6 Ways To Prevent Birds from Nesting In Your Yard

Removing bird nests from your home is inconvenient and possibly unlawful. It is a more effective method to keep birds from nesting in the first place.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 2020, a reform of the 1918 Act, protects a wide range of common birds and makes disturbing their eggs illegal. Some of these species, such as falcons, hawks, and pelicans, would never build a nest in your house. Many others, on the other hand, are content to raise their young in your eaves.

Pigeons, doves, woodpeckers, swifts, warblers, and even crows are among the most prevalent protected bird species — and culprits.

It would be preferable if these birds were nested in a tree or an outbuilding such as a barn or shed. Unfortunately, many homes with partially decayed soffits and trim allow easy access to comfortable nesting areas; they're simply too appealing. The increase in bird droppings that results is unattractive and filthy, and the noise can be distracting

Depending on the species, bird nests might be built in the spring, summer, or fall. Evicting a mother and her chicks may not only be illegal but also inhumane if they are not relocated correctly. Preventing birds from nesting in the first place is a far superior method. And never use poison to get rid of birds.

The good news is that there are numerous methods for encouraging birds to make their nests somewhere other than your home. Consider the following six methods for preventing birds from nesting:

On This Post:

Deploy Bird Roosting Spikes.

Keep Birds Away With Foul Odors.

Clean Up Your Yard.

Hang Shiny Objects That Catch the Wind.

Don’t Feed the Birds.

Install Motion-Activated Lights and Sprinklers.

Activate Bird Roosting Spikes

If your home has flat ledges on the outside, you're probably already dealing with pigeons. They enjoy perching on ledges because they don't have to worry about what's behind them. They'll nest if they perch there frequently.

Install roosting spikes, which are a series of crisscrossed metal spikes affixed to a metal foundation. They're offered in kits that may be assembled to lengths ranging from 10 to 100 feet, and they're installed with a staple gun. They don't harm the birds, so don't be concerned. They just prevent them from landing on your flat ledges, preventing the birds from breeding.

To keep birds away, you can also use bird-repellent gel.

Foul Odors Keep Birds Away

Many odors that are pleasant to humans are repulsive to birds. Two of these are, surprisingly, lemon and peppermint. If you want to deter birds from nesting on your porch (on top of the lamp is a preferred site), make a repellant and spray it on a regular basis.

The following recipe is suggested by Wild Wild World: In a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup water, combine seven drops of lemon oil and seven drops of peppermint oil. Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them as needed, or put the solution in a sprayer.

Clear Your Yard

Pruning back dense growth in your shrubs and trees deprives birds of nesting options while also making your house more appealing as an alternative nesting area. However, the less coverage your property provides, the less probable birds will be drawn in the first place. Pruning is also beneficial to your foliage, so give it a shot.

Pick up loose twigs, dried leaves, and other debris that birds can use to build nests while you're working in the yard. Keep your trash covered as well, because birds can weave paper and other fibrous domestic debris into nests.

Hang gleaming wind-catching objects

Shiny, moving things can distract some people, but they repel birds. Using old CDs, strips of aluminum foil, or strings of bright beads is a tried-and-true method for keeping birds out of the garden, and it can also keep birds away from the house.

Shiny objects function best when hung in locations with a lot of sun and breeze. The movement, as well as the reflectivity, warns birds of potential danger and keeps them at bay. Wind chimes can be even more effective because they provide an aural element to the mix, acting as an additional deterrent.

Please do not feed the birds

It goes without saying that if you want birds to stay away, don't provide them with anything that would entice them. If you enjoy watching birds feed in your yard but don't want them to nest, place bird feeders away from the home.

Birds are scavengers, so keep your waste firmly covered and stored away from the house. Stop feeding your pets outside; instead, feed them indoors. Jays and crows, in particular, enjoy eating pet food and are both protected species.

Install Motion Sensor Lights and Sprinklers

Motion-activated lights can deter birds that are active at night, while motion-activated sprinklers drive them away at any time of day or night. The element of surprise is essential.