How to Keep Birds Off of Your Porch: 8 Simple Methods
Here’s how to get birds to fly the coop
Having birds land on your porch may seem fun at first, like being in a Disney movie. However, you may eventually decide that the constant loud noise, nesting, and unsightly mess from bird poop isn't what you'd envisioned for your peaceful outdoor retreat. Luckily, taking back your space can be simple. This guide on how to keep birds off the porch includes several simple tricks you can employ.
1. Predator Decoy
You've likely seen decoy owl statues deployed on decks and posts. They’re designed to convince birds that there's a predator nearby and encourage them to stay away. They can look like owls, dogs, cats, and other animals with varying levels of realism. Regardless of the type you prefer, you'll have to move it regularly to properly fool birds and ensure they don't get used to it.
2. Loud or Shiny Porch Decor
Birds are repelled by loud noises and shining lights. Many homeowners love the music of wind chimes, and the gleam of glass or metallic chimes adds an extra level of deterrence. If you don't want extra noise, opt for shiny pinwheels, reused CDs, mirrors, and glass art, all of which can also be visually disorienting for birds and cause them to keep their distance.
3. Homemade Bird Repellents
Certain odors can act as bird repellents, depending on the species. Many birds dislike citrus smells, so spraying lemon or citronella oil solutions whenever you use your porch can work well. Other smells to try include chili pepper, peppermint oil, and soap. Regardless of what you choose, you'll need to spray often as the smells wear off.
4. Pets
If you already own a cat or dog, allowing your pet to spend time on the porch will make birds extremely cautious about approaching your space.
5. Move Water Features
Birds are naturally attracted to water features such as fountains, birdbaths, and wading pools. If possible, place these features at a distance from your home so birds spend more time in the water and less time on the porch.
6. Install a Barrier of Spikes or Fishing Line
Birds love to perch on porch railings or the eaves and gutters along your roofline. You can make these spaces less inviting by installing harmless plastic or metal spikes that prevent birds from landing. If you don't want spikes along your porch railing, you can string an invisible fishing line above the railing from post to post, which has a similar effect without blocking your view.
7. Baking Soda Solution
It may sound strange, but birds are repelled by the feeling of baking soda on their feet. You can achieve this effect by thoroughly mixing a solution of baking soda and water and spraying it along porch railings or other spots that birds like to perch.
8. Motion-Activated Water Blasters
You can purchase a motion-activated device that connects to a hose and shoots water at all types of pests, including birds. This device sits in your yard and can be solar-powered. However, you may also get wet if it's aimed at your porch.
Why Do Birds Keep Coming to My Porch?
There are many reasons that birds might choose to roost or even build a nest on your porch. Porches tend to be decorated with colorful furniture, flowering plants, and other décor that attract birds initially. When they arrive, they may find a reliable source of nesting materials such as fallen twigs, leaves, and synthetic strings or lint.
If your porch is surrounded by overhanging tree branches or tall shrubs, birds may gather for cover from predators and the elements. Standing water and food sources are also attractive for these small visitors. Making changes in these areas may help you reduce your bird problem.
Bird Deterrents to Avoid
Some common bird-deterring strategies are actually dangerous. One is the use of netting, which can trap birds and cause them injury or death. Hanging netting over your porch can also obstruct your backyard view.
Another product to avoid Is an ultrasonic sound machine. These produce high-pitched noises that not only deter birds but disrupt all wildlife in the area. It can be particularly harmful to bats, which rely on sound to orient themselves. These machines also drive pets crazy, including your neighbor's dog with the big bark.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If birds have settled in enough that they’ve begun to actively nest on or around your porch, it may be illegal to remove them. Your options will be limited by the bird’s species and where the nest is located, but you’ll likely need to contact a local bird control pro for assistance. Professional bird removal costs $50 to $100 per hour.
How Much Does Professional Bird Removal Cost?
Wildlife removal costs vary wildly, but you can expect bird removal to average around $100 to $300. Keep in mind a large active nest that needs removing may cost as much as $2,000 or more. The number of birds, the location of the nest, and the type of bird can all impact the cost. You may also incur additional costs if you have to put preventative measures in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
High-frequency bird repellent devices are effective at driving away birds, which is their intended purpose. However, these devices also tend to have unintended negative consequences. For example, if you or your neighbors own pets, the high-pitched noise emitted by these electronic devices will cause them distress and may even make them aggressive.
Yes, predator decoys work to keep birds away, at least temporarily. However, if the decoy remains motionless in the same spot for a long enough time, the birds will eventually wise up and realize it's a fake. Keep changing the location of the predator decoy to ensure that the birds keep their guard up and maintain their distance.
When it comes to keeping birds from doing their business on your porch rails, you have several DIY options and home remedies you can try:
Tie a fishing line from one end of the deck post to the other. Birds won’t be able to see the line across the railing, so they can’t land on it.
Hang wind chimes close by, which may scare birds away.
Apply a bird gel repellent to the railings, which contains smells that birds generally don’t like. Or, similarly, you can apply citronella or lemon oil around the railings, since birds don’t like strong smells.