Setting up a bird feeder is a rewarding pastime that lets one connect with the natural world and help our feathered friends, especially during the harsh winter months. But feeding the birds can often attract a few uninvited guests like mice, and having these rodents in your garden may cause a multitude of problems. They may chew the bird feeders, scatter seeds all over your lawn, and, worse, they may even make their way into your house. Mouse-proofing your bird feeder is therefore paramount to ensure the bird food attracts only the intended clientele – the birds. This article will guide you through a step-by-step process to mouse-proof bird feeders.
The first thing you need to apply is the location of the bird feeder. Mice are excellent climbers and can easily scale walls, fences, and trees to get to their food sources. Thus, try to position your bird feeder away from these structures to make it more difficult for mice to access. A free-standing feeder placed at least six feet away from any potential ‘launch points’ can be a good start. It is also beneficial to place the bird feeders at least five feet off the ground. Using a bird feeder pole with a baffle can also help deter mice. A baffle is a dome-shaped item that can be attached midway on the pole making it difficult for mice to climb past it.
In the case of hanging bird feeders, they should be hung from a thin wire that mice would not be able to crawl down. Avoid hanging them on branches as mice can simply run along the branch and access the feeder. Another method is to opt for weight-activated bird feeders. These types of feeders are designed to close under the weight of a squirrel or mouse, hence keeping the seeds out of their reach. They are triggered to close the feeding ports when a weight heavier than a bird is on the feeder. By using one of these feeders, you can ensure that only your feathered friends get access to the food.
The choice of food also plays a significant role in deterring mice. Mice are particularly attracted to mixed bird seeds, cracked corn, and whole corn – if possible, avoid using them. Opt for safflower seeds, thistle (Nyjer), or suet cakes as birds are fond of these, but mice generally ignore. Cleaning up the scattered seeds helps as well. Invest in a seed catcher tray to hang below your feeder. This helps to prevent seeds from spilling onto the ground in the first place and attracting mice.
Next comes making the surroundings of the bird feeders unattractive for mice. If mice don’t feel secure or don’t have a place to hide nearby, they’re less likely to venture out into the open to access a bird feeder. So, keep the area below and around your bird feeders well-trimmed and clean. Another quite effective method is the use of peppermint oil. Mice detest the smell of peppermint, you can place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around the base of the bird feeder pole. It’s a natural deterrent and it will keep mice away without causing them any harm.
Lastly, investing in metal bird feeders rather than plastic or wooden ones is a wise choice, as mice can gnaw on the latter, whereas metal is too hard for them to chew through. It is crucial to promptly repair or replace any bird feeders that have damage because gaps/holes can allow mice to access the feeder more easily.
In conclusion, mouse-proofing bird feeders is not a difficult task but it does require diligent maintenance and observation. By carefully choosing the feeder’s location and design, the type of food, and by taking steps to make the area less attractive for mice, we can indeed ensure that the bird food is for the birds, not for the mice. Remember – the goal is not to harm these small creatures, but to redirect them to more natural food sources.