Whether it's pigeons, magpies, crows or other species, birds can be a big problem if they decide to nest on the roof of your home. Fortunately, there are many ways to ward off these birds once and for all.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Install Bollards
Step 1. Place fake predators on the roof to scare the birds
Since these animals have developed their senses to keep themselves safe from harm, it is possible to scare them by using some figurines that mimic their natural predators. Look for some of these visual bollards at garden or agricultural supply stores:
- Faux owls - ideal for pigeons, crows, seagulls and sparrows;
- Faux black crows - ideal for magpies and other small birds;
- Faux hawks - ideal for pigeons, turtledoves and songbirds.
Step 2. Broadcast the sounds made by predatory animals to keep birds away
In addition to the use of visual bollards, you can use an amplification system that transmits the sounds of bird predators and their distress calls. Look for an amplification system that transmits sound effects specific to the type of birds you want to keep away.
Step 3. Transmit ultrasound frequencies with a silent deterrent
If you don't intend to disturb your neighbors, try a device that transmits high-frequency sounds that can disturb and disorient birds without disturbing humans. These devices are designed specifically for birds and shouldn't disturb dogs, cats and other pets.
Look for a sounding bird deterrent at pest control stores
Step 4. Install electrified nets along the bird support points to persuade them not to perch
If the visual bollards don't work, try placing a low-voltage electrified fence specifically for birds along the areas where they normally rest. Although with this method the birds could perch a few centimeters away, the shock received will make them avoid the entire area.
- These nets are usually available from pest control companies.
- Despite being an unfortunate solution, the shocks emitted by electrified networks are not capable of harming the animal.
Method 2 of 3: Eliminate Support Points
Step 1. Install some bollards on your favorite support areas
The bollards are strips of thin rods that extend upwards. They are usually made of plastic or steel and are not capable of injuring birds, but simply eliminate possible footholds. They are particularly effective for protecting confined areas such as gutters and window sills.
Bollards are common deterrents available at garden and home improvement stores
Step 2. Place a "spider" support bollard on the roof to eliminate the support space
Also known as a "360 degree bollard", it is a device consisting of a series of long flexible rods that branch off from a central rod. The temples are particularly thin and fan out over a very large area, making it impossible for birds to land.
This device is often used on boats, so it can be found in nautical stores as well as in pest control stores
Step 3. Cover the shingles and tiles with repellent gel
Available at home improvement and pest control products stores, it is a transparent liquid that transforms the roof into an unpleasant area for support. It is applied like hot glue and makes shingles or tiles sticky, keeping birds away.
- Be prepared to apply the gel again after 6-8 months.
- Check the product label to see if it is harmful to other animals.
Step 4. Spread a net on the roof to remove any support points
If you're dealing with a whole flock of birds, individual bollards may not be enough. Instead, buy a long roll of anti-bird netting at a garden or pest control store - by spreading it all over the roof, you will prevent the birds from leaning and keep them away.
- Any network you decide to purchase will have specific installation instructions, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
- If you can't afford to buy full roof coverage, try to protect the most important areas, such as the top of the chimney.
Method 3 of 3: Eliminate other Grounds of Support on the Roof
Step 1. Clear any nesting areas on your roof
Often the birds remain in a specific area because they have created the nest there, which can be of the traditional type, that is formed by twigs, mud and other elements, or a point they frequent to shelter and to seek warmth. To convince a bird to leave, you will have to find its nest and remove it or block its entrance.
Before removing a nest, check local or national regulations regarding animal conservation. For example, in the states of the European Union it is illegal to disturb a nest during the breeding season
Step 2. Remove any food sources that may invite birds to stay
In many cases, birds remain in an area because they find ample access to food. The food source can be voluntary, for example if some people leave leftover bread for pigeons, or involuntary, such as throwing crumbs outside or leaving the garbage can open.. Until you remove these potential food sources, the flock may refuse to leave.
Step 3. Spray surrounding plants with methyl anthranilate to repel birds
It is an ecological product which, when applied to plants, makes them unpleasant to the smell and taste for birds. Buy the solution at a garden or pest control store and, if necessary, after pouring it into a spray bottle, spray it on the plants.
- Birds should move away from the surrounding area after the first application, as one of their main food sources no longer exists.
- Some brands of methyl anthranilate are sold as specific repellents for geese.
- This product is not expected to alter the taste of food for humans.
Step 4. Trap the birds that keep coming back
If any birds come back despite your best efforts to remove them, try to catch them and then release them to a forest or wildlife reserve. Before setting the trap, provide it with bread, grains or other similar food for a few days in a row, to ensure that the bird bites the trap. Then wait until you catch the bird in question by placing the food in one of the following traps:
- One in which the bird passes through a gate that closes behind him;
- A "funnel trap", in which the bird passes through a large opening that has spikes on the opposite side, to prevent escape.
