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.

 

4 Easy Ways to Keep Birds Away From Your Garage

Many homeowners have problems with birds around the outside of their garage. That’s because, if a garage is not attached to the home, you won’t hear birds pecking and nesting on rooftop areas, or even the gutters of a garage. 

Bird droppings, debris and other nesting materials can accumulate to do long-term damage to the roof and other areas of your garage.  Unless you deter them with effective bird control devices, birds will eventually consider your garage a safe haven and gather in increasing numbers.  Keep in mind that it costs just as much to repair a garage  roof as it does the roof on your home. And cleaning bird nests and debris out of rain gutters around your garage is no less of a chore than it is for gutters that surround your home

Fortunately, there are a number of humane and effective bird deterrents that you can use to keep birds away from your garage. Here's what the pros recommend.

They’ll slip ‘n slid on Bird Slope

Easy to install, Bird Slope consists of slippery PVC panels that won't allow birds to get a solid footing under the eaves of your garage.  After a few frantic tires to land or perch, birds give up and move on to your neighbor’s garage. The best bird slope panels are UV protected and sun- and weather-resistant to last longer--a good idea if you live in a severe weather area. Bird slope works against all types of birds--swallows, starlings, pigeons, etc. The panels blend in with most architectural styles and even come in two colors--stone and grey.

They can’t penetrate Garden Bird Netting

Drape this lightweight, easy-to-handle mesh along the sides of your garage and forget about pest birds. Garden Bird Netting comes in 14 x 100-foot and 14 x 200-foot rolls and is easily cut to the size you need. It comes in three "mesh" sizes--1/4", 1/2" and 3/4". Use the bird netting clips that the manufacturer recommends to streamline installation. The best netting is made from durable, UV-protected polypropylene.

Copper Stuf-Fit Mesh—for small holes

If your garage has lots of little crevices,  holes and nooks where birds can settle in, Copper Stuf-Fit mesh is what you need. The mesh comes in 20-foot and 100-foot roles and can be easily “formed” into the shape you need to block out even the most determined bird. This handy mesh is also ideal for keeping birds from working their way  under roofing tiles, retractable awnings, and where pipes enter siding or foundations.

No Nasty Nest—for Swallows

If you’ve got swallow nests covering the sides of your garage,  you need No Nasty Nest. This hanging "twine" bird deterrent makes it a real chore for birds to gain access to nesting sites. Installation is a snap. Each strip of No Nasty Nest features a self-adhesive back for fast installation on eaves, entryways and other elevated exterior areas of your garage.

How to Keep Pest Birds Safely Off Your Windows

 

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve no doubt had problems with birds around your windows.
They may sit on your window sills and peck at the glass, reacting to their reflection, thinking there's another bird on the other side. Cardinals, Purple Martins and other small birds appear most likely to peck at their own reflection in windows and glass doors. You may have also encountered birds flying into your windows and sliding glass doors who believe the reflection is a landscape and not a solid surface. Bird window strikes can injure and kill birds.

The solution is effective and humane bird control for your windows and sliding glass doors. Some advice from the pros to prevent bird strikes and birds pecking at your glass:

Plastic Bird Spikes

Easy to install around window sills, Plastic Bird Spikes will keep birds from perching and landing. The spiked strips typically come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. After a few unsuccessful landing attempts, birds just give up and move on.

Bird Alert Pecking Deterrent

Ideal for use with robins and cardinals, this long static-cling decal is easily placed at the bottom of a window to prevent birds from pecking at the glass. Each package contains one 48" x 6" decal. Bird Alert decals reflect ultraviolet light, which birds will see and realize the window is a surface and not a continuation of the landscape or an intruder in their territory. The decal can be easily removed and re-applied.

Window Alert Decals

These static cling decals are easily placed on windows and glass surfaces to prevent bird strikes. Window Alerts reflect ultraviolet light that birds will see to let birds know a hard surface is directly ahead of them. The decals are nearly invisible from the inside of the glass and can be removed for later use. Window Alerts are sold 12 per pack and one decal protects two or three square feet of glass.

Transparent Bird Gel

Easily applied, practically invisible, and very humane, Transparent Bird Gel leaves a sticky surface birds hate to land on. The best bird gels will last up to 6 months before needing to be reapplied. Gels are highly effective against pigeons, crows, gulls, starlings and many other species of larger birds. Be sure to clean off nesting materials and droppings before you apply these gels. Birds are naturally attracted to the scent of nests and droppings.

Bird Chase Super Sonic

Designed for large areas, Sonic Bird Deterrents will not only keep pest birds away from your windows but prevent birds from gathering around other problem areas of your home.  These devices emit a series of pre-recorded distress and predator calls that birds regard as their natural enemy (like falcons and hawks). If you’re being inundated by several bird species, get the Bird Chase Super Sonic. It emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds.

How to Stop Birds From Nesting

by Alex A. Kecskes

Tired of swallows building mud nests in the corners of your front porch? Had it with birds nesting in attics, eaves, vents and awnings?  Fed up with trying to wash bird nests and their droppings off your walkways, lawn furniture, BBQ and cars? And even after you do, the stains remain! You’re not alone.  Thousands of property owners across the country face the same dilemma. 

Birds generally build nests that are inaccessible, hidden, or camouflaged. Though in some cases, birds will build nests on top of chimneys. They like the heat produced by chimneys. Other birds are drawn to a chimney’s cavity shape, which they find ideal for nesting.

If you have a flat “under-hang” over your porch, it makes an ideal sheltered spot for birds to nest, and it can be nearly impossible to get rid of birds once they settle in. No matter how many times you knock down their nests, they’ll come back.

There are lethal ways to keep pest birds from nesting on your property. But you should be warned that the Migratory Bird Treaty and Endangered Species acts prohibit the trapping, possession, or killing of most birds, their eggs and nests without a permit. Only house sparrows, starlings and pigeons are unprotected by state or federal law; however, local ordinances may still protect these birds. So check with local authorities before you take action against birds or their nests.

Your other alternative is to use humane and non-lethal bird deterrents to discourage nesting.  One property owner hung a series of small mirrors under the eaves of his home where pest birds often chose to nest. When birds came to build a nest, they saw their reflection, got tricked into thinking another bird had already claimed the space, and moved on. Of course, there are other equally effective bird deterrents if you don’t fancy covering your house with mirrors.

To keep swallows, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and other pest birds from nesting on ledges, eaves, beams and similar areas, there's the Bird Slope. Birds slip and slide right off these angled, slippery PVC panels. And if they can’t get a foothold, they soon get frustrated and leave.  The best bird slopes are U.V. protected to stand up to extended periods of weathering and sunlight. They’re easily mounted on the underside of eaves with special mounting clips. Some bird slope panels have a "snap-on" extender to streamline installation on wider ledges and coverage areas. Mounting clips are also available for vertical installation on the sides of buildings. You should use the “end caps” provided by some manufacturers to keep birds from getting behind the sloped panels. Architects like to use these sloped panels because they are less visually obvious that other bird deterrents, and because they come in stone and grey colors to better blend in with a building’s color scheme.

To discourage pest birds from building nests atop chimneys, install stainless steel bird spikes. They prevent birds from landing. And if they can’t land, they can’t build a nest. The spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths. They’re easy to install and you’ll typically only need a single strip of spikes to cover your entire chimney.

To keep birds from building nests on patio covers, awnings, gazebos and other flat surfaces, some homeowners have had considerable success with Bird Spiders. These versatile bird-proofing devices feature stainless steel “arms” that whip around in the breeze. No bird in her right mind would build a nest near such a threatening display. Spiders come in various sizes--usually 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-foot designs to provide increasingly wider diameters of deterrence. Spiders do a nice job in discouraging pigeons, seagulls, and larger birds. They are easy to install and move, and there’s nothing to replace or maintain once they’re up. The best spiders will feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base and come standard with a glue-on base, allowing them to be glued down permanently to flat most surfaces.