Feeding Birds

In Pests

Feeding birds at home

Many people find pleasure and enjoyment from feeding birds from bird tables or scattering left overs across the grass. However such behaviour can lead to pest problems. Be they rats, mice or squirrels people will call PEST UK about these pests and invariably we will find a common cause of this problem will be someone feeding birds.

Rodents will seek areas where food and shelter are both easily available. If your garden provides both of these then you are likely to see them moving in to your garden. The easiest way to prevent an infestation of rodents is to remove food and limit shelter opportunities. This can be limiting the amount of food left out and the clearing back of vegetation and compost heaps.

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice can carry diseases, they can also enter into the property and cause damage to food stored for birds, be this in a shed or within the house. If you see rats during the day then this can be a sign of a bigger problem as only weaker members of the family will risk feeding at this time of day.

Rodent treatments

PESTUK will search the premises looking for possible food sources, nesting areas and any entry points. Our technicians will then lay poison baits in strategic points. At this juncture we would recommend that bird feeding stop so that the rodents are encouraged to feed on the baits. Otherwise they will continue eating the bird food.

Squirrels

Squirrels can be a nuisance in your garden, attracted by bird feeding this can lead to damage to bulbs, plants, trees and eating birds eggs and even young birds as well. This could also lead the squirrels into your home, for a male they may make a drey, or nest in your loft. This can lead to damage where they tear up loft insulation for bedding, chew timbers, pipe work and stored items, and pose a fire hazard by stripping insulation from electrical wiring or chewing through cabling which can cause fires or electrical problems. Insulation may be pilled into large balls for the nest or drey. They can be very noisy, and if they were to drown in uncovered water storage tanks, may contaminate the water supply.

PESTUK

We are full members of the BPCA, the governing body for pest control in the UK. Using a BPCA member company ensures you have a qualified and fully insured company treating your pest problem.

PESTUK have offices in Oxford, Guildford, Enfield, Shepperton, Wantage, St. Albans, Salisbury, St Albans and Enfield.

Call us on 0330 100 2811 to book an appointment regarding feeding birds, or any other pest problem you may have.