Boise Residents Must Raise Bird Feeders Under New Rule
Starting December 1, residents must secure trash and elevate bird feeders to 5 feet to curb rat and turkey populations.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Wildlife
Live Poll
Should local governments enact ordinances requiring residents to modify their property to control pest populations?
Boise has passed a new ordinance requiring residents to remove attractants that draw rats and wild turkeys to their properties. The rules, which include securing garbage and limiting bird feeder access, take effect for the public on December 1.
Why it matters
Rising rat and wild turkey populations have sparked public concern, leading the city to update its nuisance code to prevent food sources from drawing pests to homes. This measure shifts the responsibility for wildlife management to individual households to curb infestation levels in local neighborhoods.
The ordinance mandates a new 5-foot height minimum for bird and squirrel feeders to restrict pest access. The city is preparing to enforce these nuisance rules across all residential properties starting this December.
The players
Boise City Council
The local legislative body responsible for passing municipal ordinances and managing city-wide nuisance codes.
Central District Health
The regional public health authority that manages local pest control pilot programs and disease prevention efforts.
Republic Services
The waste management service provider that supplies the carts required for secure food waste storage under the new code.
The details
Residents must now secure all food waste within Republic Services carts and keep any compost in sealed, tamper-proof containers. Feeders for squirrels or birds must be elevated at least 5 feet off the ground to deter wild animals from gathering. If residents do not comply, the city has the authority to remove these attractants from private property and bill the homeowner for the associated costs.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: The city council and mayor approved the new ordinance.
November 2026: The city begins public education efforts regarding compliance.
November 1, 2026: City facilities begin their own compliance process.
December 1, 2026: Full enforcement of the ordinance begins for all residents.
The Home Front
This mandate updates the Boise City Code nuisance section to formalize resident obligations in response to increasing urban wildlife activity. The change aligns with broader regional efforts to manage invasive pest populations through shared property standards.
Check that all bird or squirrel feeders on your property are positioned at least 5 feet above the ground to remain in compliance. You should also audit your waste storage to ensure all food scraps are inside sealed Republic Services carts or containers.
The takeaway
The city has shifted toward stricter property maintenance standards to mitigate pest populations, making individual yard management essential to avoid city intervention. Start by elevating any bird feeders to the 5-foot height limit and ensuring your waste containers are sealed before the December 1 deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about local pest management strategies in the Wildlife section.
Live Poll
Should local governments enact ordinances requiring residents to modify their property to control pest populations?
