Compliance with certain rules in housekeeping or maintenance retail space will allow you to avoid interest in it from birds. In grain barns, it is recommended to use bird-proof storage livestock farms- special drinkers and feeders and keep order.
At the entrances to shopping facilities it is necessary to hang plastic strips that completely cover the opening from birds, allowing people with heavy bags and carts to move around. Also block ventilation and other entrances to the room, insulate rafter structures and repair windows.
What Birds Are Afraid of: A Review of the 7 Best Methods
If it is not possible to completely eliminate birds or it is not economically feasible, try reducing the attractiveness of bird roosting and nesting sites. These methods are safe for people, livestock and “non-target” animals, but often require large financial and time costs for installation, -
To prevent arrival or nesting, various physical barriers, such as spikes on the eaves, nets that protect garden crops from being eaten, changing the slope of the eaves and window sills. Spikes and mesh will help in the fight against pigeons and larger birds, but small species will be able to settle between the spikes or crawl into a mesh cell. Also, plants or other attractive places and objects can be treated with a spray or gel that has bad smell or irritating their mucous membranes. Having received a negative experience, a flock or an individual will decide to leave the place.
To get rid of all types of birds, scientists advise resorting to repellent methods, and it is advisable to alternate or combine them. The simplest option is to use dummies and scarecrows in the form birds of prey or even in the form of eyes. Scientists approve of the use of reflective devices: tapes, slats, discs. This method is considered one of the most common. But there are nuances: pests quickly get used to such objects. And in windless, gloomy weather, when the reflectors don’t sway or make noise, they are of little use.
Stores also sell electronic repellents. Some - acoustic - act on the ear. Another type is water repellers with a motion sensor, which release a stream of water towards the trespasser. If the method with water is not in doubt, then with ultrasound the question is not so clear. Despite the fact that there are also positive reviews of such repellers, there are still more negative ones. And scientists doubt their effectiveness as an independent method. Thus, experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln state: “Acoustic devices themselves are ineffective against birds or only effective for a short time. To be useful in such a matter, acoustic devices must be used in conjunction with other monitoring methods. Their most effective use is possible when additional measures are applied that lead to death or painful experience of some members of the population or flock...”
Among other repellents that affect hearing, scientists highlight programmable sound repellers. They record the voices of birds of prey that scare away different types of birds. Such devices can even be configured to scare off specific species: pigeons, sparrows, etc.
Chemical methods
Chemical compounds are used not only to scare away birds, but also to “confuse” them. For this purpose, substances with tannins that interfere with rapid digestion are used, viscous and sticky compounds that complicate food consumption, or masking substances that make fruits or grains invisible. Based on the principle of action on the body, Michael L. Avery from the University of Nebraska divides compounds into two categories:
“Primary repellents cause pain or irritation on contact, and the bird reacts reflexively without expecting a response. Extensive studies of the nature and characteristics of dozens of primary repellents lead researchers to the conclusion that pain or irritation resulting from such contact provokes an avoidance response in birds. Many of these compounds have ecological significance in the interaction between birds and their natural foods, and one of the primary repellent compounds, methyl anthranilate, is a registered bird deterrent. Many primary repellents are toxic, but because these compounds taste disgusting, birds will not be able to ingest enough of it to actually harm them. Secondary repellents do not have a distinctly unpleasant taste, but cause illness or discomfort after ingestion.”
The use of primary or secondary repellent is determined by the lifestyle of the bird. If she lives nearby, a secondary repellent is preferable. A primary repellent is suitable for nomadic species.
One such irritant is methyl anthranilate (MA), used in food industry and safe for people. It acts on the nervous system as an irritant, causing the bird to lose its appetite. This drug is used to protect berry crops and control the behavior of geese. Anthraquinone, a secondary repellent that causes digestive discomfort, is sometimes used to protect seeds and turf. Subsequently, the individual develops a dislike for foods similar to processed ones.
Another secondary action substance is methiocarb, which is designed against insects. For birds, the compound is not fatal and only causes vomiting and temporary paralysis. However, the substance is toxic and requires the correct dosage so as not to kill the birds. Among non-core compounds, it is also worth noting fungicides that inhibit the activity of birds.
Nest destruction: how to get rid of a bird's nest
Methods to reduce reproduction are permitted for some non-protected species, most notably sparrows, pigeons and starlings. Professor of Resources Wildlife Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Margaret C. Brittingham recommends making a long stick with a hook that can be used to periodically destroy nests. A more labor-intensive and delicate method is to make your way to the nest and pierce the eggs with a pin. Since the birds will still hatch them, they will not start building new nests and laying new eggs.
Setting up traps
Bird traps are designed in such a way that they are not harmed and are subsequently released.
Lethal methods
There are very few species that are not protected in any way at the regional, state or international level. These are common pigeons, house sparrows and starlings. They are allowed to be hunted and shot where shooting is generally permitted.
It is important to note that when using lethal methods, it is necessary to monitor the impact on non-target and protected species and limit the possibility of impacting them as much as possible.
Repelling birds in cities and villages
In urban and rural areas, deterrence methods differ depending on specific security measures, the scale of the problem and the property being protected. Usually the species composition differs, which is determined by the bird’s lifestyle, composition and availability of food supply for it.
Sparrows, pigeons and crows are most often found in the city, and seagulls are also found in coastal areas. Crows, seagulls and pigeons rake up the garbage and scatter it. Sparrows can cause much less harm, but they can sneak into warehouses and stores and spoil food. All of these species leave droppings on window sills, under the eaves of houses, trees and various structures. In disadvantaged countries they spread diseases.
In the city, it is convenient to use methods of limited action, such as gel or water repeller that works over a small radius, as well as spikes.
Outside the city, the arsenal of fighting methods is expanding. On fruit trees or large fields are sprayed with repellent sprays. More powerful water repellers and scarecrows are placed near the house, and metal or plastic reflective tapes are hung.
Comparison table of methods and repellers
| Method/product | How, when and where to use it best | Benefits of exposure | Cons |
| Spikes | On the eaves of houses and city fences | Prevents pests from landing on surfaces | Violates overall aesthetics and is not suitable against small species |
| Grids | To protect fruit trees, plantings, ventilation ducts and so on | Effectively protects against large and medium-sized birds | Not always suitable against small species |
| Light reflectors with sound effect: ribbons, pendants, discs | Suspended where birds are not wanted | Reflected light and noise from the device are a deterrent | The birds get used to it after a while. The best effect is only in windy sunny weather |
| Sound repellers | Installed in areas that need to be protected | Imitates the calls of predators - a natural threat to birds Large coverage area Setting up for repelling different types | Must be used in conjunction with other control methods |
| Ultrasonic repellers | Installed on balconies, terraces and outdoors | May scare away different types pests | |
| Water repellers with motion sensor | Placed on lawns | Physical repellent + additional watering of plants | Requires water supplies and battery replacement |
| Scarecrows | Placed on a personal plot or porch | They scare away with their appearance and noise | Birds get used to it after a while |
| Chemical: gels and sprays | Various surfaces are processed: cornices, lawns, fruit trees | Causes a persistent reflex that forces you to avoid treated areas in the future | Some compounds are toxic and require correct application according to instructions |
| Nest destruction | Nests are destroyed with a stick with a hook | Birds don't have offspring | Temporary effect: they will soon build a new nest |
TOP 17 bird repellers
We have written a review of all types of repellers discussed above. Choose exactly what is suitable for your situation and area - and the question “How to scare birds?” will not arise again. The most affordable solutions start at just $10.
Spikes
The easiest way to scare birds away from the eaves of houses and from fences is to install spikes. They sell good polycarbonate and metal spikes under the Bird-X brand. Both products are 10 feet long. They differ not only in material, but also in functional features.
Plastic spikes branched and suitable for scaring away not only pigeons or crows, but also small species, such as sparrows. They are attached to the surface using glue, which is included in the package, and stand.
Metal spikes They have no branches, so they are only suitable for counteracting large species like pigeons. They have a flexible base that allows you to attach the spikes to uneven surfaces. Both products were highly rated by customers.
Scarecrows
Birds are afraid of predators, so a very common method is to imitate the presence of a bird of prey nearby, for example, by reproducing the cry of a predator or installing an appropriate figurine. If you don't know how to keep birds away from your porch or flower bed, the first thing to try is installing a decoy like this.
Bird Blinder offers on Amazon life size owl figurine - Scarecrow Fake Owl Decoy for ~$15.95. It is convenient to fill it with sand for stability or place it on the top of a pole or pole. It should repel birds and rodents and, judging by customer reviews, it does its job well.
Alternatively, a more formidable predator Bird B Gone Hawk Decoy for ~$12.99. The principle of operation is the same, but, unlike Fake Owl, the reviews are far from being so clear. One of the negative reviews is illustrated by a figurine of a hawk in the aviary. From the photograph it is obvious that the birds are not very afraid of the scarecrow. Users give the hawk a rating of only 3.4 stars out of 5.
“Eyes” repellers
In this case, they decided to simplify the task of intimidation as much as possible. Many animals, including birds, have associative perception of visual information. Therefore, only some characteristic elements are used to intimidate, for example, the image of an eye, as in the product Scare Eye Balloon Bird Repellent for ~$15.90. Such a ball is also visually frightening due to its bright colors. Its swaying in the wind will also cause discomfort and a desire to fly away.
The set includes 3 inflatable balls with an eye-shaped ornament encircling the product. The ball can be used in two ways: suspended or thrown into the water in the pool - to protect against waterfowl. More than half of the buyers were satisfied with the product. Those who did not like the product complain about the short period of action, after which pigeons, sparrows and others get used to it and stop being afraid. But this is a common feature of all visual repellers. Scientists don't say anything about these newfangled repellers, but due to their availability, it's worth giving it a chance.
Price from 225 rub.
Reflectors: pendants, discs and tape
One of the most common ways to keep birds away and one of the most budget-friendly. Reflectors do double duty: they dazzle with reflected light and additionally repel with noise. In sunny and windy weather better solutions to protect windows and trees cannot be found.
Bird Blinder Repellent Scare Rods is a set of 5 silver pendants made of shiny plastic. Reviews are mostly positive. Users agree that birds, if not completely disappearing, but their numbers are decreasing significantly. Although some buyers claim that pigeons ignore rods.
Made from stainless steel. This is a set of 8 shiny double discs. They not only dazzle with light, but also make more noise than plastic. The manufacturer claims that such pendants will work against woodpeckers, pigeons, sparrows, geese, ducks and rooks - users confirm.
Scare Tape
The reflective holographic tape looks aggressive to birds and, according to the manufacturer, repels any pests. A 150 foot skein costs only ~$11.59 and will last a long time. It is double-sided and you can attach the tape anywhere. This product is easy to use, effective and affordable, which is why users love it.
Price from 225 rub.
Net
Net protects fruit and berry plantings from attacks by flocks, without posing a danger to the birds themselves. It measures 15 x 45 feet. Based on reviews on Amazon, the mesh works well in most cases, but due to the mesh size, it is still more suitable for protecting against large species. And small species of birds will be able to stick their heads into the cell in search of berries.
Electronic repellers
As mentioned above, not all electronic repellers are equally effective against birds. Water repellers work - provided they have a sufficient range of action. Scientists recommend using acoustic repellers together with other means. There are few popular electronic bird reflectors, which we will tell you about. Which one to choose is up to you.
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler
Unlike other devices in this top, this repeller repels animals with water. If someone comes within range of the 120-degree sensor up to 40 feet away, a powerful jet of water is released in the direction of the intruder. For better control, the sensor should be installed in the desired direction in advance. The unit runs on batteries. In general, users are satisfied with its work. “It shoots water so smartly that you don’t even have to hit the animal to scare it away.”. Users confirm: when there is Orbit, bird excrement stops appearing in the pool.
Price: ~$48.32
Bioacoustic repeller EcoSniper
This sound device is a device that records the calls of wild birds of prey. He has how general mode repellents, and special ones - for different species. The manufacturer claims that it can be configured to repel as many as 22 species: pigeons, crows, starlings, seagulls, woodpeckers, etc. The repeller works from the network - the speaker’s power is enough for 1 hectare of area. There are 2 operating modes: day and night.
Bird-X Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Repeller
This ultrasonic repeller works in areas up to 900 square feet, according to the manufacturer, and is suitable for use on a balcony, deck, or porch. It's harmless to children and pets, but is it effective? Buyers have no doubts; the product has quite a lot of negative reviews. Special mention is made of pigeons, which are not afraid of the device being turned on. One of the disadvantages is also the audibility of squeaks by children. But still, every third person was satisfied with the effect.
Price: ~$14.47
Hoont Powerful Solar Battery Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Pest and Animal Repeller
This repellent is suitable for large spaces. It has 3 ultrasonic frequency settings. There is also an additional deterrent option - a flashing light. The sensor detects movement up to 30 feet away. This all-weather device can be used outdoors. Manufacturers note that it can be used not only against birds, but also in the fight against mammalian pests, such as chipmunks. The product is generally highly rated by customers. But reviews regarding birds are not positive.
Price: ~$74.85
Chemical repellents
The manufacturer called this gel “liquid spikes” for its use on cornices and window sills. He also recommends using it on any ledges, signs, railings, roofs and other places where pests fly. Anything the gel gets into becomes sticky and unpleasant to the touch. This property promises to repel many species of birds, including pigeons, swallows, ducks, geese, gulls, sparrows, starlings, woodpeckers, crows and blackbirds, rooks, etc.
The gel retains its properties well in open air and is completely transparent. It is non-toxic and does not harm buildings or animals - it can be easily washed off if necessary. The three tubes included in the kit will provide a full 30 feet of gel strip.
Price: ~$19.37 (3 tubes per set)
This repellent affects not only touch, but also smell and taste. Its active ingredients are rotten eggs, clove oil and garlic. Once in the mouth of the pest, the active substances cause slight irritation of the mucous membranes. As a result, the animal has a desire to leave a potentially dangerous place. The spray is designed to repel birds and mammals.
Buyers have left various reviews, including quite a few negative ones, which note that the animals return after a couple of days. Those who fight birds note that it may even attract them. Try it yourself to find out if this is true and evaluate its effectiveness.
Price: ~$13.95
This is a ready-to-use concentrate based on methyl anthranilate. This repellent substance has been approved by scientists to control geese eating berry crops. It suppresses the appetite of birds, acting on the nervous system, and is safe for people. In addition to geese, the product is also designed for other large waterfowl and land-dwelling representatives - ducks and turkeys.
The spray is economical: one quart of product is enough for 4000 square feet. - The manufacturer advises using it on large areas. Safe for use even on fruit and berry trees and shrubs.
Price: ~$39.99 (1-quart)
Bird-X Bird Stop Liquid Deterrent
A gallon of this spray is based on the same methyl anthranilate. The product is designed for large number species of waterfowl and other birds that cause damage to large fruit plantings, lawns or vegetable crops. Depending on the recommendations for use in different situations (see instructions), the liquid is diluted with different amounts of water.
So far, few people buy the product, and the rating is low. But some users describe a positive experience of use. The guy who saved the blueberry bushes in the garden from swarm attacks writes: “I applied this to my plants 3 times. Because of the rain I needed to repeat the treatment. But after that the attacks on my blueberries stopped.”. He also notes high price, but adds that as long as it works, the price is justified. And purchasing concentrate is still more profitable than ready-made products.
Price: ~$91.48
Bird repeller comparison chart
| Name | Type | How to use | Price |
| Anti-landing spikes | Spikes | Install on a cornice or windowsill | |
| Scarecrow | Install next to the protected object | $14.95 | |
| Scarecrow | $12.99 | ||
| Reflector | Hang in in the right place/stretch | $14.95 | |
| Reflector | $19.95 | ||
| Reflector | $11.59 | ||
| Repellers - “eyes” | Hang in the right place or throw into the pool | $15.90 | |
| Bird-X Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Repeller | Ultrasonic repeller | $33.30 | |
| Hoont Powerful Solar Battery Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Pest and Animal Repeller | $79.99 | ||
| Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler | Water repeller with motion sensor | Connect to water and install on a personal plot, positioned opposite the protected object | $60.40 |
| Chemical repellents | “Liquid nails”, leave a strip on the cornice | $18.42 | |
| Spray onto lawn or fruit trees | $10.53 | ||
| $39.99 | |||
| $91.48 |
How to keep birds away: 5 DIY solutions
You can scare them off yourself without buying special expensive products. Below we have highlighted 5 maximum budget solutions that will save you from such unwanted neighbors. All you need to do is dig around a little in your closet or garage to find the right tools and fabrics.
Close the passages to the house
Make a stuffed animal
Since ancient times, people have been installing stuffed animals on their farms not only in the form of birds of prey, but also constructing “people” from improvised means. To do this, you can use wooden beams, a bucket, unnecessary pieces of fabric, etc. Unfortunately, such stuffed animals only work for a relatively short time. The birds living nearby quickly get used to it and are no longer afraid.
Make your own rattle
To enhance the effect, you can hang rattling metal objects in pair with the scarecrow or make a weather vane that will crack in the wind.
Hang a reflector
Another auxiliary element is reflective tapes and other similar items. Reflectors will blind all flyers and make frightening rustling sounds. Many craftsmen use ordinary foil for such scaring.
Make sure birds don't build a nest
Nests are interesting to watch, but if the birds can cause harm household, it is better to take care that they do not breed in your neighborhood. To destroy nests, attach a hook to a long stick.
01.07.2010, 02:18
Tell effective methods. They steal EVERYTHING!!!((Toys in the sand, eggs from the chicken coop, soap from the washstand, etc.((:(
01.07.2010, 13:00
A scarecrow, ribbons on a stick so that the wind would blow and similar pinwheels. Pneumatic guns from a shooting range help a lot.
Nikolay Nikolaev
01.07.2010, 13:11
Get a cat.
01.07.2010, 14:30
The only thing that helped us was the destruction of their nests
01.07.2010, 15:00
01.07.2010, 15:38
01.07.2010, 15:39
And we don’t have magpies, but crows...
Everyone also rips and ruins flower beds:(, and how they love to pull lilies out of the pond:091: :015:
There’s no way to save me from them, pneumatic guns don’t help for long - they have a “girlish” memory, and there’s really no way to get around with shooting - there are children around the dacha
They build their nests on tall trees in the forest belt - we can’t climb there, and we can’t cut them down :)
and these bastards like to jump early in the morning like elephants on the roof:001: - you won’t get any sleep
We still haven’t figured out what to do...
They may have a girlish memory, although I bet... :) But they have a rich imagination - try the old well-known method - you have to kill one crow (for example, with a pneumatic gun or a slingshot) and hang the carcass on a stick to dangle. One copy is usually enough for 2-3 neighboring areas.
01.07.2010, 15:43
They may have a girlish memory, although I bet... :) But they have a rich imagination - try the old well-known method - you have to kill one crow (for example, with a pneumatic gun or a slingshot) and hang the carcass on a stick to dangle. One copy is usually enough for 2-3 neighboring areas.
There are, of course, other ways - to record (find on the Internet on a hunters’ forum and download) the voice of a dying crow and periodically play it on a tape recorder.
P.S. Let conservationists have a blast with hedgehogs and other furry creatures. And these creatures, during the feeding period, eat an average of 10 chicks per day from other bird breeds.
Does the dying voice only affect crows?
Actually, birds have different voices :) Perhaps it will have an effect on particularly impressionable neighbors :) And if you paid attention, when a flock of crows arrives, all the other birds fall silent, so this phonogram will only please the rest of the birds.
01.07.2010, 16:12
at my mother's dacha, a neighbor sent a crow while it was dying, crows flew in from all over the area, the neighbor was crap... I'll wait until someone tries and writes back)))))) otherwise it's somehow not ice if they They will still shit on my head, even though it’s about money, as they say))))))))))
Tatiana Privalneva
01.07.2010, 16:50
I have four cats, the whole area is full of hanging cans, turntables, and rattles! Pneumatic guns, firecrackers for a couple of hours, I don’t see any nests nearby. I’m already chasing these guys out of the zucchini. Locals say that you need to kill one and hang it so that others can see.... but this method is not for me, somehow I can’t imagine a bird’s corpse hanging and decomposing in my area.
01.07.2010, 19:12
And at one time this method helped us :))
:wife: I’m all ready, I’ve just been left without an egg(((I bought chickens to feed forty:(...
give me advice on how to lure and catch this reptile, I have no more strength
Yulka-Biryulka
01.07.2010, 23:13
And at one time this method helped us :))
I confirm! :ded:
My late grandfather also did this. He also somehow tied a magpie to a stick and spread its wings to the sides, nailing them to a perpendicular small stick (such a small crucifix). Then no more magpies came.
01.07.2010, 23:25
did she smell very bad?
and the question of how to catch a malicious bird remains valid.)
Yulka-Biryulka
02.07.2010, 00:35
The stick was very high (two and a half meters). Somehow I don’t remember it stinking. But I don’t know how to catch a bird. Grandfather somehow even managed without a gun.
Slightly larger in size than a jackdaw, with elegant plumage. The head, wings and tail of the magpie are black with a greenish tint, and the belly, shoulders and individual places on the wings (sides) are white. The tail is long, stepped, and serves as its rudder during sudden movements on the ground and in flight.
Magpies prefer forest edges, bushes in floodplains, groves, gardens, parks, and tree plantations along railroad tracks. At the end of February, before breeding, they behave noisily, chase each other, spreading their tails like a fan, and dance. However, magpies do not fly very well, preferring to jump from place to place.
In March, magpies begin to build nests anew or repair existing ones. Their nest is usually located in dense thickets at a height of 2-3 m from the ground. It is well hidden from prying eyes, made of large twigs on the outside and thinner twigs on the inside, intertwined with blades of grass and held together with clay. The tray is also cemented with clay and is a hard deep bowl - a bed for eggs, covered with moss, soft grass, and wool. The top and sides of the tray are covered with a layer of thorny twigs, which form a roof, giving the nest a spherical shape. The entrance to the nest is located on the side. This arrangement of the nest protects the female sitting on the eggs, and subsequently the hatched chicks, from the invasion of predators.
Through the loose walls of the nest, the female can promptly notice the danger. A false nest is built close to the real one, in which the male is placed when the female sits on the eggs.
Magpies are omnivores. During the period of feeding the chicks, they exterminate many forest and field pests: in the southern regions - turtle bugs, weevils, locusts, and various mouse-like rodents; in the northern ones - larvae of May beetles (Khrushchev), gypsy moth caterpillars, and various cutworms. However, in the spring, magpies destroy many bird nests, drinking eggs and eating chicks. By doing this, they cause harm to arboreal insectivorous birds, as well as larks, quails, and partridges living in open fields. In poultry yards in the early morning, when people are sleeping, magpies attack chickens and ducklings. In addition, magpies peck watermelons, melons, apples in orchards, and cucumbers in melon fields, causing damage to the crop.
In autumn and especially in winter, magpies stay near homes. They can often be found on the outskirts of cities and towns. Magpies usually do not penetrate deep into cities, as they are afraid of any noise. They gracefully move along the ground in small steps, lifting their tail up and waving their heads with each step. Sometimes magpies begin to jump in large leaps, dragging their tail behind them like a train, leaving characteristic traces of their paws and tail in the snow. The magpie also produces a loud chirping sound, which expresses the bird's anxiety when a person or animal approaches. The magpie's chirping serves as an alarm signal for other forest inhabitants.
People have a lot of sayings about magpies, reflecting one or another of its features. Of these, the “white-sided magpie” does not require explanation, but the “thief magpie” is an epithet that is associated with the fact that the magpie is not indifferent to strangers, especially shiny objects. There are known cases when magpies grabbed metal spoons, keys and other things and flew away with them to then hide them somewhere in a secluded place. It is also clear why they say “talkative like a magpie” or “jumps like a magpie.”
Despite the harm caused by magpies, we must not forget about the benefits, which are sometimes significant. For example, in addition to exterminating many harmful insects and rodents, magpies eat juicy fruits, throwing out seeds that have not lost their germination from the intestines with feces. By doing this, they contribute to the spread of many plants (viburnum, rowan, raspberry, buckthorn, elderberry, blackberry, blueberry, blueberry, lingonberry, etc.) to new places, increasing the forest’s food resources. In addition, owls and small falcons settle in empty nests of magpies, exterminating mouse-like rodents (for example, falcon, kestrel), as well as big tits And tree sparrows. By doing this, magpies indirectly contribute to the population of the area with useful birds. Finally, in our monotonous northern nature, magpies serve as a real decoration, so they should not be destroyed.
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