How to Clean Up Bird Seed on the Ground: A Complete Guide

Bird feeding is an enjoyable hobby that allows you to connect with nature right in your own backyard. However, one frustrating downside is the mess that fallen seeds and hulls can make on the ground below your feeders. Not only is this an eyesore, but it can also lead to the spread of bacteria and disease if left unchecked.

Luckily with some simple tools and techniques, you can effectively clean up the area under your bird feeders. In this complete guide you’ll learn exactly how to tackle this common bird feeding dilemma.

Why You Need to Clean Up Under Bird Feeders

Before jumping into the how-to it’s important to understand why cleaning up fallen seeds and hulls is so crucial for a healthy backyard bird habitat. Here are the top reasons

• Prevents bacteria growth Wet, moldy seeds are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E coli This can sicken birds and other wildlife.

• Limits pests: Messy areas under feeders attract unwanted critters like rats, mice, and squirrels.

• Avoids rotting seeds: Uneaten, soggy seeds will decay and smell bad if left on the ground.

• Protects plants: Certain seeds contain growth-inhibiting chemicals. Sunflower hulls, for example, can prevent grass and plants from growing properly.

• Maintains soil health: An overabundance of discarded seeds can throw off the composition of your soil.

• Discourages large bird flocks: Large quantities of fallen seeds will attract nuisance birds like pigeons, grackles, and starlings.

How Often Should You Clean Under Bird Feeders?

To reap the benefits above, it’s recommended to clean up waste from under your bird feeders about once a week. However, certain situations call for more frequent cleanings:

• High traffic areas: If lots of birds visit your feeders daily, aim for 2-3 cleanings per week.

• Hot weather: Seeds rot faster when it’s hot and humid. During summer, clean up waste at least twice weekly.

• Active breeding season: With lots of birds around in spring, be vigilant about removing old seeds and hulls.

• Disease outbreaks: Clean daily to limit the spread of illnesses like salmonellosis or avian influenza.

• Newly sprouted seeds: Pick up any freshly sprouted seedlings as soon as you spot them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Under Bird Feeders

Ready to tackle that messy area? Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively cleaning up waste under your bird feeders:

Gather Your Tools

First, collect the following cleaning tools and supplies:

• Stiff broom or outdoor push broom
• Small shovel or scoop
• Garden rake
• Dustpan
• Heavy duty work gloves
• Sealable plastic bags or trash bin
• Garden hose with spray nozzle

Optional extras:

• Power or pressure washer
• Leaf blower
• Seed digester spray

Thoroughly Sweep or Rake

Put on gloves and carefully sweep or rake the entire area under and around your feeders. Scoop up all spilled seeds, hulls, and seedlings and place debris into trash bags.

Be sure to check under decks or porches where seeds may accumulate. Rake or sweep right up to the base of each feeder pole.

Aim to remove all visible seeds, hulls, sprouts, and plant matter from the soil surface.

Blast Away Stuck-On Debris

If seeds or hulls are stuck to the ground, use your hose or a power washer on a low setting to blast them away. Avoid excessive watering of the area.

Alternatively, a strong leaf blower on full power can blow away lodged seeds. Wear eye protection.

Apply Seed Digester

For persistent hulls and seeds stuck in cracks or lawn, apply an eco-safe seed digester spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse away with a gentle spray of water.

Seed digesters contain natural enzymes to break down hard seed coats and hulls. This makes removal much easier.

Remove Top Layer of Soil or Sod

For really stubborn, impacted areas, removing the top 1-2 inches of soil or sod may be necessary. Use a square tip shovel to lightly skim off the surface layer where seeds are trapped.

Discard the waste soil and re-sod or simply rake smooth. Grass and weeds will regrow quickly.

Power Wash Hard Surfaces

Use a pressure washer on driveways, sidewalks, patios, or other hard surfaces to blast off clinging seeds or hulls. Wear protective gear to avoid splash back.

Disinfect Feeder Poles and Hanging Hardware

Give your feeder poles and hanging hooks or chains a quick disinfecting as well. Use a scrub brush and solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

This kills any bacteria that may transfer from birds’ feet to feeders. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.

Remove Trash Bags Promptly

Immediately dispose of all collected waste and debris in sealed trash bags. Never compost discarded bird seed or hulls.

Tips for Preventing Mess in the First Place

Prevention is the best solution! Here are handy tips to minimize fallen seeds and hulls:

• Use quality bird seed – birds will waste less.

• Offer seeds with no shells (e.g. peanuts, nyjer).

• Separate messy blends into specialty feeders.

• Add tray catchers under feeders.

• Move feeders away from ledges and perches.

• Position feeders over hard surfaces, not soil or grass.

• Discourage large flocks from gathering.

• Eliminate places for birds to perch near feeders.

Alternative Ground Surfaces Below Feeders

If cleaning up fallen seeds feels never-ending, consider installing an alternate ground surface under your feeder area. This will make clean-up much simpler long-term. Some options include:

• Paving stones, bricks, or concrete patio

• Landscape fabric covered with mulch or gravel

• Shallow sand pit or inexpensive above-ground pool liner

• Tarp suspended under feeders to catch waste

With a little routine maintenance, you can easily stay on top of the seed mess under your feeders. Follow these tips to keep your bird feeding areas clean, healthy, and inviting for local birds. Most importantly, be sure to properly dispose of collected waste and never compost discarded bird food. Your feathered friends will thank you!