As the weather warms up this spring, you may be looking forward to enjoying your outdoor spaces. Having barbecues, hosting parties and simply relaxing in the sunshine are great ways to spend your days, but sometimes birds can turn your yard into more of a chore than a place to relax. Birds can damage your plants and leave a mess, wreaking havoc on your yard. Planting and maintaining a beautiful outdoor space is hard work — don’t let birds crash your garden party!
In this blog, we will discuss the issues birds can pose for gardeners and homeowners, and provide several options for protecting your lawn and garden from these pesky visitors. Before you get planting, consider the following options to keep birds out of your garden this season.
Why Birds Can Be A Problem In Gardens
Birds inadvertently contribute to the spread of plant-based diseases as they move from one garden to another, often carrying pathogens on their feathers and feet. This can lead to the transmission of diseases such as histoplasmosis, a type of fungal infection. Histoplasmosis may compromise the vitality of your plants and can also be spread to humans. When humans breathe in the fungus, deposited by birds onto soil or vegetables, they can develop symptoms similar to pneumonia.
Beyond concerns of human and plant health, the aesthetic appeal of a garden may suffer when birds are present. They can disrupt the appearance of a garden by looking for food, whether that be the plants themselves or the insects who live in the garden. Newly planted seeds and delicate seedlings are also at risk, as they can be disrupted and damaged by birds digging in the soil for worms.
Bird droppings can also pose a threat to plants in your garden. Their acidic nature can burn and discolor foliage, leading to damage. Their droppings may also contain seeds of invasive plants, introducing unwanted species into your garden ecosystem and competing with existing plants for resources.
There are many tactics you can use to keep your outdoor spaces free of birds and other bothersome creatures. Physical, visual and auditory deterrents can be effective options to consider, and there are also chemical solutions available for commercial and residential customers. Read on to learn more about barriers, deterrents and chemical solutions for keeping birds out of your garden.
1. Physical Barriers
Physical barriers such as netting, garden fencing and spikes are effective tools for keeping birds away from your garden. Netting can be draped over plants or entire garden beds to prevent birds from accessing them and causing damage. Garden fencing, whether made of wire, mesh or other materials, creates a boundary that birds are unable to breach – effectively protecting vulnerable areas. Additionally, installing spikes or similar deterrents on ledges, fences or other perching spots can discourage birds from roosting or nesting in unwanted areas. These physical barriers provide a proactive and humane approach to bird control, helping gardeners maintain the integrity of their plants and landscapes.
2. Visual Deterrents
Visual deterrents are simple to use and are a practical and effective solution to deter birds from taking over your garden. Reflective objects strategically positioned within the garden, like CDs or aluminum foil strips, create a disorienting environment for birds. Reflective wind chimes placed near your hanging plants can act as both garden decor and a visual deterrent for birds. Additionally, the presence of faux predators such as owl decoys or scarecrow replicas create a general sense of unease among birds, scaring them away from the garden.
3. Auditory Deterrents
The use of noisemakers strategically placed around the garden perimeter can aid in deterring birds from the area. These emit startling sounds that disrupt bird activity, deterring them from settling in. Similarly, ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are unpleasant to birds, prompting them to seek quieter places. These innovative methods provide a humane means of protecting our gardens without causing harm to birds.
4. Chemical Solutions
Chemical sprays are another potential solution to keeping birds off of your lawn and out of your garden. Non-toxic sprays, like Avian Migrate, are formulated to repel birds without causing harm to them or the environment, and they offer an eco-friendly approach to bird management. Similarly, gel repellents can be used to provide a long-lasting barrier by emitting odors and tastes that birds find unappealing.
Garden Layout And Plant Choices
When designing a garden to mitigate bird-related issues, strategic plant placement and careful selection are key. Opting for bird-resistant plants, including those with tough leaves or undesired fruits, can discourage birds from causing damage. Additionally, strategically placing these plants in areas where birds are most likely to forage can help minimize their impact on vulnerable crops and plants like ferns, which are a favorite among many birds.
Avian Control Can Help Secure Your Garden
Avian Migrate® is an effective solution to repel birds from your lawn and garden. Simply spray this product on your landscaping to keep them away, both for now and in the future. Avian Migrate contains Methyl Anthranilate (MA), which is made from concord grape skins and is non-toxic and safe to use around vegetation, people and other animals.
To order Avian Migrate, contact us at 888.868.1982 or sales@solveyourbirdproblem.com
How To Keep Birds Out Of Gardens: The Definitive Guide