How to Keep Birds Away: A Comprehensive Guide to Bird Deterrence

Birds, while often beautiful and a welcome part of nature, can sometimes become a nuisance. They can damage property, create unsanitary conditions with their droppings, and disrupt peace with their constant chirping and nesting. Whether you’re dealing with pigeons on your balcony, starlings in your garden, or woodpeckers on your siding, knowing how to effectively deter birds is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on various methods to keep birds away humanely and effectively.

## Understanding Why Birds are Attracted

Before diving into deterrent methods, it’s essential to understand what attracts birds to your property in the first place. Identifying the attractants allows you to target your bird-proofing efforts more effectively.

* **Food Sources:** The most common attractant is food. This includes bird feeders (ironically), fruit trees, berry bushes, gardens with vegetables and fruits, pet food left outdoors, and even spilled garbage.
* **Water Sources:** Birds need water to drink and bathe. Ponds, bird baths, pools, fountains, and even puddles of standing water can attract them.
* **Shelter and Nesting Sites:** Trees, shrubs, ledges, eaves, gutters, and holes in buildings provide shelter and potential nesting locations.
* **Warmth:** In colder months, birds may seek out warm spots, such as vents or sunny walls.

## Methods for Keeping Birds Away

Now that you understand the attractants, let’s explore various methods for deterring birds.

### 1. Eliminate Food and Water Sources

This is the most fundamental step in bird control.

* **Remove Bird Feeders:** If birds are becoming a problem, temporarily removing bird feeders is often the first and most effective solution. This forces them to look elsewhere for food. If you insist on having bird feeders, use feeders that are specifically designed to deter larger birds like pigeons and starlings. Also, clean up any spilled seeds regularly.
* **Harvest Fruits and Vegetables Promptly:** Pick ripe fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ready to prevent birds from feasting on them. Consider netting fruit trees and berry bushes.
* **Secure Garbage Cans:** Use tightly sealed garbage cans to prevent birds from accessing food scraps. Keep the areas around garbage cans clean.
* **Clean Up Pet Food:** Don’t leave pet food outside for extended periods. Feed your pets indoors or clean up any leftover food immediately after they finish eating.
* **Eliminate Standing Water:** Drain any puddles of standing water. Regularly clean and empty bird baths and fountains, or consider removing them altogether if they are attracting unwanted birds.
* **Cover Compost Piles:** Cover compost piles to prevent birds from scavenging for food scraps. Use a compost bin with a secure lid.

### 2. Disrupt Nesting Sites

Preventing birds from nesting on your property is crucial for long-term bird control.

* **Regular Inspections:** Regularly inspect your property for signs of nesting, such as twigs, leaves, or other nesting materials. Pay particular attention to eaves, gutters, ledges, and holes in buildings.
* **Block Access to Nesting Sites:** Seal any holes or cracks in buildings to prevent birds from nesting inside. Use wire mesh or netting to block access to eaves, ledges, and other potential nesting areas.
* **Trim Trees and Shrubs:** Regularly trim trees and shrubs to reduce the availability of nesting sites. Remove dead branches and dense foliage.
* **Install Bird Netting:** Bird netting can be used to cover areas where birds like to nest, such as balconies, patios, and under eaves. Choose a netting with a small mesh size to prevent birds from getting tangled.
* **Use Bird Spikes:** Bird spikes are plastic or metal spikes that are installed on ledges, roofs, and other surfaces to prevent birds from landing and nesting. They are a humane and effective way to deter birds.
* **Clean Gutters Regularly:** Clean gutters regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged with leaves and debris, which can attract birds looking for nesting materials.

### 3. Visual Deterrents

Visual deterrents rely on birds’ natural fear of predators or unfamiliar objects to scare them away.

* **Scarecrows:** A traditional scarecrow can be effective in deterring birds from gardens and fields. Move the scarecrow periodically to prevent birds from becoming accustomed to it.
* **Reflective Tape and Mylar Balloons:** Hang reflective tape or mylar balloons in areas where birds are a problem. The shiny, moving surfaces will startle birds and discourage them from landing.
* **Decoy Predators:** Place plastic owls, hawks, or snakes in areas where birds are a problem. Move the decoys periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
* **Shiny Objects:** Hang CDs, DVDs, or aluminum foil strips from trees or structures. The reflective surfaces will create flashes of light that scare birds away.
* **Ultrasonic Devices:** These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to birds but inaudible to humans. While some people find them effective, their success rate can vary depending on the bird species and the environment.

### 4. Auditory Deterrents

Auditory deterrents use sounds to scare birds away.

* **Bird Repellent Sounds:** Play recordings of predator calls or distress calls of the target bird species. These sounds will create a sense of danger and discourage birds from landing in the area. Be mindful of neighbors when using this method.
* **Wind Chimes:** The sound of wind chimes can be annoying to birds and may deter them from landing nearby.
* **Electronic Bird Deterrents:** These devices emit a variety of sounds, including predator calls, distress calls, and ultrasonic noises. They can be programmed to target specific bird species and can be effective in larger areas.

### 5. Physical Barriers

Physical barriers prevent birds from accessing specific areas.

* **Netting:** Use bird netting to cover fruit trees, berry bushes, gardens, and other vulnerable areas. Ensure the netting is properly installed and secured to prevent birds from getting trapped.
* **Wire Mesh:** Use wire mesh to cover openings in buildings, such as vents and eaves, to prevent birds from nesting inside.
* **Bird Spikes:** Install bird spikes on ledges, roofs, and other surfaces to prevent birds from landing and nesting.
* **Slopes and Barriers:** Create steep slopes or physical barriers on ledges and other surfaces to make it difficult for birds to land and perch.

### 6. Chemical Repellents

Chemical repellents use non-toxic substances to make surfaces unpleasant for birds to land on.

* **Bird Gels and Pastes:** These sticky substances are applied to surfaces where birds like to land. They are non-toxic but uncomfortable for birds to walk on, discouraging them from returning.
* **Methyl Anthranilate Sprays:** This grape-flavored spray is a mild irritant to birds, causing them to avoid treated areas. It is safe for use on plants and around humans and pets.
* **Capsaicin-Based Repellents:** Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, is a natural irritant that can deter birds. These repellents are available in sprays and granules and can be used on plants and in gardens.

### 7. Professional Bird Control

If you’ve tried the above methods and are still struggling with a bird problem, it may be time to call in a professional bird control company. Professional bird control specialists have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to effectively and humanely remove birds from your property and prevent them from returning.

* **Assessment:** A professional will assess the extent of the bird problem and identify the species of birds causing the issue.
* **Customized Solutions:** They will develop a customized bird control plan based on your specific needs and the type of birds involved.
* **Humane Removal:** Professionals use humane methods to remove birds, such as trapping and relocation.
* **Preventative Measures:** They can install bird-proofing measures to prevent birds from returning, such as netting, spikes, and barriers.
* **Guaranteed Results:** Many professional bird control companies offer guarantees on their services.

## Specific Bird Problems and Solutions

Different bird species may require different approaches to deter them. Here are some common bird problems and specific solutions:

### Pigeons

Pigeons are a common nuisance in urban areas. They are attracted to food scraps, nesting sites, and water sources.

* **Remove Food Sources:** Keep the area clean of food scraps and garbage.
* **Block Nesting Sites:** Seal any holes or cracks in buildings and install bird netting or spikes on ledges.
* **Use Visual Deterrents:** Hang reflective tape or mylar balloons to scare pigeons away.
* **Professional Pigeon Control:** If pigeons are a persistent problem, consider hiring a professional bird control company specializing in pigeon removal.

### Starlings

Starlings are known for their large flocks and noisy behavior. They are attracted to bird feeders, fruit trees, and nesting sites in buildings.

* **Remove Bird Feeders:** Temporarily remove bird feeders to discourage starlings from visiting your property. Use feeders designed to exclude starlings.
* **Net Fruit Trees:** Cover fruit trees with bird netting to protect the fruit from starlings.
* **Block Nesting Sites:** Seal any holes or cracks in buildings and install bird netting or spikes on ledges.
* **Use Auditory Deterrents:** Play recordings of starling distress calls to scare them away.

### Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers can cause significant damage to wooden structures, such as siding and fences.

* **Identify the Reason for Pecking:** Determine why the woodpecker is pecking. Is it looking for food, nesting, or drumming to attract a mate?
* **Cover the Affected Area:** Cover the damaged area with netting or metal flashing to prevent the woodpecker from accessing it.
* **Use Visual Deterrents:** Hang reflective tape or mylar balloons to scare the woodpecker away.
* **Install Woodpecker Repellents:** Apply a woodpecker repellent to the affected area. These repellents contain ingredients that are unpleasant to woodpeckers.
* **Provide Alternative Food Sources:** If the woodpecker is looking for food, provide alternative food sources, such as suet feeders.

### Geese

Geese can be a nuisance in parks, golf courses, and residential areas. They are attracted to grassy areas and water sources.

* **Reduce Grass Areas:** Reduce the amount of grassy areas on your property. Geese prefer to graze on short grass.
* **Install Fencing:** Install a low fence around your property to prevent geese from entering.
* **Use Visual Deterrents:** Place decoys of predators, such as coyotes, in the area to scare geese away.
* **Use Goose Repellents:** Apply a goose repellent to the grassy areas. These repellents contain ingredients that are unpleasant to geese.
* **Harassment Techniques:** Regularly harass the geese by making noise or chasing them away. This will discourage them from returning.

## Humane Considerations

It’s important to deter birds humanely. Avoid methods that could harm or kill birds, such as using poison or traps.

* **Focus on Prevention:** The best way to control birds is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place.
* **Use Non-Lethal Methods:** Choose deterrent methods that are humane and do not harm birds.
* **Respect Wildlife Laws:** Be aware of local laws regarding bird control. Some bird species are protected and cannot be harmed or disturbed.

## Additional Tips

* **Be Persistent:** Bird control can be challenging, so be persistent and don’t give up easily.
* **Combine Methods:** Using a combination of deterrent methods is often more effective than relying on a single method.
* **Monitor Your Property:** Regularly monitor your property for signs of bird activity and adjust your deterrent methods as needed.
* **Clean Regularly:** Clean up bird droppings and debris regularly to prevent the spread of disease and maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
* **Consult with Experts:** If you’re unsure how to proceed, consult with a professional bird control company or a wildlife expert.

## Long-Term Strategies

Effective bird deterrence is not just about quick fixes; it’s about implementing long-term strategies that change the attractiveness of your property to birds over time.

* **Landscape Modification:** Consider altering your landscaping to make it less appealing to birds. For example, replacing fruit-bearing trees with non-fruiting varieties, reducing the amount of lawn, and incorporating more ground cover can all help.
* **Building Design Considerations:** When constructing or renovating buildings, consider incorporating bird-deterrent features into the design. This could include sloping ledges, bird-resistant roofing materials, and screens over vents.
* **Community Involvement:** Bird control is often more effective when it’s a community effort. Encourage your neighbors to also take steps to deter birds, especially in areas where there are shared spaces or overlapping properties.
* **Regular Maintenance:** Consistent maintenance is key to long-term bird control. Regularly inspect your property for signs of bird activity, repair any damage, and reapply deterrents as needed.

By following these detailed steps and instructions, you can effectively keep birds away from your property while ensuring their safety and well-being. Remember to be persistent, combine different methods, and consult with experts when needed. A bird-free property is within reach with the right approach.