Why your birdfeeder becomes a ‘disease spot’ in a heatwave — and how to fix it

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With temperatures soaring, homeowners are being urged to keep bird feeders free from bacteria to protect wildlife from disease. The warning comes as the risk of disease increases with rising temperatures.The parasitic disease trichomonosis, which spreads through saliva and contaminated food and water, can be lethal to many bird populations.Kym Barlow, commercial director at sustainable furniture company TDP, advises anyone with a bird table or feeder to keep it clean to prevent the spread of disease.How to protect the birds

(Image credit: Future)“During the summer months, busy bird feeders become hotspots for disease as more birds gather, while warmer temperatures help the parasite to survive longer without a host,” says Barlow.And she adds, “Trichomonosis is a serious threat to garden bird populations, and contaminated feeders are one of the primary ways it spreads. But it’s easy to underestimate how quickly they can become a health hazard.”Barlow says taking a few minutes to clean a bird feeder can make a real difference to the birds visiting your yard, helping to protect local wildlife.She recommends following guidelines to clean bird feeders at least once a week, using hot soapy water, making sure you clear away any old food or droppings from around the feeders, while disinfecting surfaces with non-toxic or mild solutions.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Cleaning wooden and plastic feeders