The presence of birds in trees, while often appreciated, can cause problems for property owners, especially when flocks gather near homes or valuable crops. Common issues include corrosive droppings on structures, noise from large roosting groups, and the loss of fruit. Managing this requires a humane approach that focuses on making the tree an unappealing location for resting, nesting, or feeding. Solutions involve exclusion methods, sensory distractions, and modifications to the environment to encourage birds to move elsewhere.
Using Physical Barriers to Block Access
Physical exclusion is the most reliable long-term strategy for preventing birds from accessing a tree, especially for those bearing fruit. Bird netting creates a physical barrier that stops birds from landing on branches or reaching the fruit without causing them harm. To be effective, the netting must be installed correctly, pulled taut, and secured firmly at the base of the tree trunk to prevent birds from crawling underneath or becoming entangled in slack material.
Selecting the appropriate mesh size is important for both effectiveness and safety, as smaller openings prevent entanglement. A mesh size between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch is recommended to exclude most common pest bird species. For larger trees, a support structure using tall poles or a frame may be necessary to drape the net over the canopy and keep the material off the branches, which also protects the fruit from being crushed. In areas near structures, anti-roosting devices like specialized wires or spikes can be installed on thick branches or nearby ledges. These devices eliminate the flat surface birds require for a stable perch, forcing them to select a different location.
Sensory Deterrents: Scaring Birds Away
Sensory deterrents work by creating an environment the birds perceive as dangerous or unpredictable, employing visual and auditory stimuli to frighten them off. Visual deterrents rely on motion and reflection, such as strips of holographic flash tape or old compact discs hung from branches. The unpredictable flashes of light and the movement of these reflective objects confuse the birds, disrupting their sense of safety.
Another visual approach involves fake predators, such as plastic owls or inflatable balloons with menacing eyespots. However, birds are highly intelligent and adapt quickly to static threats, leading to habituation. To maintain effectiveness, these decoys must be moved frequently, ideally every few days, to make the perceived threat seem real and mobile.
Auditory deterrents, like devices that broadcast recorded predator calls or the distress cries of the bird species being targeted, can also temporarily repel birds. These sounds trigger an instinctive flight response, but they also require rotation and intermittent use to avoid habituation. While ultrasonic devices, which emit high-frequency sound waves inaudible to humans, are available, their effectiveness is often limited, as sound waves struggle to penetrate dense foliage. Combining visual and auditory methods often yields a better result.
Making the Tree Unappealing Through Habitat Changes
Modifying the tree’s structure and removing local attractants can significantly reduce its appeal as a habitat, serving as a foundational step in bird management. Pruning the tree canopy, especially thinning out dense interior branches, limits the number of sheltered perching and nesting spots available. Removing lower branches near the ground also restricts easy access and reduces the surface area birds can use for landing.
Cleaning up the area surrounding the tree is equally important, as birds are primarily drawn by sources of food and water. Promptly removing fallen fruit or nuts eliminates a readily available food source that attracts many species. Similarly, addressing sources of standing water, such as bird baths or leaky outdoor faucets, removes an incentive for birds to remain in the immediate vicinity. Any effort to remove active nests should be conducted outside of the nesting season to comply with wildlife protection laws.