How To Keep Birds from Nesting

Birds can be beautiful to look at, but they can cause problems if built in the wrong place.Birds can be damaged by a bird nest built in a vent, roof, or gutter.You have many options if you want to get rid of birds that nest near your home.If you prefer, you can set up barriers, use non-toxic repellents, or scare the birds away.

Step 1: Birds landing on rafters can be deterred with porcupine wire.

Any birds that decide to nest there are unlikely to find an even landing place.If you don't want birds to nest in the rafters, lay out a length of wire.You can buy porcupine wires online or at most hardware stores.

Step 2: Bird nets should be put over large areas where you don't want birds to nest.

If you want to keep birds out of your garden, cover it with mesh bird nets.If the nets stay in place, birds and other small animals won't be able to access the area.Use stakes to keep the net securely over the area.Birds can land on the roof of buildings if spokes are not placed on top of them.

Step 3: Birds can nest in vents if protective covers are not used.

Purchase a vent cover or wire mesh from your local hardware store and put it over the vent openings outside.Birds will not be able to make a nest in your vent.

Step 4: The ledges should be covered with wooden boards.

If you don't want birds to nest, place a board at an angle greater than 45 degrees over outdoor ledges.Birds will not be able to land on ledges with boards because they will choose somewhere else to build their nest.

Step 5: There are areas where you don't want birds to roost.

Birds look out for their natural predators and avoid places that seem to be threatening.If you want to keep the nest-free, place a few plastic owls, snakes, and foxes near some areas.Birds will find somewhere else to nest when they see plastic animals.

Step 6: There are balloons that can be used to create predator scares.

Paint a black circle in the center of 2 white balloons that have been tied together.This simple scarecrow can be used to trick birds into thinking the area is unsafe.

Step 7: If you want to frighten birds, set up noise recordings.

Animals in distress can make nearby birds think that the area is unsafe for hatchlings.Set up speakers in your backyard and play recordings during the day to deter birds.Wind chimes can be used to repel birds.Let your neighbors know you're going to make noise.

Step 8: There are strips of flash tape hanging from the ceiling.

If you place strips of flash tape around buildings, plants, or items where you don't want birds to nest, they can confuse birds and prevent them from landing nearby.If you don't have flash tape, tying a shiny object like a CD or piece of silverware can create a similar effect.Mirrors are an effective alternative to flash tape.When clanging in the wind, aluminum pie plates can make a loud noise.

Step 9: Purchase a bird deterrent that is FDA approved.

Killing birds with poison is illegal in most U.S. states.Buy it online or from an outdoor store.Bird deterrents on the market will not harm or kill the bird.

Step 10: There are places where you don't want birds to nest.

The sticky nature of the area makes it difficult for birds to land on it.If you want to keep birds away from plants, ledges, roofing, or other places, apply a tacky bird deterrent generously.Make sure the bird spray you use is FDA-approved.Birds can be injured or killed by using non-FDA approved sticky substances.

Step 11: The spray glazes make the roofs too slick for birds.

The flat, slippery coating on some glazes makes landing uncomfortable for birds.It's a good idea to call a painter or construction builder to find out more about the glazes on your roof.

Step 12: Birds can be repelled with spicy peppers.

According to an old wives' tale, spraying areas with peppers will repel birds.Birds don't like spicy foods so these deterrents will not work.Don't use homemade or store-bought products that claim to keep birds away from spices.Hot spices will work on many insects.