Birds often find wreaths attractive for nesting, particularly during the spring and early summer breeding season. A wreath offers a sheltered, stable base protected from wind and predators, making it an ideal platform for a nest. This is common with wreaths made from dense, natural-looking materials that mimic foliage birds use in the wild. The goal of prevention is to humanely make the wreath an undesirable location before nesting activity begins.
Modifying the Wreath Structure for Deterrence
Proactively altering the physical structure of the wreath is an effective strategy to eliminate the supportive environment birds seek for building a nest. Birds look for a wide, stable base and material that can hold their construction securely against a door or wall. Selecting wreaths that are inherently less hospitable, such as those made from smooth plastic, metal, or highly minimalistic designs, can reduce initial interest from birds.
A dense wreath can be made unusable by filling in the gaps and crevices that birds would use for support and shelter. For example, tightly wrapping the entire wreath form with clear fishing line or thin, flexible wire can eliminate stable perching spots and nesting pockets without severely altering the visual appeal. This technique creates a difficult surface for birds to land on and a poor foundation for nest material.
Structural alterations should also include securing or removing any loose decorative elements, such as straw, moss, or dried flowers, which birds might perceive as readily available nesting material. Wreaths made from natural elements are particularly appealing because they offer materials birds already use in nest building. Choosing a narrow wreath design, which lacks the broad base a bird wants for support, is another effective structural modification that discourages most species.
Utilizing Sensory Repellents and Scare Tactics
External deterrents work by creating an environment near the wreath that is visually or tactilely uncomfortable for birds, encouraging them to seek an alternative location.
Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Visual deterrents that rely on movement and light are particularly useful for making the area feel unsafe or chaotic. Attaching strips of holographic foil or reflective tape near the wreath causes shifting flashes of light when hit by sunlight, which birds generally avoid. The movement of these reflective strips, or small metallic wind chimes placed nearby, also introduces an auditory element of disturbance that is inconsistent with a safe nesting site. Holographic eyespot balloons or reflective diverters that feature a predator-like design can also be deployed near the wreath. The combination of unpredictable movement and the illusion of a following eye helps to prevent birds from becoming accustomed to the deterrent.
Tactile and Decoy Repellents
Tactile repellents, such as non-toxic, sticky bird gels, can be applied discreetly to the underside or base of the wreath. These gels make the surface unpleasant for birds to land on or stand on, but they must be applied carefully to avoid contact with the birds’ feathers. Another method involves placing decoys of natural predators, like plastic owls or rubber snakes, within the wreath or on the door. To maintain effectiveness, these decoys must be moved frequently, ideally every few days, because birds are quick to realize a stationary threat is harmless.
Chemical Repellents
Some commercial bird repellents use scent or taste irritants, such as methyl anthranilate, which is a chemical compound derived from grapes. This compound is registered for use as an avian repellent because it produces a painful sensation when it contacts a bird’s eyes, nostrils, or mouth. These products can be sprayed directly onto the wreath material, making it an unappealing spot for nesting due to the immediate discomfort experienced by the bird.
Navigating Existing Nests and Legal Responsibilities
Prevention efforts must be undertaken before a bird begins building a nest, as federal law protects most native bird species once nesting activity is underway. If a nest containing eggs or young birds is discovered, it is illegal to disturb, remove, or destroy it under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act protects nearly all native North American bird species, their eggs, and their nests, making interference unlawful.
The homeowner must wait until the young birds have left the nest and the structure is confirmed to be inactive before any removal can take place. The nesting period for most small birds is relatively short, typically lasting only two to three weeks from the time the eggs hatch until the young fledge. If the wreath is on a frequently used door, it is advisable to use an alternative entrance temporarily to prevent the parents from abandoning the nest due to repeated disturbance.
Once the nest is confirmed to be completely empty and no longer in use, it can be safely removed and disposed of. If a nest is spotted in the early stages of construction and contains no eggs or young, it can be removed immediately, but the birds will often attempt to rebuild in the same spot. If deterrence methods fail or the homeowner cannot constantly monitor the location during the high nesting season, the most reliable solution is to remove the wreath completely until the season passes.