Having birds sit on your TV aerial can be a nuisance. Their droppings can damage the aerial and cable connecting it to your TV. Birds sitting on the aerial can also interfere with TV reception, leading to a fuzzy picture or loss of certain channels. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to humanely deter birds from perching on your aerial.
Key Takeaways:
- Bird droppings and blockage can interfere with TV reception.
- Deterrents like spikes, gels and decoys make aerials unpleasant perching spots.
- Covering aerials when not in use provides temporary protection.
- Seek pest control help for severe bird infestations or difficult-to-reach aerials.
- Regularly maintaining and strengthening your aerial helps prevent bird damage.
Why Do Birds Sit on TV Aerials?
Birds, especially pigeons, tend to be attracted to TV aerials for a few key reasons:
- Elevated perch – The height of the aerial gives birds an ideal vantage point to survey their surroundings for food and predators.
- Open space – Many aerials provide an open and uncovered space for birds to comfortably perch.
- Warmth – On sunny days, the metal aerial can warm up and provide a warm spot for birds to rest.
- Safety – Tall aerials are out of reach from predators like cats, making them attractive safe havens.
Problems Caused by Birds on TV Aerials
While birds may find TV aerials inviting, their presence can cause some annoying issues:
- Droppings – Bird poop can stain and corrode certain materials like copper wiring.
- Reception interference – Large birds or nests can block the signal, resulting in poor TV reception.
- Equipment damage – Birds may peck at cables or knock the aerial out of alignment.
- Noise – Flapping wings, chirping, and scratching sounds can be disturbing.
- Health risks – Bird droppings can spread diseases and attract insects.
Clearly, letting birds turn your TV antenna into their hangout is not ideal. Next, let’s look at some simple solutions.
5 Ways to Keep Birds Off Your TV Aerial
Here are some of the most effective DIY methods to deter birds from landing on your TV antenna:
1. Install Bird Spikes or Coils
Bird spikes and coils are a highly effective solution for keeping birds off your TV antenna. Stainless steel or sturdy plastic spikes can be attached to the aerial mast and crossbeams using cable ties or clamps. Position the spikes close together so birds cannot fit between them. For circular masts, plastic bird coils wrapped around the mast work just as well to block perching.
When installing spikes or coils, take care not to obstruct the signal reception of the antenna. Also, ensure they are firmly secured so birds cannot dislodge them. Over time, spikes and coils may need to be replaced as plastic wears out or metal rusts. But properly installed, they offer long-term bird protection.
2. Apply Bird Repellent Gel
Specialized non-toxic bird repellent gels create a sticky, uncomfortable surface that deters birds from landing. The clear, semi-solid gel feels sticky on birds’ feet, irritating their skin and feathers so they avoid treated areas. Apply a thin coat of gel along aerial masts, crossbeams, guy wires or other surfaces prone to bird perching. Reapply the gel every 1-2 months or after heavy rain.
Popular pre-made gel products include Bird-X and Avian Control gel. Alternatively, you can make your own natural gel repellent at home using coconut oil, peppermint oil and chili powder. The gel is harmless to birds but discourages landing and nesting.
3. Install Predator Bird Decoys
Lifelike rubber, plastic or wooden birds of prey placed around your TV antenna can deter pest birds. Small birds are instinctively scared of predators like owls, hawks and eagles. Position fake predator birds on roof edges or aerial crossbeams overlooking common perches. Choose models with realistic colors and poses. Rotate the decoy’s body or head occasionally to mimic lifelike movement. Having multiple decoys of different species provides better results.
4. Use Ultrasonic Bird Repellers
Battery-powered ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that irritate and frighten off birds but are inaudible to humans. These eco-friendly bird repellers can be mounted close to the TV antenna and activated by motion sensors when birds land nearby. The varying sounds confuse birds and train them to avoid the area. For best results, combine ultrasonic repellers with other deterrents.
5. Physically Block Access Points
When your antenna is not in use, you can cover it with plastic sheeting or bags secured with elastic bands or twine. This simple physical barrier denies birds a place to perch or nest. Just remember to remove the cover prior to watching television. As a permanent option, install netting or wire screens around the antenna mast and crossbeams to block physical access. Properly installed screens can be highly effective at keeping birds away from your antenna.
Tips for Bird-Proofing Your TV Aerial
- Focus deterrents on the highest points of the aerial most favored by birds. The mast and crossbeams are key landing spots.
- Use multiple deterrents like coils, spikes and gel together for maximum effect.
- Check aerial fittings are tight. Birds can dislodge loose parts when landing.
- Prune back nearby trees and bushes to eliminate bird nesting spots.
- Ensure cables are tucked away and not hanging loosely. Birds can damage exposed wiring.
- Seek professional help to realign or structurally strengthen aerials that are damaged or sagging to permanently eliminate perching spots.
When to Call a Professional
For severe bird problems, or if your DIY remedies aren’t working, it may be best to call in a professional aerial installer or pest control company. They can:
- Safely access high aerials to install bird deterrents.
- recommend commercial-grade stainless steel spike or coil systems.
- Identify and block bird entry points on roofs.
- Repair damage caused by birds.
- Relocate problematic nests and birds humanely.
Getting rid of birds from your TV antenna can be a challenge, but with the right deterrents and professional help when needed, you can reclaim your aerial and enjoy clear TV reception again.
FAQs
Will bird spikes or coils damage my antenna?
Properly installed stainless steel or plastic spikes/coils will not interfere with TV reception or damage the antenna. Just avoid mounting them in a way that obstructs signal transmission.
Are bird gels safe for my roof?
Yes, reputable bird repellent gels are non-toxic and will not damage roof materials like tile, metal, asphalt, or wood. Avoid getting gel on the antenna itself as this may degrade the signal.
How often should I reapply bird gel?
Depending on the product, reapply bird gel every 1-2 months or after heavy wind/rain has washed it away. Check the label for reapplication recommendations.
Do ultrasonic repellers work right away?
It may take 1-2 weeks of consistent ultrasonic noise to condition birds to avoid the area. Ensure the device has good battery life.
Should I cover my antenna when not in use?
Yes, a cover is a quick fix for keeping birds off. Just remove it when you want to watch TV. Don’t permanently cover your antenna.
Will ants or insects be attracted to bird gel?
Some gels contain bittering agents to deter insects. Check product specs to be sure. Reapply gel if needed to prevent infestations.