How to keep animals from eating my bird seed in Delaware | Raccoon

How to keep animals from eating my bird seed

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Use feeders that capture fallen seed and minimize spillage.

Many animals find a never-ending buffet of seeds irresistible. They will eat until their hearts’ content and sometimes cache the leftovers for later. Here are a few things you can do to increase the amount of your bird seed that is available for the birds:

  • Hang bird feeders on a wire between trees or on a baffled pole to prevent access
    • To create your own baffle to exclude small animals, punch a hole in the bottom of an empty one-liter soda bottle and slide two to four of them onto the wire on each side of the feeder or slide two or more two-foot sections of two-inch diameter plastic pipe over the wire
  • Use feeders that capture fallen seed or minimize spillage
  • Clean up spillage that does occur so that it doesn't attract other hungry animals
  • Temporarily remove all bird seed and other foods if they are attracting species other than birds
  • Do not feed birds from April through November when they can easily make do with naturally available foods. This is especially important for avoiding problems with bears
    • If there is an early spring with melted snow and warm weather, it is a good idea to take your bird feeder down early

Laws and regulations to be aware of

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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