What can I do about nesting birds?

Question

I have birds (sparrows) that like to sit on my lights in an overhang canopy. They had nested behind the lights, but we closed that off. Now they just sit on the lights and poop everywhere. I've used stickygoo, spikes, buzzers, owls. Nothing seems to stop them. My predecessor had even took to shooting them with a pellet gun. I do not believe in killing anything just for convenience so shooting them is out. This is indirect lighting so I don't want to "cage" the light if i don't have to. Any suggestions? No poison either.

Answer 1

I don't know if this will help but try GRAPE EXTRACT look for it on line I used it to keep geese from pooping all around the ponds edge on estates we maintained. IT WORKS GREAT and has not harmed any geese. I think I would prefer the birds and the poop over the strobe light idea and obviously try the vinegar first.

Answer 2

You are righteous for your determination not to harm the birds. They eat insects which may otherwise be a bother to you. The rubber snake idea seems apt. Also, if you can reach the nests without jeopardizing your safety, and can do it before the eggs are laid, simply remove the nesting materials and rub your scent over the area. Check with local animal control agency for info and references on repellants/deterrents. Also call university agricultural extension service.

Answer 3

Every year I had a bird building a nest above my front door, and of course dropping poop everywhere. I took the empty nest down and scrubbed with strong detergent, and then poured vinegar over the area. The bird didn't rebuild that year like she usually does.

Answer 4

There is a bird netting you can purchase and protect your lights. This need only stay in place until they begin to roost elsewhere. Usually a garden supply store will have in stock. Buy what you need but keep away from the hot lights or it could burn.

Answer 5

You can buy a D cell battery fast blinking strobe light.
It flashes about once per sec and strobes out like lightning flash.
I use it at certain times during year to keep deer and such out of our garden and field.
works like a charm.

You can hang it or sit it flat down.
about the size of a pack of cigarettes.

Got mine from lowes home store.

Answer 6

Maybe try something they will find uncomfortable to land on, something "picky" or slippery they will slide off of(make a steep
angle of the top of the lamps and cover it with smooth metal).

Answer 7

just keep knocking the nest away they will get the hint

Answer 8

Rubber snakes!!