How do you make homemade sparrow repellent?

Sparrows can be a nuisance for homeowners, as they damage gardens, leave droppings, and build messy nests. Thankfully, there are some homemade solutions that can help deter sparrows without harming them. Homemade sparrow repellents utilize natural ingredients that irritate or repel sparrows through smell, taste, or touch. The key is finding substances that are safe for gardens but unpleasant for sparrows.

Some popular homemade options include hot pepper spray, predator urine, mothballs, and aluminum foil. When used properly and consistently, these DIY repellents can train sparrows to avoid treated areas. However, they require more effort than commercial chemical repellents.

If you want an inexpensive, non-toxic way to control sparrows, homemade repellents are worth trying. Read on to learn how to make and use different homemade sparrow deterrents effectively.

Hot Pepper Spray

One of the most popular homemade sparrow repellents is hot pepper spray. Most birds do not like capsaicin, the chemical found in hot peppers that gives them heat and spice. When sprayed onto areas frequented by sparrows, the peppers make the area unpleasant for them.

Here is how to make basic hot pepper sparrow repellent spray at home:

Ingredients

• 2-3 hot peppers, such as cayenne or jalapeños
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dish soap (optional)
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Put on gloves to protect your hands while handling hot peppers.
2. Thoroughly wash the peppers, then remove the stems and seeds. The seeds contain most of the heat, so remove them if you want a milder spray.
3. Chop the pepper flesh into small pieces and add to a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool completely so the peppers can infuse the water.
5. Pour the pepper water through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into a jar or spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap and shake well to mix (the soap helps the spray adhere better).
6. Transfer the spray to a spray bottle for easy application. Label the bottle clearly.

The soap is optional but helps the spray stick to surfaces better. You can use stronger peppers like habaneros for a more potent spray. Reheat the spray and add more chopped peppers if it’s not strong enough after the first try.

Uses

Hot pepper spray can be applied anywhere sparrows frequent and you want to deter them. Good targets include:

• Garden beds
• Fence posts
• Railings
• Soffits and roof overhangs
• Flower pots
• Stone walls or ledges

Focus on entry points to your yard and house. Apply the spray liberally on and around the area. Reapply after rain or every three days to maintain effectiveness. The goal is for the smell and taste to overwhelm the birds and make them avoid the area.

Take care to avoid spray contact with your skin, eyes, nose, and mouth, as the capsaicin can cause irritation. Also keep pets away from sprayed areas until completely dry. Rinse off any plants or surfaces you don’t want sprayed.

Predator Urine

Another homemade bird repellent involves using predator urine. Urine from animals like coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, and dogs triggers a fear response in birds. They instinctively want to avoid anywhere marked by a predator’s scent.

While directly collecting predator urine poses some challenges, many garden stores sell predator urine products. Look for them in either ready-to-use spray bottles or concentrates. Some common predator urine repellents include:

• Coyote urine
• Fox urine
• Mountain lion urine
• Bobcat urine
• Dog urine

Coyote and fox urine work well for repelling most backyard birds. Check reviews and descriptions to choose a reputable brand.

The urine contains the scent chemicals that will deter birds, rather than actual urine itself. Using predator urine does not attract predators to your yard.

Uses

Predator urine repellents can be applied similarly to hot pepper spray:

• Use around vegetable gardens and flower beds.
• Spray on fences, sheds, pole barns, and ledges.
• Apply near roof vents, rafters, and soffits.

Reapply every few days and after rain. Take care to avoid plants you want to keep safe. Check the product label for any additional precautions when using predator urine.

The strong scent annoys territorial birds and triggers their innate response to flee and find safety. Just the presence of the urine smell will keep sparrows and other problem bird species out of sprayed areas.

Mothballs

Mothballs are another traditional sparrow deterrent. Their strong odor repels many birds. Mothballs contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as the active ingredient. Both produce a strong smell that irritates birds’ respiratory systems.

While they are easy to find and use for repelling birds, there are some important considerations with mothballs:

• The fumes they emit are toxic to humans and pets if exposure is too high. Never use them anywhere indoors.
• Do not place them directly in garden beds or areas where food is grown, as the chemicals may leach into the surrounding soil and plants.
• Their exterior use has declined in recent years due to their toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives.

Despite these drawbacks, mothballs still have some utility as an exterior sparrow deterrent if used carefully. Here are some possible ways to use them:

• Place in mesh bags or old pantyhose and hang around eaves, peaks, and outdoor umbrellas.
• Put in any exterior cavities sparrows are getting into.
• Line them around windows, chimneys, and exterior vents.

Refresh mothballs every few weeks, as the smell will fade with time. Take care to hang bags up high and out of reach of children and pets. Proper ventilation is a must if using mothballs.

Reflective Materials

Visually frightening birds with reflective objects is an easy, harmless way to deter them. Sparrows are wary of unfamiliar flashing or sparkling objects. Things like aluminum foil, old CDs, and metallic streamers can manipulate this instinct to startle them off.

Here are some ideas for using reflective materials to repel sparrows:

Aluminum Foil

• Wrap aluminum foil around tree branches, railings, fence posts, and other landing spots.
• Line windowsills and roof edges with aluminum foil.
• Hang strips of foil near doors and entries.
• Cover flower beds and garden areas with foil or aluminum pans.

The reflective surface and crinkly, fluttering sound frightens sparrows. Be sure to periodically move foil strips so birds do not become accustomed.

Old CDs

• Suspend old CDs with fishing line at various heights and locations around your yard.
• Alternate standard CDs with ones enhanced with holograms for maximum reflection and motion.
• Hang CDs at fruit trees, in vegetable patches, and along fence lines.

The flashing reflections mimic eyes and disturb birds. Spacing CDs every 5-10 feet ensures full coverage.

Tinsel and streamers

• Decorate bushes and trees with metallic tinsel.
• Hang shiny metallic streamers around doorways and porches.
• Use fishing line to create rows of streamers around gardens and landscapes.

Aim for wide coverage, spacing streamers every 3-5 feet. The more movement and flashing, the better.

Rehang items periodically to break up familiarity. Birds may initially be curious but will learn to avoid areas with frequent reflection and motion. Combine visual deterrents with other methods for added effectiveness.

Plant-based Repellents

Certain plants naturally repel birds using smell, taste, or toxicity. They can be strategically planted in gardens to deter sparrows and other birds. Some options to try include:

Rue

• Bitter taste drives sparrows away
• Can be planted in borders or flower beds
• Withstands drought and resists deer

Garlic

• Smell repels insect pests and birds
• Plant garlic bulbs around vegetables and fruit trees
• Interplant with roses and flowers to protect from birds

Alliums

• Ornamental onions like chives and shallots
• Give off strong scents that deter birds
• Add visual interest and repel garden pests too

Marigolds

• Unpleasant odor drives away birds and rabbits
• Wide variety of marigold types to choose from
• Can be planted as decorative borders and accents

Research different bird-repelling plants to see which are suitable for your climate and planting zones. Herbs like thyme, sage, and mint also repel birds and can protect vegetables.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural product made from fossilized algae. When sprinkled on the ground, the powdery substance feels abrasive and absorbs oils and fats from birds’ skin and feathers. As a result, birds dislike walking through it.

To use diatomaceous earth as a sparrow deterrent:

• Apply a thin layer around flower beds, garden edges, window sills, and anywhere birds frequent.
• Use food or horticultural grade diatomaceous earth, not pool grade.
• Wear a dust mask and goggles when applying to avoid inhaling it.
• Reapply after rain or watering.

The microscopic fossils scratch birds’ feet, causing irritation and discomfort. It’s a simple physical deterrent that does not harm the birds in any way. Just avoid thick piles, as it can irritate human skin as well. A fine sprinkling is all that’s needed.

Sound Repellents

Noise devices that play bird alarm and distress calls can frighten many bird species away. However, success depends on several factors:

• Volume – Calls must be played loud enough for birds to hear but not disturb neighbors.
• Type – Alarm and distress calls seem most effective for many songbirds.
• Timed – Sounds should alternate between locations so birds don’t become used to them.
• Species-specific – Match calls to the target bird for best results.

Look for electronic sound repellents designed specifically for garden birds. Quality and effectiveness varies widely, so read the reviews and product descriptions.

Alternatively, play actual bird alarm call recordings through outdoor speakers. Check birding sites to find suitable distress and alarm calls for common pest birds like sparrows, crows, starlings, and pigeons.

The key is mixing up locations, call types, and timing to prevent birds from adapting. Sound repellents may impact desirable backyard birds too, so use selectively.

Exclusion and Habitat Modification

Along with active bird deterrents, excluding birds from areas and modifying habitat to be less desirable for them can reduce populations long-term. Here are some tips:

Block Access Points

• Use bird netting over gardens, fruit trees, pond edges, etc.
• Plug holes and gaps in eaves, vents, and surfaces they enter.
• Install roof ridge caps and chimney covers to prevent entry.
• Hang wind chimes near potential perches.

Remove Food Sources

• Clean fallen fruits and seeds from the ground.
• Use bird feeders designed to exclude larger birds.
• Put away hummingbird feeders at night.

Modify Landscaping

• Trim trees and shrubs to reduce nesting spots.
• Use less shrubbery and dense cover appealing to birds.
• Plant shrubs and trees birds dislike.
• Choose bird-unfriendly plants for landscaping.

These permanent solutions make the area less desirable overall to problem bird species when done consistently. Combine them with repellents for maximum impact.

Using Repellents Effectively

For any homemade sparrow repellents to work well, follow these guidelines:

• Start early – Begin using repellents at the first sign of birds each season before populations grow too large.
• Use multiple repellents together – Layer smells, tastes, and flashing items for strongest impact.
• Vary application spots – Move repellents frequently so birds don’t acclimate.
• Reapply often – Renew repellents every few days or after rain/watering.
• Combine with exclusion – Block food sources and access along with using deterrents.
• Be patient – Repellents take time to condition birds to avoid treated areas.

Follow all label directions carefully when using commercial repellent products. Monitor children and pets whenever using deterrents.

When to Call a Professional

For severe bird problems, it may be wise to have a professional service assess your property. They can identify factors drawing birds in and implement tailored solutions.

Professional bird control services offer these advantages:

• Specialized knowledge on species-specific behavior and biology.
• Access to commercial-grade repellents and deterrents.
• Ability to legally trap and remove nuisance birds.
• Strategic use of diverse harassing and exclusion tactics.

Professional options like netting installation, bird spikes, chemical repellents, and electronic noise devices are also available. These are best applied by experienced services.

Consider calling in professionals if:

• Bird infestations are very severe.
• You need birds legally trapped or removed.
• Specialized access is required.
• Homemade options have failed.

Pro services can provide relief when DIY options are inadequate. Get free estimates to compare your choices.

Conclusion

Sparrows can certainly be a headache to deal with at times. Thankfully, there are many homemade repellents that are safe, inexpensive, and effective for discouraging pesky sparrows. From hot pepper spray to predator urine to sound deterrents, you can find a suitable option.

Just remember to use repellents consistently, block food sources, and modify landscaping to be less bird-friendly. Start early each season before sparrow problems escalate. With smart repellent use and habitat management, you can humanely deter sparrows and reclaim your yard.