do birds like moth balls

Need pigeons removal in your hometown? We service over 500 USA locations! Click here to hire us in your town and check prices – updated for year 2020. When it comes to home remedies that are discussed in books and on DIY websites, there are few that come up as often when it comes to dealing with pest animals as ammonia and mothballs. Down the years there have been so many people who fall for the hearsay of these simple solutions that will solve an awkward problem like a pigeon infestation. There are several reasons why people think that the idea of using these chemicals might actually be effective, but unfortunately, these do not stand up to close scrutiny. The Strong Scent Of The Chemicals One of the main reasons that people will think that mothballs and ammonia may prove to be an effective repellent is that even to the weak human nose, when they get close to these chemicals the strong scent may make them flinch. The pigeons sense of smell is remarkably good, but although they use this when they are trying to find their way to a particular destination, it isnt used regularly when looking for food. When it comes to being a repellent, the features that will attract a pigeon to a particular location will make the scent just a little bit of an inconvenience, rather than a repellent that they cannot live with. The Toxic Effect Of Mothballs And Ammonia The scent and the effect of these chemicals are both very strong, but for those who think that pigeons will be deterred by the effect of mothballs and ammonia, sadly it isnt the case. These birds will not want to consume any of these chemicals, and even in confined spaces they can just move to another area of the attic where the effect of being near such strong chemicals can be ignored. Alternatives To Ineffective Repellents There are several different ways that can be used to drive pigeons away, and while preventing them from getting in to confined spaces is the best approach, exclusion is one good way of getting rid of the birds. There are several different types of repellent, but if you have pigeons that are constantly perching or landing in a particular area, using pigeon netting and spikes can also work. If you are struggling to deal with a pigeon infestation, then there is also a good range of professionals who will have the knowledge and the experience to deal with such issues quickly and effectively that will be based in your area. Go back to the Bird Removal page.

Those people who have experienced a pest animal problem before and have visited a local hardware store or garden center will know that there are a lot of repellent products that are designed to deal with different species. Getting rid of pigeons and other flying pests is one big area of the repellent business, but the reality is that in the majority of these products are at best ineffective, and at worst are a downright waste of money. Chemical Repellents There are a range of different types of chemicals that are claimed to have a repellent effect on pigeons, and while in some cases they will have an offensive smell or texture, they will usually be little more than a slight inconvenience for the pigeons. Indeed, because many of these chemicals are toxic, the risks of using them outweigh even the best case scenario of benefits. Audio Repellents Another type of repellent is the devices that produce a high pitched noise that is said to be insufferable to all manner of animals, and they will immediately want to leave the area. Many people learn through bitter and costly experience that that promises made on the packaging do not equate to the results that they see when they actually use these. Gel Repellents These products are designed to be spread on surfaces such as windowsills and roof lines, with the viscous substance making it unpleasant for the pigeons to land on these areas. Covering your home in a sticky substance is not exactly a pleasant idea, and while it may work in some situations, often the end result means that it wasnt really worth it, and in the attic it simply isnt appropriate. Why Repellents Are Ineffective Against Pigeons The majority of situations in which pigeons have found their way into the attic will mean that you only find out about it after they have settled into their new home. The reality is that steps such as exclusion or trapping and removal will be required, as the repellents will rarely be enough of a factor to cause them to move on to a new nesting location. Go back to the Bird Removal page.

Need pigeons removal in your hometown? We service over 500 USA locations! Click here to hire us in your town and check prices – updated for year 2020. When it comes to home remedies that are discussed in books and on DIY websites, there are few that come up as often when it comes to dealing with pest animals as ammonia and mothballs. Down the years there have been so many people who fall for the hearsay of these simple solutions that will solve an awkward problem like a pigeon infestation. There are several reasons why people think that the idea of using these chemicals might actually be effective, but unfortunately, these do not stand up to close scrutiny. The Strong Scent Of The Chemicals One of the main reasons that people will think that mothballs and ammonia may prove to be an effective repellent is that even to the weak human nose, when they get close to these chemicals the strong scent may make them flinch. The pigeons sense of smell is remarkably good, but although they use this when they are trying to find their way to a particular destination, it isnt used regularly when looking for food. When it comes to being a repellent, the features that will attract a pigeon to a particular location will make the scent just a little bit of an inconvenience, rather than a repellent that they cannot live with. The Toxic Effect Of Mothballs And Ammonia The scent and the effect of these chemicals are both very strong, but for those who think that pigeons will be deterred by the effect of mothballs and ammonia, sadly it isnt the case. These birds will not want to consume any of these chemicals, and even in confined spaces they can just move to another area of the attic where the effect of being near such strong chemicals can be ignored. Alternatives To Ineffective Repellents There are several different ways that can be used to drive pigeons away, and while preventing them from getting in to confined spaces is the best approach, exclusion is one good way of getting rid of the birds. There are several different types of repellent, but if you have pigeons that are constantly perching or landing in a particular area, using pigeon netting and spikes can also work. If you are struggling to deal with a pigeon infestation, then there is also a good range of professionals who will have the knowledge and the experience to deal with such issues quickly and effectively that will be based in your area. Go back to the Bird Removal page.

Mike O’Connor and the employees of the Bird Watcher’s General Store in Orleans are the authors of this column. Original artwork is supplied by Cathy Clark. If you would like to ask the bird experts a question, send an email to bwgs. capecod@verizon. net or call 508-255-6974.

I’ve heard that mothballs repel squirrels. Could I put mothballs in my bird feeders and would that be safe for the birds? Please advise.

Betty, I’m confident you won’t have any problems locating a Squirrel Buster in Massapequa. They are available everywhere, particularly in birding stores and numerous hardware stores. But be prepared to hold your breath because hardware stores sometimes put their feeders in the same aisle as the mothballs. You should also shop quickly to avoid smelling like my Great Aunt Agnes.

I appreciate you reaching out to me prior to taking action on your mothball theory. I can tell you right away that this is not a wise decision. Despite the fact that your radical squirrel prevention idea is not unique, You would not believe the absurd—and frequently harmful—things people have done to discourage squirrels. I’ve heard of catapults and electrified birdfeeders made to launch squirrels skyward. I’ve even seen squirrel Voodoo dolls. (Believe me, they don’t work, or at least mine didn’t). Although I’ve said it previously, not everyone enjoys feeding birds as a hobby. There is no excuse for being cruel to any creature, especially in the name of saving a little birdseed, so if it gets too upsetting, collect stamps. Okay, I’m off my soapbox. On to mothballs.

A word of caution: I wrote, “100% effective against gray squirrels,” in the previous paragraph, in case you missed it. These feeders won’t deter raccoons, chipmunks, or red squirrels—especially the latter two. Although the Squirrel Busters feeders are incredibly sturdy, raccoons will destroy them with the same glee as a child opening a Christmas present. (FYI: Keeping raccoons away from feeders is complicated and expensive. Bringing your feeders inside during the night, when raccoons are most active, is my recommendation. ).

FAQ

What smell do birds hate?

Birds have ultraviolet receptors that see fire or smoke, even though there isn’t any with Optical Gel. Humans, meanwhile, see nothing at all. Smell. A blend of peppermint oil and citronella is proven to emit a smell that is offensive to birds but quite pleasant to humans.

What pests do mothballs keep away?

Mothballs are classified as a pesticide and used to control moths, silverfish and other fiber pests in wool and other natural fiber clothing and materials. Mothballs should only be used as specified on the label, and their use is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Is mothballs toxic to birds?

Moth balls are toxic to birds.

What is the best deterrent for birds?

Most theories suggest that birds fear their own reflection and avoid landing on or near areas that contain a lot of shiny or reflective light. The shine that bounces off aluminium, old CDs, and reflective tape prevents birds from landing nearby.