Bird Deterrents

Deterring pest birds in spring is a smart move.  The longer the delay, the more likely the pest bird is going to build its nest.  Once the nests are built and active it is illegal to remove them according to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.  Even if the nests are in inconvenient locations or underneath the nest are piles of poop, it is still illegal.  Preventing pest birds from making your home or boat their home is as easy as applying bird control measures that will get rid of the pest bird and keep them away.  There are different ways to achieve the goal of getting rid of the birds.   There are visual bird scarers that frighten away the pest bird, physical deterrents that block them from the location and bird sound deterrents that trick and scare the pest bird into thinking they have come in contact with their predator or they are hearing distress calls from their own species.  There is a bird deterrent for every area that may become infested by the spring migratory bird.

Visual Bird Scarers

One bird that is a nuisance in spring is the woodpecker.  They attack the side of your home or other buildings, under eaves and in your trees.  There are woodpecker kits that contain visual scare devices that can be easily hung in the susceptible areas.  A vinyl balloon that is of bright colors and has a reflective surface can be hung in fruit trees, or any tree that the woodpecker and other pest birds are flocking to.  The scare balloon has an imprint on the side that appears to be a predator’s eye to the birds.  The colors and the reflective shiny surface cause a visual disturbance that the birds will want to avoid. They are easily installed by simply hanging them with twine.  They can even be partially filled with water and float in the backyard pool.  These scare balloons are often seen attached to post surrounding water holes on golf courses and parks to keep the pest duck away.  They can also be attached to the high points on a boat to keep the seagull from landing and making a mess with their droppings as they perch and roost or nest.

Flash tape is another type of visual bird deterrent that is included in the woodpecker kit.  Flash tape is a very effortless way to scare the birds away.  Flash tape is an iridescent red Mylar film.  When it moves in the breeze the sun reflects off the tape and creates a visual distraction zone to the bird.  It also has a crinkling sound that is annoying to the bird as well.  Flash tape is easily applied to trees, balconies, patios, overhangs and, again, the boat.  

Springtime brings about outdoor gardens and entertainment in the backyard.  A hawk decoy is a visual deterrent that can be place in the yard and garden.  The hawk is a life-like red-tailed decoy that scares birds away from these types of open areas.  The Red Tailed Hawks are known to hunt during daytime hours, so it is a very identifiable predator to most pest birds.  The hawk decoys are long lasting, made of durable plastic, that is meant for outdoor use.

Physical Bird Deterrents

A bird spider is both a visual deterrent as well as a physical bird deterrent.  A bird spider has “arms” like the arms of a spider, but the bird spider arms bounce around and sway with the breeze.  The movement of the bird spider is what creates the commotion that the birds do not like, and they will fly away from the area.  There are different sizes that will work in various areas around the home and boat.  The sizes are 2’ arms, 4’, 6’ and 8’.  The stainless steel arms stem from a round PVC Base.  There are special bases that are used specifically on boats that can be mounted on masts or spreaders.  Other places bird spiders can be used are near pools and Jacuzzis, rooftops, air conditioning units and skylights to only name a few.  

Another bird control product that is similar to the bird spider is a solar bird repeller.  The idea is the same, moving “arms” that distract and frighten the birds away. The solar bird repeller has a 5-ft telescoping “arm” that spins continuously.  This would keep the bird away day and night.  Getting the solar bird repeller to work properly only takes a full day of sun to charge the rechargeable batteries that keeps the power stored during dark periods.  The solar bird repeller is very easily installed and can be secured to a flat or angled surface.  They are also ideal on boats, especially those boats that are docked in the water.  Often times the repellers are mounted onto the edges of docks themselves.  You can also mount them onto roofs, skylights and air conditioning units.  

Bird Sound Deterrents

Bird sound deterrents are devices that are designed to get rid of pest birds in large open areas.  A large backyard with a beautiful garden would be the perfect instance to use a bird sound deterrent.  A bird sound deterrent can be programmed to play over 22 different types of species.  The sounds that are played are distress sounds and predators calls.  When the birds hear these sounds and calls, their natural born instinct is to flee the area.  Common birds that can be programmed are woodpeckers, pigeons, sparrows, crows and starlings and grackles.  The bird sound deterrents are sun and weather resistant for outdoor use.  With adaptable speakers, the coverage of bird control is up to 5-acres.  A lot of families are fortunate enough to live in areas with wide open spaces and sometimes even ponds in the backyards.  The bird sound deterrent is ideal in this type of location.  It will even keep the geese out of the pond. If the geese are the main problem in the area, there is a bird sound deterrent that is made specifically to keep the geese away.

Bird proofing the home and boat, small yards and larger areas is a safe and humane way to keep the birds away so that when spring is sprung, the bird deterrents are in action and the bird dropping mess stays away from your area, and outdoor activities are clean, safe and peaceful.