Q&A for How to Keep Birds Off Your Porch

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Question

What home remedy keeps birds away?

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist
Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.

Roger J. Lederer, PhD

Ornithologist

Expert Answer

Take some old CDs or DVDs and hang them around your porch. The birds will avoid them.

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Question

Is there a liquid that prevents birds from perching on your porch?

ZJ C

Community Answer

Yes, both bird repellent liquid and bird repellent spray. If you don’t feel like buying one from the local store, there are several versions of bird repellent sprays you can make at home. The most popular is a concoction of chili peppers, water, and vinegar. To make this spray, crush dried red or green chili peppers into a mixture of water and vinegar and shake before spraying on the porch perch areas.

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Question

I feed my outside cats and the birds keep eating it. How can I continue to feed my cats, but keep the birds away?

ZJ C

Community Answer

Grow some white flowers. Make sure the flower species are not toxic for cats, for example lilies are dangerous and daisies are safe. Also, keep a mirror or any shiny object around, the reflection of light will discourage the birds to come back. Since cats are a natural at hunting, small birds like sparrows and birds are easily scared of them. So, if you have nothing to prepare then just show the bird your cat.

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Question

How about fake rubber snakes, do they work?

ZJ C

Community Answer

A fake snake will work but you have to move it occasionally so that the birds think it is real.

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Question

Will the fake owl keep swallows off my front porch from building their mud nest?

ZJ C

Community Answer

Yes, barn swallows are deadly afraid of owls and other birds of prey. A fake owl serves as a swallow deterrent if used properly.

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Question

I have a sparrow nesting on the top of my speakers on the patio. How to stop them?

Community Answer

You'll have to move the nest. But it has to be free from chicks first. Using a broom or something similar, try to get the nest closer to you so you can grab it. Place it away from the porch.

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Question

I have gutter guards but the birds are still landing on my gutters and making a mess. What can I do to keep them away?

Community Answer

There are electronic devices for animal pests. They work by transmitting low or high frequency sound waves that are unpleasant to certain animals. Or, you can use gutter covers that go on top of the gutter.

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Question

I have a patio with an overhang under the overhang. I have 2 ceiling fans with lights the birds are building nest inside of the lighting fixture. How can I keep them away?

Community Answer

There's always the option of screening in the area. Or, you could always get a cat to hang around; not guaranteeing that the cat would take care of your problem but it might be a good deterrent.

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