For any gardener or homeowner, seeing birds flock to the trees in your yard at first seems idyllic. However, they can cause significant damage as they peck, nest, roost, and defecate. You may end up with damaged fruit, a mess to clean up, harm to young trees, or nests blocking gutters. So how do you humanely and effectively keep birds out of a tree? This definitive guide covers everything you need to know.
Why are Birds Attracted to Trees?
Birds are attracted to trees for food, shelter, and nesting spots. Fruit trees or trees with berries offer birds a free meal. Sheltered branches provide safe roosting spots from predators and the elements. And the nooks and crannies of mature trees make ideal nesting grounds for raising young.
While trees attract birds naturally, neighborhood features can make the problem worse. Bird feeders, nearby ponds, and lack of predators all embolden birds to congregate. And once a few birds discover your trees, the flock mentality kicks in as others quickly follow.
6 Humane Ways to Keep Birds Out of Trees
Using bird deterrents such as spikes, netting, and reflective tape can effectively keep birds away from trees. Creating physical barriers with netting or fencing and pruning trees to make them less appealing for nesting are also effective methods.
1) Using bird deterrents such as spikes, netting, and reflective tape
Bird deterrents such as spikes, netting, and reflective tape are effective means of keeping birds away from trees. Plastic netting is a great option to protect fruit-bearing trees from bird damage. Consider using bamboo poles or tall stakes to drape the trees with plastic netting, creating an effective barrier against birds.
Reflective scare tape can be tied to tree branches or attached to stakes to deter birds from fruit trees by creating visual disturbances that make them uncomfortable. Spikes can be installed on branches or ledges to prevent birds from landing and roosting in trees, providing an effective deterrent against nesting.
2) Pruning trees to make them less appealing for nesting
To make trees less appealing for nesting:
- Trim branches to reduce cover and hiding spots for birds.
- Remove dead or decaying branches, as they can attract insects that birds feed on.
- Thin out dense foliage to reduce the number of perches available for birds.
- Eliminate any bird feeders or birdhouses near the tree to discourage nesting.
- Regularly clean up fallen fruit, seeds, and nuts around the tree to remove food sources.
3) Homemade sprays using chili peppers or essential oils
Homemade sprays using chili peppers or essential oils can effectively deter birds from trees. These natural remedies are safe for the environment and easy to make at home. Here are some methods to create homemade bird deterrent sprays:
- Chili Pepper Spray: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder with water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the solution on tree branches and fruit to repel birds with its strong scent.
- Essential Oil Spray: Combine 10-15 drops of essential oil such as peppermint, citrus, or lavender with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake thoroughly and mist the trees to discourage birds from roosting.
- Garlic Water Spray: Crush several cloves of garlic and steep them in hot water for an hour. Strain the mixture and add it to a spray bottle, then apply to the trees as a natural bird repellent.
- Vinegar Solution: Dilute white vinegar with an equal amount of water, then spray it around the trees to deter birds with its pungent odor.
4) Hanging shiny objects such as CDs or aluminum cans
Hanging shiny objects such as CDs or aluminum cans:
- Shiny objects like CDs or aluminum cans can be hung from tree branches to create reflections and movements that deter birds.
- The sunlight reflecting off these objects can confuse and scare away birds, keeping them from roosting or nesting in the trees.
- Hanging these shiny objects in fruit trees can help protect the fruit from bird damage by creating a visual deterrent that discourages birds from landing on the branches.
- Placing shiny objects strategically around the tree canopy creates an environment that makes it difficult and uncomfortable for birds to settle or build nests.
5) Providing alternative food sources away from trees
Create a separate feeding area away from the trees to divert birds from fruit trees, thus reducing damage and nesting.
- Placing bird feeders in a different area of the yard will attract birds away from fruit trees, thereby minimizing damage to the trees and their produce.
- Consider planting berry bushes or installing a water feature away from your trees to provide birds with an alternative food and water source that doesn’t compete with your fruit tree.
- Additionally, offering a variety of seeds, nuts, or fruits in the alternative feeding area can further discourage birds from targeting your trees for food and shelter.
- Creating diversity in the types of feed offered at the alternative feeding site can help attract a broader range of bird species, encouraging them to stay away from your fruit trees.
6) Considering using liquid bird repellents for larger tree areas
Liquid bird repellents are a highly effective option for larger tree areas, providing long-term protection from birds nesting and roosting. These repellents create an unpleasant environment for birds without causing harm, discouraging them from perching or building nests in trees.
By applying liquid bird repellent to the branches of fruit trees or other attractive nesting spots, you can effectively safeguard your trees and fruits from damage caused by bird activity.
Deterring Woodpeckers and Other Tree Damagers
While most birds cause limited damage, woodpeckers aggressively drill holes in search of insects and sap. Stop them before tree health declines using these approaches:
- Apply insecticidal tree bands to remove food sources and effectively keep woodpeckers away.
- Hang aluminum foil strips and metallic tape near pecked areas to deter woodpeckers.
- Wrap mesh netting tightly around trunks for protection against birds like woodpecker.
- Use foam inserts or hardware cloth to block existing cavities.
Check trees weekly and take prompt action at the first sign of damage. Tackling new problems quickly is always easiest.
When to Call a Professional
For severe or recurring bird infestations, calling a pest control expert may be your best bet. Professionals have access to stronger bird repellent chemicals and misting systems. They also know creative exclusion solutions, from tree wraps to rooftop grid wires.
Bring in the big guns if you spot these scenarios:
- Large bird roosts with health/safety risks from droppings.
- Multiple trees sustaining rapid damage from woodpeckers.
- Significant loss of fruit crops from flocks of birds.
- Nests blocking gutters, vents, or equipment.
With custom plans and commercial-grade products, seasoned pest controllers can clear even the most stubborn bird invasions.
Achieve Lasting Bird Deterrence
Learning how to keep birds out of trees takes some upfront effort. But the long-term payoff is well worth it. Follow these core tips:
- Start early at the first signs of interest before birds roost in.
- Use multiple tactics like gels, sound, and physical barriers.
- Deny all entry points across the full tree canopy.
- Reapply regularly to reinforce the message.
- Don’t give up – persistence is key to driving birds away.
With the right humane bird deterrent plan in place, you can soon enjoy your yard and gardens bird-free again. Here’s to successfully reclaiming your outdoor space!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep birds away from my tree?
You can use visual deterrents like reflective objects, predator decoys, or bird spikes. Additionally, netting or installing physical barriers can help.
What types of trees do birds prefer?
Birds are attracted to trees with ample foliage, fruits, or seeds. Fruit-bearing trees like cherry or berry trees often attract birds.
Are there any humane ways to deter birds?
Yes, there are several humane methods, such as using noise deterrents like wind chimes or ultrasonic devices. Providing alternative feeding areas away from the tree can also help.
Will trimming the tree help keep birds away?
Trimming can reduce the attractiveness of the tree to birds by removing nesting spots or reducing the availability of fruits or seeds. However, it may not entirely solve the problem.
Is it legal to harm birds to keep them out of my tree?
No, it is generally illegal to harm birds as they are protected by various wildlife regulations. It’s essential to use humane methods to deter them.