Backyard bird feeders have become all the rage among Burke residents, and why not? Through our community, many homeowners enjoy the sight of cardinals and blue jays visiting their yard. But in Burke neighborhoods, the innocent hobby has given rise to an unintended consequence. That same seed that brings you beautiful songbirds brings the undesirable visitors, as well – mice and rats.
Local Pest Control reports a 35 % increase in rodent-oriented service calls made to Burke over the past two years, many of which initiated at unkempt bird feeders. The bird feeder you suspect is well-intentioned could instead be a mouse-friendly welcome mat. If you do find yourself noticing increased activity when it comes to rodents on or around your property, please reach out to professional pest control services to determine where the problem lies and what to do about it. Get rid of pests fast in Burke by talking to a professional today!
Why Seed Spills Are a Feast for Rodents?
Bird feeders provide a gourmet dining experience for rodents, and we are not just talking about occasional seed spillage. When birds visit your feeder, they inevitably drop seeds on the ground, which is nothing less than a rodent buffet. Mice and rats have an excellent memory for food sources – once they learn your yard is a nightly buffet, they will come back every night.
This problem becomes more acute during Burke’s cooler months when natural feeds are limited. Rodents have an excellent sense of smell, as they can detect birdseed from great distances, i.e., 300 ft. They especially love sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn–the top three hits from Burke bird watchers. As if that were not bad enough, rodents are primarily nocturnal, meaning that they are enjoying meals of dropped seeds while you are asleep, making it impossible to catch the trouble early.
Subtle Signs Mice and Rats Are Moving In
Physical Evidence:
- Dark, tiny feces near the base of the feeder or on fence lines
- Tiny punctures in bags or containers that hold birdseed
- Oily streaks on walls/foundation or deck railing where rodents travel
- Tiny holes gnawed into outdoor storage sheds or garages
Behavioral Indicators:
- Absence of seeds in dispersed ground areas
- Birds instantly refrain from visiting your feeder (they feel the existence of a predator)
- Unusual scratching or scuttling noises in the attic, walls, or crawl spaces
- Your indoor or outdoor cat is paying more attention to specific spots in the yard
Structural Signs:
- Bird feeder pieces damaged or mounting hardware chewed
- Small holes from burrowing near the garden bed or house foundation
When established, Burke’s hot summers make for a good breeding ground, as rodents may be able to double their population every six weeks.
Time for Professional Intervention!
Once it becomes clear that rodents have made themselves at home around your Burke property, moving fast can prevent a minor issue from becoming a big one. Professional pest control specialists know the pest challenges Burke homeowners face, from our local rodent species to seasonal behavior patterns.
For years, Burke residents have turned to Green Pest Services to find a way to maintain their love of backyard birds while still effectively managing rodent activity. They realize that seeing bird feeders go is not the most desirable outcome for wildlife-loving homeowners. Instead, their emphasis is on integrated strategies, such as planning feeder locations, using seed management practices, and efficient rodent control measures.
When the DIYs are not working, or when the rodents are past your backyard and into the structure of your home, professional intervention becomes key. They see entry points you would never notice and have remedial treatments. They also offer seasonal maintenance programs tailored to the Burke climate and pest pressures to ensure that your bird feeding hobby does not turn into an expensive rodent issue!