Absolutely, spilled seed is a great source of food for mice. A feeder near the house is one of the most reliable ways to accidentally lure rodents in.
Bird feeders are the pest problem that homeowners least expect. The intent is so benign, after all. Feed the birds! But you might accidentally feed mice and rats too if you’re not careful.
Birds can be awfully messy when they eat. A lot of seed goes straight to the ground. Sunflower seed, millet, and cracked corn are all high in fat and calories, and they also don’t spoil quickly. That means rodents will definitely want a bite if given the chance. Also not helping is that rodents are active at night. So you might never catch them in the act.
Reliable food sources increase the number of rodents that a yard can support. Within a season, you can go from occasional visitors to an established population outside. And the more rodents there are outside, the higher the odds of them entering your home when the weather turns.
If you store seed in the garage, that worsens the problem. A paper bag of birdseed on a garage floor is both food and nesting material, and it’s one of the most common anchors for a garage infestation.
You can still feed the birds, to be clear. Just start by moving the feeder at least thirty feet away from the house. Use a tray or seed catch beneath the bird feeder and sweep it up regularly. Choose no-mess hulled seed so less debris is left behind. It’s also wise to take down feeders at night. And be sure to store the seed itself in sealed heavy plastic or metal containers.
If mice have moved in near your house, Mosquito Squad of Southern Westchester can help. Mosquito Squad finds where mice are nesting and getting in, clears them with traps and bait stations, and seals the entry points. Annual inspections will help you protect your home through the year.
