Bird feeders are man’s gift to birds. Many enjoy putting bird feeders in their yards and garden.
They are usually hung on trees or other high places to attract hungry birds. These feeders help seed-eating birds find their daily bread with a lot of ease.
As they are specifically filled with seeds.
Birds are indeed beautiful creatures. They have eye-catching feathers which come in a variety of colors.
Without a doubt, watching these birds feed on feeders can be an entertaining and delightful view.
So, do bird feeders attract snakes?
Do Bird Feeders Attract Snakes?
Yes, bird feeders can attract snakes. However, these feeders attract snakes indirectly. Let’s put it this way, bird feeders attract what attracts snakes.
So, in the real sense, it is not the bird feeder that attracts this unpleasant visitor.
First off, snakes are carnivores. They may likely come into your garden because of the high population of birds that gather to eat seeds.
Secondly, Bird feeders attract more than just birds; they attract rodents as well. We all know that, as much as we adore these creatures, they can be messy eaters.
Birds have a habit of scattering seeds around. So when bird seeds fall from the feeder, it attracts other animals like rats, squirrels, etc.
These animals like a broad variety of seeds and grains, including bird seeds. And they would come running to your garden when they find these seeds.
Unfortunately, snakes are carnivores in nature, and these creatures including birds happen to be part of their diet.
So, if a snake smells its prey in your garden, it will make its way there.
This article covers a lot more on what bird feeders attract. So, keep reading.
Related: Here is an article I wrote on bird feeders in winter
How Do You Keep Snakes Out Of Bird Feeders?
Snakes are unpleasant creatures to have around. It is advisable to find every means to get them out. Here are some few pointers to get rid of snakes:
Clean your feeders regularly:
Cleaning out bird feeders regularly would keep the rodents out. When there are no rodents, snakes won’t have a food source.
Also, it is important to keep your backyards and garden clean at all times. Clear all tall grasses and plants. This prevents snakes from having a hiding spot in your environment.
Install bird feeders away from the house:
Installing your bird feeders away from the house will reduce the chances of snakes.
Keep feeders half full:
You may have heard that filling up your feeders is good. However, don’t fill your feeders to the brim to avoid them being scattered all around.
Rodents go for the leftovers which in turn bring the snakes.
Use snake repellant:
These repellents can be gotten from the supermarket. However, you can make some homemade snake repellant to keep them away.
Snakes hate a lot of scents such as cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can combine these to make your repellent.
Use a tray feeder:
It is advisable to get a tray feeder. This would reduce the number of seeds dispersed by birds when eating.
Take the bird feeder down:
If you want to keep snakes out, then take the feeder down. If you do not have one, then maybe you should consider not having one.
It is widely known that bird feeders attract many wildlife including snakes. If you do not want them around completely, it is advised not to own a bird feeder
What Attracts Snake To Your House?
Snakes are reptiles with no limbs. They can be found in a range of environments, including forests, swarms, grassland, and both fresh and saltwater.
There are approximately 3000 different species of snakes on the globe. And they may be found practically anywhere.
According to research, humans have an inherited fear of this species. Fear of snakes is a common phobia around the world.
Venomous snakes are snakes that can inject toxins into the bodies of their prey. Not all snakes, however, are venomous. And many individuals are not able to distinguish between them.
A venomous snake has a distinct head. It has a triangular or spade-shaped head. However, the head of a non-venomous snake is spherical.
A non-poisonous snake, on the other hand, can mimic the shape of a venomous snake. When threatened, they do this by flattening their heads.
Now, Lets have a look at what can attract snakes to houses.
Rodents: Rodents are warm-blooded animals by nature. They are always on the move in search of food and warmth.
They would come to your house and make themselves at home if they found food and warmth.
However, they are usually brought in by the aromas of pet foods, nuts, grills, bird feeders, and pretty much anything tempting.
The appealing aroma is largely caused by human activities. This explains why rodents live near humans.
It’s fascinating how these creatures have adapted to staying away from danger.
This certainly explains how rats might be present in your environment and you may be unaware of their presence.
As you may know, all animals’ instinct is to feed. And, because snakes consume rodents, they will likely come around to hunt them.
Grasses: Overgrown grasses in your environment can provide excellent camouflage for snakes.
These carnivores may make themselves at home among thick and tall grasses. This protects them from possible predators. It also makes it easier for them to attack prey.
Snakes can spend a long time hiding in overgrown grasses. They may only be seen when they attack.
Swampy or wet environment: Certain snake species thrive in water. As a result, they may be drawn to puddles and stagnant water in your environment.
Snakes can also find food in puddles and stagnant water. Snakes eat insects and frogs as well. And these species are usually located in or near water.
Easy access and holes: Snakes might easily crawl through holes and openings in your house in their search for a comfortable resting place. It’s a good idea to seal every hole around your house.
Damp cold areas: Do your surroundings feel cold and damp? Snakes’ natural habitats are frigid and dam-like regions, especially in the summer. They will undoubtedly find their way into such locations.
Rocks: Do you have any rocks that you used to beautify your environment? They could also serve as suitable spots for snakes to hide.
This is mainly because they are cold and could shield them.
Also check out this article I wrote on bird feeders being kept full
What Animals Do Bird Feeders Attract?
It is no news that bird feeders do not attract only birds. An animal’s instinct is a means of survival.
And, tops on the list of things an animal needs to survive is Food. Bird feeders, directly and indirectly, attract animals to your gardens or yard.
Let’s take a look at the kind of animals you might find:
• Hamsters
• Squirrels
• Rats
• Mice
• Voles
• Coyote
• Opossum
• Bears
• Skunks
• Raccoons
• Snakes
• Geese
• Ducks
• And of course a wide species of wild birds.
Do Bird Feeders Attract Bears?
Yes, bird feeders can attract bears. The importance of food sources cannot be overemphasized in the life of animals.
Bear’s diets include a variety of fruits, nuts, and grains which are often included in bird feeders.
Bears are known to be very intelligent. And, they can smell bird seeds more than a mile away.
So, if you live in an area where bears are found, then do not be surprised to see one stealing bird seeds from your feeders.
Bears are typically afraid of humans and will avoid them and their homes. However, a bear will return to your house as long as there is food available. And it gets bolder with each visit.
Bears have a voracious appetite. And once they’ve made themselves at home in your environment, their food options broaden.
Bears are drawn to food sources that have a pleasant odor, such as compost piles, BBQ grills, sandwich crust, and pet food.
However, there are ways to get rid of these animals. Adding generous amounts of red pepper to a birdseed mix can send the bears out.
It may deter bears who dislike the hot flavor from visiting. However, some bears may grow accustomed to the taste over time.
Sprinkling pepper, vinegar, or ammonia on the ground near the feeder will also help repel sensitive bears.
Do Bird Feeders Attract Mice?
Bird feeders also attract mice. Mice are small rodents with a pointed snout, rounded ears, and lengthy tails.
The most common type of mouse is the house mouse. They are often found around the human environment.
To some, they are considered a pest, while some keep them as pets.
They are constantly moving in search of food and warmth. They have a wide range of diets which include fruits, seeds, and grains.
Birds being messy eaters would always scatter a healthy portion of their seeds on the floor.
And of course, a mouse would never say no to such a glorious invitation.
Conclusion
Having a bird feeder in your backyard will easily attract wild birds. However, it is important to note that bird feeders do not only attract birds.
They attract a variety of animals such as mice, snakes, squirrels, bears, etc.
It is important to know that it isn’t the bird feeder itself that attracts snakes. But, the rats and other rodents that are being drawn in the leftover seeds.
