Feeding backyard birds is one of life’s great simple pleasures. It connects us to nature, brings movement and colour to our outdoor spaces, and supports bird populations year-round. But that joy can be quickly dampened by a growing problem many bird lovers face: squirrels, mice, rats, and other rodents attracted to the fallen seed and shells beneath feeders.

At Urban Nature Store, we hear this concern every day. The good news? You don’t have to stop feeding the birds to stop feeding the pests. By taking a few thoughtful steps—and using smart tools—we can significantly reduce what's falling to the ground and eliminate what draws rodents in the first place.

Why Rodents Love Bird Feeders
Let’s be clear: rodents aren’t climbing your feeder pole because they love birds—they’re there because they’ve learned that food falls from above. Seeds with shells are often cracked open and discarded by birds. Others simply drop seed while feeding, leaving a feast on the ground for mice, rats, squirrels, and even raccoons to scavenge. What starts as an innocent feeding station can quickly turn into a rodent area—unless you take steps to cut off the supply.

Step 1: Switch to Sunflower Hearts

The number one way to reduce ground mess is to feed your birds sunflower hearts, sometimes called hulled or de-shelled sunflower seeds. These are exactly what they sound like—sunflower seeds with the shell removed.

Why does that matter? Birds eat the whole thing, leaving no waste behind. No shells. No discarded seed. And most importantly—nothing left to fall to the ground to attract rodents.

We carry fresh premium-quality sunflower hearts at UrbanNatureStore.ca, available in multiple bag sizes for all feeder types.  It is our top selling variety of seed.

Step 2: Choose Feeders That Minimize Spillage

Even with clean seed, the type of feeder you use plays a big role in whether food ends up on the ground. Feeders with wide perches or open trays often allow birds to peck, toss, or scatter seed. Over time, that builds up—and so can rodent activity.

Instead, look for feeders designed to reduce spillage. These include:

• Feeders with small feeding ports that limit how birds access the seed
• Recessed feeding portals that require birds to reach inside
• Tiny perches that only allow small songbirds to land and feed, keeping larger, messier birds (and squirrels) at bay

Our line of squirrel-proof feeders at Urban Nature Store includes models with all these features. Not only do they physically block squirrels with weight-sensitive cages, but they also drastically reduce seed waste through smarter design.  Feeders made by Brome Bird Care are very well designed for this application.

Step 3: Add a Seed Catcher—Like the Seed Hoop

Even the best feeder design can’t prevent every seed from falling. Wind, flapping wings, or playful birds can still knock some to the ground.

That’s where a seed catcher tray can make a huge difference.

We highly recommend the Seed Hoop, a large, lightweight tray that hangs directly under your feeder using simple Velcro straps. It’s like a safety net for seed. As seed falls, the Seed Hoop catches it, keeping it suspended in the air instead of hitting the ground. Birds can even hop down into the tray to feed, further reducing waste.

Not only does this keep the area under your feeder cleaner, but it also means less time spent sweeping up, and less chance of attracting rodents. 

Step 4: Deter Rodents Naturally with PlantSkydd

Even after reducing and catching dropped seed, some persistent rodents might still scout the area. For those determined scavengers, we recommend PlantSkydd, a highly effective, natural animal repellent.

PlantSkydd works by emitting a scent that’s undetectable to birds - but highly offensive to squirrels, mice, rats, and even rabbits. Available in both granular and spray form, you can apply PlantSkydd directly to the ground under your feeder or around the base of feeder poles.

What makes it even better is that PlantSkydd is:

• 100% natural
• Long-lasting (even after rain)
• Safe for pets, plants, and wildlife

You can browse our full selection of PlantSkydd products at UrbanNatureStore.ca.

Bonus Tip: Keep It Clean

Even with the best tools and seed, it’s important to regularly clean the area under your feeder. Rake or sweep up any old debris, hulls, or spoiled seed that’s built up over time. Rodents are opportunistic and will return if they find a consistent food source.

Some customers also mount feeders over hard surfaces like patios or gravel, making it easier to spot and clean up any droppings. Others rotate feeder locations seasonally to prevent buildup in any one area.

Smart Feeding = Happy Birds, No Rodents

At Urban Nature Store, we’re passionate about helping Canadians feed birds—not rodents. By switching to sunflower hearts, using well-designed feeders, adding a seed catcher like the Seed Hoop, and applying a natural deterrent like PlantSkydd, you can enjoy a cleaner yard, healthier birds, and fewer unwanted pests.

Ready to upgrade your setup? Visit www.UrbanNatureStore.ca today to explore our:

• Squirrel-proof feeders

• Sunflower hearts and no-waste seed

• Seed catcher trays like the Seed Hoop

• Natural repellents like PlantSkydd

Let’s feed the birds—not the squirrels.

—Paul Oliver
Founder, Urban Nature Store