We’re big bird fans here at World Birds, but even we have to admit that uninvited pest birds can become a very annoying problem very fast. Invasives like House Sparrows breed quickly and can eat up grass seeds, take up residence in rafters or awnings, and cause problems for welcomed native species like Eastern Bluebirds.
Not to mention droppings! Unwanted birds in your yard can make a mess of your patio and driveway. The best solution is a proper bird deterrent—a humane way to keep the birds away from your property.
Before we dive into some tried and tested pest control methods for birds, a quick reminder: it is unethical and illegal to interfere with protected native bird species. As humans, we have a responsibility to find humane and ecologically friendly solutions to pest problems. Before trying any of these methods, look into your local laws and research the native species in your region. You might find that the bird that’s been bothering you is protected in your region.
Now that that’s covered, here are the best solutions for your bird problem.
We Recommend
Bird deterrent
1. Melnor Jet Spray Motion Sensor Water Sprinkler Repeller
The Melnor Jet Spray is an excellent option if you’re looking for a harmless way to scare birds out of your yard.
Make sure that you attach a solar panel with it to conserve its battery life and allow it to run longer.
During the night, battery power kicks in, so this method works both day and night to keep birds and other pests form getting too comfy in your yard.
It is one of the best bird control products that money can buy. This bird deterrent is highly effective against other small animals and will make skunks and groundhogs think twice before rooting around your freshly laid sod.
The motion sensor on this deterrent is very sensitive the controls are very easy to manage. You can set the detection and the throw of the sprinkler according to your requirements.
Each of these bird scaring devices comes with very sturdy bird repellent spikes. The installation process is totally hassle-free, as well. The sparks are sharp enough for you to fix them in hard soil comfortably.
Check the price of Melnor Jet Spray Motion Sensor Water Sprinkler Repeller here
What we liked
- Very easy to install
- Fully adjustable sprinkler throw
- Features a solar panel to conserve energy
- 24/7 operation
- Deters birds and small animals
- Features jet spray as well as a clicking noise
- Works in hard soil
What we didn’t like
- Not for extreme climates
- Some users have had issues with sturdiness and/or quality control
- Motion sensor has a small range
2. Jahy2Tech Ultrasonic Bird Repellent
The Jahy2Tech Ultrasonic Animal Repeller is a good quality pest control device that you can use in your garden or patio to prevent birds from pooping all around the place.
This device uses both bright lights and ultrasonic noise to deter birds and is an excellent option for you to use when it’s getting dark.
When it gets dark, birds try to look for shelter, but that won’t be your patio or garden.
This device also works very well in barns, farms, production facilities, warehouses, stables, storage sheds, and parking garages.
Say goodbye to birds eating your grass seeds or stealing from your vegetable garden. This device puts a stop to it!
It is very easy to install and use and you won’t have to do much to maintain it either. It also comes with a power-saving mode and there is automatic cycling on and off function as well.
What we liked
- An excellent choice for a night time guard
- Great for vast areas
- Easy to set up and use
- Doesn’t harm the bird in any manner
- Uses both light and sound
- Highly accurate
What we didn’t like
- Annoys dogs as well
3. Reflect-a-Bird Spinning Deterrent
You might have heard that birds don’t like shiny objects, but did you know there are bird control methods made to be as reflective as possible to startle birds away?
Using shininess as a weapon, the Reflect-a-Bird moves with the wind and deters any incoming birds with its bright sheen.
This deterrent features chrome-plated dishes that reflect light.
As the wind blows and the sun hits it from different angles, this bird deterrent is highly effective in keeping the birds away from your area.
This device is extremely useful against the pest birds because most of them don’t like these shiny objects.
One of the best features of these bird repellent devices is that it is made with aluminum, so it is extremely light-weight, and it won’t corrode out in the open over time.
If you are looking for the best results, then make sure that you use the deterrent with a combination of other bird deterrents as well.
What we liked
- Very simple to use
- Doesn’t take much space
- Highly effective for a large number of pest birds
- No electricity required
- Extremely lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant plastic and aluminum construction
- Fully weatherproof
What we didn’t like
- Not for extreme weathers
- Requires other kinds of bird deterrents as well
4. Flerigh Bird Hawk Flying Kite
Some problems require simple solutions. If pesky birds are overtaking your yard, why not try scaring them off with this Flying Hawk Kite by Flerigh.
This method uses the natural movement of the wind to bring to life the kite, making it look like a real raptor is circling around your yard.
From seagulls to sparrows to pigeons, unwanted bird visitors in your yard will be startled by the deceptively simple hawk kite’s lifelike movements. Have the birds in your yard gotten used to your stationary decoy? Maybe the aren’t afraid of your plastic eagle scarecrow anymore. A little movement will fix that!
Just be aware that fearing predators is universal. Scaring off a pest bird will probably scare away your favorite songbirds too.
What we liked
- Very eco-friendly
- Highly cost-effective
- Harmless to birds
- Very safe to use
- Simple to install
What we didn’t like
- May not work against larger and bolder birds like crows
5. American DJ Mega Flash DMX 800 Watt Compact Strobe Light
Ready for a unique solution to avian pest control? Give the DMX 800W strobe light by American DJ a try.
It’s extremely compact in construction and won’t take much space.
With the dimming control, you can brighten the light up as much as you want and you can also adjust the strobing rate on the 21 lights for a custom pest control solution.
These lights also come with high-quality cables that are very effective in signal transfer.
No matter how extreme the weather is in your area, these lights will continue to perform as they should.
Strobe lights are extremely effective against all kinds of birds as well as animals. Just be sure to comply with local wildlife protection laws and stop use immediately if you notice any issues.
Check the price of American DJ Mega Flash DMX 800 Watt Compact Strobe Light here
What we liked
- Highly effective against all birds and animal species
- Powerful cables for outdoor use
- Super simple to adjust
- Good area coverage
- Customizable strobes
- Increase and decrease brightness
- Audio and visual deterrence
What we didn’t like
- Most effective during night time
- Light pollution
6. Bird-X BirdXPeller Pro Electronic Bird Repeller
The BirdXPeller is an electronic bird repeller that works better even for longer ranges.
This bird deterrent is Version 2 of the original and is extremely effective against the birds such as ravens, cormorants, grackles, blackbirds and crows.
Version 1 was designed for starlings, pigeons, gulls, and sparrows.
No matter which version you use, make sure that you use it for at least 21 days to get the best results.
This bird deterrent is very effective because it can emit natural bird songs as well as predator calls.
Those pest birds won’t want to stay in your yard any longer. It can comfortably cover up to 1 acre of the area and also comes with a fully customizable setting.
The device is very easy to install and use and there are different models used for different birds. Just make sure that you are using the right version to scare away a particular pest bird.
Check the price of Bird-X BirdXPeller Pro Electronic Bird Repeller here
What we liked
- Multiple audio recordings
- Simple installation and usage
- Excellent for crows, grackles,m blackbirds, ravens and cormorants
- Uses different predator calls
- Covers a good area
- Fully customizable settings
- Doesn’t take much space
What we didn’t like
- Requires some time to produce some results
- Not water resistant
7. Dalen Horned Owl Scarecrow Decoy
Dalen Owl Scarecrow a good old-fashioned scarecrow that you will find very useful to deter birds from your patio or garden without introducing annoying lights or noises.
Horned owl decoys work well to scare birds away. But as a bonus, they also double as fun decorative statues for your backyard garden.
This figure is 16-inch tall and it has been hand-painted to create that authentic look for maximum effectiveness and realism.
You will immediately notice a change in the visiting patterns of those pest birds.
It won’t create any sounds or movement, but it will get the attention of those birds. For better results, you can use other scare tactics as well.
We recommend moving your decoy once in a while so birds don’t get used to its presence in one spot and catch on that it isn’t alive.
What we liked
- Very lifelike and real in looks
- Requires no expertise to use
- Doesn’t take much space
- Cool looking!
- No batteries needed
- Very easy to hang
- Fill it with sand to make it stable
What we didn’t like
- Not entirely effective against squirrels
- May need to be moved for maximum effect
8. Bird-X STS-10-R Regular Width 6-inch Stainless Steel Bird Spikes
Bird-X Bird Spikes are an effective deterrent against roosting birds.
Each of these spikes is made of stainless steel and they are six inches long.
These bird spikes for small birds are highly effective against pigeons as well as rodents.
You can also use it to prevent small animals from invading your area.
These anti bird spikes can easily cover the area of about 10 feet and you can forget about any pesky invaders.
Birds cannot land when these spikes are around and for that reason, they won’t be pooping on your rooftops, windows, panels, garage doors, pergolas, and porches any longer.
These spikes will also deter them from nesting in your area. These bird deterrent spikes are effortless to install and their 6-inch length makes them functional for all kinds of birds.
You can use them or any type of surface as well. Moreover, this bird deterrent is durable and will continue to perform with time.
Check the price of Bird-X STS-10-R Regular Width 6-inch Stainless Steel Bird Spikes here
What we liked
- Repels flying pest pretty well
- Effective for different kinds of birds
- Use these spikes anywhere you like
- Prevents landing as well as perching
- Very simple to install
- Good weatherproof option
- Covers good range
What we didn’t like
- Prone to corrosion and rust over time
- You need to properly anchor the stem
9. Britenway Bird Deterrent Reflective Scare Tape
As we mentioned that shiny objects tend to scare the birds away, so here is another option that you can consider.
Reflective bird scare tape makes it very difficult for birds to land in your area.
And one roll contains more than 350 square feet of shiny ribbon. So there is plenty of ammunition to use here, so to speak!
The shiny ribbon is extremely effective against birds like woodpeckers, herons, geese, pigeons, grackles, blackbirds, crows, and so many others.
The bird tape is extremely sturdy and strong and it is highly effective in various areas. nYou will see the results as soon as you apply this bird repellent tape in your area.
As it is just a bird reflective tape; therefore, there is nothing too complicated associated with it when installing or using it.
Just stick it like a regular tape and you’re done. It is an extremely environmentally and wildlife-friendly product too.
Check the price of Britenway Bird Deterrent Reflective Scare Tape here
What we liked
- Very easy to use
- Stick it anywhere you like
- Use it indoor and outdoor
- Wildlife and environmentally friendly
- Stays in place for long
- You can also hang it wherever you want
- On rill covers good ground
What we didn’t like
- Not made for large area and fields
- Rain can damage the tape
- Better to use with other deterrents
10. JT Eaton 666N 4 The Birds Bird Repellent Gel
The JT Eaton bird repellent gel is a great manual bird repellent option.
Gels have a tendency to stay in place for longer periods of time and similar is the case with this gel.
And of course, it is transparent in color, so you don’t have to worry about any stains where you apply it.
This gel is highly effective against birds that are roosting. And it is very easy to use as well.
Just open up the cap and apply it on any surface where you want to prevent any birds from invading, it features a non-toxic formula, and there are no abrasive or volatile contents in it to harm animals or buildings.
You can use 12 of these tubes to cover more than 125 linear feet. So you can cover a good space with it.
Just make sure that you apply it carefully to make the best use of it. You can apply it on any surface and it will hold its place for a good period of time.
Check the price of JT Eaton 666N 4 The Birds Bird Repellent Gel here
What we liked
- Long-lasting formula
- Very easy to apply
- Resistant to weather
- Good to be used on different surfaces
- Environmentally friendly formula
- Each tube covers 10 linear feet
- No roosting or perching
What we didn’t like
- Isn’t meant for very large areas
- Not for extreme weathers
11. De-Bird Heavy Duty Bird Netting
This is a heavy-duty bird netting that will protect your plants in your garden.
If you have numerous fruits and flowers in your garden, your place will be very attractive to different kinds of birds.
Therefore, you need to use a good quality bird netting in your place to prevent any birds from landing and easting the seeds of those plants.
Most of the time, these bird nettings are too delicate, and if your garden sees too many birds, then it will break.
But not the De-Bird bird netting. It is very easy to use and you don’t have to do anything to apply it to your garden.
Just pick a spot and lay it down and you will immediately notice that those pest birds will start to find it very difficult to land anywhere in your garden safely.
It will make them go away for good. It is extremely durable netting and will last through different weathers.
One note about bird netting, though: It is possible for birds and other animals to fly into bird netting and become tangled. If you install bird netting, you should check it daily and be prepared to free any trapped birds.
What we liked
- Prevents birds from eating fruit and flower seeds
- Very easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Deters different kinds of birds
- Effective on the ground
- Covers good area
- Not environmentally harmful
What we didn’t like
- Better suited for covering your plants
- No long-range deterring
- Birds may still visit your place
12. Bird-X Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller
Bird-X Gard ultrasonic bird repeller that you can use on your balcony!
It can produce sounds with pressures that range around 80 dB and it can disperse the signal for up to one meter.
Its frequency range varies between 15 kHz and 25 kHz.
It doesn’t require much working current as well. The device features fully adjustable settings and can cover up to 900 square feet of area.
One of the best features of this device is that it is silent to human ears won’t cause that annoying nuisance whine that some devices produce.
Your pets won’t notice it either. Apart from that, the device also comes with a 50 feet long cord.
You won’t notice any pest birds in your balcony, or anywhere you have installed it. It doesn’t require much space to work with.
Check the price of Bird-X Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller here
What we liked
- Doesn’t take much space
- Very easy to use
- Long cord
- Covers a good range
- Works for a range of different birds
- Not harmful to humans or pets
- High sensitive motion-activated device
What we didn’t like
- Needs to have correct settings in place
13. Etsitta 17 inch Realistic Hanging Dead Crows Decoy
A lifelike decoy of dead crows really works well and it has been a traditional way to scare off other birds as well.
If you are done with dealing with new kinds of bird deterrents and want a good old fashioned device to work like a charm, then there is nothing better than this 17-inch dead crow.
And when we say it’s life-like, the dead thing is truly close to a real crow.
The feathers and all other minor details on this thing are very real.
It means that this decoy is going to work very well. Make sure that you don’t leave your dead decoy outside in the same spot for too long, or other crows or birds will find out that it’s fake.
The materials used in the construction of this decoy are all of the high quality. It also comes with a couple of ropes and you can use them to hang it in any direction you want.
You will find this decoy very useful and will notice its aftermath pretty much instantly.
Check the price of Etsitta 17 inch Realistic Hanging Dead Crows Decoy here
What we liked
- Lifelike looks
- Very effective to deter crows and other birds
- High-quality materials
- Realistic touch and appearance
- Hang it anywhere you want
- Comes with a couple of ropes too
- Very effective against crows
What we didn’t like
- Need to keep changing the position
- Works well with other bird deterrent techniques
14. Tapix Bird Blinder Repellent Pinwheels
If you are looking for something that runs on wind power and uses the shine of a tape ribbon, then Tapix Pinwheel is the best visual bird deterrents out there.
These pinwheels are made of shiny tape ribbons that will keep those pest birds away from your patio or garden.
Each of these pinwheels is 15-inch in size and each pack contains 10 of these pinwheels, so you get to cover plenty of space.
This product is highly effective against different kinds of pest birds, including pigeons, geese, blackbirds, crows, and woodpeckers.
It also works as a yard decoration and when winds blow, these pinwheels will give you quite a view.
You won’t have to deal with any noise. It is one of the most humane solutions that you can find to deter birds from your area.
Check the price of Tapix Bird Blinder Repellent Pinwheels here
What we liked
- Very simple to use and install
- Good for decoration
- Very humane alternative
- Very durable
- Weatherproof design
- Prevents perching and roosting effectively
- Save time and money
What we didn’t like
- Not for extreme weather
- Need to be prominently in the sight of the birds
- You need a lot of them even in a small area
15. Homescape Creations Bird Repellent Reflective Scare Rods
Here’s another one of those bird repellents that work relying on the concept that birds don’t like shiny objects.
Ornamental spirals are very easy to use and you just need to hang them using a string.
If you use those pinwheels in conjunction with these spirals, then it will work seamlessly.
Each spiral of this bird blinder is 15-inch long and they shine more prominently.
There are multiple angles of reflection and with the wind, these will make sure that no feathered creatures stay in your yard for long. If you don’t want to use those discs or tapes, then you can use these for sure.
These spirals will allow you to protect your assets and those flowers and fruits will remain untouched by any pesky birds.
This is a very humane solution and there is nothing toxic about it. Therefore you can comfortably use it anywhere you like.
Check the price of Homescape Creations Bird Repellent Reflective Scare Rods here
What we liked
- Very effective for different types of birds
- Easy to install
- Works well with pinwheel bird deterrent
- Aesthetically very intriguing
- Good ornamental for your space
- Better than other shiny bird deterrents
- 15-inch size
What we didn’t like
- Not for extreme weather
- Doesn’t cover much space
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bird deterrent?
If you want to know what is the best bird deterrent then the Melnor Jet Spray is the best bird deterrent that you can find on the market. It runs on solar power and jets sprays any invasion to keep the area clean from any birds.
What will keep birds away?
A combination of different bird deterrents will work pretty well. You can use any of the 3 or 4 deterrents that we have listed above and use them in conjunction.
What smells do birds hate?
If you want to know what smell do birds hate then here is what you need to know. Birds don’t like citronella and peppermint so you can use oils with these two aromas to keep the birds away. But these fragrances are very pleasant to humans.
Does bird deterrent tape work?
Bird deterrent tap works but you will have to install it at multiple places to make sure that the birds can see them.
What will keep birds from nesting on my porch?
You can use different types of bird deterrents to keep birds from nesting on your porch. Using a decoy horned owl or a dead crow decoy would be a could choice here.
How to deter birds from building a nest?
You can use a variety of bird deterrents such as bird decoys, rubber snakes to scare birds, bird deterrent wire, reflective bird diverters, or tapes to deter birds from building a nest.
Will aluminum foil deter birds?
Yes, it will deter birds because they don’t like anything shiny and tend to stay away from it.
How do I keep birds from pooping on my patio?
You can use Homescape Creations Bird Repellent to keep these birds away and from pooping on your patio for good.
What home remedy keeps birds away?
You can use any solutions with peppermint oil or citronella oil to keep birds away for good. Any solution containing these oils will be very effective in this regard. It is a good solution to use as a bird deterrent spray.
Do fake owls keep birds away?
They are effective solutions bit on a temporary basis. You need to keep changing the decoy’s position and must also use other bird deterrents.
Does bird repellent spray work?
Make sure to only go with a bird repellent spray that contains citronella and peppermint oils extracts because birds don’t like these two aromas and they are very pleasant to humans. Chilli peppers also work well.
What is a natural bird repellent?
Chilli peppers can work well as natural bird repellents. You can use a solution of water, vinegar, and chili peppers and use it as a bird repellent.
I have a bird feeder in my small back yard and our house has a large plate glass window that reflects the nature of the yard. The bird fly into it and usually are just stunned but occasionally one will die. I want to feed the birds. I cannot control the wind or the sun since I live in Oregon. What would you suggest other than stickers on my plate glass window. I love seeing the view, and the birds!! Thank you.
If you can’t find stickers that are small and unobtrusive enough to not bother you, then maybe try hanging some reflective objects around the window? It might increase visibility for the birds and birds generally dislike shiny reflective objects. Really anything you can do to interrupt the light hitting the window can help as well. The smooth reflective surface is what tricks them. If traditional bird-deterrent stickers are too much an eyesore, maybe try hanging some decorations on or in front of the exterior window? Those suction-cup sun-catcher things can be pretty to look at and might help offer clues to the birds that your window is a solid object.
Thank you for stopping by and for looking for solutions! Reducing window strikes can be really difficult, but the more people try the more progress we make!
— Hailey Brophy
We live on a large lake and have 90′ of lake front property with lawn. Every morning the geese float in and start grazing on the lawn. Sometimes there can be up to 50 of them and what a mess they make if I don’t go out and stand down by the water wait for them to go somewhere else. Is there a solar powered devise that has a motion detector and will start make deterring sounds as they come out of the lake?
I was on Twitter looking for Neiko Automotive Tools when I found a link to this blog, happy I stopped by – Cheers
What can I use to keep seagulls away that won’t harm my dog? My neighbor feeds seagulls and they are at my property four times a day and it’s driving me insane
I’m looking for a bird deterrent device, sonic or light, that can be triggered on demand by remote control. Does anybody make one?
Our rooftop skylight was replaced last week and now crows sit on the frame and try to pull the rubber gasket material from between the metal frame and the glass. What do you recommend as a deterrent?
Hi,
What is the best way to keep black birds away from my pool. They sit and poop all over the side of the pool. It is s large area. I do have a dog so certain deterrents may not be appropriate. Help! Thx!