What is Answerbag?

Ask questions and share your knowledge with the world here on Answerbag. Get the best answers where there are no duplicate questions and questions are always open - our community of over 1,142,000 will find your answer!

Join For Free!
 

How to Keep Birds From Nesting on Porches

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Related Tags: birds | nests | spikes | nesting | traps
 

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

  • Bird spikes
  • Bird traps
  • Bird repellent
  • Natural predators
  • Step 1:
    Stop feeding the birds. If you're in the habit of putting out bird seed or bread, stop. If they're not getting free food, birds will be less likely to hang around your house or build nests there.
  • Step 2:
    Install sets of bird spikes on any flat surface the birds are using for roosting or nesting. Although these spikes are unsightly, they will effectively keep birds from landing or building nests there. Make sure your spikes are adequate to the birds you're trying to drive away; spikes built for large birds won't stop small ones.
  • Step 3:
    Scare birds away every time you see them. Make loud noises or throw something in their direction.
  • Step 4:
    Get a cat or two. Having natural predators around will discourage birds from nesting near your home.
  • Step 5:
    Set bird traps for birds that come back persistently. When you capture birds, keep them in the traps and drive them far away from your house to release them. Chances are they'll find another place to hang out.
  • Step 6:
    Prevent future nests and bird populations by using a sprayable bird repellent. Although bird repellents aren't guaranteed to work, they may keep birds away from your house in the future.
  • Step 7:
    Destroy nests when birds leave. Birds are less likely to return if they don't have nests to return to.

Tips & Warnings

  • Destroying a nest of baby birds is cruel and inhumane. Destroy nests before the bird lays eggs, or after the baby birds leave.If you cannot get rid of your birds, consider doing research on them and living with them by learning to appreciate their songs and personalities.Birds will not nest in areas that have a lot of traffic -- spend lots of time on your patio cleaning, reading, or serving dinner during the spring to discourage birds from building nests there.
  • Bird poisons are illegal in many districts.Killing birds is illegal in most regions, and not recommended as a solution to your bird problem.

Related Content
How to Get Rid of Birds Permanently
Although they're normally seen as valuable and charming animals, birds can be pests when they decide to nest or roost in places you don't want them. Their droppings and nesting material can be...
How to Get Rid of Nightingale Birds
Although they're normally seen as valuable and charming animals, birds can be pests when they decide to nest or roost in places you don't want them. Nightingales can be particularly disruptive with...
How to Get Rid of Nesting Birds
Although they're normally seen as valuable and charming animals, birds can be pests when they decide to nest or roost in places you don't want them. Their droppings and nesting material can be...
How to Get Rid of Annoying Birds
Although they're normally seen as valuable and charming animals, birds can be pests when they decide to nest or roost in places you don't want them. Their droppings and nesting material can be...
How to Get Nesting Birds Out of the Garage
Although they're normally seen as valuable and charming animals, birds can be pests when they decide to nest or roost in places you don't want them. Their droppings and nesting material can be...