Got Destructive Birds in Your Garden? Get the Sonic Shield™

While most birds are nice to look at and we love to hear them sing, they can be destructive to a garden. They can nibble away at the ripening fruit on your peach, apple, or pear trees.  And they can wreak havoc with your vegetable plants, making them inedible. Birds also like to munch on corn and sunflower plants. And they’ll pick seeds right out of the ground after you’ve painstakingly planted and nurtured them.

If you want to protect your fruits and vegetable from pest birds, you’ll need to take some proactive steps in the form of bird deterrents. Chances are you’ve tried banging pots, water hoses and similar means to deter pest birds from your garden only to be frustrated when they return the minute you go back in the house You may also have tried hanging reflective CDs and setting up little windmills. But the birds quickly got used to them and now totally ignore them. You’re at your wits end in getting rid of the birds, but at the same time, you don’t have the heart to injure the poor things with poisons or pellet guns.

Fortunately, there is a humane, effective bird deterrent that will keep an entire flock of birds away from your garden. It’s called the Bird-B-Gone Sonic Shield™.

Birds take Flight at this Sound and Light

The Bird-B-Gone Sonic Shield™ was scientifically designed to fully exploit a bird’s natural fear of sudden bright lights and alarming sounds. Its motion sensor springs into action the very second a bird enters its zone of protection. Once activated, the Sonic Shield broadcasts a loud dog barking sound and flashing LED light to scare any bird away. It acts as your 24/7 garden sentry.

Give Birds the Fright, Day or Night

The Sonic Shield™ has two modes of operation: a daytime mode and a nighttime mode. In the daytime mode, flashing LED lights and loud barking dog sounds work together to scare birds out of your garden. In the nighttime mode, only bright flashing LED lights are used to scare birds away—ideal for areas where night noises would wake up the neighbors. Regardless of which mode you choose, the Sonic Shield™ will get rid of a wide range of birds that have been molesting your garden and fruit trees. It’s also far better than ultrasonic deterrents, which emit sounds most birds can’t even hear.

Mount it anywhere

Easy to set up and use, the Sonic Shield™ is the bird pest bird deterrent that’s completely portable and self-contained. It can be easily placed wherever birds are gathering—on a branch in your fruit tree, on your fence, or even under your patio cover. It runs on four standard AA batteries, so there are no AC cords to string along your garden to power the unit.

The Top 5 Tactics to Get Rid of Birds

There are all sorts of ways to get rid of pest birds. Some are lethal and not recommended for most situations; others are simply ineffective. Fortunately, bird control experts have come up with some pretty ingenious ways to keep birds from ruining your property and frazzling your nerves. A sampling of the top 5:

Bird Spikes

The granddaddy of pest bird deterrents, Bird Spikes will get rid of larger birds—like pigeons, crows and gulls—from your roof, patio cover and other elevated areas of your property. Bird Spikes won’t harm birds or pets. They simply won’t allow birds to land or perch. The spiked strips come in rigid unbreakable polycarbonate (plastic) or durable stainless steel. Each two-foot long strip can be nailed, glued or screwed to most surfaces. There’s also the Mega Spike, which has large 7-inch spikes for keeping vultures from perching. And Gutter Spikes if you have a problem with birds nesting in your rain gutters.

Bird Slope

Blending in architecturally with your home or business, Bird Slope consists of slippery PVC panels that prevent birds from getting a solid footing under eaves and other elevated 90-degree nooks. Birds may be stubborn critters, but they soon give up after loosing their grip on these panels. The best bird slope panels are UV protected and sun- and weather-resistant to remain attractive and effective for years. Bird Slope is an effective way to get rid of many different types of birds—including swallows, starlings, pigeons, crows and more.

Garden Bird Netting

Working on the principle of denying access, Garden Bird Netting is lightweight and easy to handle. It comes in 14 x 100-foot and 14 x 200-foot rolls and can be cut to the size needed for various applications. Choose the mesh size that gets rid of the birds that cause you grief--1/4", 1/2" or 3/4". Bird netting clips are available to keep the netting conveniently in place. Look for netting made of durable, UV-protected polypropylene. It will last longer.

Copper Stuf-Fit Mesh

Perfect for keeping smaller birds out of all those little crevices, holes and nooks, Copper Stuf-Fit mesh is easily “formed” into the shape needed to get the job done. The mesh comes in 20-foot and 100-foot roles. It’s also rust-proof and stain proof (steel wool will rust, run and stain your property). Copper Stuf-Fit even keeps birds from working their way under roofing tiles, retractable awnings, and where pipes enter your siding or foundation.

BeakGuard Woodpecker Deterrent

Ideal for getting rid of woodpeckers, BeakGuard is easily applied to latex-painted surfaces, wood, fiber-cement, stucco, aluminum or vinyl. The specially designed finish warns woodpeckers that the surface is to be avoided. BeakGuard is harmless to woodpeckers or other birds. It leaves a vapor permeable, flexible membrane that is durable, color fast and resists dirt pick up. BeakGuard goes like paint—with a brush, roller, paint pad or spray equipment.

Bird Control to Keep Birds Off Rooftop Patios and Terraces

A rooftop patio or terrace can be a great place to relax and throw parties. You may have decorative outdoor furniture and plants throughout these areas. One problem with rooftop patios and terraces is the birds they draw. Birds often use these areas for roosting and nesting. Fail to implement effective bird control to keep birds off these rooftop areas and you’ll have to constantly clean the area and possibly make repairs.

Bird droppings can quickly cover your furniture, chairs and plants, necessitating constant cleanups. Even outdoor chairs, chaise lounges and umbrellas can become permanently damaged by the acidic nature of bird droppings. Portable gas heaters can  become covered with bird droppings and, if not cleaned, can emit a terrible stench once turned on. Bird droppings can also create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards for you and your guests. Even if birds do no significant damage, the unsightly appearance and smell of this refuse can ruin the appearance of your terrace, patio or balcony. Keep in mind too, that bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases.

The solution, of course, is to install effective bird control measures now—before the birds arrive.  Here are a few bird deterrents the pros recommend:

Bird•B•Gone Sonic Shield™

This ingenious device scares birds and other critters away from yards, patios, decks, balconies and terraces using sound and light. It’s easily installed just about anywhere and runs on 4 AA batteries. The device has two modes of operation: daytime mode to repel birds using loud eagle sounds (a predator for most birds and a nighttime mode that uses only flashing LED lights for areas where night noises are not allowed.

Red Tail Hawks

A skilled and deadly predator, Red tail hawks are feared by most birds. Which is why Hawk Decoys can be so effective in bird control. These decorative decoys are easily placed around your patio, terrace or balcony. The best hawk decoys are made of heavy duty plastic and will stay realistic looking season after season. Place them in high visibility areas and re-position them from time to time. The decoy may be a dummy, birds are not.

Sonic Deterrents

Birds are always alert to threatening sounds. Which is why Sonic Bird Deterrents are so effective in keeping birds off patios, terraces and balconies. These devices emit pre-recorded distress and predator calls that birds instantly regard as a threat. If your patio, terrace or balcony is being invaded by various species of birds, consider getting the Bird Chase Super Sonic. It emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds.

Visual Bird Deterrents

Easy to hang just about anywhere, Visual Bird Deterrents include Flash Tape and Reflective Banners, which reflect sunlight and rattle in the wind, and Scare Eye Diverters and Bird Scare Balloons adorned with large predator eyes to frighten birds. The important thing to remember about Visual Bird Deterrents is to move them around from time to time.

Homeowners: Keep Birds Away from Window Sills, Ledges & Awnings

Without bird control measures to deter them, birds will perch and even nest on the window sills, ledges and awnings of your home. If you have a two-story home, the upper windows and ledges make especially ideal for birds on the lookout for food and predators.

Birds and their nesting materials can damage window screens and awnings. Bird droppings can jam up windows, making it hard or even impossible to open and close them properly. These droppings can also eat into vinyl windows and painted surfaces on ledges, leaving unsightly splotches. In these tough economic times, the last thing you need is to have to repaint your home or replace the windows. Bird droppings also carry any of 60 known diseases—like E. coli, Salmonella. These can easily waft into an open window, creating a health hazard, especially to children.

The only real solution for today’s homeowners is humane, effective bird deterrents.  Here's what the pros recommend to deter pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls, starlings and many other species of birds:

Sonic Bird Deterrents

Easy to set up on the side of your home that’s most troubled by birds, Sonic Bird Deterrents deter birds from perching and nesting on windows, ledges and awnings. These ingenious devices emit a series of pre-recorded distress and predator calls that resemble a bird’s natural enemy. If your windows and ledges are attracting several bird species, get the Bird Chase Super Sonic. It emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. It can be programmed to turn on or off at night. The sounds it emits are natural bird sounds, so it won’t irritate your pets or annoy your neighbors.

Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

The natural enemy of most birds, Red Tail Hawks hunt by day, which is why Hawk Decoys can be so effective in deterring them.  If your window sill or ledge is wide enough, place one or two in high visibility areas and birds will stay away. The best hawk decoys will be realistic looking and be made of heavy duty plastic to endure many seasons of outdoor weather. All you have to do is move them around from time to time to convince birds your decoys are a live threat.

Transparent Bird Gel

Ideal for narrow ledges and windowsills, as well as awnings,  birds hate to set foot on Transparent Bird Gel. It sticks to their little toes and makes them feel trapped (although it won’t trap them—much like Post-it Notes, the adhesive is very mild).  The gel is easily applied, practically invisible and very humane. The best bird gels will provide up to 6 months of protection.

Before implementing any bird control measures, be sure to clean away nesting materials and droppings from sills, ledges and awnings. Birds are naturally attracted to the scent of nests and droppings, so they will consider your home most hospitable.

How to Humanely Get Rid of Pest Birds

The pigeons are coming. So are blackbirds, starlings, house sparrows and crows. They’ll be invading your property en masse as bird season approaches. Will you be ready to get rid of birds when they arrive?

Prepare now or risk having your home invaded by birds.  Your cars will be spotted with bird droppings. So will your windowsills and patio furniture. Larger pest birds will tear apart your roofing shingles, causing leaks.  Smaller birds will build nests in your rain gutters, causing water to back up under your roofing tiles and, once again, you’ll have a leaking roof. Birds large and small will contaminate your pool and spa, so you’ll have to drain and clean them—not a pleasant thought.

Unless you have bird control devices in place, it will become increasingly difficult to get rid of pest birds. The temptation will be to use lethal means—like poisons or pellet guns—or stop-gap measures like water hoses and firecrackers.  Eventually, under pressure from your kids and neighbors, you’ll agree to more humane bird deterrents. Devices that actually work. Here’s what the pros recommend:

Scarecrows  for Pools, Spas and Gardens

Highly recommended for deterring all types of birds from areas where the presence of water is tolerated, Scarecrows are motion-activated sprinklers that spray a harmless but persuasive blast of water at any bird that wonders into its zone of protection. Scarecrows hook up to any standard garden hose and will guard a 1,200-square-foot area (or a 35-foot by 45-foot wide shape). The Scarecrow’s sensitivity and coverage area can be easily adjusted to suit the needs of your garden, pool or spa.

Bird Spikes for Roofs & Patio Covers

Birds usually seek a high perch from which to observe before they dive bomb your pool, spa, patio tables or car.  Bird Spikes deny them that perch. Ideal for larger birds like pigeons and crows, Bird Spikes are harmless to birds, people and pets. They have earned the approval of the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service). The spiked strips come in rigid unbreakable polycarbonate (plastic) or durable stainless steel. Gutter spikes are also available to keep birds out of your rain gutters. All are easy to install using glue, screws, clips or tied downs.

Balloons  and Diverters  for Trees

Known as Visual Bird Deterrents, Reflective Bird Diverters and Predator Eye Balloons bob and wave in the breeze to get rid of birds through intimidation. Diverters are tear-drop shaped panels covered with a big predator eye. They are hung in various lengths and spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. Predator Eye Balloons are covered with huge predator eyes. Look for visual deterrents made of weather-resistant vinyl plastic. For best results, it’s best to move these bird deterrents around often, or most birds will eventually get used to them as a non-live object to be ignored.