbs. Hanging your bird feeders on a sturdy branch higher up the tree will deter them to a degree, as they are less likely to climb in search of food.'Rats are creatures of the night. If you’re seeing them during the day, you have a major problem. Either you’re looking at an infestation or they’re starving and so desperate for food they’ll do anything to get it. First off, you’ll need to take several steps to make your property as unappealing as possible to a couple of rats looking to eat, sleep, and mate. Step 2: Take Away Their Home While these smells are unappealing to rodents, birds can’t actually taste them, so sprinkling a little cayenne pepper into your bird feeders, for example, will act as an additional deterrent.' 5. Install feeders out of reach It's good to be generous, but it doesn't do to be too generous with your bird food – especially if you want to protect your bird feeder from rats and squirrels.

Rats are most likely to enter through corners or places where the walls meet the floor or ceiling. Fill and cover holesLeaving bird feed out for too long not only means food could spoil and allow bacteria to build up, but having a substantial amount of food constantly available also increases the risk of attracting rodents in search of something to scavenge.' Buying a feeder that prevents birds from raking the feed onto the ground. A waste-reducing feeder is worth far more in the fight against rodents than a rat-proof one!

While we’re on the topic of traps, please never, ever resort to using glue traps. This is hands down the most inhumane and cruel way to get rid of a pest. Eric adds that ' CJ Wildlife’s Leto Smart Feeder has built-in technology that allows birds below 70g to perch and feed, but if any creature above 70g sits on the perch, it is weighed down and triggers the opening to be covered, restricting access to the delicious bird food.' How do you store bird feed?You can also use an electric style trap, sometimes called rat zappers.. This trap is more expensive but considered a more humane option, and less messy to clean up than the classic snap traps. It's basically any type of feeder which leaves even a small amount of grain exposed. It doesn't have to be much – rats and mice can squeeze into the tiniest of holes.

Thomas adds that you should also 'ensure you clean any feeders regularly to prevent disease' and deter nightime scavengers. FAQs Do we need to feed birds in winter?If your floor is wood or dirt, cover it with hardware cloth and be sure to cover corners and edges well. If you can, fold the hardware cloth where it meets the wall and staple it into the wall a few inches up as well. There are several smells and tastes that rodents don’t like, including cayenne pepper, pepper, peppermint, and garlic,' says Eric Michels, Head of Pro at CJ Wildlife.