How to Deter Birds From Your Garden Cheaply & Effectively
Pest birds are becoming a more serious problem in the UK, so naturally, one of the questions we’re often asked is how to deter birds from your garden cheaply and effectively.
To help, our team has created the following resource highlighting some of our top-selling bird deterrent products, suitable for home and commercial use. We’ve also included proper installation steps to help you create a bird-free space.
Top Selling & Most Effective Bird Deterrents For Gardens
Buying from a bird control expert like Huck Nets ensures you’re investing in quality, tried and tested products that will last for many years rather than cheaper imitations for temporary use.
Use our list to determine the most suitable bird control solution for deterring birds from your garden, and buy online today with next-day delivery to the UK.
1. Ultrasonic Bird Deterrents
An ultrasonic bird deterrent works by emitting high-frequency sound waves that are undetectable to humans but are highly irritating to birds. These devices can be placed near areas where birds tend to congregate, such as rooftops or ledges.
The sound waves will disrupt the birds' communication and navigation systems, causing them to feel uncomfortable and eventually move away from the area and discourage them from coming back.
Correct Positioning for Best Results
To get the best results from your ultrasonic bird deterrent, make sure you're positioning it correctly.
The device should be placed at a height where the sound waves can reach the birds. It's also important to consider wind direction and any potential obstacles that could block the sound waves.
If your bird scarer is somewhere where it can be knocked by birds or plants, make sure you regularly check it to ensure it remains in the optimal position.
Like any electronic device, ultrasonic bird deterrents require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Be sure to clean the device regularly and check for any damage or wear and tear.
2. Anti-Bird Spikes
Using anti-bird spikes to deter birds from your garden is incredibly effective. While the spikes don't cause pain or injury to the birds, they make it very uncomfortable for them to land where you've installed them.
For some areas, you should cover the entire top of your wall or fence with anti-bird spikes, but this can make your garden or nursery look harsh and uninviting and is often unnecessary.
Proper Installation for Safe Deterrence
Installing anti-bird spikes properly is crucial to keep them safe for birds and other wildlife as well as making sure they're effective at keeping birds off out of your garden.
When installing anti-bird spikes, it's important to follow these step:
- Safety first: Before starting the installation process, make sure you have the appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses.
- Clean the area: Before attaching the spikes, clean the surface where they will be installed. Removing any debris or dirt ensures a smooth and stable base for the spikes.
- Measure and mark: Carefully measure and mark the areas where you want to install the spikes. This step is crucial to ensure that your spacing is even and effective in deterring birds. (leaving a gap that is too big can provide the perfect place for a bird to settle).
- Attach with adhesive: Most anti-bird spikes come with adhesive strips that can easily attach to surfaces like walls, fences or rooftops. We also sell bird spike adhesives that are compatible with our bird spikes. Make sure you're using an adhesive that's appropriate for the surface you're attaching it to.
3. Anti-Bird Gel
Anti-Bird Gel is one of the most effective ways to keep birds out of your garden or vegetable patch. This innovative gel uses the birds' natural UV vision to create the illusion of fire to prevent birds from landing where the gel is positioned. This is an unobtrusive deterrent that is barely noticeable to human eyes but is visually disturbing for unwanted avian visitors.
One of the great benefits of anti-bird gel is its long-lasting protection against unwanted birds.
Unlike other bird deterrents that may need frequent reapplication, the gel remains effective for up to 2 years, depending on weather conditions. Making it a cost-effective solution for keeping your property free from pesky birds.
Most Effective Application
The most effective way to use anti-bird gel is to position it on surfaces where birds often perch or land. This could be on ledges, fences, rooftops, and other areas that birds tend to frequent.
Our Ornaway Gel comes in pre-filled pots for quick and easy installation. These pots should be secured in place on walls, fences, and rooftops using Silirub 2 adhesive (not included with the gel pots).
4. Visual Bird Deterrents
Visual bird deterrents work by using visual cues to scare off birds like scarecrows.
This can include shiny objects like reflective tape or plastic birds of prey. These visual deterrents create a sense of danger for the birds and can effectively keep them away from your property.
Ideal Placement for Best Results
It's important to place visual scarers in areas that potential avian visitors can easily see. If you're using reflective deterrents, such as CDs on a string, make sure they're hung somewhere where they can move around freely in the wind; otherwise, they won't be effective.
If you've opted for a plastic visual bird deterrent, such as a cat with reflective eyes or a plastic bird of prey, it's important to regularly change the position of the deterrent.
Leaving it in one place will make it less effective as birds become accustomed to its presence. Moving it to different areas of the garden can trick the birds into being wary of it.
5. Bird Netting
If you're growing crops that attract many birds to your garden, bird netting (sometimes called garden netting) can be a great way to protect your precious plants from hungry birds.
This is a physical barrier that can be draped over plants or entire garden beds with frames to keep birds from accessing them.
Bird netting comes in different sizes and materials, so make sure you choose one that's appropriate for the type of birds you want to keep out of your garden. Seagull netting won’t keep out magpies or smaller birds, for example.
Here’s a guide to help you choose the correct mesh size.
| Mesh Size (mm) | Bird Species |
|---|---|
| 18 | Game birds |
| 19 - 20 | Sparrows |
| 28 | Starlings, Chickens, Poultry |
| 30 | Pheasants, Pigeons |
| 40 - 50 | Pheasants, Pigeons |
| 75 | Pheasants, Gulls |
| 100 | Gulls |
Installing Bird Netting In Your Garden
When installing bird netting, make sure it's pulled taut and securely anchored to the ground. Birds are clever creatures and will find ways to get underneath loose netting.
Installing Over a Frame
- Roll out the netting over the area, securing it tightly to prevent bird access. Attach the netting to the frame securely with tie wraps, clips, or twine.
- Bury the edges or use heavy objects to prevent bird entry from the sides. Regularly check for damage and repair promptly.
Installing Directly Over Plants
- When draping bird netting directly over plants, spread the netting evenly across the plants you wish to protect. Ensure it covers all sides down to the soil level, leaving no gaps for birds to enter.
- Use garden pegs or stones to secure the edges of the netting into the ground, preventing it from being moved by wind or animals.
Regularly inspect the setup to make adjustments for plant growth and re-secure the netting as needed.
How to Determine the Best Bird Control Method for Your Garden
If your primary concern is birds damaging your plants or crops, bird netting is the ideal way to protect that area of your yard while still allowing birds to visit your garden.
If you struggle with excessive bird poo on your patio or decking, bird deterrents like anti-bird spikes or bird-proof gel are suitable options, as they keep birds out of your garden altogether.
It's important to experiment with bird repellents to find out what works best for you and the space you want to create in your garden.
Note: Make sure you’re not installing bird deterrents during nesting season to deter birds that are already nesting or have offspring. Read up on the laws surrounding nesting birds before interfering with them.
Deterring Birds From Your Garden Has Never Been So Easy!
Whether you're facing off against pesky pigeons perched on your rooftop or safeguarding your precious garden from feathered intruders, our range of bird deterrent products will ensure your garden stays bird-free this season.
Proper installation is a must, so follow the guidelines we’ve set out for effective and long-lasting protection. If you have any further questions, get in touch with our team today.
For more innovative solutions, read our blog post on the best bird deterrents for your garden.
FAQs
How Can I Stop Birds From Pooing on My Patio?
To prevent birds from pooing on your patio, make the area inaccessible to them by using bird netting or other deterrents such as bird spikes or gel where they tend to land. You could also use an ultrasonic sensor, which is a highly effective solution.
Can I Use Netting On My Balcony To Keep Birds Away?
Balcony bird netting is a great solution for keeping birds away from outdoor spaces. We sell a range of bird netting that can be used on balconies for complete protection and the fixings to attach netting to walls, poles and other structures.
How Can I Scare Birds Away From My Roof?
Bird spikes are an effective solution for stopping birds from landing and perching on roofs and ledges. However, bird netting is also a great solution because you can cover a larger area cost-effectively.
How Can I Stop Birds From Eating Seedlings?
The best way to stop birds from getting access to seedlings is to cover them with netting or by using a fruit cage. Either way, you’ll need to create a structure to attach the netting to for this to be effective. You could also try using an ultrasonic bird scarer.