Bird seeds can be messy if not handled properly. The small seeds tend to scatter easily, ending up all over the floor. This can be frustrating for bird owners who want to keep their homes clean. However, there are several effective methods to keep bird seeds contained and prevent them from making a mess.
Use a Bird Feeder
The best way to contain bird seeds is to use a bird feeder. Feeders are designed to hold seeds while allowing birds to access them. There are hanging feeders, window feeders, platform feeders and more. Determine what style works best for your home and bird type. Place the feeder in an area that is easy to access for refilling but will also limit spilled seeds. Having a feeder prevents seeds from being tossed all over the place. The seeds will be mainly contained within the feeder.
Select the Right Feeder
When selecting a bird feeder, consider the following factors:
- Size – Choose a feeder that is appropriately sized for the types of birds you want to attract. Larger birds will require a bigger feeder.
- Design – Select a feeder designed to minimize spilled seeds. Look for flat bottoms, short perches and narrow slots.
- Material – Feeders made of plastic or metal are easiest to clean. Materials like recycled glass are more decorative but harder to clean.
- Style – Pick a style suited to your home. Window feeders allow close viewing but can lead to more mess. Hanging or pole feeders minimize spillage.
Take time selecting the right feeder for your needs and it will help contain the bird seed.
Place Feeder in the Right Spot
Where you place the bird feeder also impacts spilled seeds. Consider these tips for positioning:
- Hang feeders or place on poles away from seating/walking areas to prevent the birds from knocking seeds to the ground.
- Set up feeders in areas without overhanging plants or furniture, which can catch fallen seeds.
- Install feeders over soil, mulch or grass rather than concrete or wood patios.
- Use a feeder with a dome or cover to keep seeds dry if placing under trees or eaves.
Position the feeder thoughtfully to minimize seeds being shaken loose or dropped. Places with coverage above should be avoided.
Use Seed Catchers
Seed catchers are trays that mount below bird feeders to collect any dropped seeds or seed particles. These catchers are extremely useful for containing mess. The catcher mounts directly to the feeder or pole and sits below the feeder. Some styles slope forward so the seeds gather where you can easily access them. Other designs utilize a mesh screen to separate the seeds from any waste. Seed catchers should be cleaned out regularly before they overflow. Position the catcher so it’s easy to access.
Select the Right Bird Seed
The type of bird seed you use can influence mess too. Small seeds like thistle tend to scatter more than larger seeds. Here are some recommended options:
- Sunflower seeds – Large enough not to scatter far. Sunflower chips and kernels are good options.
- Safflower seeds – Smaller balls that typically stay put where they land.
- Peanuts – Larger nuts that won’t blow away in the wind.
- Suet – High in fat to attract insect-eating birds. Won’t scatter seed hulls.
Avoid very small seeds like nyjer or canary seed which tend to spread widely. Mixes with a variety of seed sizes can help attract different birds while still minimizing mess.
Use Coated Seeds
Some bird seed mixes utilize seeds coated in a substance like gelatin or vegetable oil. The coating adheres the seeds together so they don’t fly off when the feeder is disturbed. Coated mixes are easy to use and great for minimizing mess. Just be aware that lower cost coatings can melt on hot days creating firm clumps of seeds. Higher quality options made with vegetable oil tend to withstand heat better than low grade gel coatings.
Restrict Access
You can reduce spilled seeds by limiting bird access to feeders at certain times. Here are some ways to restrict access:
- Use feeders with weight sensitive perches so only birds of a certain size can feed.
- Install feeders that close access when a certain weight is reached.
- Place feeders inside an open air cage to keep large birds out.
- Take feeders down at night when birds are less active.
- Use feeders that close access to seeds like a draw string bag.
Restricting access minimizes the amount of seed eaten and reduces the chances of it being knocked loose.
Clean Under Feeders Regularly
Even with the best bird feeders, some seeds will get spilled. Be diligent about cleaning up under feeders every couple of days. Sweep or vacuum to remove hulls, stems and loose seeds. Clean more frequently in wet weather when seeds can germinate quickly. Allowing debris to accumulate will only worsen the mess. Get in the habit of checking under feeders routinely for any spillage.
Use a Seed Catching Mat
Seed catching mats can be placed on the ground below bird feeders. The textured surface of the mat catches and contains seeds dropped by visiting birds. The small grooves trap the seeds so they aren’t blown or washed away between cleanings. Mats come in different sizes and materials:
- Rubber mats – Flexible and easy to clean. Can mold to the ground surface.
- Recycled cotton mats – Super absorbent to soak up seeds and moisture.
- Vinyl mats – Waterproof and extremely durable for outdoor use.
- Mesh mats – Allow drainage while trapping seeds and debris.
Check mats regularly for buildup and sweep or shake over soil beds or grass. A quality seed catching mat can save time cleaning.
Train Birds to be Neat
Believe it or not, you can train birds to be neater at feeders with some time and patience. Here are some tips:
- Use feeders with a covered roof to minimize seeds getting knocked off by landing birds.
- Place feeders away from busy areas so birds don’t get startled into flinging seeds.
- Ensure feeder perches are short so only a few birds can access it at once.
- Clean spilled seeds promptly so birds don’t learn to forage under feeders.
- Scare off messy birds with sounds or harmless motions. Consistency trains them.
With regular reinforcement, birds will discover the proper way to feed without making a huge mess.
Sweep Surrounding Areas
Inevitably some seeds will still end up on the ground. Make it part of your routine to sweep patios, sidewalks, decks and other areas near feeders. This prevents large amounts of seeds from accumulating and removes waste that attracts rodents. Sweeping once a day can keep areas around feeders tidy between deep cleanings. Use a brush and dustpan or broom suitable for outdoors.
Utilize a Shop Vac
A wet/dry shop vacuum is ideal for cleaning up bird seed spills in outdoor areas. Shop vacs quickly suck up hulls, stems, sprouted seeds and other debris. Models with blower functions allow you to blow off patio furniture, railings and other outdoor items (just be sure to carefully direct air flow to avoid scattering more seeds). Shop vacuums make cleaning decks, patios and sidewalks much simpler compared to sweeping.
Power Wash Problem Areas
For severely soiled areas around feeders, break out the power washer. Pressure washing is the quickest way to thoroughly clean seeded patio stones, wooden decks and other outdoor surfaces. Choose a washer with at least 2000 PSI. Adjust the nozzle to a tight spray pattern and angle it to remove embedded debris. Make sure to completely dry surfaces when finished to avoid potential mold. Routine power washing keeps feeder areas from becoming dangerously slick.
Protect Outdoor Furniture
It’s frustrating when bird seeds end up all over outdoor patio furniture. Here are some tips to protect chairs, tables, cushions and more:
- Place furniture away from feeders to limit exposure to overspray.
- Use furniture covers to keep cushions clean when not in use.
- Routinely vacuum and brush furniture to remove clinging seeds.
- Wipe down metal furniture weekly to prevent corrosion from seed debris.
With a little care, it’s possible to maintain nice outdoor living spaces even when using bird feeders. Be diligent and don’t let the feeding mess take over.
Remove Spilled Seeds from Plant Beds
Wind and birds will inevitably deposit seeds into your landscaping and garden beds. Remove these before they sprout. Pull young seedlings out by hand or cultivate with a hoe. For heavier infestations use a preemergent herbicide labeled for bird seed weeds. Removing unwanted sprouts will maintain tidy beds.
Conclusion
Bird feeding provides enjoyment but it certainly comes with mess. Fortunately there are many effective methods to minimize and contain seeds. Using quality feeders in strategic spots coupled with routine cleaning is key. Don’t allow spilled seeds to accumulate. With some effort it’s possible to reap the benefits of bird feeding while still maintaining a clean space. Implement several of these handy tips and you can outsmart those pesky seeds.
