Having lots of birds around your home can be a nuisance. Birds make noise, leave droppings, damage property, spread diseases, and some birds are aggressive. If you have noticed an influx of birds in your yard or around your home, there are humane and effective ways to deter them. With some simple changes and persistence, you can get rid of nuisance birds on your property.
Why are there suddenly so many birds?
There are a few common reasons why you may suddenly notice a large number of birds around your home:
- Food source – Birds congregate where food is abundant. If you have bird feeders, fruit trees, or unsecured trash cans, these can attract flocks of birds.
- Shelter – Trees, shrubs, roofs, and ledges on your property may provide shelter and nesting sites attractive to birds.
- Seasonal migration – Some species of birds migrate through areas in large numbers as part of their natural migration patterns.
- Established roost – Your home may be located near an established bird roosting area that draws large numbers seasonally.
- Loss of natural habitat – When birds’ natural habitats dwindle, they may seek shelter and food from human environments.
Identifying the reasons birds are attracted to your home will help you know how to discourage them from congregating. Removing food sources, shelter, and roosting spots is key.
Problems caused by lots of birds
While most birds are lovely to watch, large concentrations of them can cause issues:
- Noise – Flocks of birds are noisy with chirping, cooing, and squawking. This can be disruptive, especially early morning.
- Droppings – Bird droppings can coating decks, patios, cars, and equipment. Droppings are unsightly and unhygienic.
- Health hazards – Bird droppings contain bacteria, funguses, and parasites. Some birds also carry diseases transmittable to humans.
- Property damage – Birds can peck and scratch paint, varnish, wood, etc. Their droppings are also corrosive to many materials.
- Aggression – Some birds are very territorial and will become aggressive, swooping to protect nests.
- Nuisance – It’s difficult to enjoy your yard when it’s overrun with birds. They scavenge for food, rummage in trash, make noise, etc.
Deterring birds helps avoid these issues that can occur when too many congregate. There are safe, non-toxic methods to discourage birds from overrunning your space.
Humane Bird Deterrent Options
When managing nuisance birds, it’s important to use humane, non-toxic methods. Here are some effective options:
Remove Food & Water Sources
Eliminating outdoor food and water that attracts birds is a key step. This may include:
- Take down bird feeders and bird baths.
- Secure trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean up fallen fruit from trees.
- Fix any sources of standing water from leaks, drips, etc.
Without food and water sources, most birds will look elsewhere. Make sure pet food isn’t left outside either.
Use Bird Repellents
There are many effective bird repellents, most completely safe and humane:
- Visual repellents – Scare tape, foil pan wind chimes, flashing lights, owl decoys, and reflective surfaces like old CDs will discourage birds. Move frequently so they don’t acclimate.
- Smell & taste repellents – Bird repellent gel, liquid, or foam can be applied on ledges, roof peaks, railings, etc. where birds roost. Smells unpleasant but harmless to birds.
- Sound repellents – Predator bird distress calls, ultrasonic devices, and loud sounds like clapping or banging pans will frighten birds away.
Use multiple different repellents together for best results. Follow product instructions carefully.
Modify Bird Habitat
Altering your landscaping and buildings to be less bird-friendly will discourage them from sticking around.
- Trim trees and shrubs so birds have fewer nesting and roosting spots.
- Block access to potential nesting areas under roof overhangs, vents, ledges, etc.
- Install bird netting over fruit trees, ponds, patios, or other problem areas.
- Use bird spikes, slope modifications, or repellent gels on ledges, peaks, railings, signs, etc. to prevent roosting.
This habitat modification makes your property unwelcoming to nuisance birds.
Scare Birds Away
Actively scaring and shooing birds away can teach them your yard isn’t a good place to congregate. Tactics include:
- Make loud noises by yelling, clapping, banging pot lids together, or using air horns.
- Squirt birds away with water guns or spray bottles.
- Wave arms wildly and run towards birds to startle them.
- Let dogs chase birds – supervised to avoid harming birds.
- Use remote control vehicles or RC aircraft to mimic predators and scare birds.
Be persistent in scaring techniques. Over time, birds will learn your property isn’t safe.
When To Call A Pest Control Professional
In some cases, birds may still persist even after trying DIY humane deterrents. Here are some signs it may be time to call in a professional:
- Large established roosts of hundreds or thousands of birds.
- Birds nesting extensively in hard to reach areas like roof peaks, gutters, or chimneys.
- Significant property damage from bird droppings.
- Health hazards from extensive droppings.
- Birds carry diseases like histoplasmosis, salmonella, encephalitis, etc.
- Aggressive flock behavior that doesn’t respond to deterrents.
- A migratory roost that forms seasonally.
Licensed pest control professionals have access to advanced techniques like:
- Mist nets to remove roosting birds.
- Specialized chemical bird repellents.
- Tools to dismantle nests and modify roosting sites.
- Falconry services using predatory hawks to chase birds.
They can also handle large-scale bird problems, nest removal, and droppings clean-up. Get an inspection and customized bird control plan.
Conclusion
Dealing with nuisance birds takes some persistence and creativity in using humane deterrents. Start by removing food sources, using repellents, modifying habitat, and scaring birds away. Call in professionals for severe bird problems not resolved by DIY methods. Implementing an integrated pest management plan using multiplebird control techniques will convince the birds your property is an unfavorable spot they should avoid. With diligence, you can successfully get rid of pesky birds and reclaim your outdoor space.
Steps to Get Rid of Lots of Birds
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Key Takeaways
- Identify and eliminate food sources, nesting sites, and roosts that attract birds.
- Use humane bird repellents like visual frights, smell/taste repellents, and noise makers.
- Modify habitat by trimming vegetation and blocking access to nesting areas.
- Persistently scare birds away with loud noises, spray bottles, dogs, etc.
- Call in professional pest control for severe cases not resolved by DIY methods.
FAQs
What is the most effective way to get rid of birds?
The most effective bird control starts with removing food sources, roosts, and nesting spots. Installing bird netting over problem areas is also very effective. Using multiple types of repellents together works better than a single method alone. Persistence is key – it may take days or weeks of scaring birds away before they learn to avoid the area.
How do I keep birds from nesting on my patio or balcony?
Block access to nesting spots by installing bird netting over the entire patio or balcony. Prune any shrubs or trees touching the area. Use visual and noise repellents like scare tape, wind chimes, and clapping. Apply smell/taste repellent gel on railings or ledges. Be diligent about disturbing any birds attempting to build nests.
Should I get rid of my bird feeder?
If the bird feeder is attracting a nuisance quantity of birds, removing it is an easy fix. Try using a feeder design where birds can’t sit and congregate. Clean up fallen seed to avoid attracting more. Consider discontinuing feeding during peak nuisance seasons, or place feeders further from the house. It may be necessary to remove feeders entirely if they are the root cause of bird problems.
Can I use poison or kill the nuisance birds?
No, it is illegal and unethical to poison birds or use any method to intentionally kill them without permit. All bird deterrent techniques should be humane and not cause harm. Lethal control requires special licensing and should always be a last resort for specific health/safety hazards. Implement non-lethal bird deterrents first for a residential property.
When do I need a professional bird control service?
If DIY methods are ineffective on a severe bird problem, professional pest control is recommended. Large migratory roosts, hazardous droppings accumulation, expensive property damage, and aggressive birds are cases which often require expert help. They have specialized tools, chemicals, and access to difficult to reach nesting areas that householders can’t always treat alone.