Are you wondering, “Can birds smell?” and “What smell deters birds?” Yes, some home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, peppermint, and chili pepper flakes may have a small repelling effect on birds. But nothing comes close to how birds hate the smell of the food grade ingredient, Methyl Anthranilate.
At Bird B Gone, our team of bird control experts often encounter questions like “What smells do birds hate?” or “Can birds smell?” We understand repelling birds with aromatic repellents can be confusing. Thats why weve crafted this article to provide you with clear and friendly insights.
Birds can smell. In fact, birds pick up on a lot of smells. Here are a few remarkable examples to illustrate the point:
More and more research is being done every year to learn about birds and their sense of smell. Discovering what smells attract birds and what smells drive them away, provides experts with new and exciting information to improve bird control strategies for homeowners and professionals.
What Smells Do Birds Like?
Although each species will have its own unique set of scents that attract them, two broad categories of alluring scents are frequently encountered by birds.
- Bird Poop & Nests. It is well known that birds are drawn to their own droppings and places where there is evidence of nesting. Although it’s unclear if this has anything to do with smell, it is abundantly evident that birds are drawn to pheromones in nests and droppings.
- The Smell of Food. Birds enjoy the aroma of food, or at least anything that suggests food is nearby. Not necessarily food for humans, as we’ll talk about later, but food for birds
Using this information, a few guidelines for effective bird control can be established:
- Clean-Up All Signs of Bird Poop & Nests. Make sure you always clean the area completely and get rid of any signs of bird infestation. Where there are droppings, there will be birds. Any bird control strategy must begin with cleaning and disinfection.
- Remove All Signs of Food. You won’t be able to get rid of every food source, particularly if you need to protect an agricultural area, restaurant, or garden, but do your best to get rid of what you can. Maintain outdoor tables spotless, empty the trash, buss them regularly, and put up signs asking people not to feed the birds.
Are Homemade Repellents Effective?
Avoiding harming the birds is essential when making bird repellent at home. It is imperative that you utilize non-toxic and safe products. You don’t want to contaminate your own produce, especially if you intend to spray plant-filled areas.
Dealing with bird repellent requires a plan. You must be aware of the laws protecting birds in order to deter them from entering your property. The majority of bird species are legally protected, depending on the area Check your local laws before taking any action to disturb birds in your area.
How To Make Homemade Bird Repellent
Select a base scent from the list above to use as your homemade repellent against birds. Any of these aromas can be the primary component of a spray designed to deter birds. You can combine liquid dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and water with these fragrances. Some recipes to try are:
- 14 drops of peppermint oil
- 14 drops of lemon oil
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- ½ cup of water
- 6 drops of liquid dish soap
- 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper
- 1 gallon of water
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 2 cups of olive oil
- 3 parts water
- 1 part cinnamon
FAQ
What is the most effective bird deterrent?
Is peppermint a bird deterrent?