Scare Birds #1 Effective Guide!
Do you wake every morning to pretty birdsong from feathered marvels of nature tending chicks in nearby trees? Or is it more like a screeching swarm of feathered bullies pecking on your windows and pooping on the window sill? If this is your lot, you may have wondered, what can scare birds away?
Before taking any action, you may want to check if the birds have ‘protected’ status. According to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. If in attempting to clear birds from your property, you cause harm to a ‘protected’ or ‘threatened species’, you could find yourself liable to a fine and/or a two year prison term.
Most native birds are protected. However, if they are an agricultural or pastoral pest, they will not be ‘protected’, but only in certain areas. For example, the NSW government has removed the sulphur-crested cockatoos and galahs’ ‘protected’ status in specific locations. Whereas corvids and crows only have ‘protected’ status in the Greater Sydney Local Land Services region, national parks and conservation areas/
It can sometimes be difficult to identify birds accurately. It is even more challenging to know the legislation surrounding which areas native birds are ‘protected’ and which areas they are not. Consider speaking with an expert in bird control to advise what can scare birds away from your property.
Home Remedies
Shiny objects
Birds don’t like reflective objects, especially when they catch the sunlight. Use things like aluminium cans, CDs or wind spinners. Aluminium foil is excellent for its reflective quality, and the birds don’t like the feel of it on their beaks.
Scarecrow
A scarecrow is an old method of scaring birds away. Birds take it for a human being and will usually avoid it. Scarecrows are easy to make using stuffed human clothes. It works better if you can have items on the scarecrow which move in the wind. Arms waving about in the wind make the scarecrow look more realistic, and therefore the birds are more inclined to keep away.
Natural predators
You needn’t feel compelled to round up a gang of feral cats (which I’m sure would do a sterling job), but it might be worth investing in a few objects which look like their natural predators. Owls, cats, birds of prey all make good deterrents. However, birds are very clever and soon realise that these ‘predators’ don’t seem to move or attempt to capture them. The trick is to regularly move the objects around the garden so that the birds don’t become accustomed to the ‘predators’.
Over to The Experts
When considering what can scare birds away, you might want to take advice from a licensed bird control professional. They have access to all manner of bird control devices. They know the legislation surrounding bird control. More than this, their extensive knowledge gathered over many years makes them experts as to what works and what doesn’t. Choose someone who is certified, licensed, and fully insured.
As avian pests, birds can reach parts of our property that we can’t. It may not even be possible to see nesting areas or the full extent of damage to property without specialist equipment such as cherry pickers and boom lifts. Hence you may want to select someone trained and qualified to work at heights with the right equipment.
Many people feel they can save money with DIY options. However, it’s easy to miss things that are not easily visible or inaccessible. It can end up being less expensive and more effective to hire an expert. They will thoroughly assess the problem, devise the best solution and implement it safely.
What Options Are Available?
Bird Spikes
A very versatile method of bird control that is easy to fix virtually anywhere a bird may land. Bird spikes are an excellent fix for window sills, guttering, eaves and rooftops as they prevent the bird from landing. You can cut or join bird spikes to form any shape or size, making it ideal for small and large spaces. Most importantly, whilst they are very effective, they are also a humane form of bird pest control.
Netting
Bird netting is an excellent barrier and can be obtained in several sizes to exclude various size birds. It is ideal for use in many places where you want to prevent birds from gaining access. For example, it is often used over fruiting trees and bushes to control access to the produce.
Repellent Gel
Bird repellent gel is suitable for use on any surface, including wood and stone. It doesn’t need to be fixed or attached, making it ideal for uneven and hard to reach surfaces. It’s an excellent solution for garden ornaments and statues as it doesn’t detract from the item’s beauty. Birds don’t like the smell of repellent gel and will stay away. If they do land, the sticky gel on their feet will disorient them, and they will not want to stay. They remember the place as a no go area. More than this, they will call other birds to warn them.
DIY Versus Professional
There are many other options such as bird wiring, shock tape and ultrasonic devices. Each method has an advantage over another. Hence a tailored plan from a professional is likely to obtain the best solution for each situation. At times, an expert may advise the installation of several deterrents and thereby achieve optimum results.
It’s not just the bird pests themselves that are the problem. Birds carry diseases such as Salmonellosis, psittacosis, avian Influenza and Newcastle disease. Human beings who have contact with infected birds or their nesting materials can be seriously affected by these diseases.
DIY options may not be effective and can be dangerous to install if the infestation is inaccessible or height prohibitive without specialist equipment, such as the roof. Some professionals will guarantee their work and return free of charge if it does not resolve the problem.
So if you have bird pests, such as the Indian Myna, feral pigeon or common starling, call today to get the best bird control advice for your residential or commercial premises.