Rats are highly adaptable creatures, thriving in diverse environments from cities to suburbs. Their opportunistic feeding habits drive them to constantly seek sustenance, often bringing them into close contact with human dwellings and food provisions.
Rats and Birdseed Consumption
Rats readily consume birdseed, finding it a highly attractive food source. Birdseed mixes are rich in fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, providing dense caloric intake for their high metabolic rates. The composition of most birdseed, particularly blends containing black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet, offers a digestible and energy-rich diet. These seeds are appealing due to their nutritional value and ease of access from feeders or spills.
Black oil sunflower seeds, with their thin shells and high oil content, are a favorite among rats. Cracked corn provides readily available carbohydrates, a quick energy source for these active rodents. Even smaller seeds like millet contribute to their nutritional intake. The consistent availability of birdseed, especially when left out overnight, offers a reliable food source for nocturnal rats.
Identifying Rat Presence
The presence of rats around bird feeders can be identified through several indicators. Gnaw marks on feeder components or nearby structures, and small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings near the feeder or along pathways, are clear signs. Additionally, disturbed birdseed, appearing scattered or partially eaten, indicates their foraging.
Rats also create visible runways, which are narrow, well-worn paths through grass or dirt, often marked by grease or dirt smudges. Burrows, appearing as small holes roughly two to four inches in diameter, may be found under sheds, decks, or dense vegetation near feeding areas. Actual sightings of rats, especially during dusk or dawn when they are most active, provide direct confirmation.
Strategies for Prevention
Implementing specific strategies can deter rats from accessing birdseed. Utilizing rodent-proof bird feeders, such as those with wire cages or weight-activated perches that close off access under a certain weight, prevents larger animals like rats from reaching the seed. Selecting feeders designed to contain seed spills also reduces the amount of food available on the ground.
Storing all birdseed in secure, airtight metal containers with tight-fitting lids eliminates an easy food source. Plastic containers, while convenient, can be gnawed through by determined rodents. Regularly sweeping up any spilled seed beneath feeders reduces the availability of fallen food, which often attracts rats. Minimizing the amount of seed left in feeders overnight can also limit their nocturnal feeding opportunities.
Feeder placement plays a significant role in prevention. Position feeders away from structures like fences, trees, or shed walls that rats can climb to access the feeder. Placing feeders in open areas makes rats more exposed and less likely to approach. Maintaining a tidy yard by removing brush piles, dense shrubbery, and other debris eliminates potential hiding spots and nesting sites for rats.