While most birds aren’t considered parasites, they can become quite a nuisance. Birds can be helpful in some ways: feeding on predator insects and eating the seeds of pesky weeds that can overtake your garden; but birds can also be pests by feeding on the fruits and veggies in your garden, causing damage to your home and other structures on your property, and leaving droppings that can lead to serious health risks to you and your family. Because it is illegal to kill most species of birds and remove or destroy the nests of other species, homeowners are only left with a few options when it comes to bird control: natural repellents that deter birds away from certain areas around your home and professional wildlife exclusion to safely and humanely remove or relocate nuisance birds. Here are five home remedies to keep birds away:
Shiny, reflective objects make great deterrents for problematic birds. The reflection of light off of these objects discourages birds from returning to these areas. These shiny objects, such as old CDs, aluminum cans, tin foil, small mirrors, or even metallic wrapping paper, can be hung near nesting or landing areas frequented by the problematic birds.
Birds have many natural predators including cats, owls, and larger birds of prey. Placing objects in the shape of these predators around areas frequented by nuisance birds can deter them from nesting or landing near them. These objects can be made of wood, metal, or any other material that can withstand the outdoor environment. Make sure to move these objects around every few days or the birds will get acclimated to them and begin to ignore them.
Round garden balls, which are large colorful balls that can be placed in your garden or hung from trees, fence posts, and stakes are a natural bird repellent. Birds will confuse these spherical orbs with eyes and try to avoid them. They also can be great decorations for your yard or garden.
Bird spikes are long, needle-like rods used for bird control. These spikes can be made of tin or plastic cans and placed in the dirt or attached with wire to window sills and overhangs. They can also be made by hammering nails into wood. Birds find these spikes uncomfortable and won’t land on them, keeping them away from problematic areas around your home.
There are several versions of bird repellent sprays you can make at home but the most popular is a concoction of chili peppers, water, and vinegar. To make this spray, crush dried red or green chili peppers into a mixture of water and vinegar. This mixture can either then be heated in a crock pot for a few hours to infuse or placed in a clear glass in the sunlight for a natural infusion. Once finished, place the repellent in a plant mister and spray any areas where birds are causing problems.
If you try these home remedies and you still have an issue with birds, your other option is to contact a professional pest control company who specializes in wildlife control who can come and thoroughly evaluate your home to help determine not only the species of bird you are dealing with, but also the best course of treatment that is both legal and effective.
Gulls
While they are occasionally referred to as “seagulls,” not all gulls are beach dwellers. Therefore, even if you live inland, gulls may be present on your property. There are many kinds of gulls. For instance, the great black-backed gull is a gull that is frequently observed in North America’s Atlantic region (Larus marinus) This large bird, measuring approximately 2 1/2 feet in length, has white on its head, belly, and wings. Tail feathers frequently blend white, gray, and black. Its large yellow bill is striking, and its feet are webbed.
Given that birds do offer certain advantages to a yard, deciding whether or not to take precautions to keep them away can be challenging. These benefits include:
- Pleasure: In addition to their melodies, birds can also add visual interest to a yard with their colorful feathers and/or eye-catching shapes.
- Natural pest control: A wild bird’s diet can include anything from mosquitoes to mice, depending on its size.
- Pollination: Many birds assist in the process of pollinating garden plants, in addition to butterflies. Hummingbirds and orioles are two noteworthy pollinators.
Scare Them Off With a Pet
Generally speaking, birds will avoid a porch area where a dog or cat is present or close by, particularly if the animal is easily agitated by wildlife. Even though it wouldn’t make sense to purchase a pet for this particular purpose, make the most of your current pet. Give your dog or cat plenty of porch time and make your porch area pet-friendly.
Use Sights, Sounds, and Smells To Repel Birds
Birds dislike shiny objects, especially if they are moving. Although you can purchase these items (pinwheels, for instance), using aluminum foil, which you already have in your kitchen, is less expensive. Slice it into strips and arrange them on the porch. The breeze will blow them, which the birds find disorienting.
If you choose a sound-based repellent, try wind chimes. As a bonus, the music they bring sounds great.
Certain smells also act as bird repellents. For example, birds do not like citrusy smells. You can deter birds by sprinkling your porch with lemon oil.
FAQ
What actually works to keep birds away?
What scares birds away from porch?