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Birds can be a real problem when they invade your yard in search of food or nest in your roofing and other unwanted areas of the environment.
February 26, 2022
33 min read time
This information is reviewed by an independent pest control expert.
All external links are non-affiliated and for informational purposes only
Birds are among the most loved creatures on Earth. They look great and are an important part of the eco-system.
However, they can be a real problem when they invade your yard in search of food or nest in your roofing and other unwanted areas of the environment. They can also make a real mess of your property with their poop and cause damages worth hundreds of Dollars.
Keep reading if you’re having problems with pest birds. In this article, I’ll be giving you useful tips on how to get rid of birds.
Table of Contents
To be able to effectively rid your property of pest birds, you need to have a clear understanding of what attracts them in the first place.
Below is a list of things that can attract birds to your yard.
1. Shelter
Females who are about to lay eggs will naturally look for a convenient location to build their nests. A safe and comfortable environment will be their priority. If there are areas in your yard that provide this, expect mothers to build their nests there.
Protection from bad weather is another reason they will come to your yard. Birds like enclosed areas such as your vent to shelter.
2. Food
If you have a garden, it would be a source of food for birds. Depending on the species, foods will include fruits, nuts, worms, bugs, and other garden insects.
A constant supply of food will keep attracting them to your yard.
3. Comfortable Landing Areas
Birds also need to rest after flying for long periods, which is why a comfortable landing area is very important to them. Your rooftop or fence can provide a comfortable landing spot for travellers.
Once they feel safe perching in a certain part of your house, they will keep visiting.
It is true that birds are an important part of the eco-system, but pest birds can be a hazard around your house and they should be gotten rid of.
Nesting in unwanted areas is a major reason for this. They will build their nests anywhere they see fit, which can cause damages to your structure in the short or long term.
Among their favorite spots to nest are the air vents, roof gutters, openings in pipes, and trees. The nests clog the flow of both air and water in the structure and causes damage.
They also poop carelessly and can leave your yard looking messy. Their droppings also contain Uric acid, which is known to damage car paint.
Species like crows and robins also feast on plants and their activities can leave your vegetation looking shabby and undesirable. Sparrows and pigeons can also nest in hidden spaces and clog ventilation.
Now that you have a fair idea of why birds constantly visit your house, you can begin making plans to get rid of them.
Below are some useful tips.
1. Get Bird Spikes
After long flights, birds will need to rest their wings. This is why they will look for a comfortable landing area to perch.
Such areas include your fence and rooftop. What you need to do is make all potential perching spots uncomfortable. You can do this by installing bird spikes along their preferred surfaces.
Bird spikes are similar to long needles, and they can be placed on the roof or fence. They are pointed at the tip and can prick the feet of a pest bird. This will help discourage them from returning.
The spikes are usually spaced within an inch of each other, which means there will be no spaces for the perchers to place their feet.
If there are no comfortable landing spots around your house, they will fly away in search of better options.
Use spikes to get rid of birds from your structures.
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2. Live Trapping
There are many species of birds that are protected by law in the United States so they must not be harmed or killed. You could face criminal charges if you kill a protected species.
However, you are allowed to trap them and set them free in an environment far away from your home. You can call wildlife control after the birds have been caught if you need help taking it away.
A live trap usually has a spring door that closes when a pest bird enters. It does not injure the bird, it only restrains it.
To use a live trap, you must have some bait. The bait you use will be determined by the bird species you are dealing with. If they are pigeons or sparrows, some bird feed or grainy food will do.
Once they spot the food, it will enter the cage but will not be able to make its way out.
Make sure you place the trap in an area where they can easily spot it for best results. A location that is high above the ground will be more effective. Your rooftop would be an excellent choice.
Another factor you have to consider is the size of bird you intend to trap. If it is a large bird, then you need to get a trap and food-type that would be suitable for its size.
3. Get Inflatable Dummies
Basically, all types of birds are scared of predators and would do their best to stay away from them. Snakes and larger preys are examples of such predators that can scare sparrows and pigeons away.
With this knowledge, you can get rid of birds by using inflatable dummy predators. The “fake” predator should seem real and must look menacing.
If you’re buying a dummy prey bird, then it must seem as if it’s ready to attack. The wings should be spread out and the mouth has to be open. The eyes should also be large.
You can keep the inflatable dummies attached to your structures using a string. As the wind blows, the dummies will move and would seem real to the pests.
An extra tip here is to buy about two to three inflatable dummies and set them in different areas around your property.
Switch their positions every week so the pest birds will have the impression that the predator is constantly on the move.
You can buy a dummy from a pest control store and use it to prevent birds from perching around your property.
4. Get Mechanical Predators
Inflatable dummies are great for keeping birds away, but mechanical dummies are more effective bird deterrents.
This is because a mechanical dummy looks more authentic than an inflatable one. The “robot” dummy can also produce real predator sounds and distress calls that the pest birds will recognize.
These sounds have been pre-recorded and installed in the robots.
A common example of this is a robot owl. It is predominantly made of plastic and has a hollow base which allows you install it on many surfaces.
It has a built-in speaker which plays the sounds and it is battery-powered. Some models have motion sensors that trigger the sound they come close. There are other models that are set to play sounds at pre-determined intervals.
Getting rid of them can be done using this tool.
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5. Get A Motion Activated Alarm
Among the many control methods, this is among the most trusted.
Birds do not like loud noises, especially if they come unexpectedly. A sudden noise can cause them to take off instantly.
You can use this knowledge to your advantage by installing a motion-activated alarm. This device works by picking up movements and can be used to solve your bird problem.
The sound it produces is loud and sharp. Immediately the birds hear it, they will take flight.
These electronic repellents are an effective method of bird control.
6. Motion Activated Sprinklers As Repellents
Birds are not only scared of sudden loud noises, they are also scared of water being shot at them. This is why sprinklers are good bird deterrents.
Similar to a motion-activated alarm, the sprinkler is triggered when they are within range. In this case, water is released to keep birds away.
A motion-activated sprinkler should be installed around potential landing spots. These would include your roof and fence.
7. Sonic Deterrent
There are electronic sound devices you can use to drive birds away. Just like the robot owl, this device produces natural predator sounds that scare birds away.
They look like small cassette players and contain pre-recorded predator sounds. Some models give you the luxury of setting your preferred predator sound which can be used to deter different species.
Most of these devices are water-resistant so they can work even when it rains.
There are also ultrasonic models that produce sounds that are inaudible to humans. Only the birds can hear these sounds so they won’t bother you.
The average range is about 90,000 square feet. You can also adjust the volume.
This device can be installed in your garden, on the roof, or on your building walls. Call a professional if you need help installing the device.
8. Wind Chimes
Wind chimes can be used to keep birds away from your property. This is because the loud clashing sounds they produce are offensive and birds cannot stand the noise.
Birds are peaceful creatures that enjoy serene environments. If there is constant noise in your yard, the birds will not feel comfortable and they will leave.
The downside of using this bird control method is that the chimes may disturb your peace too.
If you do not mind the constant clashing of chimes, then it is an effective way to get rid of birds from your house.
9. Bird Netting
When a mother is looking for a place to nest, she will explore as many comfortable options as possible. Such areas include ventilation, plumbing, chimneys, and shafts.
To keep them from nesting in these areas, you can install bird netting to seal the entry points. If the birds find that there are no ideal nesting spots around your property, they will leave and continue their search elsewhere.
Birds in search of food can also be kept out using bird netting. You can keep your garden sealed with a large net. If you have grains in your barn, make sure you install the netting by all entry points to keep birds away.
Among all the bird control products in the market, this is one of the simplest you can use. However, you should call a contractor if you need help installing the net.
10. Place Bird Feeders Far From Your Building
This method of bird control may seem counterproductive at first, but it can work if your main objective is to keep birds away from a specific area in your property and not your yard as a whole.
Here’s a simple example.
Food is one of the major reasons birds will visit your property. If you want to drive their attention away from that area, you can install a feeder somewhere else.
Make sure it is an area that would be easier to access than the garden itself and always have some grain in the feeder.
The feeder can be installed on the rooftop so the birds can easily spot the food as they fly.
An extra tip here is to install a bird bath beside the feeder. Birds need water to drink and cool off. Having one beside the feeder will help take their attention away from your house.
Wind chimes can be used as a bird deterrent. There are different sizes of wind chimes and the larger ones are more effective.
This is because larger wind chimes produce louder noises. Birds do not like loud noises and will stay away from areas that are filled with them.
The constant clashing sounds will startle the birds and make them feel threatened. This will prompt them to leave your premises and look for a quieter environment.
Small wind chimes produce a softer sound which is more appealing to the birds. The sound from small wind chimes may actually attract birds. So if your mission is to repel rather than attract, using large wind chimes would be your best option.
If you want to remove birds from your yard entirely, the wind chimes should be installed in areas where the birds are most likely to visit. These include your patio, rooftop, barn, fences, and trees.
If your goal is to control their population only in a specific area of your property, the wind chimes should be installed in that section alone.
Cleaning up bird droppings can be very frustrating for the homeowner. It is very messy and it contains uric acid which can damage paint.
Follow these tips if you want to stop birds from pooping on your patio.
1. Use Loud Wind Chimes
As we have already discussed, wind chimes can be used to chase birds away. You can stop birds from messing up your patio by installing large wind chimes.
The larger the wind chime, the louder the sound it produces. This will scare the birds away from your patio.
The downside of this bird control method is that the noise may bother the occupants of your building. The patio is just by the entrance to your home so the sound of the wind chimes can be clearly heard.
If you or other members of your household do not mind the noise, then it’s an excellent bird deterrent.
2. Keep A Dog Or Cat
Dogs and cats are excellent pets that can serve a number of purposes. One of which is chasing birds away.
Birds are afraid of larger animals, especially the ones that love chasing them. A dog breed like the golden retriever is a good choice. They are vigilant hard workers that guard their territories against all sorts of intruders. Even birds!
Cats are hunters by nature and they are experts at stalking prey. They also love to chase smaller animals so they can be used to keep birds from pooping on your patio.
This is probably the best way to chase the pests away.
3. Hanging Mirrors
Birds are known to dislike shiny objects, especially the ones that move. This is why installing a few hanging mirrors around your patio is a good idea.
The reflections may also trick the birds into believing that there are other birds there. They will assume the other birds are either a threat or have eaten up any food that may have been there before.
The birds will leave if they feel threatened or feel there is nothing to be gained from your patio
4. Remove Feeders From Your Patio
Birds will become constant visitors if you have a bird feeder installed. A regular influx of birds will mean a lot of bird poop to deal with.
To control bird poop around your patio, uninstall the bird feeder. If there is no food or water, they will be discouraged from paying further visits.
5. Ultrasonic Sounds
You can install an ultrasonic device by your patio to keep birds from pooping there.
These devices give off a high-pitched sound that only the birds can hear. These sounds will make the birds feel unsafe and will prompt them to fly away.
Most ultrasonic devices have built-in motion sensors that pick up bird movement within a given range. If a bird flies towards your patio, the device will be activated and the high-pitched sound will drive the birds away.
You can buy an ultrasonic device from a pest control store near you.
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6. Plastic Owl
An owl is a prey bird that other smaller birds are scared of. They have a strong beak which they use in tearing flesh and the small birds know this. This is why they will stay away from territories occupied by owls.
Their fear of owls can be used in getting rid of them.
Instead of buying a real owl, you can get a plastic version. These are life-like models that look like the real thing. Some of them are dummies, while others are battery-powered robots that move and make natural sounds.
Place one or two by your patio to serve as deterrents.
7. Buy Floating Predators
Besides prey birds, there are other predators birds are scared of. These include alligators and snakes.
Of course, you can’t keep a real alligator on your patio, but you can keep an inflatable version.
All you will need is a spacious rubber bath and some water. Place a few floating alligators or snakes in the water and let their menacing looks act as deterrents.
The ones with their heads up and mouths wide open can scare them quicker. This will give an incoming bird the impression that it would be eaten if it comes close to your patio.
The water in the bath will also keep them moving and this will further convince the birds that the predators are real.
This is an excellent bird repellent and you can visit a pest control store near you to buy one.
What Is The Best Way To Keep Birds From Nesting In My Home?
If you’ve had a problem with bird nests before, you would know it’s an inconvenience.
It is illegal in the United States to destroy bird nests if it houses birds or eggs.
This means you have to stop the bird from building the nest, as opposed to destroying it after it has been built and occupied.
A perfect nesting site will include your shafts, vents, pipes, and gutters. These are the preferred areas for them to build nests.
Follow the tips below to keep birds such as pigeons, sparrows, and hummingbirds from nesting in your home.
1. Install Wire Guard Screens
Birds like to nest in safe and inconspicuous areas. This is why they enter shafts, vents, and plumbing to build their nests.
You can keep them from the nesting site by sealing the entrances with wire guard screens.
2. Use High-pitched Sounds
Ultrasonic devices that produce high-pitched sounds can deter birds such as pigeons from coming close to potential nesting areas.
Buy one that has a good range so it can cover the entire perimeter of your premises.
3. Keep Your Garden Free Of Twigs
For a bird to build a nest, it will need materials. Twigs and leaves that have fallen from your garden trees are excellent nest materials.
Make it a habit to rake away these items from your garden to create a scarcity of nesting materials.
Combine this tip with the previously mentioned methods to prevent birds from nesting around your property.
Birds are an important part of the eco-system but they can be problematic to homeowners.
Follow the suggested methods in this article to get rid of them. You can buy the above-mentioned devices from most pest control stores in the united states.
I trust this article on how to get rid of birds has been helpful.
Good luck!
