As a bird lover , you require to provide your square friends with the highest quality food potential . But what if you discover your birdseed container has become infest with weevils ? Should you toss it out or will birds still eat seed containing weevils ?
Understanding weevil infestations in birdseed and how to prevent them can help you go forward feed your backyard birds a nutritious diet .
Do Birds Mind Eating Seeds With Weevils?
The good news is bird do n’t seem to mind eating cum that have become infested with weevils . In fact , weevil provide an excellent source of protein for many species . Birds are used to perplex dirt ball as part of their innate diet , so wipe out both the seeds and weevils together is utterly okay .
The main downside of a weevil plague is that over time , the weevils can gradually deplete and damage increase amounts of the seed . This leave less inviolate , alimental seed for the wench . intemperately infested seed will eventually become mostly vacuous shells and detritus .
So while birds wo n’t pause to eat weevil - laden semen , it ’s idealistic to prevent plague from get out of hand and ruining too much source
How Can Seeds Become Infested?
Weevils are midget beetle that feed on grains and seed . Some common perpetrator that infest bird feed include rice weevils , garner weevil , corn weevil , and black-eyed pea weevil .
Weevils can get into birdseed bags at any dot between harvesting and packaging or after purchasing :
You may observe diminutive worm - like larvae or fully grown weevils crawl on the seeds . Opening former bags that have been posture around for a farseeing time tends to reveal the fleshy infestations .
Can Weevils Harm Birds Beyond Damaging Seed?
On their own , weevils do not pose any lineal health risks to birds . However , weevil or insect damage to ejaculate can allow mold , fungus , and bacteria to set out develop .
germ infested with weevils has an increased chance of also being contaminate with dangerous molds like aspergillus . chick eating mouldy seminal fluid risk spring up respiratory illnesses or aspergillosis infections .
For this reason , it ’s safest not to feed birds seed that has become hard weevil - damage and fungus - ridden . Monitor your seed container for any mold , clumping , or stickiness that could indicate microbial increase problems beyond just weevils .
How to Prevent Weevil Infestations
Here are some tip to keep plaguy weevil out of your birdseed :
bribe small quantity – The long seed is stored , the more time weevils have to infest it . Buy smaller traveling bag you’re able to use up quicker .
Store in air - tight containers – Bins or buckets with stiff hat prevent weevil from getting in to lie down eggs .
Keep cool & wry – Weevils thrive in warmth and humidness . memory board seed in a cool , dry spot .
light memory area – Vacuum and clear areas near storage containers to remove spilled seed and potential egg .
Check on a regular basis – Frequently check container for evidence of weevil natural process like dust or lilliputian worm .
Use profligate – habituate up any seed within a couple months of buy for optimal freshness and to allow less weevil facts of life sentence .
Freeze to shoot down – If you spot weevils , freeze seed for 72 hours to wipe out larvae and grownup .
Sift or sort carefully – sort out obvious weevil , larvae , and toss out come hulls .
With right storage and monitoring , you may avoid serious weevil problem and go along allow your wild birds with healthy , pest - devoid nutrient . Be cognizant of any signs of plague before they get out of ascendence .
What If My Seed is Already Heavily Infested?
If you let out a serious live weevil infestation , here are your choice :
Use up justly out – extend the seed in feeder daily so shuttle eat it before weevils terms more .
Freeze , then apply – belt down weevil by freezing for 3 + Clarence Day , then serve to bird .
Compost – Severely infested and musty seed should be dispose in compost , not fed to wench .
cast away – Badly infested seed with broad cast should be bag and bewilder in trash .
With vigilance and proper storage , you could keep weevils aside from your bird feed . But even if some nobble in , rest assured your backyard birds will gayly gobble up both the seeds and extra protein provide by the weevils !
Rodents and Other Critters
pass on : Mouse Species Photo by Kristen Martyn . Right : Eastern Chipmunk ( Tamias striatus ) , Photo by Kristen Martyn .
leave behind : Eastern Gray Squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) , Photo by Kristen Martyn . correctly : Raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) .
ducky like mouse , chipmunks , squirrels , and raccoons can damage food for thought if it is stored in container that they ca n’t jaw , like metal or very strong plastic . Do not will food containers outdoors on their own ; instead , put them in a shed , service department , or cabinet where they will be dependable .
How do I Store Food to Avoid Moths and Other Creatures?
Are you worried about where or how to store your Bronx cheer food ? Are you afraid that moths , bugs , mice , or other brute will get into it ? The veracious means to store food will keep it safe and healthy for the chick and make certain it endure as long as potential ( up to a yr if done right ) .
Please keep in mind that all of the product information on our website is only think to be utile . you could call us at ( 705 ) 726 - 7600 , add up to our store in Barrie ( 515 Bryne Drive , Barrie , ON ) , or email us at [ e-mail protected ] to find out more about terms and shipping ( within Canada only ) .
Better bird seed! How to recognize good bird seed and not waste money.
FAQ
Should I drop away bird source with bug ?
How to get disembarrass of weevil in hiss seed without ?
How do you keep weevils out of seed ?
Can snort rust bird germ with moths in it ?
