Birds of summer and how to 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 the feathered pests.
With bird deterrents in use, your garden and lawn will esthetically be protected as well as to safeguard the fruit trees, berry and vegetable plants as well as protect the health of those in the household. Simply put, pest birds are a nuisance. The pest bird droppings are more of a nuisance. They are quite unattractive, but that is not the only reason they should be eliminated. Droppings are a hazard and they can ruin what they are left on. They are acidic and will eat through metals that are on the swing set, wood on the playhouse and any other materials left out for them to perch on. Also, the droppings carry diseases such as salmonella and E coli. Using a hospital grade cleaner is suggested. This will ensure that the area is sanitized as well as disinfected. Once the yard is all cleaned up bird control methods can be implemented to keep the droppings from accumulating again. Birds can be temporarily scared away by the movement and noises that come from the children at play in the yard, or the family out enjoying a barbecue, but they will return as soon as the activity and noise goes away. Installing bird control devices that work night and day will change the environment and will force the birds to find themselves a new playground.
Physical Bird Deterrents
A physical bird deterrent method is a form of bird control that stops the birds from physically landing on an area. There are bird deterrents that use wind, solar power or the backyard hose. The Critter Shield Motion Activated Animal Repellent is ideal for deterring not only birds, but will also keep four legged pests such as raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, skunks and even deer out of the yard. When the infrared sensor detects a bird or animal there is a release of a burst of water for 3 seconds, pausing for 8 seconds and then emits another burst of water if the animal or bird is still detected in the area. The unit covers an area 35’ out by 45’ wide. The device automatically adjusts sensitivity to prevent false triggering. Wind-blown leaves can cause a false trigger, as an example.
A sure way to protect your fruit trees and garden is by applying bird netting. This will block the access to the fruits and vegetables that the birds want to get at. Plant netting can be suspended over the entire garden area. The netting is suspended over the entire area by placing dowels or posts around the entire perimeter of the garden area. The netting can then be attached using a staple gun, zip ties, twine or specifically designed Poly-Clips. The experts suggest suspending the netting by at least 4 inches. It is also a good idea to have posts long enough to be able to raise the netting as the plants grow.
The bird netting comes in various sizes, making bird netting a very versatile bird control method. There are 2 bulk rolls to choose from, either 14’ x 100’ or 14’ by 200’. The netting can be cut to any size, or pieces can easily be attached together to create a larger piece.
The mesh sizes are varying as well. The size to use for the backyard garden plot could be 1/4” or 1/2” or ¾” in size. Woodpecker netting is also ¾” in size. Woodpecker netting is often hung on the sides of the home so the pesky woodpecker cannot drill holes in the siding. Woodpeckers can be very disruptive and do not forget that they are classified as a pest bird when they start to damage your home and trees. They may be cute and fun to watch, but it will not be fun when it comes time to pay for the damage.
The bird control methods mentioned are both safe and humane for the birds and anything or anyone else who comes in contact with them. It is suggested to apply bird control before there is a big infestation of them in your yard. Now is the perfect time before the berries and other fruit plants and vegetables are prime for picking.