Martha Stewart's Trick For Keeping Bird Seed Stored Away & Safe From Pests

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When it comes to home and lifestyle guidance, Martha Stewart seems to understand how to connect with a wide variety of people. And it's not just with recipes and cooking tips or even home repair and renovation advice. She also shares more practical tips for organization and storage at home, including how she stores things like bird seed so that it doesn't get ruined or infested by pests.

In a post on her blog, Stewart shared that she personally uses "metal garbage bins" for storing the bird seed in the generator room on her property. She also explained that you should be looking "for storage solutions that are durable and long-lasting." Not only will metal bins with lids last longer, but this also keeps critters out of the seeds, including rodents and bugs. 

It's important to keep containers that store bird seed in a place that is cool and dry, as it helps with freshness, and leaving the seed in its original bag inside the bin is also recommended. You don't want to store the seed inside your home near any food products because it can attract pests inside. However, you could keep these bins in a basement or the garage, although it's not always recommended to store bird seed in a backyard shed. Wherever you end up storing your bird seed, it really is all about the actual storage container, as that will keep it fresh and pest-free longer.

Although metal garbage cans might be one of the better choices for storing bird seed, they are not the only option. If you're looking for some other choices for storing your bird seed that are not the metal garbage bins that Martha Stewart uses, checking hardware stores can be great for inspiration. A variety of stores, including Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Tractor Supply, sell a metal pail with a lid that locks for pet food of all types that keeps out rodents. Galvanized metal containers of all kinds can be used as long as they have lids that are airtight. Beyond metal containers and garbage bins, you can also choose plastic containers with proper seals.

If you choose a plastic container, you'll want to pick one that is made with a heavier plastic that also has an airtight lid to keep out bugs. With the airtight seal, bugs won't be able to smell the bird seed, and the hard plastic will keep them from burrowing in from the sides. While mice can still chew through plastic, if you are storing it in your basement and you're not worried about rodents, plastic can be a good choice for keeping moisture out of the container, which will keep the bird seed fresh. With these bins, you won't have to deal with rusting, and they can last longer. You can even find a plastic Bird Seed Storage Container on Amazon that features a locking lid with an airtight seal for under $30, making it an affordable option for keeping your bird seed fresh and bug-free.