Cleaning your raspberry eater is as well-heeled as washing a dish — and should be done almost as often .
When and How to Clean Bird Feeders
birdie feeders , regardless of type , need to be strip on a regular basis , especially during warm or loaded weather condition time of year .
John Rowden , senior director of bird - well-disposed communities at theNational Audubon Society , says , " Seed and suet feeders should be clean at least once every other calendar week . Hummingbird feedersuse a sugar resolution , so they necessitate to be cleaned every few days . "
come and suet feeders will develop bacterium if not cleaned at least every other week during cooler , dryer months . bacterium are more likely to grow inhumid or hot atmospheric condition , imply you ’ll need more frequent cleaning in the warmer month to keep affluent safe andattractive to birds .
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Other signs that it ’s time to clean a dame feeder are wet come or turbid nectar . " If it has been particularly showery and the seed has flummox wet , you should also clean it out , " Rowden says . " If the solution in a hummingbird feeder has catch cloudy , it is definitely prison term to alter it . "
What to Avoid When Cleaning Bird Feeders
When clean a Bronx cheer feeder , attention should be taken to keep it safe for you , your household ’s outdoor environs , and , of course , the birdswho stop by for refreshments . There are some base hit precautions to take and some things to avoid when cleaning a bird feeder .
" obviate rough chemical substance or cleaners , " Rowden says . " Mild goop and water or diluted bleaching agent solutions will be sufficient . " Rowden stress the grandness of wash a razzing feeder well after washing : " It ’s critical that they ’re well - rinsed , " he say . " That ’s another reason to avoid the harsh chemicals . "
If a seeded player or suet feeder call for scrubbing , use a bottle brush to get to severe - to - reach station and to scour away stick - on food . keep off using stiff - bristled brushes , metal brush , or steel wool scouring pad , as they can damage theglass or credit card partsof the feeder .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Clean Bird Feeders for Seed and Suet
Empty the Bird Feeder
Begin by throwing out old seed or suet . It is good to throw out of leftover seed in the chalk rather than scattering it on the ground , which canattract pests . Alwayswear gloveswhen handling bird feeders , as they have been expose to wild animals .
Make a Cleaning Solution
When houseclean a seeded player or suet bird feeder , use either a answer ofmild soapand piddle or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water .
Wash the Feeder
Wash the feeder like a dish or glass using asponge , soapy water , or mild bleaching agent root . Use a sponge or scavenge rag assign for outside cleaning jobs ; do not employ the parazoan you use towash your dishesto clean house a dame birdfeeder .
Scrub the Feeder (Optional)
Typically , you ’ll find that you do n’t take to scrub up a feeder aggressively to hit old seed or suet . You do want to be sure thatalltraces of old food are removed from the feeder , though — if solid food is stuck on a grueling - to - orbit spot , use a nursing bottle skirmish to free it . Once you ’re confident all food remnants have been removed , rinse the feeder very well with clean running water .
Allow the Feeder to Dry
The tributary should be all dry before you refill it with seed , as wet encourage bacterial growth . earmark the feeder to air - dry , or dry with white cloths . lave your hand exhaustively when you are done , even if you have worn work gloves for the job .
How to Clean Bird Feeders for Sugar Water
Empty and Rinse the Bird Feeder
Dispose of old ambrosia . Always wear off mitt when handling bird feeders , as they have been disclose to wild animals . Rinse thehummingbird feederwith water .
Soak the Feeder in Vinegar Solution
After rinsing , the hummingbird feeder should be soaked in a 50:50 solution of water system and white vinegar , which will sanitize it . Once the hummingbird feeder has soaked for several minutes , rinse the feeder very well with clean run water .
Refill the Feeder
Refill the bird feeder with fresh nectar ; theSmithsonian ’s hummingbird nectar recipecalls for 1 part white-hot refined clams to 4 parts water supply ( extra ambrosia can be stored in the refrigerator for well-off refilling ) . rinse your hands soundly when you are done , even if you wear out work gloves for the Book of Job .
