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• Part 1 of 2: Chasing birds away
• Tips

Birds are beautiful animals, but unfortunately they can also cause a lot of nuisance. Some birds can become a real nuisance when their droppings corrode and damage your garden or home. Some people turn to killing birds, but there are plenty of ways that are both easier and more effective to get rid of birds. Birds may not disappear completely from your yard or property, but you will undoubtedly deter and ward off the vast majority of annoying birds.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Chasing birds away

1. Determine which bird species is involved. Some birds are easy to spot, but when in doubt, try to determine with certainty which species they are, as not all birds are protected in some countries. Although the law may differ from state to state in the United States, the deliberate killing or trapping of birds is prohibited by law in the Netherlands.
   • In order to determine which bird species you are dealing with, you should pay attention to the structure or silhouette, color and behavior of the bird.
   • Sparrows, starlings and pigeons are not protected in the United States (there are exceptions and the law may differ per state), in the Netherlands they are.
2. In the Netherlands, the removal or deliberate destruction of bird nests is prohibited by law. If you are in another country, check your local laws and regulations to determine if you are allowed to remove nests.
   • In the United States, the Mexican Rosefinch, Weeping Dove, Robin, Carolina Wren, and Barn Swallow are protected by law, so if you find a nest of one of these bird species, leave it alone. They usually sit on the nest for two weeks before the eggs hatch and remain in place for about two weeks after the eggs hatch. Then you can remove the old nest.
3. Use visual deterrents. Plastic predators can be placed in the garden to deter birds. Although plastic repellants are cheap and non-toxic, they will lose effectiveness as birds get used to them.
   • Try to use plastic owls, snakes, cats or swans. The choice depends on the type of bird you want to deter. You should move the plastic animals regularly to prevent the birds from noticing that the animal is not real.
4. Block access to rust and breeding grounds. Look for small areas around your house or in walls in your yard where birds may nest. Use caulk, steel wool, glass, wood or mesh to block or seal holes and crevices larger than 1/2 inch.
   • You can also use nets to cover the underside of rafters. This will prevent birds from using this part of your house as a roost. Bird nets are also useful for protecting fruit trees. This will also make your garden less attractive to birds.

Tips

• Capturing and releasing birds is incredibly ineffective. Once you have caught birds, make sure you are far enough away from your home before releasing them. There is no guarantee that they will not return to your garden despite your best efforts.
• Be aware that the use of chemical agents to control birds is not only dangerous but also prohibited in the Netherlands. Birds are an important link in any ecosystem, even in the most urban environments. So when you poison a bird, you will also encounter a large group of local animals and eventually even your own water supply.
• Avoid using glue to repel birds. The bird's skin and feathers can become sticky, causing permanent damage.