Birds building nests in unwanted locations is a common nuisance issue for many homeowners. Birds like robins, sparrows, and pigeons will often build nests on ledges, roof eaves, gutters, and other exterior locations on houses. This can lead to messes from droppings and nesting materials, as well as noise issues. Many homeowners resort to using fake rubber snakes and other deterrents to try and prevent birds from nesting in these areas.
Do birds see rubber snakes as a threat?
The idea behind using fake rubber snakes to deter birds from nesting is that birds will see the rubber snakes as a predator threat and avoid those areas. Many birds have an instinctive fear of snakes, even common songbirds like robins and sparrows. This protective instinct causes them to flee from snakes and avoid places where they may encounter them.
Research has shown that birds can perceive rubber snakes as threatening when placed in locations where they are considering building a nest. The snake shape, size, and coloring alerts the birds that a dangerous snake may be present and poses a risk to their eggs and young. Even though the birds will eventually realize the snakes are not real, their initial reaction is typically to avoid them and find safer nesting sites elsewhere.
Factors that influence the effectiveness of rubber snakes
There are several factors that play a role in determining how effective fake rubber snakes can be at repelling birds from specific nesting sites:
- Realism – The more realistic a fake snake looks, the better chance it has of alarming birds. Snakes with very life-like patterns, scales, shapes and coloring will appear most threatening.
- Movement – Wind or movement activated rubber snakes will startle birds more than motionless ones. Animated snakes with moveable tongues, tails, etc. can heighten the perceived threat.
- Smell – Snakes with added scents like garlic oil or predator urine can reinforce the snake presence to birds through smell.
- Location – Placing rubber snakes on or very near the problem nesting areas boosts the deterrent effect compared to distant placement.
- Number of snakes – Using multiple fake snakes in an area is often more effective than a single snake for increasing perceived risk to birds.
Taking these factors into account and selecting the most realistic fake snakes, adding motion elements, and properly placing them near nests improves the chances of repelling birds. However, the effectiveness often depends on the specific bird species involved.
How different bird species react to fake snakes
Not all birds have the same innate reaction to snakes or will respond identically to rubber snake deterrents. Some patterns that have been observed for common nuisance birds include:
Robins
Robins have a strong natural fear of snakes and will abandon current nests or building sites when rubber snakes are introduced nearby. However, they may still attempt to rebuild nests in other less optimal locations on the property over time if no other deterrents are also used.
Sparrows
House sparrows and other small songbirds are very wary of snakes and will typically avoid placing nests near fake rubber snakes. Sparrows may scout the area extensively before being convinced the snakes pose no actual threat and returning.
Pigeons
Pigeons often have less innate fear of snakes than other species. Fake rubber snakes alone frequently have limited success deterring pigeons once they have already chosen a nesting site. Other tactics like wire mesh or spike strips may be needed for pigeon deterrence.
Seagulls
Seagulls are skittish by nature but are less phased by rubber snakes than many other birds. Motion-activated snakes and combining deterrents like predator decoys or noisemakers tends to work better for influencing gull nesting behaviors.
Crows
Crows may initially react by mobbing or harassing fake snakes. But once crows recognize the threat isn???t real, rubber snakes alone often have minimal impact on deterring nests in prime locations. More robust multi-deterrent efforts are required.
These examples demonstrate why it’s important to match deterrent strategies to the specific bird species involved when trying to alter nesting behaviors.
Pros and cons of using fake snakes for bird deterrence
Here are some key pros and cons to consider when deciding if using fake rubber snakes is an appropriate and effective deterrent strategy:
Pros
- Cheap and readily available – Fake snakes are very affordable compared to other bird deterrents, with many options costing just a few dollars.
- Visually alarming to birds – The snake shape and patterns activate innate alarm and fear responses in many species when noticed.
- Safe for birds – Rubber snakes pose no actual physical threat unlike some other deterrent devices.
- Weather hardy – Durable fake snakes can be left outside continuously without degradation.
- Easy installation – Fake snakes require minimal effort to strategically place around a property.
Cons
- May require frequent repositioning – Birds can become accustomed to unmoving snakes, requiring replacements every few days.
- Not effective for all species – Some problem bird types may need additional deterrent measures used along with fake snakes.
- Can be unsightly if in view – Large obvious fake snakes may detract from aesthetics in yards or gardens.
- Cats or other wildlife may steal snakes – Hungry animals may remove fake snakes from intended nesting sites.
- Limited range – Fake snakes only deter birds from directly adjacent areas rather than entire properties.
Weighing these advantages and disadvantages will help determine if rubber snakes are a viable option or if other solutions may be better for a specific situation.
Best practices for using fake snakes as bird deterrents
If rubber snakes seem a good fit for preventing nuisance birds from nesting in particular locations on a property, here are some best practices to follow for optimal results:
- Choose realistic looking snakes – Select styles and colors that closely match deadly species like cobras, vipers, rattlesnakes, etc.
- Add movement elements – Opt for snakes with moveable parts or place near breezy spots to mimic live movement.
- Apply scents – Consider spraying fake snakes with predator urine or oils to further signify a snake’s presence.
- Use multiple snakes – Surround problem nesting spots with at least 3-5 fake snakes for amplified perceived risk.
- Situate snakes prominently – Ensure snakes are very visible and positioned within 1-2 feet of potential nest locations.
- Reinforce deterrents – Combine snakes with other deterrents like predator decoys or sound/light devices as needed.
- Monitor and adapt – Observe bird behaviors and adjust snake placements or other tactics accordingly.
Following these guidelines helps create a robust snake deterrent plan tailored to specific nesting issues that will have the best chance of humanely discouraging bird activity.
Alternative bird nesting deterrent options
In addition to fake rubber snakes, there are various other deterrent techniques that can be used alone or combined to discourage birds from unwanted nest building in problem areas around a property:
Reflective deterrents
Shiny devices like aluminum foil strips, reflective tape, old CDs or mirrors can be used to exploit bird instincts to avoid glittering objects. Flashing light reflectors also startle and unsettle nesting birds.
Scare devices
Noisemakers, predator decoys (like plastic owls or hawks) or recorded distress calls will make areas very inhospitable to birds. Some devices combine sounds, lights and motion for maximum effect.
Physical barriers
Blocking access to nesting spots using wire mesh, netting, or spike strips removes birds??? ability to build in those locations. This is the most failsafe but also most intensive deterrent option.
Chemical repellents
Non-toxic sprays using essential oils, aloe, or capsaicin can make surfaces unappealing to nesting birds when applied judiciously. However effectiveness is often short-lived.
Consider the specific bird behaviors, nest locations, aesthetic concerns, and time investment when selecting among these and rubber snake strategies. An integrated plan provides the best chance of humanely modifying nesting habits.
The legality of disturbing bird nests
It is important to be aware of laws protecting bird nests before taking any actions that could harm or destroy active nests. Two key federal laws in the United States include:
- The Migratory Bird Treaty Act – Protects over 1000 bird species by prohibiting harming or disturbing nests, eggs, or young without permits.
- The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act – Bans damaging bald or golden eagle nests in any way. Severe penalties exist for violations.
Many states and local jurisdictions also have additional regulations about interacting with active bird nests during breeding seasons. It is advisable to use humane deterrents like fake snakes before nest building begins each season rather than risk disturbing protected nests.
Conclusion
Fake rubber snakes can be an affordable, convenient way to deter many bird species from building messy, disruptive nests in undesirable locations on properties. When used properly and supplemented with other nest prevention methods as needed, rubber snakes provide a humane, non-harmful tool in a homeowner’s arsenal against nuisance birds. Just be sure to follow all laws and exercise common sense when attempting to modify bird behaviors.
