How Do You Get A Bird Feeder Without Attracting Mice?

There’s nothing more enjoyable than watching birds at your feeder, but unfortunately, mice also enjoy this treat. Mice will chew through the holes in a plastic container or tear open bags of seed that have become torn.

If you’re tired of having to deal with these pests and want to keep them away from your bird feeders, we’ve got some tips for you!

How To Stop Attracting Rats To Bird Feeders – YouTube

Takeaways
Building a bird feeder without attracting mice requires implementing certain strategies and precautions.
Keeping the area clean and removing spilled seeds can help deter mice from the bird feeder.
Choosing the right bird feeder design can minimize access for mice while allowing birds to feed comfortably.
Placing the bird feeder in a strategic location away from potential mouse hiding spots can be beneficial.
Regular maintenance and monitoring of the bird feeder can help identify and address any potential mouse activity.

Table of Contents

Make Sure There Are No Holes In Your Feeder

To check for holes, use a toothpick to examine the inside of your feeder. If you find any gaps or holes, use a small brush to clean them out thoroughly—they can be very small and hard to see!

If you are unable to remove all of the debris from your feeder with a brush, try using a needle or tweezers and poking at any remaining spots (but be careful about poking yourself!).

When it comes to keeping crows away from bird feeders, understanding effective strategies is essential. Our comprehensive guide on how to keep crows away from bird feeders provides valuable tips and techniques to ensure a peaceful feeding environment for your feathered friends.

Consider Whether You Need To Completely Replace Your Feeder

If you have an older feeder that’s getting a little worn, it might be time to replace it. The same goes for damaged feeders—if the mesh is torn or broken, mice can get inside and make a snack out of your bird food.

If you’ve never used your feeder in the past year or so, consider replacing it with one that will actually attract birds.

Consideration	Data
Feeder Age	Assess the age of your current feeder to determine if it has reached its recommended lifespan.
Feeder Condition	Evaluate the overall condition of the feeder, checking for signs of damage or wear that may affect its functionality.
Feeder Capacity	Consider whether the current feeder meets your desired capacity for bird food and the number of birds you want to attract.
Feeder Features	Review the features of your current feeder and determine if there are any specific features or improvements you desire.
Feeder Compatibility	Check if your feeder is compatible with any accessories or additional components you may want to add.
Feeder Budget	Take into account your budget and weigh the cost of replacing the feeder against potential benefits or necessary upgrades.

Attach Baffles And/Or Mesh To Your Current Feeder

You can attach baffles and/or mesh to your current feeder. Baffles are pieces of metal or plastic that go over the top of a feeder, while mesh goes over the bottom. You can buy both at most hardware stores.

Attach baffles to the top of your feeder. If you’re using a tube-style bird feeder, secure two or three baffles on each side of it with zip ties (or wire if you want something more decorative).

If you’re using a platform style bird feeder, just fasten one on each side by drilling screws through it into the wood underneath.

You want to make sure that there isn’t any space between these devices so mice can get in through them—the gap should be small enough for only birds to pass through safely!

Attach mesh onto the bottom of your existing tray or platform bird feeders so that mice cannot enter without getting caught in it first (and scaring off any other animals who might also be trying for lunch).

This is especially important if someone has left food out overnight because then those pesky little rodents may have had time to sneak their way inside before anyone notices what’s going on down there…

If you’re looking to attract a variety of birds to your backyard, consider making a niger seed bird feeder. Our step-by-step tutorial on how to make a niger seed bird feeder offers expert guidance and insights, helping you create an enticing feeding station for colorful avian visitors.

Attach Wire Mesh To The Bottom Of Your Feeder

You can purchase a metal bird feeder, which comes with a metal bottom plate.

However, if you have an existing plastic or wooden bird feeder and want to add protection against mice and squirrels, simply take a piece of heavy-duty hardware cloth (it’s typically sold in rolls) and cut it to size: wide enough to prevent mice from getting through but not so big that it looks or feels awkward for your birds.

Then use some strong adhesive or screws/nails/glue (depending on what type of wood you are working with) to attach it firmly under the base of your existing bird feeder.

Use A Hanging Tray Instead Of A Perching Tray

There’s another type of feeder that does not allow mice or rats to climb up and eat from it. The best bird feeders are hanging trays, also known as platform feeders.

These hanging trays have heavy sides and a bottom so birds cannot climb up them. This keeps the rodents out while allowing birds to eat without having to perch on the edge of the tray! You can hang these types of feeders from a tree branch or hook them onto your house wall or shed.

Comparison	Hanging Tray	Perching Tray
Function	Allows birds to feed while hanging in mid-air.	Provides a platform for birds to perch while feeding.
Bird Species	Attracts a wide variety of birds, including those that prefer hanging feeders.	Preferred by ground-feeding birds and larger species that don’t perch well.
Feeder Design	Typically suspended by a chain or hook.	Rests on a flat surface or may be attached to a pole or post.
Feeding Behavior	Encourages acrobatic feeding and hanging upside down.	Allows birds to comfortably perch and feed at the tray.
Food Protection	May provide some protection from ground-dwelling pests.	May be more susceptible to squirrels and larger animals accessing the tray.
Accessibility	Easy access for birds of various sizes and mobility.	May require additional perches or steps for easier access to the tray.

Optimize The Placement Of Your Feeder

Make sure it’s at least 10 feet away from the house, garage, shed or any other structure that mice can use to get inside your home.

Don’t put the feeder in a place where it will be exposed to strong winds or blowing snow that could cause the seed to spill out onto the ground below; this is an easy way for mice and other small animals to find food!

It’s best if you can hang your bird feeder on an open porch or deck so that you can easily access it without being seen by hungry animals looking for a snack!

Sunflower seeds are a favorite among many bird species, and creating a sunflower seed feeder can attract a diverse range of feathered guests. Discover pro tips and techniques in our detailed guide on how to make a sunflower seed feeder, and bring the joy of birdwatching right to your own backyard.

Don’t Put Seed On The Ground

If it fell to the ground, it’ll attract mice, ants and a host of other pests. Mice will eat all your bird food before any birds have a chance to get at it.

Ants can carry diseases that can harm birds and squirrels like them even more than they like birdseed! Birds are going to be afraid of getting near anything that smells like dirt or ants—which is why they’re so mad at you right now!

And squirrels? Well, they’re just jerks who love nothing better than stealing from other animals’ feeders anyway: why would you want one around?

Keep Your Bird Bath And Surrounding Area Clean.

The best way to keep mice away from a bird feeder is to make sure that there are no food or water sources available for them to take advantage of.

Once they find a way in, they will come back again and again until it gets too cold outside (or someone traps them).

If you have an open space where birds can land safely, then consider putting out some seed without a feeder around it so the mice will stay away from there as well!

It’s important that both areas are cleaned regularly so that droppings don’t pile up where other animals or insects could get sick from eating them (or worse yet…you!).

If using soap is not an option for whatever reason then perhaps try using apple cider vinegar instead which has been shown to repel rodents – especially if applied directly onto surfaces such as wood fences above ground pools/lakes etcetera where rodents like hiding out when they don’t want predators catching wind of their location.”

Action	Frequency
Regular Cleaning	Once a week
Scrubbing and Rinsing	After each use
Changing Water	Every 2-3 days
Removing Debris	Daily
Algae Prevention	Use algae control products
Winter Maintenance	Empty and store during freezing temperatures

Consider Changing The Type Of Bird Seed You Use

When it comes to the type of birdseed you use, there are a few things that will help keep mice away.

First, don’t use millet or sunflower seeds. Mice love these types of seed and will flock to them because they’re so easy to get into the feeder. If you have a squirrel problem, these types of seeds could attract them as well.

For any bird feeder that offers cracked corn as an option, it may be best to avoid this too if you want to keep mice at bay since this is also one of their favorite foods.

Peanut butter also attracts rodents but only when used as a spread on pieces of bread or crackers—and again this is only recommended for people who have squirrels on their property (and not mice).

Suet is another food item that can draw in rodents—especially if mixed with fruit or nuts like nuts containing cashews and almonds like walnuts which are high in fat content which makes them particularly attractive for rats!

Looking for a unique bird feeder design? Why not try making a square bird feeder? Our easy-to-follow tips and instructions in our guide on how to make a square bird feeder will walk you through the process, allowing you to create a stylish and functional feeder to attract feathered friends.

Clean Up Waste From Under The Bird Table

You can clean up the waste yourself or ask your neighbors to help. If you’re not comfortable getting up close and personal with bird droppings (which is understandable), consider using a leaf blower to blow the waste off of your lawn.

Provide Water For Your Feathered Visitors

A bird feeder without attracting mice includes providing water for the birds. Birds need water to survive, as it’s necessary for cleaning their feathers, drinking and even bathing.

Birdbaths and fountains are great ways of providing this fluid, as well as shallow dishes that can be placed inside your porch or patio areas.

Flexports bird feeders are a popular choice among bird enthusiasts, but properly filling them is crucial for optimal bird feeding. Gain valuable insights and owner experiences in our article on how to fill Flexports bird feeder, and ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable feeding experience for both you and the birds.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it. Hopefully we’ve provided you with some helpful tips for keeping those pesky mice away from your bird feeder.

Remember that the most important thing is to keep your feeder clean and to never leave food out when humans aren’t around (especially when children are present). We wish you luck in protecting your feathered friends!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about keeping bird feeders free from pests:

How can I prevent mice from accessing my bird feeder?

To prevent mice from accessing your bird feeder, consider using a feeder with a baffle or installing a pole-mounted baffle. Regularly clean up fallen seeds, store bird food properly, and eliminate potential nesting sites around the feeder area.

Are there any natural deterrents to keep rats away from bird feeders?

Yes, there are natural deterrents you can try. Placing peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls or using strong-smelling spices like cayenne pepper near the feeder can help deter rats. However, it’s important to regularly monitor and maintain these deterrents for optimal effectiveness.

What should I do if I already have rats near my bird feeder?

If you have rats near your bird feeder, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Remove the feeder temporarily, seal any access points, and consider setting up rat traps or contacting a professional pest control service for assistance.

Can the design of the bird feeder help prevent rodent infestations?

Yes, choosing the right bird feeder design can help deter rodents. Opt for feeders with small openings or weight-activated mechanisms that close when larger animals, like rats, try to access the food. Additionally, raised or elevated feeders can make it more difficult for rodents to reach the food source.

Are there any specific bird feeders that are less likely to attract pests?

Certain bird feeder designs can be less attractive to pests. Consider using tube feeders with small ports that make it difficult for rodents to access the seeds. Squirrel-proof feeders with mechanisms that prevent larger animals from reaching the food can also help deter pests.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.