10 Expert Tips on How to Stop Birds from Your Property

Birds are often a much-loved and beautiful part of nature. However, this can all change when they start nesting on your property, where they can quickly become a nuisance.

From messy bird droppings and loud chirping to potential health risks and property damage, what starts as something innocent can lead to long-term issues for homeowners and businesses alike.

The good news is that you can stop birds from your property without harming them. By following these top 10 expert-backed methods, you can take steps to make your property far less appealing to birds without breaking UK wildlife protection laws.

#1 Block Access to Nesting Areas

The first thing you need to do is block off all obvious bird nesting areas. This includes blocking off access to vulnerable areas of your property such as lofts, eaves, vents and outbuildings. To accomplish this, seal off small openings with galvanised steel mesh or chicken wire.

#2 Eliminate Food Sources

Many birds including pigeons, seagulls and magpies are drawn to easy meals. Ensure that you store waste in secure bins with tight-fitting lids that can't easily be opened. Always clean up food scraps promptly when eating outside or disposing of waste and if compositing make sure you use pest-proof compost bins. Open compost bins will attract a wide range of pests in addition to birds.

#3 Remove Standing Water

Like other animals, birds need water just as much as food to survive. To make your property less appealing, remove stagnant water from birdbaths, fountains, clogged gutters and other areas so that you don't inadvertently attract thirsty birds.

#4 Install Physical Barriers

We recommend using tried and tested physical barriers to prevent birds. This includes bird spikes, netting, or wires on ledges, rooftops, and balconies to physically stop birds from perching and roosting. Remember that quality matters, as properly installed barriers can last for many years.

#5 Use Visual Deterrents

Everyone knows what a scarecrow is. Use scarecrows or fake predator decoys such as owls or hawks to scare away birds. Alternatively, try hanging reflective flash tape, CDs, or metallic streamers that move with the wind. For maximum impact, we recommend repositioning these regularly.

#6 Deploy Motion-Activated Devices

A more modern way of stopping birds from your property is to use motion-activated sprinklers or sound-emitting devices that mimic predator calls. These work particularly well in gardens and areas with high numbers of birds such as on migration routes.

#7 Trim Trees and Manage Vegetation

It's no secret that birds love trees - they love them so much that they often build their nests in them. To counteract this, keep trees, hedges, and other overgrown vegetation trimmed regularly. Pick up and dispose of fallen fruit from the ground to reduce food sources and eliminate any sheltered nesting spots. Be careful, however, as it's an offence in the UK to intentionally take or destroy a bird's nest while the nest is in use of being built.

#8 Apply Safe Bird Repellents

Use non-toxic bird repellent gels or liquids on places where birds like to perch including fences, ledges, beams and windowsills. These typically create an unpleasant sticky surface texture that is harmless but creates a "trapped" sensation for birds discouraging them from staying. Bird repellent gels can be rather durable lasting from a few months to several years.

#9 Monitor and Maintain Deterrents

Many birds are smart and adaptable making it essential that you always stay on your toes. It's not always as simple as setting up deterrents and forgetting about them. We recommend that you regularly check and adjust deterrents to keep them effective. Change visual deterrents frequently so birds don't get used to them.

#10 Act Before Nesting Season

Prevention is key to stopping birds from your property! Start taking control and applying deterrents before spring nesting season begins from February to March - although this can vary by bird species. Remember UK laws protect active nests, making it illegal to disturb or remove them once occupied so be careful!

Final Thoughts

Although birds are a wonderful and important part of nature, this doesn't mean that you should allow them to take over your home or business. By taking ownership and acting now, you can maintain a clean, quiet, and bird-free property without harming wildlife.

We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY bird control products are effective, fast & easy-to-use. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of birds from your home or workplace.