Birds of Summer: Keep Them Away from Your Yard and Garden
Summer is finally within reach in many places. The sun is ready to chase away June gloom. But what is going to chase the pest birds away from the yard and the blossoming garden? Whether you have a problem with swallows, woodpeckers, pigeons, or starlings, there is a bird deterrent method that will protect your yard and garden from feathered pests.
With bird deterrents in use, your garden and lawn will be aesthetically protected, safeguarding fruit trees, berry patches, and vegetable plants while protecting the health of those in the household. Simply put, pest birds are a nuisance, and their droppings are even worse. They are highly unattractive, but that is not the only reason they should be eliminated. Droppings are a hazard and can ruin what they land on. They are acidic and will eat through metals on a swing set, wood on a playhouse, and any other materials left out for birds to perch on. Also, the droppings can carry diseases such as salmonella and E. coli. Thoroughly washing and cleaning the area before implementing bird control methods will keep the droppings from accumulating again. Birds can be temporarily scared away by the movement and noises that come from children at play or a family barbecue, but they will return as soon as the activity stops. Installing bird control devices that work night and day will change the environment and force the birds to find a new playground.
Physical Bird Deterrents
A physical bird deterrent method is a form of bird control that stops birds from physically landing on an area. A sure way to protect your fruit trees and garden is by applying Garden Netting. This blocks access to the fruits and vegetables that birds want to target. Plant netting can be suspended over the entire garden area by placing dowels or posts around the perimeter of the plot. The netting can then be attached using a staple gun, zip ties, twine, or specifically designed Poly-Clips. Experts suggest suspending the netting by at least 4 inches. It is also a good idea to use posts long enough to raise the netting as the plants grow.
Our garden bird netting comes in various sizes, making it a highly versatile bird control method. There are two bulk rolls to choose from, either 14' x 100' or 14' x 200'. The netting can be cut to any size, and pieces can easily be attached together to create a larger protective barrier.
The mesh sizes vary depending on your needs. The size to use for a standard backyard garden plot could be 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, or 3/4-inch mesh to keep smaller pest bird species from damaging your crops. While birds may be interesting to watch, crop loss and clean-up are major headaches for property owners.
The bird control methods mentioned are both safe and humane for birds and anyone who comes in contact with them. It is highly recommended to apply bird control before a major infestation establishes itself in your yard. Now is the perfect time to install deterrents before berries, fruit trees, and vegetables are prime for picking.
Are you currently struggling to keep birds away from your fruit trees and berry bushes? For a step-by-step approach to protecting these specific plants, read our article on bird netting for garden berry plants.