In colder weather, you have to take extra precautions to care for your plants. While we’re used to worrying primarily about frost protection, there are winter birds to watch out for.
Birds that hang around in the winter months have a harder time finding food and other resources than they do in warmer seasons. Cold weather crop production is often disrupted due to hungry birds.
Cold weather crops include potatoes, lettuce, avocados, figs and many more. Fig trees are common household plants that need protecting. Learn how to protect fig trees from birds using the following repellent methods.
Netting
To protect fig trees and other cold weather crops from birds, consider using a physical barrier such as netting. Placing it over the plant will keep birds from reaching the crop without being harmed.
When installing netting, make sure to cover the entire plant from the root. Different materials can be used for netting including:
- Nylon
- Polyethylene
- Fruit Cage
- Hail
- Trellis
Different materials are available, but they all provide a physical barrier that can prevent birds from reaching your crops. However, it can be time consuming and costly to install netting over a vast area.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of netting before implementation.
Related: Pros and Cons of Fruit Tree Netting
Organza Bags
These mesh bags serve a double purpose when protecting cold weather crops. Organza bags provide a physical barrier that can keep birds and frost off of your fruits and vegetables. These small bags come in various sizes and go directly over the crop itself for best protection. This method may require changing the bag size during plant growth.
Reflective Items
Reflective surfaces are known to scare birds because they get startled and confused by seeing their own reflection. To keep birds away from your cold weather crops, consider placing reflective items around the area.
Hanging reflective items from the tree itself is one effective way of installing reflective items. Some items to try are:
- CDs
- Mirrors
- Foil
- Reflective Tape
- Pinwheels
To make reflective deterrents more effective, try keeping them in motion. For example, using CDs or mirror pieces can be more effective if they are hanging from a tree and can move in the wind. Pinwheels are great because they move with wind, and motion can further confuse birds and deter them from destroying crops.
Related: Best Practices for Effective Bird Pest Control
Birdbaths And Feeders
Installing a birdbath on your property can give birds a designated spot to quench their thirst without coming for any of your crops. When choosing a spot for the birdbath, remember to place it away from plants and trees.
This way, birds can get what they need without discovering the precious crops nearby. Using bird feeders offer the same idea. Placing them on your property will give birds a resource to snack on and fill up without needing to feed on your crops.
Liquid Bird Repellent
Spraying your crops with liquid repellent is an effective way to deter birds. This method is simple and requires minimal maintenance. It works by irritating the pain center in a bird’s brain and training them to avoid your property.
When choosing a liquid bird repellent, the product should be:
- Non-toxic
- EPA-registered
- Non-lethal for birds
- Safe for use around humans and other animals
Related: Everything You Should Know About Chemical Bird Spray
How To Protect Fig Trees From Birds With Avian Control
Avian Control offers liquid bird repellent products to keep your cold weather crops safe. Our products are non-toxic and EPA-registered, effectively repelling birds without harming them.
Keep your plants, animals and yourself safe. Our liquid bird repellent lasts up to two weeks and is suitable for use on all types of birds. Call 888.868.1982 to order or contact us for more information today!
How To Protect Fig Trees From Birds: Bird Repellent For Cold Weather Crops