Boston ferns are beautiful and lush plants that can add a touch of greenery to any space. However, they can also attract unwanted visitors in the form of birds. Birds are naturally drawn to the dense foliage of Boston ferns, which provides them with shelter and nesting opportunities. While it’s charming to have birds around, their presence can cause damage to the delicate fronds of the ferns and create a messy environment.
So, how can you keep birds away from your Boston ferns? In this comprehensive guide, we will take a look at several effective strategies you can employ to deter birds from nesting in your Boston ferns.
Key Takeaways
- Regularly check ferns for nesting materials to prevent bird intrusion
- Use physical barriers like wire mesh to deter birds from nesting
- Employ visual deterrents such as shiny objects or rubber snakes
- Apply natural bird repellents like peppermint oil to keep birds away
Why Are Birds Attracted to Ferns?
Birds may be attracted to ferns for several reasons:
- Shelter: Ferns provide dense foliage and a layered structure, which can offer birds protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. The fronds of ferns create a cozy and secure environment for birds to roost or build nests.
- Nesting Sites: Many bird species build their nests in the branches or under the fronds of ferns. The intricate and layered structure of ferns can make a suitable nesting spot for birds, providing camouflage and protection for their eggs and young.
- Food Sources: Some bird species are attracted to ferns because they offer a food source. Ferns produce spores, which can be a nutritious food for certain birds. Additionally, ferns that grow in shady areas often create a moist and cool environment, attracting insects and other invertebrates that birds can feed on.
- Insect Attraction: Ferns are known to attract insects such as beetles, flies, and spiders, which in turn can attract insect-eating birds. The fronds and crevices of ferns provide hiding places for insects, making them easily accessible for birds to feed on.
It is important to note that the specific reasons birds are attracted to ferns may vary depending on the bird species and their ecological requirements.
6 Ways to Keep Birds Out of Boston Ferns
To keep birds out of your Boston ferns, be vigilant in monitoring the ferns regularly for any signs of bird activity. Utilize physical barriers like wire mesh, visual deterrents such as shiny decoys, and noise disturbances like wind chimes or playing music near the ferns.
Applying natural bird repellents like crumpled foil, plastic forks, or predator decoys can also help discourage birds from nesting in your Boston ferns.
1) Be Vigilant and Regularly Check Ferns
Regularly monitoring Boston ferns for signs of nesting materials is crucial in deterring birds from establishing nests in the plants. To effectively discourage birds from nesting in your ferns, follow these steps:
- Regularly check fern fronds for nesting materials like twigs, leaves, and moss.
- Remove any nesting materials found promptly to discourage birds from nesting in the ferns.
- Inspect the ferns daily during nesting seasons to prevent birds from establishing nests.
- Be vigilant for signs of bird activity such as chirping or fluttering near the ferns.
2) Use Physical Barriers to Keep Birds Away from Boston Fern
Installing wire mesh or netting around Boston ferns serves as an effective physical barrier to prevent birds from accessing and nesting in the plants.
The wire mesh or netting acts as a deterrent, creating a barrier that hinders birds from perching or nesting within the ferns.
By securely hanging the wire mesh or netting around the ferns, you can effectively protect them from bird intrusions.
These physical barriers should cover the entire area surrounding the ferns to ensure birds can’t find their way into the plants.
Using wire mesh or netting is a non-harmful method that not only prevents bird nesting but also helps in maintaining the health and appearance of your Boston ferns.
3) Add Visual Deterrents Near Boston Ferns
Adding visual deterrents to your Boston ferns can effectively discourage birds from nesting in the plants by utilizing shiny objects and moving decorations. Consider the following strategies:
- Hang Shiny Objects: Reflective items like aluminum foil or CDs can deter birds.
- Use Wind Chimes: The sound and movement can make the area less appealing to birds.
- Place Rubber Snakes: Mimicking predators can scare off birds from settling in the fern.
- Insert Plastic Forks: Sticking plastic forks in the soil around the fern can make landing uncomfortable for birds.
4) Use Noise Disturbances to Deter Birds
When deterring birds from nesting in Boston ferns, creating noise disturbances near the plants can effectively make the area inhospitable to birds. To keep birds away, you can clap hands, stomp feet, or wave arms around the hanging fern. Consider playing a radio nearby to disrupt the peaceful nesting environment for birds.
Utilizing music or loud sounds can discourage birds from choosing the Boston fern for nesting. Remember to use noise disturbances as a method to deter birds while following the guidelines set by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty.
Allow pets, such as cats or dogs, to roam near the fern to naturally scare off birds with their presence. Implement noise disturbances as one of the strategies to keep birds out of your Boston fern, ensuring a bird-free environment.
5) Apply Natural Bird Repellents Around the Ferns
Consider strategically placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around your Boston ferns as a natural bird repellent. Peppermint oil’s strong scent is known to deter birds from approaching the area. Here are some other natural bird deterrents you can use:
- Orange peels or coffee grounds: Scatter these near the ferns to discourage birds from nesting.
- Cayenne pepper or chili powder: Sprinkle around the base of the ferns to deter birds.
- Citrus fruit slices: Place lemons or oranges around the ferns as a natural deterrent.
- Vinegar and water mixture: Create a solution and spray it around the Boston ferns to repel birds effectively.
These natural repellents can help protect your Boston ferns from unwanted bird activity.
6) Use Bird Spikes on Surfaces Near the Ferns
To effectively deter birds from perching or nesting near your Boston ferns, consider installing bird spikes on surfaces in close proximity to the plants.
Bird spikes are physical deterrents specifically designed to discourage birds from landing or roosting on ledges, fences, or structures near the ferns. These spikes have sharp points that make it uncomfortable and impractical for birds to settle, effectively preventing nesting activities. They’re humane, non-lethal, and don’t harm the birds.
What to do If You Find Birds Nesting in Boston Fern?
If you find birds nesting in your Boston Fern, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety of the birds and the health of your plant:
- Do not disturb the nest: It is important not to disrupt the nesting birds. They have chosen your Boston Fern as a safe spot to lay their eggs and raise their young. Avoid moving or touching the nest to minimize stress and potential harm to the birds.
- Provide a safe environment: Make sure the area around the Boston Fern is quiet and undisturbed. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, or any other activities that may startle or scare the birds. This will help create a calm and safe environment for them.
- Maintain proper care for the plant: Continue to care for your Boston Fern as usual, making sure to provide adequate light, water, and humidity. Avoid spraying any chemicals or pesticides near the nest, as these may be harmful to the birds.
- Observe from a distance: Take the opportunity to observe the nesting birds from a safe distance. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get a closer look without disturbing them. Enjoy this unique wildlife encounter and take the opportunity to learn more about the birds’ behavior.
- Wait until the birds leave: Once the birds have left the nest and are no longer using the Boston Fern, you can safely remove the nest. Dispose of it properly, ensuring that it won’t be reused by other birds.
It’s important to note that some bird species are protected by law, and it may be illegal to disturb or remove their nests. If you are unsure about the laws or regulations in your area, it is best to contact your local wildlife or bird conservation agency for guidance.
FAQs
Why do birds like to nest in Boston ferns?
Birds are attracted to Boston ferns because they provide good coverage and support for building nests. The dense fronds create a protected shelter where birds can lay their eggs.
How can I make my Boston fern less appealing to birds looking for a nesting site?
You can make your Boston fern less appealing to nesting birds by pruning it to be less dense, using bird repellents, installing fake predators near the plant, or placing wire mesh over the soil.
What kind of bird repellents work best for Boston ferns?
Some bird repellents that work well for Boston ferns are non-toxic sprays made from essential oils like peppermint, garlic, or cinnamon oils. You can also try using aluminum foil pans that crinkle and scare birds away.
Should I prune back my Boston fern to prevent birds from nesting in it?
Yes, pruning your Boston fern to be less dense can make it less appealing as a nesting spot. Cut off fronds down to 6-12 inches above the soil to open it up. But avoid excessive pruning which can damage the plant.
What if birds have already built a nest in my Boston fern?
If birds have already nested in the fern, it’s best not to disturb them until the chicks have fledged. Prune the fern after they leave to prevent recurring nests. You can also gently trim fronds around the nest to open it up more.