How to Keep Birds Off a Porch Light Fixture

If you've noticed some birds have taken an interest in your porch light, it is most likely springtime. Spring is the season for nesting, and the warm porch light is a common spot for birds to select for an excellent nest site. The branches, feathers and droppings can cause damage to the light and become unsightly. The light can also become too hot for baby birds. To prevent wild birds from nesting on your porch light fixture, discourage them as soon as you see them hanging around the porch.

Things You'll Need

• Novel object
• Plastic owl
• Wind chimes

Instructions

1. Make the top of the light fixture unappealing as a nest location by placing any kind of novel object on top of the fixture that does not provide a flat surface to build a nest on.

2. Hang a plastic owl near the light fixture. For this to work you must move the owl often--every night if possible. Otherwise the birds will learn that the fake owl is indeed harmless.

3. Hang wind chimes just above the light fixture. If the hanging chimes are in the birds' way, they will most likely no longer find it a usable nesting spot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like wild birds to nest on your porch but not on your light fixture, hang several potted plants for them to choose as an alternative for a safer nest site.

• U.S. native birds are protected by federal law, so you are prohibited from physically harming any protected bird. You may discourage bird activities if it does not injure or kill the bird.

• If you place an object on top of the light fixture, make sure it does not get too hot and catch fire.

References

• Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley