Scare tape is completely harmless to birds: it simply makes your property look unappealing to them. [3] X Research source For a cheaper option, you can also use aluminum foil. Try placing it in the dirt around any vulnerable plants and slightly burying the edges to keep it in place. [4] X Research source Both scare tape and aluminum foil will lose their effectiveness as their shininess fades so be sure to replace them regularly.
You can also purchase commercial products that may look a bit nicer and more effectively reflect the light. [6] X Research source
If you’re having trouble with geese, use a fake coyote instead, since owls and snakes may not be large enough to scare these bigger birds. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source If you have a larger property, you can also make a scarecrow. Again, be sure to move it frequently so the birds don’t figure out it’s not real.
Unsurprisingly, wind chimes will be less effective if you live in an area without much of a breeze.
Playing the alarm calls for a few hours may keep birds away for weeks at a time, or you may need to play them every evening to prevent birds from coming onto your property to roost. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source This method can be particularly helpful for deterring crows and geese. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source
You can also try laying down duct tape with the sticky side facing up. Use additional duct tape to secure it to the railing on either end. [14] X Research source
If you don’t have natural high points to hang fishing wire above your roof, you could use a line of cinder blocks or attach a series of posts to the sides of your roof. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source
Although they may appear menacing, anti-roosting spikes do not actually harm birds. They simply create a surface that is difficult for them to land and roost on. [18] X Research source Anti-roosting spikes can be expensive and take time to install. However, they are one of the most reliable deterrents and will continue to work for years. For a lower cost alternative, try using a slinky (the coiled metal children’s toy). Simply extend the toy and attach it to the top of a railing using duct tape. The barrier of the coils will function like anti-roosting spikes, making it difficult for birds to find a comfortable spot to perch and roost.
Commercial bird repellents can be a great option for renters who can’t install more permanent solutions to keep birds away. Bird repellent is nontoxic to birds and other animals, but it can stain painted surfaces. To protect any painted areas, cover them with masking tape before applying to substance. [19] X Research source Make sure the product you purchase is environmentally safe and does not contain polybutylene, which can harm all birds and animals that come into contact with it. [20] X Research source
You can also simply sprinkle the spices along railings and windowsills. Replace the spices frequently so the deterrents don’t lose their potency.
If you do find bird feces in your pool, you should close the pool to swimmers and use a net or bucket to remove the bird droppings. Then increase the free chlorine concentration to 2 parts per million (ppm), maintain the pH level at 7. 5 or less, and raise the temperature to 77°F (25°C) or higher. [23] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If you feed your pet outdoors you can take measures to keep birds away from pet food. Put your dogs on a regular feeding schedule (which reduces leftover food) and always store your kibble properly by keeping it in an animal-proof container or, better yet, storing it indoors. Pesky birds such as pigeons can also be attracted to seed you put out for other species. To discourage unwanted birds from visiting your lawn, always put seed into birdfeeders and keep the ground beneath them cleaned up. You may need to stop feeding all birds for a few weeks until the unwanted species goes away. [24] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Consider installing mesh screens or other commercial protectants into your gutters as well. As a bonus, this can also help keep your gutters free of leaves and other natural debris. [27] X Expert Source Elmer BensingerPest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 5 February 2021. If you’re concerned about birds become ensnared in the mesh, purchase a hard, non-flexible metal screen with openings less than 1 inch (2. 5 cm) wide. [28] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source
Make sure to block even very small holes: sparrows can enter a building through holes as small as 1. 25 inches (3. 2 cm) in diameter. [31] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source
Bird netting comes in different sizes meant to keep different types of birds away. 4 inches (10 cm) mesh bird netting keeps out gulls; 2 inches (5. 1 cm) mesh blocks pigeons; 1. 125 inches (2. 86 cm) mesh excludes starlings, grackles, blackbirds, and similarly sized birds; 0. 75 inches (1. 9 cm) bird netting keeps out small birds like sparrows and swallows. [33] X Research source Bird netting can be more dangerous to birds than other deterrent options. If poorly installed, birds can become trapped inside and smaller species, like sparrows, can become tangled in the netting itself, damaging their beaks and feet. Even when properly installed, birds’ legs and feet can occasionally get entangled. [34] X Research source
For a more automated solution, you can purchase and install a motion-activated sprinkler device. This will annoy and scare away birds even when you’re not around.
Although relatively new to the market, OvoControl has been shown to effectively reduce hatching rates in pigeons and help diminish flock sizes. [37] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
In the U. S. , most birds are protected by law and cannot be trapped or killed. Before setting a trap, contact the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the regulations for your state. They can provide you with guidelines and recommendations. [39] X Research source Check your traps daily and immediately release any birds you weren’t aiming for. Leave water and food in the trap to attract more birds and minimize stress on any birds that you do catch. [40] X Research source
Before removing the nest, make sure to check local and national animal protection laws. For example, in the US, it is almost always illegal to disturb a nest that has chicks or eggs in it. Additionally, the nests of some birds are always protected, whether or not they contain eggs. [42] X Research source
