Buzz
While some birds are visually stunning, others can be persistent pests and cause significant damage. To address the problems caused by birds, you can employ scare tactics such as making loud noises, using reflective objects, and setting up animal decoys. Additionally, you can prevent birds from entering or perching on buildings by sealing gaps and installing bird spikes on exposed ledges. If the birds remain stubborn, you can escalate to more forceful measures like trapping and relocating them or seeking assistance from wildlife experts.
Steps
Scare Tactics to Drive Birds Away
Set up a scarecrow. Purchase a ready-made scarecrow from a craft store or gardening shop. Alternatively, you can create your own scarecrow by crossing two wooden sticks, dressing them in old clothes, and stuffing them with straw. Place the scarecrow within the birds' line of sight and watch them fly away.
- Move the scarecrow to a new spot every few days or change its clothes to prevent the birds from getting used to it.
Place animal decoys around your property. Purchase inexpensive plastic animal decoys. Choose predators of birds, such as snakes, owls, swans, or even wolves. Position one or two decoys around areas where birds frequently perch. Rotate the decoys every few days to keep the birds away.
Activate motion-activated sprinklers. While not feasible for all locations, this is an excellent tool for deterring birds from decks or pools. Install motion-activated sprinklers aimed at the problem area. Purchase these devices online or at gardening stores. When birds attempt to land, the spray will scare them off.
- Don’t worry about the water pressure—this is a harmless way to encourage birds to relocate.
Hang balloons. Buy balloons printed with faces and hang them in areas where birds are causing trouble. Secure the balloons to poles or tree branches to prevent them from blowing away. Add fluttering ribbons for extra effect. Rotate and change the setup every few days to keep the birds unsettled.
Use shiny or reflective materials. Cut aluminum foil into long strips and hang them on trees or bushes. Punch holes in old aluminum pans and hang them similarly. Hang shiny CDs or reflective tape to deter birds. Ensure there’s enough space for these items to spin and move, as the motion will scare the birds more effectively.
- There’s a product called “optical fire gel” that creates the illusion of flames. It’s applied to building ledges to prevent birds from perching or roosting.
- Metal pinwheels, available at most garden centers, are also highly effective at repelling birds.
Play distress sounds. Purchase CDs with bird distress calls and play them near the problem area. You may need to increase the volume to reach tall trees. While this method can be noisy, it works best if played consistently over several evenings. Species like starlings and other nuisance birds have been known to abandon roosting spots due to these sounds.
Use dogs. Border Collies, sheepdogs, and other breeds are both enthusiastic and skilled at chasing birds. You can hire a trained dog to patrol areas affected by birds or borrow a dog from someone you know. Take the dog out in the early morning and late afternoon when birds are most active.
- For example, a sheepdog patrolling a beach during peak hours can reduce seagull populations by up to 99%.
- Use a leash and harness to ensure the dog doesn’t harm the birds.
Use predatory birds. Contact local zoos or wildlife conservation centers to find falconers, who specialize in training falcons and other birds of prey. Falconers charge an hourly fee for their services. They will command falcons or hawks to fly around and intimidate smaller birds.
- This is an excellent option for areas where birds are no longer deterred by decoys or gentler methods. However, this service can be expensive, averaging around $55 per hour (in the U.S.).
- Kites shaped like predatory birds are also available. Some people have successfully flown these kites over areas plagued by birds.
Combine and rotate methods. Birds are intelligent and persistent when it comes to finding places to roost or nest. To keep them away long-term, change your tactics every few days and create multiple layers of protection. Aim to introduce an element of surprise to deter them.
Keep Birds Away from Your Home
Remove food and water sources. Eliminate bird feeders, as they provide an easy food source for wild birds. Avoid throwing breadcrumbs or any food scraps for birds. Drain water trays to prevent birds from bathing, and fill in stagnant puddles.
- Secure trash bins with tight lids and cover compost piles to prevent animals from scavenging for food scraps.
Clear the ground. Trim overgrown bushes, cut back tall grass, and remove wild shrubs. Clean up dead trees or logs, as these provide shelter for wild birds to hide from predators and build nests. Maintain your lawn in this manner even after the birds have left to avoid attracting new flocks.
Install bird netting. Purchase plastic netting from gardening or hardware stores. Use stakes or poles to create a frame for the netting around trees or plants that need protection. Drape the netting over shrubs that birds might damage. Use netting to block potential nesting spots on buildings, such as roof rafters.
- Netting with 10cm gaps is sufficient to deter crows and larger birds. Opt for smaller gaps if you want to keep out smaller birds.
- Before installing the netting, push aside foliage and inspect bushes or trees to ensure no birds are trapped inside.
String parallel lines. Use cables or fishing lines to create parallel lines spaced about 30cm apart above the area you want to protect. Arrange bricks or pipes along the sides to anchor the lines. While this method won’t stop birds from perching, it prevents them from building large nests.
- Regularly check the lines to ensure they remain intact.
Block entry points. Birds may sometimes fly directly into your home when doors are open. Hang thick plastic or rubber strips over door frames to prevent birds from entering. Cut rubber or plastic strips 25cm wide and hang them 5cm apart to create a heavier barrier.
Install bird spikes. Purchase metal bird spikes and install them in areas where birds frequently perch or roost. Most people place spikes on ledges, gutters, roof edges, and porch overhangs. The spikes are typically attached to the structure using glue or screws.
Install electric shock strips. These are flat, flexible strips that deliver a mild electric shock when pressed. When birds land on them, they experience a harmless but startling jolt. These are ideal for signs or ledges, as they come in various colors and thicknesses.
- Some models run on electricity or batteries, while others are designed to store and operate on solar energy.
Use bird repellent (paste or spray). Purchase bird repellent to apply on surfaces where birds frequently perch, such as ledges or eaves. Apply it evenly to ensure no spots are missed. While there’s no scientific evidence supporting this method, some claim the smell alone is enough to deter birds.
- Certain repellents may stain surfaces. If this is a concern, apply tape before spreading the repellent.
Seal exterior openings. Starlings and other small birds often nest in tight spaces. Inspect your home for gaps and stuff them with copper mesh or steel wool. Cover the openings with wood, metal, or netting.
- Secure gutters and vents with mesh screens.
- Avoid using fillers alone, as birds can peck through them.
Implement Stronger Measures
Hire a wildlife expert. If previous tactics haven’t worked, it may be time to consult a wildlife professional. Contact local zoos or wildlife conservation centers to find a bird specialist. They will visit your property and relocate large bird populations.
- You’ll need to pay for their services. A contract may be necessary if multiple visits are required to resolve the issue.
Use traps to capture and relocate birds. Contact Wildlife Services or Animal Control Centers to rent or borrow traps. If unavailable, you can purchase inexpensive traps with “one-way doors” or “funnel doors” online and resell them after use. Place traps around affected areas and check them daily. Once birds are caught, transport them far away and release them.
Check regulations before using lethal methods. Research local laws before harming any nuisance birds. Some species are protected by law, while others are classified as “unprotected” and may be shot or chemically controlled.
- For example, some U.S. states allow citizens to shoot pigeons and sparrows as a population control measure. However, verify local laws, as discharging firearms in residential areas may be prohibited. Exhaust all other options before considering this approach.
Destroy nests and eggs. While some find this method distasteful, it’s an effective way to reduce wild bird populations. Smash eggs every two weeks during spring and summer. Additionally, remove nests from window ledges, gutters, and other unwanted locations.
- A less messy alternative is adding bird contraceptives to their food, though this may affect unintended species.
- Depending on the bird species, you may need a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove eggs or nests.
Tips
- Install cat access points nearby to allow cats to help deter birds.
Warnings
- Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning areas where birds have nested. This helps prevent the spread of mites or diseases from birds to humans.
