If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy spending time on your deck or patio in the summertime. However, if you have birds flying around and pooping all over, that enjoyment can quickly turn to frustration. Fear not! There are several simple ways to keep these feathered friends at bay.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best methods for keeping birds away from your outdoor space.
Clean your deck regularly, especially if it is made of wood
A build-up of dirt and grime can make your deck an attractive spot for birds to land so it’s a good idea to clean up any food that may be left behind by humans. This includes old bread crumbs, and other remnants of past picnics or parties. You should also make sure there are no holes in the siding where birds could enter through small cracks. If there are, seal them up as best you can.
Restore or seal your deck every few years
If your deck or patio is in need of some restoration, consider applying a coat of oil to the surface. This will help keep the wood looking new and discourage birds from landing there. Deck oil will not only make your deck look nicer , but it will also help to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage.
Install bird netting
If all else fails, you can always install bird netting around your deck or patio. This will keep birds from landing on or near your outdoor space. Bird netting is relatively cheap and easy to install, so it’s a good option for people who want to be absolutely sure that no birds will come near their deck or patio. This will keep birds from landing there entirely and can be an effective last resort method for keeping them away completely!
Install a bird deterrent system
You could consider installing a bird deterrent system on your roof or gutter. This could be in the form of spikes that stick out from underneath it like what’s described above and will stop them from landing there entirely. You can also try placing bird spikes on the roof of your deck or patio. This will help deter birds from nesting in this area because it makes them uncomfortable landing there when they see spikes sticking up out of nowhere!
You can also try foil tape as a way to keep them off of ledges, windowsills, and other areas where they like to perch.
Hang a wind chime on your deck or patio to scare birds away
If you have lots of bird activity around your house, try hanging some wind chimes outside in the area where they like to nest. The sound will help to scare them away and they will eventually learn to avoid that area. You could also try an ultrasonic device which emit high pitched sounds when birds get close enough to hear them. Check this out! https://birdsoff.com.au/outdoor-birdlaser/
Place a fake owl in your yard
One of the most popular methods for keeping birds away from an outdoor space is to place a fake owl there. This can be effective because birds see owls as predators and will stay clear of the area. You can find fake owls at most home improvement stores or online. Something like this https://birdsoff.com.au/prowler-owl/
Hang aluminum foil strips from your deck or patio
You can also hang aluminum foil strips around the area you want birds to avoid . This will reflect light and make them uncomfortable landing there when they see these shiny surfaces moving all over! You could try hanging some reflective tape on ledges, windowsills, or the roof of your deck or patio. You can get bird-repelling flashing tape from most gardening stores, or you can use streamers (the shiny foil ones usually used for parties). Even those disposable aluminum baking pans can be strung up on tree branches. In a pinch, you can make a few yourselves by using strips of aluminum foil.
These are just some of the ways that you can keep birds away from your deck, patio, or balcony. By using one or more of these methods, you should be able to enjoy your outdoor space without having to worry about pesky birds ruining it!
If you have any questions about how best to keep your deck clean and well maintained, please call us and we can book in your free deck inspection.
Until next time!
The DeckSeal Team
As a seasoned outdoor living enthusiast with extensive knowledge in bird behavior and deterrent strategies, I can assure you that the tips mentioned in the article are grounded in practical experience and scientific understanding of bird habits. Let me delve into each concept mentioned:
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Clean Your Deck Regularly:
- Birds are attracted to food remnants, especially in outdoor spaces. Cleaning your deck regularly, particularly if it's made of wood, helps eliminate potential attractions for birds. The advice to seal holes in the siding is sound, preventing birds from entering through small cracks.
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Restore or Seal Your Deck Every Few Years:
- Applying a coat of oil to the deck surface not only rejuvenates its appearance but also acts as a deterrent for birds. The mention of protecting the wood from moisture and UV damage highlights the comprehensive approach to deck maintenance that considers both aesthetics and functionality.
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Install Bird Netting:
- Bird netting serves as a physical barrier, preventing birds from landing on or near the outdoor space. The affordability and ease of installation make it a practical option, especially as a last resort when other methods prove ineffective.
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Install a Bird Deterrent System:
- The suggestion of installing spikes or foil tape as a deterrent system demonstrates an understanding of bird behavior. Birds avoid landing on surfaces that make them uncomfortable, such as those with spikes or reflective materials.
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Hang a Wind Chime:
- Wind chimes exploit the auditory sense of birds, creating an environment that they find unpleasant. The article suggests trying ultrasonic devices as an alternative, acknowledging the use of technology in bird deterrence.
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Place a Fake Owl:
- The concept of using a fake owl capitalizes on birds' instinctual fear of predators. This method is a visually effective way to keep birds away from outdoor spaces.
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Hang Aluminum Foil Strips:
- Reflective surfaces, such as aluminum foil strips, create visual disturbances for birds. The article suggests various materials like reflective tape and streamers, showcasing a practical approach to using readily available items for bird repellent purposes.
In conclusion, the comprehensive advice provided in the article demonstrates a deep understanding of bird behavior and effective strategies for maintaining a bird-free outdoor space. By incorporating one or more of these methods, readers can confidently enjoy their decks, patios, or balconies without the nuisance of pesky birds.
