Rats can be a major nuisance for bird feeders, as they will eat bird seed and can scare away the birds you want to attract. While it may seem impossible to completely rat-proof your bird feeders, there are certain types of bird seed that are less appealing to rats. By choosing these rat-resistant bird seeds, you can discourage rats from taking over your feeders while still providing quality food for your feathered friends.
Why Do Rats Go After Bird Seed?
Rats are opportunistic omnivores that will eat just about anything they can get their paws on. Bird seed is an easy meal for rats, providing them with grains, seeds, dried fruit, nuts, and more. Rats need to eat frequently to sustain their high metabolisms, so an always-full bird feeder is an ideal source of calories and nutrients.
Certain types of bird seed that contain peanuts, sunflower seeds, corn, milo, millet, and cereal grains are particularly attractive to rats. Rats also love high-fat seeds and nuts, which provide them with the protein and fat they need in their diets. An open bird feeder overflowing with these energy-dense foods is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for rats.
Bird Seed Types That Deter Rats
While it may be impossible to find a bird seed that rats won’t eat at all, there are certain types of bird seed that are less appealing to them. By choosing these rat-resistant options, you can make your bird feeders less attractive to opportunistic rodents.
Nyjer Seed
Also known as thistle seed, nyjer seed is small and black in color. It has a high oil content that appeals to finches, siskins, and other small-beaked birds. However, rats dislike the taste and texture of nyjer seed. The hard outer shell of nyjer seed makes it difficult for rats to gnaw into and access the nutrition inside. Nyjer seed is low in carbohydrates like grains, so it doesn’t offer rats the energy boost they are looking for.
Safflower Seed
Like nyjer seed, safflower seed has a tough outer shell that rats find hard to get into. Safflower is also unappetizing to rats because of its bitter flavor profile. The nutty and buttery taste of safflower seed is enjoyable for birds but unpalatable for rats. Safflower seed does contain fat, but the difficult-to-access shell prevents rats from gorging on it.
Hot Pepper Bird Seed Mixes
Some specialty bird seed mixes contain hot pepper powder or capsaicin oil, which makes them unappealing to mammals like rats and squirrels. The irritating qualities of these substances do not bother birds, since they do not have the proper receptors to detect the “heat.” However, rats find the burning sensation highly unpleasant. Opt for a hot pepper-infused bird seed mix to add some spicy deterrent to your feeder.
Other Tips for Keeping Rats Out of Bird Feeders
In addition to choosing the right seed, there are other tactics you can use to make your bird feeders less appetizing to rats:
- Use feeders with weight-sensitive perches. These perches close access to the seed when a heavy rat steps on them.
- Elevate feeders on poles to make access more difficult for rats.
- Clean up fallen seeds from the ground so rats aren’t attracted to the area.
- Use feeders with cages or protective coverings to block rats.
- Apply hot pepper extract or capsaicin gel around feeder poles and ground to deter rats.
- Place feeders away from dense vegetation, woodpiles, and other rat hiding spots.
The Best Bird Seeds to Deter Rats
If you want to enjoy bird watching without attracting pesky rats, choose nyjer, safflower, or hot pepper-infused bird seeds. Here are some of the best specific products to reduce rat presence:
Wagner’s Nyjer Seed
Wagner’s nyjer seed is 92% nyjer seed mixed with some extra vitamins, minerals, and hulled sunflowers to provide balanced nutrition. The primary nyjer seed deters rats, while sunflowers appeal to larger birds like cardinals, woodpeckers, and grosbeaks.
Squirrel Buster Safflower Seed
This safflower seed blend from Squirrel Buster contains over 98% safflower seed with its bitter flavor and hard shell. It is specially designed to keep squirrels and rats away while attracting songbirds like finches, cardinals, chickadees, and grosbeaks.
Cole’s Hot Meats
Cole’s Hot Meats bird seed mix contains seeds and nuts along with bits of hot pepper to irritate rats. The mix of nyjer, safflower, millet, peanuts, and dried mealworms attracts a variety of desirable birds. Rats hate the burning sensation from the hot peppers blended throughout.
Setting up a Rat-Resistant Feeding Station
In addition to choosing the right seed, setting up your feeding station strategically can help deter rats:
- Elevate feeders at least 5 feet off the ground on a pole greased with cooking oil or capsaicin gel.
- Place feeders at least 3 feet away from shrubs, fences, and other hiding spots.
- Use tray feeders so fallen seeds don’t accumulate at the base.
- Clean up the area frequently to prevent accumulating seeds.
- Use multiple small feeders rather than one large feeder.
- Use wire mesh covers, domes, and cages to protect feeders.
Following these tips can help you enjoy feeding your backyard birds without letting rats take over. With the right seeds and setup, you can deter rats humanely and peacefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do rats come to bird feeders?
Rats are opportunistic feeders attracted to the abundant, high-calorie seeds in bird feeders. The easy access to peanuts, corn, sunflower seeds, and other nutritious foods is a reliable source of food for rats.
What scent repels rats from bird feeders?
Rats have a strong dislike for certain natural scents that can repel them from feeders. Pepper and spice oils, mint, garlic, and ammonia are examples of scents that irritate rats and cause them to avoid an area.
What is the best bird feeder to keep rats out?
Tube feeders with wire mesh cages, weight-sensitive perches, and dome lids make it hardest for rats to access the bird seed. Elevated pole systems also make feeders less accessible to ground-dwelling rats.
Will peppermint oil keep rats away from bird feeders?
Yes, peppermint oil is known to be effective at repelling rodents, including rats. You can use 100% pure peppermint oil and apply it around feeder poles or mix a few drops into bird seed.
What food do rats hate?
Rats generally dislike very spicy or pungent foods. Garlic, onions, chili peppers, peppercorns, ginger, and strong spices are offensive to rats. They also dislike dry or crunchy foods that are difficult for them to chew and digest.
Conclusion
Rats can be a troublesome nuisance around backyard bird feeders. However, with smart bird seed selection and strategic feeder placement, you can deter rats and protect your bird supplies. Focus on unappealing seeds like nyjer, safflower, and hot pepper-infused mixes. Pair these with elevated, protected feeders and meticulous cleaning to make your yard less hospitable to rats. Follow these tips to enjoy feeding wild birds without attracting unwanted rodent visitors.
