Bird Control and Eradication

Bird spikes can prevent birds from nesting on ledges.

Birds can be a lovely attraction to a garden setting, but they can also wreck havoc on fruit trees and cause other problems. There are several humane methods of controlling unwanted birds and encouraging them to reside elsewhere.

Fruit Trees

Birds eating the fruit from trees may be discouraged by using scare tactics such as hanging metallic-colored streamers or balloons in the tree. For persistent birds the tree can be covered with netting.

Bird Spikes

Bird spikes placed along rooftops and eves prevent birds from landing. These work well for large populations of birds that have set up residence, such as pigeons.

Birds in the Pool

Springtime often brings ducks and geese into backyards with pools. Covering the pool or keeping large floating objects (e.g., balls and pool toys) in the pool will scare them off.

Nesting Inside Structures

To prevent birds from entering structures, block off vents, chimneys and other openings. You can remove the nests before eggs are laid. If there are eggs in the nest, contact your local Fish and Wildlife department for advice as the species may be legally protected.

Legal Protections

U.S. native birds are protected under federal law. Killing or harming protected species, including their eggs, may be punishable by fines or jail.

References

• Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley: Birds
• Digest of Federal Resource Laws of Interest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service