There’s nothing better than watching birds flock to your backyard feeder. But while you're enjoying the view, something much smaller and itchier could be lurking nearby: chiggers.
These tiny mite larvae love to hide in the moist soil and tall grass around bird feeders, turning your peaceful backyard into prime territory for itchy bites and uncomfortable poultry.
The Unexpected Link Between Bird Feeders and Chiggers
Bird feeders naturally create the perfect environment for pests. When birds scatter seed onto the ground, it creates moisture and food sources that attract bugs of all kinds, including chiggers. These pests thrive in damp, shaded areas with plenty of places to hide, like tall grass or thick mulch beneath your feeder.
Even though chiggers cannot survive long on birds, they use the ground below feeders as a launching pad to find their next host. Whether that is a curious chicken scratching under the feeder, your family dog, or your own ankles, it is not a welcome surprise.
How to Prevent Chiggers From Taking Over Your Bird Feeder Area
The good news is you do not have to take down your bird feeder to protect your yard. A few smart changes can make a huge difference in keeping chiggers away:
-
Move your feeder to an open area like a gravel patch, paved patio, or mulched garden bed, away from tall weeds and grass.
-
Clean up spilled seed regularly. This prevents moisture buildup and removes food sources for pests.
-
Mow and trim the surrounding area. Chiggers love tall grass and shady spots.
-
Use tray-style feeders that catch seeds before they hit the ground, making cleanup easier.
-
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth below the feeder to naturally dry out any mites hiding in the soil.
These simple changes not only help with chigger prevention but also keep your outdoor space looking neat and welcoming for birds.
Already Seeing Chiggers? Here’s How Premo Guard Can Help Protect Birds, Pets, and People
If chiggers have already found their way into your yard, don’t panic. While cleaning up your bird feeder area is essential, sometimes the pests are already there and bothering your flock, your pets, or even your family. That is when safe, natural pest control products make a huge difference.
Premo Guard Poultry Spray: Protection for Backyard Birds and Coops
For anyone raising backyard chickens, ducks, or other outdoor birds, Premo Guard Poultry Spray is a simple and effective way to stop chigger infestations. This plant-based spray kills mites, lice, fleas, and chiggers on contact, without harsh chemicals that could irritate your birds or require egg withdrawal periods.
Spray it directly on:
-
Feathers, legs, and under wings where pests hide
-
Nesting boxes, roosting bars, and coop floors
-
The ground around your bird feeder or dust bath areas where birds scratch and rest
It’s an easy way to protect your flock from itchy bites and discomfort, while also treating the environment to prevent pests from coming back.
Premo Guard Pet Protector Spray: For Dogs, Cats, and Around the Home
Chiggers don’t just bother birds. They can also latch onto your pets when they play outside or walk through tall grass near the bird feeder. If your dog or cat is scratching more than usual after spending time in the yard, chiggers might be the cause.
Premo Guard Pet Protector Spray offers the same safe, natural protection for your pets and home. You can spray it directly on your dog or cat’s coat (avoiding their face), their bedding, and places where they rest indoors. It kills mites, fleas, ticks, and chiggers without exposing your pets or family to harsh pesticides.
Together, these sprays help break the chigger life cycle in your yard, protecting your birds, pets, and family from uncomfortable bites all without harmful chemicals.
Keep Enjoying Your Birds Without the Bugs
A bird feeder should attract beautiful wildlife, not unwanted pests. With a little yard maintenance and safe, effective solutions like Premo Guard Poultry Spray, you can protect your feathered friends from irritating mites and enjoy your outdoor space without worry.
