Sorghum Covered With Insects

Q: My friend has sorghum sprouting near her bird feeder. I noticed the seedhead was absolutely covered with a wide variety of insects, from different looking wasps and ants to other flying creatures. 

A: Sorghum (milo) in bird seed comes from a plant that has a huge seed head on top of the stalk. The large round seeds are used as filler in less-expensive birdseed mixes. It isn’t particularly attractive to birds but when they scratch it onto the ground it is a favorite food for rats and chipmunks. I have also noticed how many insects are attracted to the flower/seed head. It seems like we should raise more awareness that this is a good plant to enhance insect life in our landscapes. I’m going to make a note in my calendar to plant some in my landscape next year.