Allowing birdseed to gather and spoil on the ground causes a host of problems. Wasted seed can change the pH levels of your soil, cause mold and mildew to grow, invite unwanted critters, and much more. Bird feeders are designed to make the birds in your yard happy, but you do not want to sacrifice your landscape. Knowing how to clean under that bird feeder and discovering how you can keep it clean indefinitely is the key to happy, healthy birds and a beautiful lawn.
Supplies For Cleaning Under Bird Feeders
Wasted birdseed can cause unwanted weeds to grow, too. Keeping the area under your bird feeders clean does not take a lot of work; however, you must know what to do so you can avoid problems in the future. Cleaning under your bird feeder can be completed in three easy steps, and only requires a few simple tools.
Gardening Gloves
Gardening gloves are necessary for working with and picking up the debris underneath the bird feeders.
- BREATHABLE BAMBOO COMFORT: Breathable bamboo gardening gloves for women and men will keep your hands cool. Bamboo absorbs perspiration and is naturally very breathable. Keep your hands cool in summer and warm in winter. Pine Tree Gloves are suitable for any job and pleasurable to wear.
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- COMFORTABLE & DURABLE - We believe gardening should be safe and fulfilling. Avoid skin wounds and dirty hands and nails when doing yard chores. Why walk around with those thick and clumsy gloves while doing jobs around the house? How much more enjoyable would garden chores be, when you wear protective gloves with a snug fit? See our listed size chart picture on the left to determine your correct size. Our gloves have proven abrasion resistance.
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Mulch
Mulch is used under the bird feeder to help make the cyclical cleaning process much easier, and it also beautifies your landscape.
Rake
A rake is used to help turn the mulch and clean up the area under the bird feeders.
- 🍂EXTENDABLE DESIGN: Hold the pole head with one hand and the other hand in the handle, press clockwise to rotate the handle, you can adjust the handle length from 43 inches to 66 inches, use it for any people.
- 🍂HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: This garden rake is made of high quality plastic, which is very sturdy and durable and won't harm the roots of other plants when you use it in your garden and vegetable garden
- 🍂22 TEETH: This leaf rake has 22 rake teeth, each tooth is reinforced for durability and compactness, so it won't snag on leaves, and it's easy to gather leaves and other debris.
- 🍂MULTIFUNCTIONAL: This yard rake is great for garden, leaf, lawn, artificial grass and weeding. This leaf rake is very lightweight and very easy and effortless to use.
- 🍂EASY TO ASSEMBLE AND STORE: Simply insert the pole into the round hole of the rake head. When not in use, the rake head can be separated from the handle for easy storage and can be hung to save space.
Weed Eater
A string trimmer is necessary for trimming the grass around the mulch. You want this grass to be kept shorter than the rest of your lawn.
- LST140 40 volt max string trimmer/edger with power drive high torque transmission for clean, fast cuts
- Automatic Feed Spool AFS automatically feeds trimmer line as needed
- LSW40 40 volt max sweeper a wind speed of up to 130 MPH easily clear debris from hard surfaces
- Low noise design for quiet operation. Up to 130MPH
- Both units offer a 'state of charge' indicator which shows your battery charge level. Products are compatible with our 36 volt lithium Ion system
Cleaning The Ground Under Your Bird Feeders
Routinely taking the time to rake, trim and clean the area surrounding your bird feeders keeps the work required to a minimum. Follow this quick three-step process to clean up under your bird feeders and make cleaning much easier the next time.
Step One: Rake Up All Debris Under Bird Feeder
Before adding mulch, you first need to rake up the debris under your bird feeder. With gardening gloves on, pick up the debris and place it in a trash bag.
- Pro Tip: Baffles help ensure squirrels do not jump onto your bird feeders. Not only do they keep the squirrels from feeding and spilling food, but they also protect against harsh weather.
- Easy Installation: Our baffle is designed for hassle-free installation. Simply slide it over your bird feeder pole, and you're good to go. No special tools or expertise required. "FOR BEST RESULTS, WE RECOMMEND INSTALLING THE BAFFLE, 5 FEET ABOVE GROUND. YOU MAY ALSO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR A COMPREHENSIVE STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION.
- High-Quality Construction: Made from anti-rust galvanized steel, our baffle is built to last. It will withstand the test of time and keep your bird feeders protected for years to come. Clean the baffle every once in a while to keep it shiny and seemingly new!
- Raccoon and Squirrel Proof: The clever design of our baffle prevents squirrels and raccoons from climbing up your bird feeder poles. It creates a barrier that these persistent critters cannot overcome, ensuring your feathered friends get to enjoy their meals undisturbed.
- Anti-Rust and Durable: Our baffle is coated with a rust-resistant finish, making it suitable for all weather conditions. It will remain in excellent condition, providing reliable protection for your bird feeders.
- Versatile Use: Our baffle is not limited to bird feeders alone. It can also be used to protect your birdhouses from unwanted visitors. Its 17-inch diameter offers ample coverage, keeping even the most determined pests at bay.
Step Two: Spread Mulch Under Feeders
The layer of mulch underneath your bird feeders should be three to four inches thick. Use the rake to spread the mulch evenly.
- Pro Tip: When you repeat this cleaning process the next time, turning the mulch is Step One. Additionally, keep an eye out during future cleanings for when you need to add more mulch.
Step Three: Weed Eat Grass Around Mulch
The grass around the mulched area needs to be kept shorter than the rest of your lawn. Trimming this grass shorter makes cleanup easier.
- Pro Tip: It is also advised to mow with a collector bag regularly around the mulch.
Final Thoughts
Routinely cleaning under your bird feeders makes this more of a maintenance task than a cleaning task in the future. A quick three-step process is all that is required to keep the birds happy, the varmints away, and your landscape looking gorgeous.
FAQ: Cleaning Under Bird Feeders
Just like with the baffles, there are other tips and tricks for maintaining the area underneath your bird feeders. Staying on top of this area makes clean-up time easier and keeps the birds coming back unaffected by varmints and bully birds.
Is there a product that helps speed up the decomposition of wasted seed?
Yes, a natural enzyme spray can help to speed up the decomposition of wasted birdseed. While both using and turning the mulch regularly buries the seed to allow for decomposition, the natural enzyme spray is still a good idea. Remember to read labels regarding children and pets.
What else can you do besides use baffles to keep the rodents away?
Use no-waste bird food, as this helps to minimize wasted seed. Therefore, the temptation for rodents is significantly reduced. Purchased hulled seeds, such as shelled peanuts and sunflower hearts.
Is there anything you can do to encourage ground feeding of spilled seed?
Leave the bird feeders empty for a couple of days. This encourages the birds to clean up the ground. Using no-waste bird food double-teams this objective.
Should you move bird feeders around occasionally to help with natural cleanup and decomposition of the wasted seed?
Yes, rotating bird feeders allows for a more natural cleanup process. While this makes your job easier, mulch, baffles, and everything else mentioned are still necessary.
Can you add cayenne pepper to birdseed to keep rodents away?
Not only is cayenne pepper a deterrent, but so are peppermint oil and chili flakes. These are natural deterrents, and rodents find their smells offensive.
