Birds can be a nuisance in gardens, farms, and other outdoor areas. Their constant pecking, scratching, and foraging can damage plants, spread unwanted seeds, and leave behind messy droppings. Some birds, like pigeons and seagulls, can be especially problematic in urban areas. This leads many people to search for humane ways to deter birds from areas where they are unwanted. One popular DIY bird deterrent is ribbon. Brightly colored ribbon is easy to find, inexpensive, and simple to hang up. But does it actually work to scare away birds? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
How Ribbon is Used to Deter Birds
Ribbon is most commonly used as a visual deterrent for birds. Long strands of ribbon are tied or taped to stakes, fences, trees, or other structures. The ribbon waves and flutters in the breeze, creating movement and noise that is designed to startle and scare away unwanted birds. Ribbon can be hung in open doorways or in front of bird feeders to block access. Some types of ribbon incorporate glitter or reflective surfaces to enhance the visual impact.
Ribbon is often used to protect gardening areas, pathways, patios, balconies, boat docks, etc. The goal is to make the area appear inhospitable and unsafe to birds. The ribbons may also physically block birds from landing or accessing certain spots.
Does Research Support Ribbon as an Effective Bird Deterrent?
Unfortunately, scientific research on ribbon as a bird deterrent is limited. Most evidence is anecdotal based on individual experiences using ribbon in gardens or yards. However, there are a few key factors to consider when evaluating ribbon’s effectiveness:
Movement and Noise Disruption
The motion and noise from ribbons blowing in the wind can initially frighten and startle birds. Sudden movements and sounds can trigger birds’ natural instinct to avoid threats. However, studies show birds can become desensitized to deterrents over time if the perceived threat is never realized. Ribbons may lose effectiveness as birds realize they are harmless.
Lack of Total Exclusion
Ribbons are not a total physical barrier. While they may block some landing spots, birds can still access the area by flying over or around. Birds that are highly motivated by food, shelter, or nesting locations may push past ribbons to get to their goal.
Habituation
Birds are intelligent and adaptable. With repeated exposure, birds can become accustomed to the presence of ribbons and learn to ignore them. Gulls, pigeons, and other bold urban birds are especially prone to habituation. Changing the placement of ribbons and varying colors/patterns can help delay habituation. But it is unlikely to deter birds permanently.
Insufficient Threat
For a deterrent to work, birds must perceive it as threatening. But ribbons are static and do not deliver any negative consequence. Birds likely realize the ribbons themselves pose no real danger. Without an alarming movement, loud noise, or negative experience to associate with the ribbons, birds have little motivation to avoid them.
Other Bird Deterrent Options
While ribbons do not seem to provide reliable bird control, there are some more effective options:
Physical Exclusion
Netting, wires, spikes, tent structures, and other physical barriers can prevent birds from landing and perching. Total exclusion is the most surefire way to deter birds.
Motion-Activated Devices
Sprinklers, ultrasonic emitters, or other devices triggered by motion sensors when a bird approaches can startle birds and make an area very unpleasant. Birds will learn locations with such devices should be avoided.
Chemical Repellents
Non-toxic formulations using mint, garlic, or other natural ingredients irritate birds’ pain receptors and make areas uncomfortable for landing. Reapplication is needed after rain.
Predator Decoys
Lifelike decoys of predatory birds like hawks and owls can scare away pest birds. Decoys should be moved regularly so birds don’t realize they are not real.
Key Takeaways on Ribbons and Birds
In summary, here are some key facts about using ribbon to deter birds:
- Ribbons rely on scaring birds visually with motion and noise
- Birds often habituate to ribbons over time as they pose no real threat
- Ribbons do not provide a physical barrier to exclude birds
- More effective bird deterrents create unpleasant experiences, pain sensations, or total exclusion
- Ribbons may work very temporarily or on mild bird problems
- But ribbons are generally not a standalone solution for controlling bird populations
The Bottom Line
Ribbons alone are unlikely to provide reliable bird control for the long-term. They may briefly startle birds or be somewhat effective against mild bird problems. But birds inevitably adapt to the harmless presence of ribbons. For more serious bird issues, invest in solutions that block access, deliver negative consequences, or make areas uncomfortably unpleasant with sights, sounds, or sensations. This provides the necessary motivation for birds to avoid and steer clear. With a more strategic, multifaceted deterrent plan in place, you’ll stand a better chance of successfully keeping problem birds away.