While bird nests can be beautiful to look at, they can cause serious problems if built in the wrong place. A nest built into an air vent, roof, or gutter can cause great damage. If birds often nest near your home, there are a number of remedies you can use to make sure that doesn't happen. Based on your preferences, you can create barriers, use non-toxic repellents or fake predators to scare the birds.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create Barriers
Step 1. Use the steel needle bollard wire (porcupine wire) to discourage birds from landing on the rafters
This type of wire creates a surface that is not easy to land on, which makes bird nesting more unlikely. Place it on the rafters where you don't want the birds to nest to keep them away.
This type of bollard wire has sharp needles that protrude in every direction and can be purchased online or in hardware stores
Step 2. Place bird nets on large areas where you would not want to find nests
If you have a garden or outdoor space where you don't want bird nests, cover it with a mesh net. This will prevent access to birds and other small animals.
Drive the net into the ground with pegs to secure it securely
Step 3. Use protective covers to prevent birds from nesting in the vents
Purchase a vent cover or wire mesh at a hardware store and place it outside, above the vents. This will prevent the birds from making nests inside the vents.
Step 4. Cover all protruding parts with wooden planks
Place a plank of wood at an angle greater than 45 ° on any external protruding part where you would not want to find nests. The birds will not be able to land and will choose to go and build their nest elsewhere.
Method 2 of 3: Try to Scare Them
Step 1. Place some plastic predators near areas where you don't want birds to land
Birds are always on the lookout for their natural predators and avoid nesting in places that may be a danger to them. Place plastic owls, snakes, or foxes near the areas you want to keep clear. When a bird sees the plastic animals, it will move elsewhere.
Step 2. Build predatory scarecrows out of balloons
Combine 2 white balloons and paint a black circle in the center of each. This simple makeshift scarecrow vaguely resembles a predator and may make birds think the area is unsafe.
Step 3. Frighten the birds by setting up a system that reproduces the sounds of predators
Recorded sounds of predatory animals or endangered birds can lead any nearby bird to think the area is unsafe for their young. Install speakers in your yard and play recordings during the day to prevent birds from building their own nest.
- If you'd rather not use these recordings, you could place wind chimes to keep birds away.
- If you are going to use them, warn the neighbors first.
Step 4. Hang strips of reflective tape or any other shiny object
Placing strips of tape around objects, plants, or buildings that you don't want birds to nest in can help confuse them and keep them away. If you don't have reflective tape, tying up a shiny object like an old CD or something silver can create a similar effect.
- Mirrors can be an effective alternative.
- Aluminum trays are also a good alternative and can make a loud noise when blown by the wind.
Method 3 of 3: Bird Repellents
Step 1. Purchase a non-toxic, FDA approved bird repellent
In many countries, killing birds with poison is illegal. Instead, buy a non-toxic bird repellent online or at a local store. Bird repellents on the market can prevent birds from nesting in an area, without generally harming or killing them.
Step 2. Sprinkle the areas where you don't want the birds to nest with sticky repellent
This type of repellent makes surfaces sticky, thus discouraging birds from landing. Apply the same repellent to plants, ledges, gutters, roofs, or other places you want to keep birds away from.
Make sure the repellent you are using is FDA approved. Using non-FDA-approved sticky substances to discourage birds can injure or even kill them
Step 3. Spray some enamel repellent on roofs to make them slippery for birds
Some wall glazes are designed to cover a surface with a slippery layer that prevents birds from landing. Contact a qualified person for more information on this type of solution.
Step 4. Avoid bird repellents made with chili
A popular rumor claims that spraying chilli substances on an area repels birds. Since birds are not receptive to the sense of hotness, these remedies will not be effective. Do not use repellents, whether they are homemade or commercial, which purport to repel birds with spices.
Hot spice repellents, however, are effective on many insects
Warnings
- In almost all countries it is illegal to disturb a nest that has already been made. Do not use these methods to chase away birds that have already built their nests.
- Remember that repellents that can poison birds are illegal in many countries.
