How to protect crops from birds: popular effective ways!

how to scare birds away
To preserve the harvest, you have to scare away birds from your garden. Despite the fact that birds are excellent helpers for summer residents, actively eating harmful insects, they also do not mind eating berries, fruits, destroying the beds, digging up the planted seeds with their paws and beak. It is for this reason that it is useful to know how to drive birds away from your site.

Five effective ways to keep birds away from crops

Another method: you can save the crop from birds using ordinary threads!

Try regular thread # 10. White or black thread will panic birds. The nature of this phenomenon is unknown, but it is assumed that the stretched threads look like snares, so the birds shy away from them. Scientists conducted the following experiment: Above the crows nest, threads were stretched crosswise. The most effective colors were white and black. Thread size # 10. The crows were unable to return to the nests where such threads were stretched. And for some reason the birds did not pay attention to the twine.

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Comparison table of methods and repellents

Method / ItemHow, when and where to use it bestPros of exposureMinuses
ThornsOn the eaves of houses and city fencesPrevents pests from settling on surfacesDisturb the overall aesthetics, not suitable against small species
GridsFor the protection of fruit trees, plantings, ventilation ducts and so onEffectively protect against large and medium-sized birdsNot always suitable against small species
Light reflectors with noise effect: ribbons, pendants, discsSuspended where the appearance of birds is undesirableThe reflected light and noise of the device scare awayThe birds get used to it after a while.
The best effect is only in windy sunny weather
Sound repellersInstalled in places that need to be protectedSimulate the calls of predators - a natural threat to birds
Large coverage area

Setting up to scare off different types

Should be used in conjunction with other control methods
Ultrasonic repellersInstalled on balconies, terraces and outdoorsCan repel different types of pests
Water repeller with motion sensorPlaced on lawnsPhysical scaring + additional watering of plantsRequires water supplies and battery replacement
ScarecrowPlaced on a backyard or porchScare away with their appearance and noiseBirds get used to it after a while
Chemical: gels and spraysVarious surfaces are processed: cornices, lawn, fruit treesCause a persistent reflex, forcing you to avoid the treated areas in the futureSome compounds are toxic and must be used correctly according to the instructions.
Destruction of nestsNests are destroyed with a stick with a hookBirds do not have offspringTemporary effect: they will soon build a new nest

How to keep birds away: 5 do-it-yourself solutions

You can scare them off on your own, without buying special expensive products. Below we have highlighted 5 maximum budget solutions that will save you from such unwanted neighbors. All you need to do is dig a little in your closet or garage to find the right tools and fabric.

Close the doors to the house

If you want to keep birds away from the house, block the ventilation openings leading to the rooms with a grill, hang thick fabrics or nets in the openings, and close the passages to the attic.

Make a scarecrow

Since ancient times, people have been installing stuffed animals on their farms not only in the form of birds of prey, but also constructing “people” from improvised means. To do this, you can use wooden beams, a bucket, unnecessary pieces of fabric, etc. Unfortunately, such a stuffed animal does not last long. The birds living nearby quickly get used to it and are no longer afraid.

Make a rattle yourself

To enhance the effect, you can hang rattling metal objects in pair with the stuffed animal or make a weather vane that will crack in the wind.

Hang reflector

Reflective tapes and other similar items are another auxiliary element. Reflectors will blind all flyers and make scaring rustling sounds. Many craftsmen use ordinary foil for such a deterrent.

Modern technologies

Birds are afraid of those who might pose a threat to them. These are not only cats, dogs. Sometimes predatory relatives can act as dangerous animals:

  • hawk;
  • falcon;
  • owl.

At the sound of the cry of a predator, the feathered guests break away and quickly retreat. If you want to try this method, you can purchase a special device in a specialized trade establishment - an acoustic repeller.

Five effective ways to keep birds away from crops

Such bioacoustic devices are capable of simulating:

  • cries of birds of prey;
  • bird voices with notes of alarm, seeking to warn nearby birds of danger.

You can also purchase an ultrasonic repeller in these stores. For summer residents, his work will be invisible, since the device is not accompanied by loud signals, howling. It is capable of generating only high frequency waves. Birds are sensitive to such radiation, therefore they react to it, quickly fly away from this place.

In an effort to save the harvest of sweet cherries, cherries, and other berries, many are ready to test such a device as a laser repeller. Birds see the laser beam, it causes fear in them, so they prefer to quickly leave this area.

At the dacha, you can install a gas cannon, program the frequency of shots. The birds immediately fly away as soon as they hear the loud sounds that such a cannon makes.

Scarecrow

The question of how to get rid of birds on the site was also asked by our grandparents. The garden scarecrow was made several centuries ago and is still considered an effective method in the fight against intruders. If you do a little research and find out who most often visits your garden, it will be easier for you to build an effective repeller. For example, starlings do not like blue very much, if it is they who ruin your plantings - be sure to use this shade in the scarecrow's clothes.

What else can you make a garden guard? Everything will be used: old pillows, cotton wool, unnecessary clothes and hats, scotch tape, sticks, straw. Empty metal cans, mirrors, and any other sources of glitter and noise are especially useful - they are most effective. First you need to make the so-called skeleton: connect the sticks in a cross and securely wrap with tape. For the head, a pillow or straw bun is suitable. You can wear an old hat or other headgear on your head. All this should be put on a stick.

Wrap the body with rags or straw, put on old clothes. Your harvest guard is ready. But immobile it will not be very useful - sooner or later the pests will understand that this item is not dangerous. What to do? This is where old cans, mirrors and any objects that make sounds come to the rescue. Hang all this on the mock-up of a stick-arm so that it flutters in the wind and frightens with glitter and the sounds of thieves.

Experienced summer residents say that birds really do not like their own kind. You can sew or construct from unnecessary things a large bird with wings and, which is very important, with big eyes. It is they who will scare off thieves.To make such a stuffed animal, glue two round pieces of Styrofoam or wrap an old pillow with foil, glue big eyes, build wings and hang at the very top above the trees.

We recognize the enemy by sight

Although birds live in forest belts, for food they fly to orchards to summer cottages. If all the fruits suddenly disappeared on a berry tree, there is only one conclusion - the fieldbirds have recently visited there. You can recognize them by several signs:

  • Large body, larger than that of a pigeon.
  • Color - gray-brown, pale belly.
  • Arrogance and lack of fear of people.


Blackbirds love red the most.

Fluffy visitors do not leave a single ripe fruit to the summer resident, eating everything in their path.

Birds are especially susceptible to:

  • cherries;
  • currants;
  • gooseberry;
  • strawberries;
  • honeysuckle;
  • irgu.

If there are these plants in the garden or in the garden, you need to take care of preventive measures in advance. But you cannot expect them to work. For fidelity, it is better to apply several methods.

It is problematic to scare off thrushes because they are quite quick-witted birds that easily recognize tricks and traps. After a couple of days, they get used to scarers, so the scenery needs to be changed almost daily.

Method five: raid by nests

If the birds settle in your country house and arrange nests under the roof, then it will be difficult to deal with them using the methods listed here. Your helper in exile is prevention. Do not let pigeons and sparrows into the secluded places that they like so much, carefully check the attic, shed, roof and close any niches and crevices that you find.
Are you late? Don't be sad. A cat will help you drive the birds out of already arranged nests. Let the predator into the attic - and the "freeloaders" will leave your house voluntarily.

Anti-seizure polycarbonate spikes will also help drive birds out from under the roof. Place them on the cornice: it will become difficult for the birds to return to their nests, and they will “register” at a different address.

Sparrows feed on insects, they help summer residents to get rid of pests. However, if sparrows are short of basic food, they can easily spoil crops and destroy the crop. Having settled under your roof, the birds will cause a lot of inconvenience: traces of droppings, chirping, constant noise. This article will show you how to get rid of sparrows in your area. Several simple and affordable ways will allow you to save your harvest and your own nerves.

Protective nets

If the presence of birds does not bother you, but you are worried about how to save berries from birds in the country, choose a suitable mesh made of plastic or viscose fibers. By the way, as an option, you can use a fishing net. You just need to throw it on a bush or tree, covering the berries. For small seedlings, you can use a regular thread, entangling the crown with it in the manner of a caterpillar cocooning itself.

Shiny objects

We have already said that winged thieves do not like everything shiny. You can save the crop using a variety of stretchers: for example, hang a rope between the trees and place various metal covers, old discs, foil, and mirrors on it.

The second way is to make it look like a disco ball. Sculpt a ball out of papier-mâché, wrap it in foil, and maybe even glue on pieces of a mirror. The only drawback is that such balls are needed for each tree.

Scarecrow

The most widespread and long-used bird scaring tool is the scarecrow.

The scarecrow can be considered a real watchman, deftly imitating a person who waves his arms, turns his head. This method is welcomed by many summer residents, since it does not require financial costs.

In particular, you can use the following materials:

From wooden sticks, you need to build a frame that imitates the human body. Make a "face" from the old pillow, fixed at the top. Also, from another pillow, you need to create a semblance of a body. If there are no more pillows, the body can be built out of straw. It remains to dress up the scarecrow.They put an old hat on their head, put on a jacket, pants or a skirt.

To make the birds even more afraid at the sight of such a scarecrow, it is recommended to supplement the scarecrow's attire with rags, tin cans. Under the influence of the wind, they will sway and ring.

Optical gel

There are other ways to fix the bird flock problem. In stores, special products are offered that cause fear in a flock of birds. In particular, you can purchase an optical gel, squeeze it onto several saucers, which can be placed in different parts of the garden or garden. This gel does not evaporate and does not need to be added over time. It does not dissolve in rainwater, does not deteriorate under the influence of precipitation.

Five effective ways to keep birds away from crops

Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the eyes of birds, the gel is associated with fire. Of course, at the sight of an open fire, birds tend to leave the dangerous place as quickly as possible.

In case of an invasion of birds, you can choose an acceptable way to send the intruders away. It is important only in such situations to remain humane, not to allow physical violence against birds.

You can watch a video that clearly demonstrates the process of stretching the mesh, the construction of the scarecrow. If the birds began to actively eat the crop, destroy crops, you should arm yourself with all the available information and explanations on how to scare away flocks of birds from the garden and vegetable garden. They will help to effectively protect the crop without causing harm to the birds.

Repulsive shine

This feature is useful to take into account when organizing events to scare away birds from the garden.

Five effective ways to keep birds away from crops

This method is quite simple. You need to take a twine, pull it between the trees in the garden, and already hang various shiny objects on it. It can be:

  • old CDs;
  • crumpled foil;
  • tin covers;
  • oilcloth strips.

Many summer residents build a large ball from papier-mâché, and glue it with foil on top. The result is a huge sparkling ball, which is enhanced by the sun's rays.

Such balls are hung on trees.

Swaying from the wind, they frighten the birds even more. Using this advice, summer residents can rest in peace of mind that the harvest of fruit trees will be saved.

TOP-17 bird scarers

We have written an overview of all the types of repellents mentioned above. Choose exactly what is appropriate for your situation and area - and the question "How to scare the birds?" will no longer arise. The most affordable solutions start at just $ 10.

  • Thorns
  • Scarecrows and scarers - "eyes"
  • Reflectors: tapes, pendants, discs
  • Electronic Sound Repellers
  • Chemical repellents

Thorns

The easiest way to scare birds away from eaves and fences is by installing spikes. They sell good polycarbonate and metal spikes under the Bird-X brand. Both products are 10 feet long. They differ not only in material, but also in functional features.

Plastic and metal spikes from birds: photo

Plastic spikes are branched and are suitable for scaring away not only pigeons or crows, but also small species, for example, sparrows. They are attached to the surface with the supplied glue and stand.

Metal spikes do not have branches, so they are only suitable for countering large species such as pigeons. They have a flexible base that allows the cleats to be attached to uneven surfaces. Both products were highly rated by customers.

Price: 230 rbl

Scarecrow

Birds are afraid of predators, so a very common method of imitating the presence of a bird of prey nearby, for example, by reproducing the cry of a predator or installing a corresponding figurine. If you don't know how to keep birds away from your porch or flower bed, the first thing to try is to install such a snag.

Scarecrow of a hawk and an owl from birds: photo

Bird Blinder offers on Amazon life size owl figurine - Scarecrow Fake Owl Decoy for ~ $ 15.95. It is convenient to fill it with sand for stability or place it on top of a pole or pole.It should scare away birds and rodents and, judging by the feedback from buyers, it does its job properly.

Alternatively, a more formidable predator Bird B Gone Hawk Decoy for ~ $ 12.99. The principle of operation is the same, but, unlike Fake Owl, the reviews are far from unambiguous. One of the negative reviews is illustrated with a figurine of a hawk in a poultry house. It is obvious from the photograph that the birds are not very afraid of the scarecrow. Users give the hawk a rating of only 3.4 stars out of 5.

Repellers - "eyes"

In this case, they decided to simplify the task of intimidation as much as possible. Many animals, including birds, have an associative perception of visual information. Therefore, for intimidation, only some characteristic elements are used, for example, the image of the eye, as in the product Scare Eye Balloon Bird Repellent for ~ $ 15.90. Such a ball frightens off visually also due to bright colors. His swaying in the wind will also cause discomfort and a desire to fly away.

Bird scarers - "eyes": photo

The set includes 3 balloons with an eye-shaped ornament encircling the product. The ball can be used in two ways: suspended or thrown into the water in the pool - to protect against waterfowl. More than half of the buyers were satisfied with the product. Those who did not like the product complain about a short period of action, after which pigeons, sparrows and others get used to it and cease to be afraid. But this is a common feature of all visual repellents. Scientists do not say anything about such newfangled scarers, but due to their availability, it should be given a chance.

Price from 225 rubles

Reflectors: pendants, discs and tape

One of the most common ways to keep birds away and one of the most budget-friendly. Reflectors do a double job: they dazzle with reflected light and additionally scare away with noise. In sunny windy weather, there is no better solution for protecting windows and trees.

Repellent reflectors against birds: photo

Bird Blinder Repellent Scare Rods is a set of 5 silver pendants made of shiny plastic. The reviews are mostly positive. Users agree that the birds, if not completely disappear, but their number is decreasing significantly. Although some buyers claim that pigeons ignore rods.

Bird repellent disks made of stainless steel. This is a set of 8 shiny double discs. They not only dazzle with light, but also emit more noise than plastic. The manufacturer claims that such pendants will work against woodpeckers, pigeons, sparrows, geese, ducks and rooks - users confirm.

Scare Tape

Reflective holographic tape from birds: photo

The reflective holographic tape looks aggressive to birds and, according to the manufacturer, repels any pests. A 150ft hank costs only ~ $ 11.59 and will last for a long time. It is double-sided and can be fixed anywhere. This product is easy to use, effective and affordable, for which users love it.

Price from 225 rubles.

Grid

Bird protection net: photo

Grid protects fruit and berry plantings from flock raids, without posing a danger to the birds themselves. It measures 15 x 45 feet. Based on reviews on Amazon, the grid works well in most cases, but due to the size of the cell, it is still more suitable for protecting against large species. And small species of birds will be able to stick their heads into the cell in search of berries.

Price: 290 rbl

Electronic repellers

As discussed above, not all electronic repellers are equally effective against birds. Water repellents work - provided there is a sufficient radius of action. Scientists advise using acoustic repellers in conjunction with other products. On a lot of popular electronic bird reflectors, which we will tell you about. Which one to choose is up to you.

Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler

Water bird repeller: photo

Unlike the rest of the devices in this top, this repeller repels animals with water. If someone appears within a 120-degree view of the sensor at a distance of up to 40 feet, a powerful jet of water is released in the direction of the border trespasser. For better control, the sensor should be pre-installed in the desired direction. The unit is powered by batteries. In general, users are satisfied with his work."It shoots water so dashingly that you don't even have to hit the animal to scare it away." Users confirm: when there is Orbit, bird excrement stops appearing in the pool.

Price: ~ $ 48.32

Bioacoustic repeller EcoSniper

This sound device is a device that records the calls of wild birds of prey. It has both a general scare mode and special ones for different species. The manufacturer claims that it can be configured to scare away as many as 22 species: pigeons, crows, starlings, gulls, woodpeckers, etc. The repeller works from the mains - the speaker has enough power for 1 hectare of area. There are 2 operating modes: day and night.

Price: 3840 rbl

Bird-X Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Repeller

ultrasonic repeller against birds: photo

This ultrasonic repeller, according to the manufacturer, covers an area of ​​up to 900 square feet and is suitable for use on a balcony, terrace or porch. It is harmless to children and pets, but is it effective? Buyers doubt that the product has a lot of negative reviews. Separately mentioned are pigeons that are not afraid of the included device. Of the shortcomings, the audibility of squeaking by children is also called. Still, every third person was satisfied with the effect.

Price: ~ $ 14.47

Hoont Powerful Solar Battery Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Pest and Animal Repeller

Ultrasonic bird repeller: photo

This repellent is suitable for large areas. It has 3 ultrasonic frequency settings. There is also an additional deterrent option - a flashing light. The sensor detects movement at a distance of 30 feet. This all-weather device can be outdoors. Manufacturers note that it can be used not only against birds, but also in the fight against pests such as chipmunks. The product is generally highly rated by buyers. But the reviews regarding birds are not positive.

Price: ~ $ 74.85

Chemical repellents

Bird-X Bird-Proof Gel Repellent

The manufacturer called this gel “liquid thorns” for its use on cornices and window sills. He also advises using it on any ledges, signboards, railings, roofs and other places where pests fly. Anything the gel gets into becomes sticky and unpleasant to the touch. This property promises to scare away many species of birds, including pigeons, swallows, ducks, geese, gulls, sparrows, starlings, woodpeckers, crows and blackbirds, rooks, etc.

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The gel retains its properties well outdoors and is completely transparent. It is non-toxic and does not harm either buildings or animals - it is easy to wash off if necessary. Three tubes in the kit are enough for a full 30 feet of gel.

Price: ~ $ 19.37 (3 tubes per set)

Bonide 238 1-Quart Shot-Gun Repels-All

This repellent affects not only the touch, but also the scent and taste. Its active ingredients are rotten eggs, clove oil and garlic. Once in the mouth of the pest, the active substances cause slight irritation of the mucous membranes. As a result, the animal has a desire to leave a potentially dangerous place. The spray is designed to repel birds and mammals.

Bird repellent Bonide: photo

Buyers have left various reviews, including quite a few negative ones, which indicate that the animals return after a couple of days. Bird-fighters note that he may even attract them. Try it yourself to see if this is the case and evaluate its effectiveness.

Price: ~ $ 13.95

Liquid Fence 1466X Goose Repellent Spray

It is a ready-to-use concentrate based on methyl anthranilate. This repellent agent has been approved by scientists for the control of berry-eating geese. It discourages birds from appetite, acting on the nervous system, and is safe for humans. In addition to geese, the product is designed for other waterfowl and large representatives living on the ground - ducks and turkeys.

Bird repellent spray Liquid Fence: photo

The spray is economical: one quart is enough for 4,000 square feet - Manufacturer advises to use it for large areas. Safe to use even on fruit and berry trees and shrubs.

Price: ~ $ 39.99 (1-quart)

Bird-X Bird Stop Liquid Deterrent

A gallon of this spray is based on the same methyl anthranilate. The product is designed for a large number of species of waterfowl and other birds that harm large fruit plantations, lawns or vegetable crops. Depending on the recommendations for use in different situations (see instructions), the liquid is diluted with different amounts of water.

Chemical bird repellent Bird-X: photo

While the product is bought a little, and the rating is low. But some users describe a positive experience of use. The guy who saved the blueberry bushes in the garden from flock attacks writes: “I have applied this to my plants 3 times. Due to the rain, I needed to repeat the treatment. But after that, the attacks on my blueberries stopped. " He notes the high price, but adds that as long as it works, the price is justified. And buying a concentrate is still more profitable than ready-made products.

Price: ~ $ 91.48

Bird Scarers Comparison Chart

NameA typeHow to usePrice
Anti-planting spikesThornsInstall on a cornice or windowsill230 rbl
Scarecrow Fake Owl DecoyScarecrowInstall next to the protected object$14.95
Bird B Gone MMRTH1 Hawk DecoyScarecrow$12.99
Bird Blinder Repellent Wind Twisting Scare RodsReflectorHang in the right place / stretch$14.95
Bird repellent disksReflector$19.95
Scare tapeReflector$11.59
Scare Eye Balloon RepellentRepellers - "eyes"Hang in the right place or throw into the pool$15.90
Bird netGridUse as a barrier290 rbl
EcoSniperSonic repellerInstall in areas of unnecessary bird activity3840 rbl
Bird-X Balcony Gard Ultrasonic RepellerUltrasonic repeller$33.30
Hoont Powerful Solar Battery Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Pest and Animal Repeller$79.99
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated SprinklerWater repeller with motion sensorConnect to water and install on a personal plot, placing it opposite the protected object$60.40
Bird-X Bird-Proof Gel RepellentChemical repellents"Liquid nails", leave a strip on the cornice$18.42
Bonide 238 1-Quart Shot-Gun Repels-AllSpray onto lawn or fruit trees$10.53
Liquid Fence 1466X Goose Repellent Spray$39.99
Bird-X Liquid Deterrent$91.48

We select a place for a transplant

Since spruce can reach 10 meters in height and a crown range of up to 5 meters, a very careful planting site must be chosen. A good option would be a place where there are no other fertile trees nearby.

This is important: spruce trees tend to deplete the soil so that any area with fertile and other plants is harmful to them. Broken needles oxidize the soil, which is not suitable for many plants.

Also note that the spruce is tall and should not be covered with wires or cables before choosing a planting site. The landing area should not be closer than 15 meters to buildings and structures.

It is important to consider the soil on which the spruce grows. It is different in the forest than on the ground, even if you have a forest behind you. For a successful transplant, it is best to get a few buckets of soil from where the spruce was dug.

Note: When digging up fir trees in the forest, it is important to remember and somehow mark the south side of the trunk.

Note that the spruce will take root in a new location if planted in the same direction as before. If this property is not taken into account, the tree can become sick and eventually die.

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