How can I feed birds and keep rats and squirrels away?
If rats become a problem at bird feeding sites, it may be necessary to cease feeding for a period to discourage them. Rats are most active at night so removing feeders at night and ensuring no uneaten food remains on the ground overnight will also reduce the likelihood of this problem. Careful location of hanging feeders away from walls covered with ivy or climbing plants will make it harder for rats to access them and pole mounted feeders can be made inaccessible to rats if a slippery metal or plastic pole is used or a collar is mounted below the feeder. If you wish to deter squirrels from hanging bird feeders, then use squirrel proof metal feeders which allow access to small birds but have a squirrel proof metal mesh preventing access to squirrels. Alternatively use pole mounted feeders sited away from overhanging trees.
