Bird infestations in a garden can be a common problem for many gardeners. Birds can cause damage to plants and fruits, as well as leave droppings that can be unsanitary and unsightly. They can also compete with other wildlife for food and nesting sites.
Symptoms
- Damage to fruits, vegetables, and berries, such as pecking marks and missing chunks
- Damage to flowers and other plants, such as broken branches and chewed leaves
- Droppings on patio furniture, decks, and other outdoor surfaces
- Nests in trees, bushes, and other garden structures
- Increased bird activity in the garden, such as flocks of birds gathering to feed
- Seeds, feathers, and other bird debris in the garden
- Erosion of soil due to birds scratching and digging for insects
- Damage to lawns and turf from birds foraging for food
- Reduced yield of fruits and vegetables due to bird damage
- Presence of bird parasites, such as mites and ticks, in the garden.
What is a Bird
- Feathers covering their body
- Two legs and two wings
- A beak and talons
- Depending on the species, they can have a variety of colors, patterns and size.
- Some birds have crest, which is the tuft of feathers on their head.
- Some birds have brightly colored plumage, while others are more subdued.
- Some birds have a specific calls, songs or calls
Treating a Bird Infestation
It may be necessary to use multiple methods in order to effectively address a bird infestation in a garden. For example, using physical barriers such as netting in conjunction with repellents may provide better results than using just one method alone. It’s also important to note that the specific methods used will depend on the type of birds causing the infestation and the specific circumstances of the infestation. It’s always recommended to use humane methods and consult with experts before taking any action.
Physical Barriers
- Netting: Covering plants and fruits with bird netting can prevent birds from accessing them. Netting should be made of a durable material, such as nylon or polypropylene, and should be tautly stretched over plants and fruits to prevent birds from getting through.
- Reflective Tape or Balloons: Hang reflective tape or balloons in strategic areas to scare birds away. These items move with the wind and reflect light, creating an unpredictable and intimidating environment for birds.
- Spikes: Install bird spikes on ledges, eaves, and other surfaces where birds tend to perch to prevent them from landing. These spikes can be made of plastic, stainless steel, or other materials and can be glued, screwed, or otherwise attached to surfaces.
Repellents
- Chemical Repellents: Spray plants and fruits with chemical repellents specifically formulated to deter birds. These repellents can use a variety of active ingredients, such as capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers hot) and methyl anthranilate (a grape-flavor ingredient), to make plants and fruits unappealing to birds.
- Sonic Repellents: Use devices that emit high-frequency sounds to deter birds. These devices can emit ultrasonic, distress, or predator calls to disrupt birds’ normal behaviors.
- Taste Repellents: Apply taste repellents to plants and fruits to make them unappealing to birds. These repellents can include hot sauce, chili powder, and other spicy or bitter substances that deter birds from eating treated plants and fruits.
Habitat Modification
- Remove Nesting Sites: Remove or prune trees and bushes that provide nesting sites for birds. This will reduce the number of birds in the area by reducing the number of places for them to breed and raise young.
- Reduce Food Sources: Remove bird feeders and keep trash cans sealed to reduce the food sources for birds. By reducing the amount of food available, birds will be less likely to stay in the area.
Trapping
- Live Traps: Use live traps to capture birds and release them elsewhere. Live traps can be baited with food to attract birds and can be made of a variety of materials, such as wire mesh or plastic.
- Lethal Traps: Use lethal traps to kill birds, but be aware of local laws and regulations regarding trapping and killing of birds. Lethal traps can include glue traps, snap traps, and other devices that kill birds quickly and humanely.