How to Protect Yourself When Cleaning Bird Feeders
Bird feeders should be cleaned every two weeks with a diluted bleach-and-water solution. The cleaning will help to protect birds from the spread of deadly diseases such as salmonellosis and aspergillosis, both of which are avian diseases commonly spread through bird feeders. Some of the diseases that birds carry can also be spread to humans, so it is important to take special precautions when you are cleaning out your bird feeders.
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Instructions
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Always wear rubber gloves when you are cleaning out your bird feeders. Mold can collect at the bottom of the feeder when bird seed becomes wet. This mold can harbor bacteria that you don't want to touch with your bare skin. Most bird feeders will also contain bird droppings that may be tainted with bacteria and parasites.
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Throw the rubber gloves away when you are done cleaning the bird feeders. Place them in an outside trash bin, not one that is indoors. And try not to touch any of the contaminated parts of the gloves when you remove them.
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Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the feeders with an antibacterial soap, regardless of whether you wear gloves. When you remove the gloves from your hands it is possible that you can touch contaminates. The antibacterial soap will act as an extra precautionary measure.
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Use a dust mask when you are cleaning out bird feeders. Some of the diseases that birds carry can be transmitted through the air and a dust mask will help to prevent breathing contaminated air.
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Never clean your bird feeders indoors. It is better to work outdoors where there is better ventilation when using bleach. It is also not a good idea to bring bird feeders that may be contaminated with avian diseases and parasites inside of your home. These diseases can become airborne in your home and sicken you or your family.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are uncomfortable using a bleach solution on your bird feeders, you can purchase a commercial bird feeder cleaner that is bleach free.
Keep children and pets away from bird feeders.
It is not recommended to touch dead, dying or sick birds. Wear rubber gloves on your hands if you must.
