Feeding birds and squirrels

[Suburbanboss]

I live in a little block of 4 flats with a large shared garden. My neighbour in the flat directly below feeds the birds and squirrels from her window 3-4 times per day. I reckon it’s after every meal time, the scraps go out the back window. When she is out or away, they come in large numbers expecting food. Finding none, the squirrels actually climb up the brickwork and the birds land on my window sill, and they try to get in when my window is open. So I can’t open my windows at the back now. (Have to clean bird poo off the sill 1-2 times per week.)
Also, a few months ago, the other block of flats next to us had a major rat infestation in several flats. Took weeks for authorities to remedy, and I’m worried that this feeding will attract the rats to our building.
This is an old couple in their 70s/80s and I am reluctant to confront them and cause upset but it’s driving me mad!

Speak to the landlord and mention you've spotted a couple of rats and squirrels chewing cables on the outside wall.

Thanks for your reply, Wells

Our landlord is excellent at responding to stuff like this and his priority would be to check it out and get it dealt with first. He would send someone out to check and assess the problem asap. I would be in a tricky spot, cos there is nothing to show them!

I do think, however, that I may have to go through the landlord. I’ll just have to stick to the truth of what a nuisance and worry it is.

I have been trying to ‘compose’ what I could say to my neighbours without alienating them, and whatever I come up with still ends up sounding mean. So unless I get a ruthless head on one day when it’s really bad, I think I’ll let the landlord be the bad guy!

Thanks again.