What to Use to Scare Birds

Use a handmade scarecrow to frighten away birds.

Many people are choosing to grow their own fruits and vegetables in their gardens. But garden pests can wreak havoc on our hard work. If not taken care of early on, birds can eat our newly planted seeds, fruits and berries long before we have chance to enjoy them. There are several methods you can use to keep the birds out of your garden.

Make a Scarecrow

Use a handmade scarecrow to frighten away birds.

A handmade scarecrow can be made with just a few supplies found around the house. Stuff an old pair of pants and shirt with leaves, fabric or fiberfill. Take an old broom and work it through the stuffed clothing. The broom bristles become the scarecrow's hair. You can place an old hat on the bristles if you like, but it's not necessary. Prop your scarecrow up in the middle of your garden. Attach long strips of fabric to the scarecrow's sleeves and neck. The strips will wave in the wind and frighten the birds off.

Tie Tin Pie Plates to Bushes and Trees

Purchase tin pie plates from the grocery or dollar store. Use a screwdriver or scissors to punch holes in the plates. Thread twine or yarn through the holes for hanging. Hang from any bushes or trees near your garden. You can also hang the plates on stakes if you don't have any nearby bushes or trees. Old CDs can be used in place of tin pie plates. The noise and movement will scare birds away.

Purchase Items from Garden Centers

Garden centers sell fake owls and blow up snakes for the purpose of keeping birds out of gardens. Wind socks also work. Tie the wind sock or blow up snake to tomato cages or place on wooden stakes.

Sprinkle Spices In Your Garden

Strong-smelling spices keep birds away.

Sprinkle ground chili, hot pepper flakes, cinnamon and other strong-smelling spices in your garden. Birds don't like the smell and won't stick around. You can also make a pouch out of an old pantyhose leg and fill it with spices. Hang the spicy pouch from wooden stakes, bushes and trees.

References

• My Garden Guide: Natural Bird Control
• Make Scarecrows: How to Make Scarecrows
• Garden Desk: Use CDs to Scare Away Birds

Resources

• Pest Tips: Dealing with Pesky Birds
• Daily Puppy: How to Scare Away Birds