Rats could be attracted to your bird food (Image: Paul Grace Photography Somersham via Getty Images)
A simple modification to your bird feeder could eradicate the risk of rats infiltrating your garden.
Setting up a bird feeder in your outdoor area will probably draw countless feathered guests – nevertheless, without appropriate measures, you might unintentionally invite some undesirable visitors.
Rodents such as rats and squirrels cannot differentiate that the food designated for robins or tits isn’t intended for them, and will quickly consume whatever has been positioned in your feeder.
Given that practically nobody wishes to promote a rat infestation in their garden, thoughtful consideration must be applied to how you utilise your bird feeder.
Likewise, predators including cats and foxes may be attracted to the provisions in your feeder, potentially leading to the deaths of the very birds you’re attempting to entice to your garden, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Make sure you get the right bird feeders (Image: Getty Images)
Often, both predators and rodents are attracted to your bird feeder owing to one common mistake – though fortunately, this can be readily rectified, according to experts.
Speaking to Ideal Home, specialists disclosed that a major error many people commit regarding bird feeders happens before acquiring one.
Purchasing a feeder with the incorrect shape can render it easily accessible to rats or squirrels – who have exceptional climbing capabilities – alongside cats and foxes.
For those worried wildlife is consuming bird feed before feathered guests get a chance, there is an extensive selection of squirrel and rodent-proof feeders obtainable on the market.
Rats are attracted some some food more than others (Image: Getty)
“If food is really hard to find in your area,” explains expert Thomas Hibbert from the Wildlife Trust, “you could offer some seeds or suet in a squirrel-proof feeder”.”
The most effective options to purchase are “weight-activated, caged, and domed” bird feeders, particularly for those wishing to deter pests and predators from their garden.
That said, for those reluctant to splash out on specially designed equipment, experts suggest there are a handful of alternative approaches worth considering.
Squirrels and rats will typically eat whatever is left out for garden birds, but introducing certain unwelcome ingredients can put them off entirely.
Sunflower or niger seeds, for instance, are firm favourites with birds but hold little appeal for squirrels.
Additionally, certain items can be added to feeders that produce such an off-putting odour for squirrels and rats that they will give them a wide berth altogether.
Rodents are strongly repelled by garlic, pepper, cayenne pepper, and peppermint, so scattering these amongst your bird seed could prove highly effective.
“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,” the experts claim.
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