Bird Control Methods
Bird control methods are of various types, ranging from physical barriers to using chemical repellents, visual scare devices, and sound machines. In order to opt for the best methods for bird control, you should review the pros and cons of each technique.
Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2018
Although generally harmless, birds can sometimes be troublesome for gardeners and commercial crop cultivators. Flocks of birds feed on grains, fruits, and vegetables, reducing the crop yield considerably. Their droppings can also lead to a host of medical problems.
At such times, several bird control methods come in handy to discourage birds from nesting in gardens and cultivation areas. These can be ultrasonic pest control devices, scare devices, taste-altering products, or physical barriers.
Methods of Bird Control
Controlling pest birds is not as simple as erecting a scarecrow in the field, especially for larger cultivation sites and houses. First, identify the kind of birds that you are dealing with, and then adopt the suitable control methods.
The effectiveness of bird controlling techniques depends on the size of the area that you want to protect. For example, slanted barriers are installed in small areas, while netting and sonic deterrents are good for large, open areas. Here are some popular methods for bird control.
Barriers
These include physical barriers like netting, wiring, spikes, and electric barriers to prevent the birds from entering a particular area.
The first three options are eco-friendly and cost-effective, whereas bird shock track system and electric barriers require electricity. Erecting such physical barriers is done to prevent nesting or roosting of birds in garden sites.
Devices
Devices for bird control come in two common types--sound machines and visual scare products. The first is a stationary device configured for producing sounds which resemble that of bird predators. Visual scare devices are similar to scarecrows, except for the changing appearances programmed at regular intervals.
Traps
Various models of bird traps are sold in pest control centers. Nevertheless, trapping birds is considered inhuman according to bird rescuers. This is because, not all the trapped birds are released later; most are sold for inhumane uses.
Using such methods is controversial, and one should avoid trapping birds or shooting them just to prevent them from landing in the garden.
Other Products
You can grow non-native plants and fruits in your garden to deter the birds from feeding. Taste-aversion chemical deterrents are commonly used by gardening enthusiasts. They are food mixtures that taste unpalatable, and are sprayed on common feeding areas.
You can also apply sticky goo over landing surfaces. Both these measures are temporary, and hence, you will need to use them regularly for effective results.
In order to discourage bird visits in houses and enclosed properties, ultrasonic devices are commonly used by homeowners. The objective is to deter birds from spoiling the property and stealing food from the garden.
Hence, any form of bird control which harms the birds, like high-voltage shocks, is not recommended for usage, just like chemical-based pesticides and insecticides that are formulated for killing them.
Natural ways to control birds are the best options. Analyze the pros and cons of all the techniques to make a correct decision regarding the method for solving your bird problem. If you are confused about which method to opt for, seek professional help from bird control services.
