How do I make birds go away?

Birds can be a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers, make noise, leave droppings, steal food, damage property, or pose other problems. However, totally excluding birds from an area is usually not realistic or necessary. There are several effective techniques to humanely reduce bird problems to tolerable levels.

Why are birds a problem?

Birds frequent areas that provide food, water, shelter, and safety. Typical bird problem areas include:

• Grain fields, orchards, and berry patches
• Gardens and landscapes with fruit trees or shrubs
• Bird feeders and bird baths
• Lakes, ponds, rivers, and other water sources
• Marinas, piers, boat docks
• Beaches and shorelines
• Landfills and trash transfer stations
• Food processing plants
• Dairies and feedlots
• Parking lots and buildings with accessible ledges for nesting

The most problematic bird species include:

• European starlings
• House sparrows
• Rock pigeons (common pigeons)
• Gulls
• Crows
• Blackbirds
• Vultures

When present in large flocks, birds can cause damage and sanitation issues such as:

• Eating and contaminating livestock feed
• Consumption and spoilage of cultivated fruits, grains, vegetables
• Droppings and feathers accumulating on structures and equipment
• Nest materials blocking gutters and drains
• Noise from flock activity and vocalizations
• Aggressive behavior around nests during breeding season
• Collisions with aircraft around airports

Large concentrations of birds can also spread diseases, parasitize livestock, and contaminate food products for human consumption.

Legal Status of Birds

Most bird species are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This prohibits killing, capturing, selling, or otherwise harming birds or their active nests except as permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Any actions to repel or remove problem birds must not violate the MBTA.

Three bird species not protected by federal law are:

• European starlings
• House sparrows
• Rock pigeons

These non-native species are generally not protected by states either and can legally be killed or trapped without a permit. However, local ordinances may still restrict control options for these species, so check local regulations before taking any action.

Habitat Modification

The most effective long-term bird control strategy is to alter the environment to make it less attractive or accessible to problem bird species. Habitat modification techniques include:

• Remove food sources – Clean up spilled grain, standing water, ripe fruit/berries, livestock feed, roadkill carcasses, food waste, trash.
• Exclude access – Block entry to buildings with bird netting; put wire grids over drains and enclose beams/rafters in structures.
• Remove roosting/nesting sites – Trim vegetation; use porcupine wire on ledges and roof peaks; seal openings in structures.
• Make unwelcoming – Use tactile deterrents like tacky gels or spike strips on ledges.

Exclusion Techniques

When complete exclusion of birds is needed, netting and other physical barriers can be used to keep birds out of specific areas. Exclusion options include:

• Plastic or nylon netting over doorways, windows, eaves, plants, etc.
• Wire screens on tunnels, chimneys, and ventilation openings
• Metal barriers such as porcupine wire on ledges and rafters
• Polycarbonate plastic panels on gazebos, patios, and cage structures

Proper installation is key to effective, long-lasting exclusion. Seal edges and overlaps carefully with durable materials. Check regularly for holes or gaps and repair as needed.

Scare Tactics

Scaring birds using sounds or visuals can work for temporary relief from bird problems. Vary the types and location of scare devices and move frequently to reduce habituation. Scare tactics include:

• Predator decoys (owl, hawk, snake)
• Reflective tape, balloons, windsocks
• Ultrasonic repellers
• Noisemakers (propane cannons, alarms, cracker shells)
• Water spray devices
• Lasers and strobe lights

For best results, begin using scare devices at the first sign of bird activity. Use multiple techniques together and move devices regularly to cover all problem areas adequately. Continue monitoring and adapt as birds become accustomed.

Chemical Repellents

Non-toxic chemical repellents can discourage bird activity when applied correctly. Available products include:

• Methyl anthranilate – grape flavoring birds dislike
• Glycol-based solutions – create uncomfortable sticky coating
• Capsaicin/hot pepper derivatives – irritate avian pain receptors
• Anthraquinone – causes gastrointestinal illness in birds

For best effectiveness:

• Apply repellents early before bird patterns are established.
• Use sufficient product to adequately cover all surfaces.
• Reapply as directed on product labels to maintain repellent effect.
• Clean treated surfaces before reapplying to remove any residue.

Trapping birds

Trapping and removing birds is most appropriate for small, defined areas needing complete bird control. Trapping requires expertise to be done legally, humanely, and effectively. Options include:

• Mist nets – thin nets often used to capture birds for banding studies.
• Cannon nets – larger nets propelled by explosive charges over flocks of birds.
• Funnel traps – cages with funnel-shaped entrances.
• Automatic traps – spring-loaded traps triggered by a bird entering.

All trapping should comply with regulations from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies. Only target abundant nuisance species and release any rare or protected birds. Promptly euthanize captured European starlings, house sparrows, and rock pigeons humanely if permitted.

Toxicants

Poison baits and toxic perches should only be considered for severe, persistent bird problems when all other options have failed. Their use requires federal registration and strict adherence to all label directions. Baits and perches include:

• 4-aminopyridine (Avitrol) – neurological toxicant
• 3-chloro-p-toluidine (DRC-1339) – kidney toxicant
• Fenthion-treated perches – cholinesterase inhibitor

Toxicants pose risks to non-target birds and mammals. Only apply formulations approved for the target bird species. Carefully follow pre-baiting procedures to allow target birds to accept treated baits while excluding other wildlife.

Shooting Birds

Lethally shooting birds with firearms can immediately reduce populations of abundant nuisance species. Shooting is often used as part of integrated bird management programs at airports and agricultural facilities. Considerations for shooting birds include:

• Comply with federal/state regulations on species that can legally be shot and the required permits.
• Use proper firearms and shot sized for efficiency and safety.
• Restrict access to minimize disturbance to people and non-target animals.
• Remove shot birds promptly.
• Supplement with scare devices and exclusion methods.

European starlings, house sparrows, rock pigeons, and non-migratory game birds like Canada geese are often allowed to be shot. Taking protected native birds requires permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Summary of Control Methods

Integrated Bird Management Strategy

The best approach for long-term control of bird problems is integrating multiple techniques into an overall management strategy. A coordinated program should include:

• Ongoing monitoring to identify seasonal changes and new problem areas.
• Habitat modification and exclusion where feasible.
• Varied scare tactics and repellents to discourage bird activity.
• Trapping or shooting if warranted for certain destructive species.
• Coordination with nearby property owners for community-wide efforts.
• Adjusting tactics based on monitoring to counter habituation.

An integrated bird management plan requires initial investment but saves costs and is more effective long-term than isolated quick fixes. A coordinated effort tailored to the specifics of your property and bird species will yield the best results.

Conclusion

Bird problems can often be reduced to acceptable levels with an integrated plan using proven techniques. Focus control efforts on modifying habitats, restricting access, and scaring birds away using a variety of ever-changing devices and repellents. More intensive methods like trapping, toxicants, or shooting may be needed for persistent issues caused by highly destructive bird species. With proper knowledge, patience, and effort, it is usually possible to achieve reasonable control of bird problems without completely excluding all avian activity from an area.