Enjoy Your Bird-Free Patio: Tips to Combat Avian Invaders
Strategies for Preventing Avian Feces on Your Outdoor Terrace
Love watching birds from the comfort of your backyard, but discourage the mess they leave behind? We've got you covered! Whether it's droppings on your cushions or a flight path that targets your patio, these tactics will help you restore a bird-free haven.
- Prune Strategically
Overhanging limbs serving as popular roosts? Trim them back to minimize bird droppings on your patio. If pruning's not an option, simply rearrange furniture to protect your furniture from the "line of fire."
- Relocate Berry-Bearing Plants
Birds flock to berried shrubs, vines, and trees. Consider moving smaller plants further away or pruning berries off plants closest to your patio if rearrangement isn't feasible. Overgrown shrubs should be pruned anyways for aesthetic appeal.
- Reassess Your Feeder Location
Is your patio frequently visited by birds en route to a nearby feeder? It might be time to move it to a more suitable spot. And, of course, don't forget to relocate bird baths too.
- Employ Scare Tactics
Placing a lifelike predator decoy, preferably one that moves constantly, near a problem spot could be an effective solution. Alternatively, hang reflective ornaments like flash tape, wind spinners, or CDs that flash and move to deter birds.
- Invest in Windsocks
Windsocks can serve as a scare tactic, just like reflective ornaments. Their whipping and snapping may also intimidate birds. There are windsocks designed specifically for birds, many of which are reflective.
- Other Options to Consider
- Dangle reflective bird-scare tape from branches or place bird-scare balls on tables.
- Prop up pie tins on string or sticks above frequented areas. The sound is both confusing and unsettling to birds.
- Keep Your Patio Clean
Regularly wipe down furniture and surfaces to remove any lingering food residue or droppings. Cover furniture when not in use to deter bird perching.
Remember, patience is key when deterring birds: consistency in maintaining a clean and unappealing patio environment will help successfully discourage them over time.
Related Stories
- Where to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder for the Best Backyard Show
- 9 Expert-Approved Tips for Keeping Squirrels Off Bird Feeders
- If you're yearning for a quieter and cleaner lifestyle on your patio, consider implementing strategies from Southern Living's home-and-garden section to combat avian invaders.
- A birds-free patio allows for more enjoyment of outdoor recreation such as reading a book on your porch or hosting activities and entertainment.
- Culture and lifestyle enthusiasts may also benefit from a bird-free environment, as it allows for uninterrupted conversions during gatherings.
- With a bird-free patio, you can create a serene sanctuary where you and your pets can enjoy the beautiful Southern landscaping, filled with flowers and wildlife, without the disturbance of avian visitors.
