Sparrows are small brown birds that are very common in urban and suburban areas. While their chirping can be pleasant to hear, sparrows can quickly become a nuisance if they take up residence in or around your home. Their nests can clog gutters and downspouts, they can damage exterior surfaces with their droppings, and their constant noise can become annoying. If sparrows have moved into your area, there are some effective and humane ways to encourage them to leave.
Why are sparrows attracted to your property?
Sparrows are attracted to properties that provide suitable nesting spots, abundant food sources, and lack predators. Some specific things that attract sparrows include:
- Dense bushes and shrubs that provide nesting sites
- Open eaves, vents, and holes in walls that allow access into attics or other cavities for nesting
- Ample sources of food from bird feeders, fruit trees, spilled seed from other bird feeders, and trash areas
- Lack of predators like hawks or cats that help keep sparrow populations in control
If your property has some of these sparrow-friendly characteristics, taking steps to modify the habitat can go a long way in dissuading sparrows from settling in.
exclusion
Physical exclusion is the most direct way to keep sparrows away from specific areas on your property. This involves blocking their access to potential nesting sites and roosting spots:
- Install bird netting over bushes, shrubs, roof eaves, and other locations sparrows like to nest. Ensure there are no gaps in the netting larger than 1/2 inch.
- Plug holes and gaps in exterior walls, siding, and vents using caulk, hardware cloth, or other materials to prevent entry.
- Hang wind chimes near common perches to discourage roosting.
- Install bird spike strips on ledges, signs, roof peaks, or anywhere sparrows commonly land.
- Consider prune back dense vegetation that provides too much cover.
Exclusion techniques are most effective when done before sparrows take up residence in your area. Once they have an established nest, they will be persistent in finding ways back in.
Modify the habitat
Making your property less attractive to sparrows is another strategy. This includes modifying landscaping and removing food sources:
- Avoid plants like dense hedges and evergreen shrubs that provide nesting sites.
- Clean up fallen fruits, seeds, and nuts from fruit trees.
- Remove outdoor food sources like pet food bowls, overflowing trash cans, and debris piles that provide foraging spots.
- Use feeders designed for songbirds that have weight activated perches to prevent access by sparrows.
- Consider a birdbath with moving water, which sparrows dislike.
A landscape that offers fewer food sources and protective cover will be less appealing to nesting sparrows over time.
Scare devices
Sparrows are easily frightened by noises, movement, and unfamiliar objects. Installing scare devices can effectively drive sparrows away:
- Use reflective tape, old CDs, or mylar balloons near problem areas that will move in the wind and startle birds.
- Install a plastic simulated predator owl in an elevated location.
- Use pest control noisemakers or battery-operated alarms triggered by motion sensors.
- Get a dog whose presence in the yard will scare off sparrows.
- Consider battery-operated ultrasonic pest repellers that emit high-frequency sounds only birds can hear.
The key is to vary devices and location regularly so the birds don’t become accustomed to the deterrents. Move owl decoys or reflective objects to new spots every 2-3 days to maximize effectiveness.
Chemical bird repellents
Applying taste or scent repellents is another option for discouraging sparrows. Look for products designed for use on birds and apply according to label directions:
- Bird repellent gels or liquids can be applied on ledges, roofs, and other perching areas.
- Repellent spikes, wires, or strips can be installed on specific surfaces.
- Scent repellents using essential oils like clove, lavender, or rosemary can be used near nests.
Reapplication is often needed after rain or periodically through the seasons. Use repellents cautiously and be aware they may impact desirable birds as well.
Trapping and relocating
As a last resort, trapping and relocating sparrows may be an option, but there are some important considerations:
- Check local ordinances, as trapping native birds like House Sparrows may require a permit.
- Only use approved hummingane traps designed not to harm birds.
- Relocation sites should be at least 5 miles away in appropriate habitat to prevent birds from returning.
- Avoid relocating in the fall when birds are migrating or during baby bird season.
Even when done properly, relocation is not always effective as birds can return or fail to adapt to new areas. Limit removal to problem nests only after trying other methods first.
Avoid harming sparrows
When implementing any sparrow control plan, be aware of laws protecting native birds and use humane practices:
- Do not use poisons or unapproved pesticides that can kill other wildlife.
- It is illegal to disturb active nests or eggs of any native bird.
- Avoid trapping during nesting season and do not separate bonded pairs.
- Be cautious using traps not to injure birds – provide food, water and shade.
An integrated program using multiple techniques consistently over time will be most effective for humanely evicting sparrows without harming other species or the environment.
Prevention is key
Deterring sparrows is much easier than removing established populations, so take proactive steps:
- Install exclusion devices before birds start nesting in or on a structure.
- Modify landscaping by removing dense bushes and reducing food sources.
- Scare devices and repellents work best before birds grow accustomed to an area.
- Seal openings, use appropriate netting, and modify habitat early to prevent infestations.
An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to sparrow control. Being proactive about exclusion and modification is always preferable to dealing with a major infestation later.
Conclusion
Sparrows can quickly become nuisance pests but there are many effective control options available. Start by excluding access to nesting sites using barriers, netting, and hole plugs. Modify the habitat by removing food sources, limiting cover, and using repellents. Scare devices, trapping, and relocation should only be used as last resorts. Prevention is the best long-term solution, so act early before sparrows become established. With an integrated pest management approach, you can humanely evict sparrows and reclaim your space.