Start with spilled seed. A tidy feeding area gives rats less food.
Fit a seed tray beneath feeding ports. Empty it regularly and offer smaller portions.
Fit suitable hardware below the feeder. Keep the pole clear of climbing routes.
Place it away from fences, shrubs and branches that could bypass the baffle.
Collect fallen seed daily. No-mess mixes can reduce waste, but edible spills still attract rats.
Store them securely overnight. If activity continues, pause feeding for a couple of weeks.
Combine trays, baffles and daily cleanup. Address other food sources nearby.