Having birds visit your balcony can be a pleasant experience. Watching them hop around and listening to their songs can be quite enjoyable. However, sometimes birds can become a nuisance or leave behind a mess on outdoor furniture and floors. If you’re looking for ways to discourage birds from turning your balcony into their hangout, here are some effective tips.
Remember: If you live in an apartment or condo, check first with building management before installing any physical bird deterrent devices or systems to your balcony to ensure you are allowed to do so. Get proper consent to avoid issues down the road.
Why Do Birds Come to Balconies?
Birds are naturally attracted to balconies for several reasons:
- Food sources – Birds forage for food and are opportunistic eaters. They may be drawn to leftover food scraps, pet food bowls, or ripening fruit/vegetables in balcony gardens. Bird feeders or filled bird baths can also attract birds.
- Shelter – Balconies provide cover and places to nest or perch. Overhangs, railings, furniture, and decorative elements all offer protection and landing spots.
- Open spaces – Balconies provide open flying room not blocked by trees or buildings. Birds use these spaces to comfortably land and take off.
- Safety – Balconies and fire escapes are elevated spaces, giving birds a view to spot potential predators. They can quickly escape danger from an elevated perch.
7 Methods to Keep Birds Off Your Balcony
If birds have become more than just occasional visitors, there are several effective options to discourage them from lingering on your balcony:
1) Remove Food Sources from your Balcony
Eliminating food sources from your balcony is key. This may mean:
- Storing pet food bowls inside when not in use.
- Cleaning up any leftover scraps or spills from balcony dining.
- Removing fruit/vegetables from balcony garden plots after harvesting.
- Not putting out bird feeders. Bird baths should be emptied regularly if not in use.
2) Install Physical Bird Deterrents in your Balcony
Physical barriers can be added to make balconies less inviting to birds:
Bird Spikes
- Plastic or stainless steel spike strips can be installed on railings, ledges, beams, and other perch spots. The spikes don’t harm birds but prevent them from comfortably landing.
Netting
- Bird netting can be hung above balcony spaces, draped over railings, or installed above garden plots. The tangled netting deters birds from landing. Make sure netting holes are less than 3⁄4 inch.
Wire Grids
- Grids of taut, parallel wires can be installed on perch surfaces. The wires are spaced 1 to 2 inches apart to prevent birds from fitting between them or getting a grip.
Motion-activated Deterrents
- Devices like ultrasonic bird repellers or water sprayers activate in the presence of motion. The sounds, movements or sprays startle birds away.
3) Use Visual Repellents
Visual deterrents can be placed strategically around balconies to scare away birds:
- Scare tape – Reflective strips of twisting, shiny material will move in the breeze and frighten birds. Hang multiple lengths around the balcony perimeter.
- Fake predators – Lifelike decoy hawks, owls or snakes will make birds cautious. Place them in visible spots and move occasionally.
- Shiny discs – Hanging CDs or reflective gazing balls create flashing effects and movement that disturbs birds. Space them around the balcony for full coverage.
4) Apply Smell and Taste Deterrents
Applying foul smelling or bad tasting substances will keep birds away from your balcony:
- Scent repellents – Spray products create odors unpleasant to birds but unnoticeable to humans when dry. Reapply after rain.
- Taste aversion agents – Non-toxic but bitter, tongue-burning solutions can be painted on perches. Birds taste them and leave.
- Essential oils – Natural smells birds avoid like peppermint, eucalyptus or garlic oil can be put in diffusers.
5) Use Sounds to Repel Birds Away from Balcony
Noise disruptions will encourage birds to go elsewhere:
- Predator calls – Playing recorded predator noises like hawks or crows on a balcony speaker will indicate danger to small birds.
- Ultrasonic devices – High frequency sounds are unpleasant and irritating to birds but inaudible to humans. Place multiple devices for full coverage.
- Wind chimes – Random dinging sounds startle birds. The louder and more echoes from a balcony, the better.
- Clappers or foil strips – These noisemakers bang in the wind. Movement and cacophony deter birds.
6) Train Your Dog to Scare Birds Away from your Balcony
If you have a dog, you can train it to chase birds from your balcony:
- Use a professional dog trainer for best, safest practices. Never allow dogs to attack or hurt birds.
- Train your dog to bark loudly at the sight or sound of birds. The barking alone will frighten most birds away.
- Reward your dog immediately with praise or treats when they bark at birds on cue. This reinforces the training.
- Practice having your dog on leash and under control on the balcony while you supervise bird scaring. Do not allow chasing.
- Be patient, persistent and consistent with the training for a reliable bird scaring dog. Not all dogs can be properly trained to do this work.
7) Deter Nesting Areas
Make your balcony a less desirable nesting spot before birds can settle in:
- Block access points to enclosed balcony spaces, gutters and gaps in walls where birds could build nests.
- Install shelves, curtains or decorative items to occupy potential nest sites.
- Use odor repellents described above in nesting areas to keep birds away.
- Regularly check, remove and clean up any nesting debris that accumulates during nesting seasons.
Use a Combination of Above Methods for Maximum Effectiveness
Employing multiple deterrents together amplifies effectiveness and ensures that birds stay away from your balcony:
- Layer different sounds, sights, smells and textures to overwhelm bird senses.
- Vary locations and move devices occasionally so birds don’t acclimate.
- Reapply/reactivate deterrents regularly especially after rain, wind or cleaning.
- Be patient and persistent until problem birds learn your balcony is an unpleasant spot best avoided.
When to Call Professional Services
In cases of large infestations, substantial droppings or hazardous nesting issues, professional bird control services may be needed:
- Pest control companies – Many exterminator firms offer bird deterrent or removal services for tough jobs. They have commercial grade tools and can safely access tricky sites.
- Wildlife removal specialists – For larger bird infestations or difficult species, specialized wildlife removal experts trained in humane bird handling may be called.
- Building maintenance/landscapers – Property managers at apartments, condos and businesses may have staff to handle bird issues. Or they can bring in professional services.
- Local animal control – Get guidance from your municipal animal services department for humane bird infestation resources.
Even after trying multiple deterrents, some stubborn birds still may not get the message. Removing their perches, food sources and nests goes a long way, but professionals can take that to the next level for chronic bird problems.
Tips for Maintaining a Bird-Free Balcony
Here are some general tips for keeping your balcony nuisance free after solving a bird issue:
- Do a regular balcony inspection for bird signs like feathers or dropping build up. Act immediately if birds attempt to return.
- Renew scent deterrents regularly to maintain potency. Refill ultrasonic devices and check they work.
- Update physical deterrents that get damaged, weathered or askew over time.
- Keep balcony clear of food scraps, trash and clutter where birds could hide/nest.
- Promptly report bird infestations to building staff to avoid spreading issues.
- Advocate for building-wide solutions if balcony bird problems are widespread.
With some diligence, bird-proofing tactics and prompt response to early warning signs, you can successfully train even the most stubborn birds that your balcony is off limits and keep them away for good. Enjoy your outdoor space without unwanted feathers and presents!
FAQ
How do you keep birds off your balcony?
There are several effective methods to keep birds away from your balcony. These include cleaning up any food remnants, sealing entry points, and applying deck oil. Installing bird netting or deterrent systems, using foil tape or wind chimes, and placing fake owls can also help prevent birds from nesting or perching on your balcony.
What are some cleaning and maintenance tips to keep birds off your balcony?
To keep birds off your balcony, clean it regularly and remove any food debris. Make sure to seal any entry points that birds could use to access your balcony. Applying a coat of deck oil can also deter birds from landing on your balcony due to the slippery surface.
How does bird netting and deterrent systems help in keeping birds away?
Bird netting is an effective way to keep birds from landing or nesting on your balcony. It is relatively cheap and easy to install. Bird deterrent systems, such as spikes or bird lasers, can also be installed to prevent birds from perching on your balcony.
How can foil tape and wind chimes help in bird control?
Foil tape can be used on ledges and windowsills to make birds uncomfortable with the shiny surfaces. Wind chimes create sounds that scare birds away, making your balcony less appealing to them.
Can placing a fake owl on my balcony really deter birds?
Yes, placing a fake owl on your balcony can deter birds, as they perceive owls as predators. Fake owls can be found at home improvement stores or online.
What are some other visual deterrents for bird control?
Reflective tape can be hung on ledges, windowsills, or the roof of your balcony to create shining surfaces that make birds uncomfortable. Aluminum foil strips can also be used to create reflective surfaces, which birds find unappealing.
How can I enjoy a feather-free outdoor space without harming the birds?
By implementing the various bird control methods mentioned above, you can keep birds off your balcony and enjoy a clean and feather-free outdoor space. Remember to choose humane methods that do not harm the birds but discourage them from landing or nesting on your balcony.