Birds can be a nuisance around homes, leaving droppings, pecking at siding, waking you up early with their songs, and more. While you may enjoy seeing colorful birds visiting your yard, you likely don’t want them nesting on or near your house. There are several effective methods to humanely keep birds away from your home.
Why Do Birds Come to Your House?
Birds are attracted to houses for several reasons:
- Food sources – Accessible trash, pet food bowls, etc.
- Nesting sites – Shrubs, eaves, attic vents, etc.
- Water – Bird baths, ponds, etc.
- Shelter – Trees, overhangs, and covered areas
By removing these attractions, you can convince birds to go elsewhere. However, completely eliminating all bird attractions may be unrealistic. Using additional deterrents can help make your home even less appealing to birds.
Common Nuisance Birds
While all birds can potentially become a problem, these species are the most likely culprits around homes:
Bird | Why They’re a Problem |
---|---|
Pigeons | Roost on buildings, leave droppings and damage |
European starlings | Aggressive, nest in vents and crevices |
Sparrows | Nest in gutters and eaves |
Gulls | Drop shells and excrement everywhere |
Crows | Loud, rummage through trash |
Woodpeckers | Drill holes in siding |
The most effective bird deterrents focus on making a home less attractive to these problem bird species in particular.
Physical Bird Deterrents
Physical deterrents create barriers to physically keep birds away from your home. They can be highly effective but are the most hands-on option.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes consist of rows of narrow spikes pointing upwards. They are made from stainless steel or sturdy plastic. The spikes prevent birds from being able to land or perch.
Install bird spikes along:
- Window sills
- Signs
- Gutters
- Ledges
- Fence posts
- Roof peaks
Bird spikes work well to block birds from landing on specific surfaces. They are a bit expensive and time-consuming to install properly. You also will need to regularly clean debris that gets caught in the spikes.
Netting
Netting over trees, plants, patios, etc. creates a physical barrier that keeps birds out of protected areas. The best netting material for excluding birds has holes less than 1/2 inch wide. It should be UV-stabilized and resistant to rot and tearing.
When installing netting:
- Cover the area completely and securely anchor the edges
- Use proper support structures so that birds cannot weigh down the netting
- Allow space between the net and protected plants/structures for air circulation
Netting is one of the most versatile and effective bird deterrents. It does require some planning and effort for proper installation. You will also need to regularly inspect netted areas and make any needed repairs.
Nest-Blocking Products
Different devices block birds from building nests in unwanted areas, such as:
- Bird netting strips – Narrow netting to place across eaves, vents, and crevices
- Porcupine wire – Coils of spiked wire to install on rooftops and ledges
- Electric track systems – Low-voltage electric tracks give birds a harmless shock
These products keep birds from settling in to nest on your home. They work by giving birds nowhere suitable to build nests or lay eggs. Install them in all potential nesting spots.
Scare Tactics
Devices that scare or startle birds frighten them away through unfamiliar sights, sounds, or sensations. They work best by using a variety that birds don’t become accustomed to.
Reflective Scare Devices
Reflective surfaces like old CDs, foil pan covers, and flashing tape, create glints of light that startle birds. Hang these reflective materials in trees and shrubs and near roosting/nesting spots. The flashes scare birds without harming them.
To increase effectiveness:
- Use multiple reflective objects of different sizes
- Move items periodically so they remain unexpected
- Combine with other scare devices for synergistic effect
Predator Decoys
Lifelike fake owls, hawks, snakes and cats can frighten birds that view them as a predator threat. For best results:
- Get a few different decoys and alternate their placement
- Situate them where birds congregate and on roofs/ledges
- Move them every few days so they don’t become ignored
The more realistic a decoy looks and the more unpredictable it is, the better it will deter birds. Decoys work well as part of a integrated pest bird control plan.
Sonic Deterrents
Devices that emit high-frequency sounds that annoy birds can discourage them from an area. Popular options include:
- Ultrasonic devices – Emits tones too high for humans to hear
- Predator bird calls – Plays distress cries to signal danger
- Sonic spikes – Specialized roof/ledge spikes emit ultrasonic sound
For optimal performance, use multiple sonic deterrents and frequently change their placement. Note that some people may find ultrasonic devices unpleasant as well.
Chemical Repellents
Chemical taste and odor repellents make areas unappealing to birds. They can be an easy, effective solution when used properly.
Taste-Based Repellents
Substances with a bitter, unpleasant taste keep birds from sampling surfaces. Taste repellents are available in liquid or gel formulations. Apply them:
- On ornamental plants, flowers, and shrubs
- Along edges and window sills
- On fence posts, signs, etc.
Reapply taste repellents every 2-3 weeks or after rain. Birds dislike the awful taste and will avoid treated areas.
Scent-Based Repellents
Repellents with strong odors of potential predators or irritants deter birds. These are typically sold as concentrated liquids, atomizers, pellets, or slow-release gel cartridges.
Use smell repellents around roosting spots like:
- Attics
- Porches
- Patios
- Garages
- Sheds
- Gazebos
Refresh smelly repellents weekly or whenever odors dissipate. The unpleasant scents will convince birds to go elsewhere.
Habitat Modification
Altering your property’s environment and landscaping is a non-toxic way to discourage birds. This focuses on removing attractions and making it unsuitable for birds.
Remove Food Sources
Eliminate anything that provides food for birds:
- Pick up fallen fruits/berries from trees/shrubs
- Remove bird feeders and baths
- Keep trash bins sealed and pet food indoors
- Clean up spilled seed from the ground
Cutting off their food will send most birds looking elsewhere. Starving birds out should not be done during nesting season.
Block Access
Seal off areas where birds are getting in or nesting. Use hardware cloth, caulk, wood, metal flashing, staples, etc. to cover:
- Holes in siding
- Roof and attic vents
- Cracks around window AC units
- Spaces under eaves and overhangs
This exclusion keeps birds from entering and establishing nest sites. Perform repairs when birds are not active/nesting.
Modify Landscaping
Alter plantings and landscaping to be less bird-friendly by:
- Pruning back dense shrubs and branches
- Removing preferred roosting/nesting trees
- Selecting plants less attractive to birds
- Letting grass grow longer to discourage foraging
Discourage bird roosting and nesting by increasing visibility and removing protective cover. Seek landscaping advice to avoid harming beneficial native birds.
When to Use Bird Control
Implementing bird deterrents at the right times maximizes their effectiveness. The best times include:
Early Spring
Act in early spring before breeding season begins. Stop birds from establishing nest sites by:
- Installing deterrents they aren’t yet accustomed to
- Sealing off preferred nest areas
- Removing old nests from prior years
Early action prevents birds from settling in to breed. Ongoing maintenance will continue discouraging them.
Fall
Deter birds arriving to roost for the winter by:
- Removing food sources
- Using taste/scent repellents
- Installing spikes, electric tracks, and other anti-roosting devices
With no nests to protect, birds will more readily abandon areas made uncomfortable for them.
Immediately After Nesting Season
Act decisively once nests become empty by:
- Deterring adults from bringing more food
- Removing and discarding abandoned nests
- Sealing off now-vacant nest sites
Quick action prevents stragglers from re-nesting. Ongoing controls then keep other birds from moving in next year.
Combining Multiple Deterrents
Best practice is to integrate several bird deterrents together. Varying control methods maximizes effectiveness because birds won’t get used to any one technique. Some useful strategies include:
Use a Range of Tactics
For example, you could:
- Install metal spike strips on ledges
- Cover shrubs with netting
- Apply smell repellent near vents
- Use an ultrasonic device on the roof
Varying physical exclusion, scents, sounds, and more improves results. No single solution is a silver bullet against birds.
Alternate Deterrents
Switch the specific deterrents you’re using to keep birds on their toes. After a month you could:
- Replace fake owls with flashing reflective tapes
- Swap ultrasonic devices for predator bird call boxes
- Move around propane cannons or other noise makers
New sights and sounds will seem threatening before birds habituate. Make changes before current deterrents lose their punch.
Layer Controls in Problem Areas
Use multiple deterrent types together in worst bird problem spots:
- On the roof: bird spikes, ultrasonic devices, owl decoys
- By shrubs: netting, reflective plates, smell repellent
- In vents: sonic alarm, porcupine wires
Layering physical exclusion, scaring, and repellents boosts effectiveness. Focus on making specific areas as unwelcoming as possible.
When to Call a Professional
For severe bird problems, professional bird control services may be needed. Signs it’s time to call in the pros include:
Signs of a Serious Bird Problem | Professional Solutions |
---|---|
Large numbers roosting on your home | Installing comprehensive electric deterrent track systems |
Nest removal requiring high ladders | Humanely removing nests and bird-proofing sites |
Major health/safety concerns from droppings | Power-washing to disinfect affected areas |
Extensive damage to structures | Performing repairs and sealing off entry points |
Large infestations in warehouses/agricultural settings | Apply commercial-grade fogging repellents |
Dealing with migratory or federally protected species | Taking proper legal precautions |
Professional bird control services use specialized products and techniques. They can tackle situations beyond what typical homeowners can handle themselves.
Choosing a Bird Control Company
When hiring professional bird control, look for:
- Certification and licensing for wildlife control
- Strong reputation with good customer reviews
- Use humane, non-toxic methods when possible
- Experience with specific problematic bird species
- Offering effective solutions and warranties
A reputable bird control pro should visit your property to assess the situation and make expert recommendations. They can stop bird problems while complying with all regulations.
Conclusion
Preventing birds from inhabiting your home involves making it an unattractive and unsuitable environment. Reduce food, water, and nesting sites whenever feasible. Installing physical deterrents provides strong barriers as well.
Frightening birds away with various scare tactics keeps them nervous to settle in. Smell and taste repellents condition them to avoid treated areas. Maintaining a customized integrated bird control plan will provide the best defense against problem bird issues.
For severe infestations or complex situations, professional bird control services may be required. Overall, being vigilant and proactive with humane deterrent options will help resolve bird problems at your house. Implementing a variety of solutions improves success without harming innocent birds.