Purple martin birds can be a nuisance when they nest near your home. It’s important to remember that they are protected by law, so you cannot harm them. However, there are several humane deterrent methods you can use to discourage these birds from nesting near your property. These methods include removing empty nests, using bird-proof mesh netting, wrapping aluminum foil, installing spikes, and applying a bird repellent solution. These strategies can help you effectively get rid of purple martin birds without causing them harm.
Key Takeaways:
- Removing empty nests is an important step in deterring purple martin birds from nesting near your home.
- Bird-proof mesh netting and aluminum foil can be used to prevent martins from nesting in unwanted areas.
- Installing spikes on window sills and ledges can discourage purple martins from roosting.
- Applying a homemade bird repellent solution can help keep purple martin birds away from your property.
- Considering natural predators like birds of prey or using gourd caps can further protect purple martin colonies.
Getting rid of purple martin birds can be achieved through a combination of these effective deterrent methods. By following these strategies, you can protect your property from these birds while ensuring their safety.
Humane Ways to Get Rid of Purple Martin Birds
Before attempting to remove or deter purple martins, it’s important to be aware of any legal protections they may have in your area. In the United States, purple martins are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits the removal of their nests or eggs without a federal permit. It’s crucial to check local regulations and seek advice from wildlife authorities before taking any action.
1) Check for Nests and Remove Empty Ones
One of the first steps in deterring purple martin birds is to check your property for nests. If you find an empty nest, you can safely remove it. However, it’s important to make a note of the location because martins may try to return to the same nest. Removing empty nests can help discourage martins from nesting near your home.
Steps to Check and Remove Empty Nests |
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Step 1: Survey your property for purple martin nests. |
Step 2: Identify any empty nests. |
Step 3: Safely remove the empty nests. |
Step 4: Note the location of the removed nests. |
Pro Tip: Purple martins may try to rebuild nests in the same location. Regularly checking for and removing empty nests is an ongoing process to deter martins from nesting near your home.
By actively monitoring and removing empty nests, you can effectively discourage purple martin birds from nesting on your property. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of martins returning to the same location and helps maintain a bird-free environment.
Example Case of Checking and Removing Empty Nests
To give you a better idea of how to check and remove empty nests, let’s look at an example case:
- Step 1: Walk around your property and visually inspect any potential nesting spots, such as birdhouses, gourds, or crevices.
- Step 2: If you come across a nest, observe it to determine if it is active or empty.
- Step 3: Use gloves or a small tool to carefully remove the empty nest, ensuring not to damage surrounding structures.
- Step 4: Take note of the exact location where the nest was found for future reference.
Remember, it’s essential to stay vigilant and routinely check for new nests or revisit areas where empty nests were removed. Consistency is key in deterring purple martin birds and maintaining a nest-free environment.
2) Use Bird-Proof Mesh Netting or Aluminum Foil
To effectively deter purple martins from nesting in specific areas, two practical options are bird-proof mesh netting and aluminum foil. These simple yet effective solutions can help safeguard your property from the presence of purple martins.
Using Bird-Proof Mesh Netting
Bird-proof mesh netting, also known as 1-inch chicken wire, is a versatile and reliable deterrent for purple martins. By draping the netting over spots where the nests were removed, you create a physical barrier that prevents the birds from accessing those areas.
When utilizing bird-proof mesh netting, it’s crucial to smooth out any wrinkles and securely fasten the edges. By doing so, you eliminate potential gaps that martins could exploit. This ensures the netting remains an effective deterrent while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of your property.
Wrapping Aluminum Foil
Another option to discourage purple martins from nesting is wrapping aluminum foil around areas where they are not wanted.
The flash of sunlight on the foil and its smooth, reflective surface can startle martins and deter them from approaching. Additionally, the foil acts as a protective layer, preventing nesting materials from adhering to nearby surfaces.
It’s important to note that as martins are highly intelligent and adaptable birds, regularly changing the location and appearance of the foil can enhance the efficiency of this deterrent method.
3) Install Spikes to Discourage Purple Martin birds from roosting
If you’re dealing with purple martin birds roosting on your window sills and ledges, installing spikes can be a highly effective deterrent. These small spikes make it impossible for the martins to comfortably land and rest, discouraging them from nesting near your home.
You can easily acquire strips of spikes from garden centers or pest control companies. To install them, follow these steps:
- Glue foot-long lengths of spikes to flat areas OR
- Attach them to wood using small screws.
By strategically placing spikes around your windows and ledges, you create an inhospitable environment for purple martins, ensuring they will seek alternative roosting spots away from your property.
Installing spikes is a humane and effective way to deter purple martins from roosting and nesting near your home, helping you maintain a bird-free environment.
4) Apply a Bird Repellent Solution to Deter Purple Martin birds
A homemade bird repellent solution can be a highly effective method for deterring purple martin birds from nesting near your property. By using readily available ingredients such as red pepper, vinegar, and water, you can create a natural and humane solution to keep these birds away.
To make the bird repellent solution, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper
- ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar
- 2 quarts of water
Mixing:
- Combine the crushed red pepper, distilled white vinegar, and water in a container.
- Thoroughly mix the ingredients together.
Transfer and Store:
- Pour the solution into a plastic spray bottle for easy application.
- Store any remaining solution in a cool, dark place.
Application:
- Identify the trees or shrubs that the purple martins frequently visit.
- Thoroughly coat the leaves and branches of these plants with the bird repellent solution using the spray bottle.
- Reapply the solution at least once every two weeks or after heavy rainfall to maintain its effectiveness.
Applying the homemade bird repellent solution can help create an undesirable environment for purple martins, discouraging them from nesting near your property and protecting your home from any potential damage caused by their presence.
5) Consider Natural Predators as Deterrents
Natural predators can play a significant role in deterring purple martin birds from nesting near your property. Birds of prey, such as hawks, owls, and falcons, are known to instill fear in martins, making your property less attractive to them. By introducing these natural predators to your yard, you can create an environment that discourages purple martins from settling in.
There are a few methods you can try to utilize natural predators as deterrents. One approach is to play loud sounds that mimic the calls of predatory birds. This can be done by using a speaker or a bird distress call device. The intimidating sounds will make the purple martins feel threatened and uncomfortable, encouraging them to seek safer nesting grounds.
Another technique is to make large and violent gestures in the presence of the martins. This can involve waving your arms vigorously or using props like flags or windsocks to create movements that resemble the swift actions of predatory birds. These visual cues can add an extra layer of realism and intimidate the purple martins, deterring them from nesting on your property.
If you want to add a touch of whimsy and entertainment to your garden while keeping the martins at bay, consider using a dancing scarecrow. Scarecrows have long been used to frighten birds away from crops, and a dancing scarecrow can have a similar effect. The movements of the scarecrow, combined with its unique appearance, can create an element of surprise and unease for purple martins, making them think twice before choosing your property as their nesting site.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your property from purple martin birds requires the implementation of effective deterrent methods. By utilizing a combination of strategies such as removing empty nests, using bird-proof mesh netting or aluminum foil, installing spikes, applying a bird repellent solution, and considering natural predators and gourd caps, you can safeguard your property and colonies from these birds.
It is essential to follow humane methods and avoid causing harm to the purple martins as they are protected by law. By employing these bird deterrent strategies, you can create a bird-free and peaceful environment while ensuring the safety of your purple martin colonies.
With the right techniques in place, you can successfully control the presence of purple martin birds and enjoy your property without the disruptions and potential damages caused by their nesting activities.
FAQ
How can I get rid of purple martin birds?
There are several humane deterrent methods you can use to discourage these birds from nesting near your property.
What should I do if I find empty nests on my property?
You can safely remove the empty nests to help discourage martins from nesting near your home.
How can I prevent purple martins from nesting in certain areas?
You can drape bird-proof mesh netting or aluminum foil over the spots where nests were removed to effectively deter the birds.
What can I do to discourage purple martins from roosting?
Installing small spikes around window sills and ledges can prevent martins from landing and resting comfortably.
Is there a bird repellent solution that can be used?
Yes, you can create a bird repellent solution by combining crushed red pepper, distilled white vinegar, and water, which can be applied to trees or shrubs that the martins visit.
Can natural predators help deter purple martins?
Birds of prey, such as hawks, owls, and falcons, can scare away martins and make your property less attractive to them.
How can I protect purple martin colonies from other birds?
Using gourds with starling resistant entrance holes and gourd caps can help protect the colonies from smaller birds such as starlings and sparrows.
What are effective strategies to protect my property from purple martin birds?
By utilizing deterrent methods such as removing empty nests, using bird-proof mesh netting or aluminum foil, installing spikes, applying a bird repellent solution, and employing natural predators and gourd caps, you can effectively protect your property from these birds.