Why Some Visual Deterrants Work While Others do Not

Many people have experience with visual deterrents as a bird control measure. Unfortunately, after individuals have tried the fake plastic owls or rubber snakes they lose hope in visual deterrents in general. By taking this outlook, people are cheating themselves of some very good yet inexpensive bird control options.

The first factor that can change how birds react to a visual scare device is movement. Of course a plastic owl that does not move will quickly turn to a perch for birds. Likewise, rubber snakes will quickly lose effectiveness. I fear that the term "bird brain" has led us people to greatly underestimate our feathered friends. Like you, they tend to realize that stationary objects pose no threat. So, instead of using these items, look for scares that utilize motion. Many devices are meant to blow in the wind and take on some sort of lifelike qualities. For instance this Prowler Owl has wings that actually flap and this coyote decoy has a furry tail that blows in the wind.

Another option is the use of holographic material. There are bird control balloons with specially designed holographic eyes (see: Terror-Eyes) that follow birds as they fly by, replicating the act of predatory tracking and setting off the birds' instincts to flee. Simple holographic tape (See: Irri-tape) can also be used without an explicit predator-like design. By placing the tape in a location, the birds see the flashing refraction of light and cannot make sense of it thereby making them uneasy and apt to leave for some place safer.

If you are attempting to bird proof an indoor area, take advantage of the reflective quality of the walls and consider using a strobe light.

In addition to movement of the unit, you must also change the location of the device from time to time to keep birds on their toes...or better yet, on wing.