BBC Gardeners' World host Monty Don has warned against one common bird feeder mistake which could attract rats and squirrels to gardens instead of birds.08:12, 08 Jul 2026While drawing birds into the garden is always high on any keen gardener's wish list, keeping rats and squirrels at bay is equally as important.‌These creatures can wreak absolute havoc on lovingly maintained gardens, and are notorious for undoing all the hard work that dedicated green-fingered enthusiasts have put in.‌Now, BBC Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has revealed the one common mistake you could be making in your efforts to attract birds, which may actually be luring rats and squirrels into your outdoor space instead.‌Bird feeders are one of a gardener's greatest tools for bringing feathered visitors to the garden, yet there's one ingredient that's frequently added to them which happens to be a firm favourite of rats and squirrels — and Monty Don is urging gardeners to think twice before using it, reports the Express.The expert horticulturist shared in an issue of Gardeners' World magazine: "No grain as this primarily attracts pigeons, sparrows, squirrels and rats, and is rarely eaten by other birds."‌So what should you actually be putting in your bird feeder to attract the right visitors while keeping unwanted ones away?The well-known presenter has let slip his own carefully crafted bird feeder mix: "This is composed of a mix I make up myself with sunflower seeds and hearts, peanut pieces, suet pellets, dried mealworms and nijer seed, and lives in a dustbin outside the back door."The horticultural expert, whose own garden, Longmeadow in Ivington, Herefordshire, is widely regarded as one of Britain's most beautiful, has also revealed the ideal spot to position bird feeders, using Longmeadow as a case study.‌He did warn, however, that gardeners should remain alert and watch out for sparrowhawks, as they can occasionally swoop down and attempt to snatch the food intended for other birds.He shares: "I hang peanut feeders and fat and suet balls from the branches of the large fig tree in the corner of our backyard, and every morning I sprinkle the seed mix onto the logs and along the top of the stone wall that is backed by thick brambles, which act as cover for the sparrow hawks that occasionally swoop in and take a small bird from the table."Article continues belowMonty has also discussed food shortages as the seasons shift, particularly the transition from summer to winter, sharing: "As the weather changes, the birds greedily feed off any seeds and berries in the garden but they soon get taken. So supplementing this natural supply both helps them and provides a fascinating chance to share and observe their world."The Gardeners' World presenter also explained which foods work best for birds: "It helps for the food to be as calorific as possible and seeds, nuts and fat are best of all. Left-over Pastry, bread and rice always get eaten fast and fruit is good, especially for blackbirds and thrushes."