Unfortunately, bird food does attract rats. In particular, spilled food around bird feeders or food placed on the ground give rats easy access. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly clean underneath your bird feeders, or use a tray to collect all of the discarded seed. Furthermore, providing food above ground level will prevent rats from being able to access the feeder easily. Rats are also less attracted to foods such as Niger or Safflower Seeds, although rats are likely to try everything. To conclude, it is easy to keep rats away from bird food by having a clean garden with elevated feeders.