How to Deal With Unwanted Birds in Your Yard
It’s time for the pigeons to find a new perch
Birds are a lovely addition to our natural surroundings, bringing beauty, song, and charm wherever they flutter. But let's face it; sometimes, some of our feathered friends overstay their welcome, causing all sorts of problems—from messing up your property to even posing health risks.
Some of the most troublesome species include geese, woodpeckers, pigeons, starlings, and robins. So how do you stop these creatures from hoppin' and a boppin' in your tree tops all day? Here’s how to get rid of birds when they become too comfortable in your space.
Why Do I Have a Bird Problem?
Understanding what makes your property a magnet for feathered visitors is crucial to keeping them away. Your yard may have abundant food sources—insects and plants that produce fruits, berries, or nectar—and a fresh water supply from a birdbath or small pond that provides a refreshing respite. Your trees may also be providing shelter from predators, your foliage becoming a sanctuary where they can rest, nest, and seek refuge. Even elevated perches that offer vantage points for observing potential mates, predators, and the overall surroundings, such as tall trees or utility lines, are likely to draw in birds.
Removing these elements to the best of your ability can go a long way to getting rid of your bird problem. Here are some more tips to help you out.
Make Your Property Less Appealing to Birds
Habitat modification is your first defense when you have birds causing a stir in your space. It involves giving your property a makeover to make it less appealing to your avian guests.
Remember, a successful habitat modification plan considers each bird species' unique behaviors and preferences. Combining multiple techniques can yield the best results. Here are a few tips for common types of birds.
Geese
They are notorious for leaving behind droppings that can deface walkways, lawns, and buildings. Those that gather in large numbers around water bodies can contribute to water pollution, potentially transmitting bacteria and parasites.
Grow out your grass: Geese prefer shorter, manicured grassy areas, so consider allowing your lawn to grow taller—around a foot will do.
Reduce water access: Limit water features or ponds on your property—geese are attracted to water bodies for feeding and resting.
Woodpeckers
These birds can cause structural damage by pecking holes in buildings, trees, and utility poles. They are drawn to insects beneath surfaces and drum loudly, causing disturbances.
Maintain trees: Eliminate their preferred feeding and nesting sites by trimming dead branches and removing decaying trees.
Add physical deterrents. Install deterrents such as reflective tape, wind chimes, or netting to prevent them from pecking at surfaces.
Starlings
These winged creatures, labeled invasive by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bring many problems. They damage crops, spread diseases harmful to humans and animals, compete aggressively with native birds, create noise, corrode surfaces with their droppings, and carry parasites like tapeworms.
Prevent nesting: Seal off potential nesting sites in nooks and crannies of buildings to discourage them from establishing residence.
Minimize food sources: Avoid leaving uncovered garbage or food that can attract starlings, and consider getting rid of your bird feeder.
Pigeons
They are notorious for their acidic and corrosive droppings, commonly roosting on ledges and eaves, creating unsightly messes. In addition to this aesthetic concern, pigeons are recognized carriers of diseases like histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis, which can be transmitted through their droppings and result in respiratory issues and flu-like symptoms.
Block roosting areas: Install spikes or netting on ledges, rooftops, and eaves to prevent pigeons from roosting and nesting.
Cover openings: Seal off openings and crevices in buildings that pigeons might use as entry points.
Minimize food sources: Pigeons are opportunistic feeders—don’t leave garbage uncovered and ditch the bird feeder.
Robins
Renowned for their melodic songs, robins' territorial instincts present challenges. Engaging in combat and fatal interactions with other birds reveals their aggressiveness, particularly towards their own species. Their fervor drives them to crash into windows, mistaking reflections as rivals to confront.
Mark windows: During the breeding season (April to July), put decorative window film or masking tape on your window to prevent robins from attacking their reflections.
Remove food sources: Robins are primarily ground foragers, so remove fallen fruit and berries.
Use Decoys to Keep Birds Away
This process requires strategic placement and careful selection of decoys. Here are steps for effectively using them.
1. Choose Realistic Decoys
Opt for decoys that closely resemble natural predators or animals that threaten birds. We’ll review popular choices shortly.
2. Proper Placement
High visibility is critical. Place decoys in areas where birds are likely to notice them quickly. Think strategically—position decoys near areas that birds frequent, such as feeding or roosting spots.
3. Movement and Variation
Birds may become accustomed to static decoys, so consider ones with movable parts or occasionally move them to maintain their effectiveness.
4. Combining Methods
Use decoys with other deterrent methods, including habitat modifications, for better results.
Types of Decoys
Owl decoy: Owls are natural predators for many bird species. Place owl decoys on perches or structures where birds gather, such as roofs, fences, or poles.
Hawk decoy: Hawks are also bird predators. Placing hawk decoys on high perches can create a sense of danger for smaller birds.
Bird of prey silhouettes: Silhouettes of predatory birds, like eagles or falcons, can be effective against various bird species. Place these on windowsills, roofs, and other prominent locations.
Snake decoy: Snakes are a natural threat to ground-nesting birds like waterfowl and sparrows. Use them in areas where birds may be nesting on the ground.
Use Spikes and Netting
Humane methods like spikes and netting will prevent many birds from nesting or roosting on rooftops, ledges, and other structures.
Spikes are typically made of plastic or stainless steel. Plastic spikes are often more budget-friendly, while stainless steel spikes tend to last longer.
Bird netting is a more compassionate method for discouraging birds from accessing desired spaces, says the Humane Society. They propose employing bird netting along ledges and window sills to shoo away birds instead of spikes.
Assess the area: Identify where birds nest or roost. Typical spots include ledges, rooftops, and eaves.
Prepare the area: Clean the area thoroughly to remove nesting materials, feathers, and droppings. The task will make it less attractive for birds to return.
Install spikes: Place bird spikes on ledges, windowsills, and other flat surfaces where birds perch. Spikes make it uncomfortable for birds to land and discourage nesting.
Set up netting: Install bird netting over areas like eaves, rooftops, trees, and gardens where birds may try to nest or eat. The netting creates a physical barrier, preventing birds from accessing these spaces.
Humane placement: Ensure that spikes and netting are installed properly and securely to avoid harming birds or other wildlife.
Regular maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the spikes and netting. Clean them of debris and ensure they are still effective.
Combine methods: Combine spikes and netting with other deterrents like habit modification and decoys for maximum impact.
Adhere to laws: Always follow local regulations and guidelines when installing bird control measures. Some bird species may be protected by law.
Consider alternative habitats: Provide bird nesting sites, such as birdhouses or designated areas away from your property.
How to Remove a Bird’s Nest
In many areas, disturbing bird nests with eggs or chicks is prohibited by laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Researching local regulations and seeking expert advice before acting on a bird's nest is essential to comply with legal and ethical standards.
Timing matters: Choose the right time to remove nests. Ideally, this should be during the off-season when birds are not actively nesting or raising their young.
Identify the bird species: Determine the species that built the nest. If the species is protected by law, disturbing the nest could be illegal. it is advisable to consult with a professional
Safety gear: Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and a mask, as some nests can carry diseases or parasites.
Preventive measures: Prevent further nesting in the exact location after removing a nest. This step could involve using deterrents, modifying the habitat, or blocking access points.
Cleaning up: Properly dispose of the nest material by bagging it in plastic and placing it in a covered outdoor trash can. This step will help avoid spreading diseases or parasites.
Monitor the area: Keep an eye on the area to prevent birds from returning and rebuilding nests.
Remember, bird nests contribute to the ecosystem. If removing nests is necessary, it's crucial to do so responsibly, respecting the birds and the laws that protect them.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Birds?
On average, the cost of evicting birds and clearing their nests from your residence totals around $600. However, the precise fee hinges on a medley of influences.
The removal of a lone nest might come to a modest $100. If a significant roosting predicament takes root, the tally could surge to $2,000, factoring in preventive measures.
However, before taking any action to remove birds and nests, it's crucial to research and understand the legal implications in your specific area. It’s advisable to consult local wildlife authorities or a local bird control expert who can provide accurate information and guidance on proceeding legally and ethically.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Deciding whether to DIY or hire a pro to get rid of birds depends on the situation. If it's a minor issue, like a couple of birds hanging around your yard, you can handle it yourself by combining the methods shared above.
However, hiring a professional for more complex problems, like large bird infestations, birds causing damage to your property, or nest removal, is often wiser. They have the expertise and proper tools to address the problem effectively and humanely while ensuring long-term solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using audio and visual methods to discourage birds might work initially, but birds tend to acclimate to them over time. While chemical deterrents can show some effectiveness, their results can be inconsistent. Some may dissipate too quickly, and there's a risk they might cause unintended damage to your surroundings. Additionally, birds might become immune or resistant to the impact of such treatments.
Keeping birds away from a porch can involve a combination of strategies. Start with cleaning your porch. Remove food, debris, and plants that may be attracting feathered friends. Afterward, install physical deterrents like netting or spikes. Next, top off your porch with a decoy or two—and owl or hawk works. When wondering how to keep birds off the porch, it is always best to use humane efforts that won't harm winged creatures or the environment.
Birds are often averse to certain strong scents. For instance, the odor of predator urine, such as that from foxes or hawks, can deter them. Similarly, birds may dislike the pungent aromas of garlic, onions, and chili peppers. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus can also be effective in keeping birds away. However, it's important to note that individual bird species might react differently to these scents, so it might require some experimentation to find the most effective repellent for your specific situation.
It's advisable to avoid using harmful methods to eliminate birds. Poisoning birds is inhumane and can have unintended ecological consequences, affecting other wildlife and pets. Similarly, using firearms or other lethal means poses safety risks and could be illegal in many areas. Sticky substances like adhesives can cause birds to become trapped and injured. Lastly, playing excessively loud or distressing noises can stress birds and humans. Focusing on humane and environmentally responsible strategies is essential when dealing with bird issues.
They can have a deterrent effect on birds to some extent. The reflective surfaces of these objects, such as aluminum foil strips, CDs, or reflective tape, create flashes of light and movement that can startle or confuse birds temporarily. However, some birds can become accustomed to these visual disturbances over time and might adapt their behavior accordingly. For a more sustained solution, combining shiny objects with other deterrent methods shared here is often beneficial for creating a more comprehensive and effective strategy for bird control.