How to keep flocking birds away from your property

A flocking bird is a bird such as the starling. The starling can be found in almost any environment. Some species are migratory. A flock of starlings is called a murmuration. This word stems from word murmur meaning a low continuous sound. This word refers to the flock of starlings because the starling is quite loud and boisterous. They have a communication system that consists of a variety of sounds and tones. They also integrate mimicry into their communications. They imitate sounds of other birds as well as sounds from animals, machinery and people. This is why the starling is known as a song bird.

Do not let their singing or pretty iridescent dark feathers fool you. The large flocks are defecating everywhere on your property. They are also a very aggressive species. They are very territorial and their defense mechanisms will ward off other smaller birds. If you have a backyard garden, beware; they are partial to fruit. With an abundance of food, they will be reluctant to leave the area.

Another reason you do not want them around your property is because of the diseases associated with pest bird droppings. Because they are in large flocks, this makes for large amounts of waste. Their feces are known to contribute to a fungal disease carried through the air called histoplasmosis. There are other fungal infections to be concerned about such as cryptococcosis. There are also bed bugs and other parasitic insects to worry about.

This is why the type of bird control measures you put into action is important. Bird control is always more effective when combining one or two different types of methods. There are physical deterrents, visual deterrents and even sound deterrents to choose from. A physical bird deterrent such as bird netting is very effective in blocking the starlings out of unwanted areas such as fruit trees, grape vines and other garden plants you may have in the backyard. Netting can also be applied to rooftops, garages, balconies and the eaves of the home. Quality bird netting is made of U.V. protected polypropylene. It is virtually invisible when installed correctly. The netting is light weight and easy to install. It is a good weekend project for the average homeowner.

Using a visual bird control product would also be an advantageous addition when applying bird netting to your property.  Another visual deterrent is a reflective bird diverter or you could also use a very simple flash tape.  Flash tape has a shiny reflective surface like the bird diverter, but it is an iridescent red Mylar film.  It can be tied to the trees, overhands, patios and in the garden area.  The birds do not like the reflection the tape creates and it can also act like a sound deterrent because the tape makes a “crackling” sound when it moves in the breeze.

A sound deterrent would work well with a visual bird deterrent. Not only will the starlings and other pest birds in the area see the visual distractions but they will also hear distress and predator calls from the sound deterrent that will frighten them away. The sound deterrents are capable of playing over 100 different types of bird calls. They can be programmed to play day or night.

When using a physical or visual deterrent or a sound deterrent, there is no harm being done to the starlings.  The bird control products are safe and humane. The only thing that will happen is the birds will be flying by to find a “safer” place to perch roost and nest.