Watching and listening to birds in the garden can be one of life’s great pleasures. They can help with removing insects that may otherwise cause damage. However, they can cause damage, especially when roosting or feeding from newly sown grass or plantings. Pigeons and seagulls are the worst offenders. When roosting, they can break away roofing tiles or guttering, and cause blockages to drainage. Their nests can also encourage infestations of insects.

Pigeon droppings can cause health risks: they are a slip hazard and can lead to the spread of diseases such as e coli and salmonella. When dry, the particles can become airborne and flare up respiratory problems such as asthma.

Surfaces liable to corrosion can be damaged if they encounter bird mess. It is important to reduce this risk in areas where children play, near kitchens, and around commercial areas.

 

SIGNS OF INFESTATION

Seeing birds sitting in outdoor areas, on fences, sheds, walls, roofs, etc.

Spotting nests under ledges, balconies, guttering or other dark, enclosed spaces.

Concentrated areas of bird mess. Destruction of plants, vegetables, fruit crops, trees, or seedlings.

 

PREVENTION

Bird food put out for the smaller garden birds is likely to attract bigger birds such as pigeons, crows, or seagulls. Use bird food hangers that are specially designed to stop bigger birds from reaching the food. Ensure spilt grain is cleaned up whenever possible. Birds will also scavenge from bins so keep lids secured tight and excess waste is made inaccessible. Bin bags are no barrier against a tearing beak so refrain from storing bags of rubbish outside a bin.

Certain birds will return year-on-year to their dedicated nesting and roosting sites, so it is important to tackle the problem before it becomes a problem. Treating a possible nesting site before the bird completes its nest is important. Blocking areas where birds will nest can be done with bird spikes, nets, or wire mesh.

 

TREATMENT

Decoys

Defenders have a full range of decoy bird deterrents that work to protect the garden and outdoor areas from bird damage. Wind Action Owl and Flying Falcon are lifelike decoys with a durable construction that makes them ideal for use throughout the year, in all weather. They both contain a mounting hole for easy set-up and use. Swoop products mimic predator species’ natural movement to deter nearby birds. These are an ideal range to protect property, vehicles and vulnerable garden areas, including newly seeded lawns and vegetable patches.

 

Motion repellents

Repeller Ribbon works to humanely scare birds and other wildlife using wind-driven motion, holographic patterns that reflect sunlight, and slight sound from its natural movement. The polypropylene acetate ribbon is long-lasting and easy to cut and hang within the areas you want to protect from birds.

The Wind-Powered Eyeball Bird Scarer uses wind-activated movement to scare birds without harm and can be hung from eaves and branches to hang over areas requiring protection. For the best use of decoy products and motion repellers, it’s recommended that the product is moved or repositioned every 2-3 days until birds are successfully deterred from avoiding encroaching wildlife becoming too familiar with them. 2-3 decoys or repellers should be used to protect an area; bigger areas require additional decoys to ensure effectiveness. Position movable decoys well over the area you wish to protect for maximum results.

Bird Spikes

Bird Spikes are the best deterrent for stopping birds from nesting and perching in and around your homes! Easy to install, the spikes can be applied to surfaces where nesting is possible or has been spotted. The spikes cause no harm and stop birds from landing on protected surfaces.

 

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