Birds can be a true nuisance on balconies. Consequently, many homeowners are desperate to learn how to keep birds off their balconies. That’s why we created this article on the various common bird deterrents and simple tricks that can help you keep birds away from your balcony!
How to keep birds away from balcony (13 ways)
There are many ways to do this, some of the most common are to install a bird net and to make sure there is no food left out on the balcony for wild birds to enjoy.
Below, we’ll take a look at each of the most popular solutions, so you can find the best way to keep birds off your balcony, with regard to your specific situation.
If you, on the other hand, would like to attract the right kind of birds to your balcony, here’s a guide on how to attract birds using birdfeeders.
What can I spray to keep birds away from my balcony?
There are many ways to scare the birds away, but some natural methods work better than others. Some people recommend spraying a deterrent like pepper spray around the edges of the balcony to repel birds, while others suggest using bird repellent or pest control.
The first step, however, to getting rid of birds from your balcony, is to figure out what kind of bird is causing the problem. If you know that there are pigeons or seagulls in your neighborhood, then you can find a repellent that will keep them away.
Liquid bird repellent
There’s a new popular formula that some believe could be the answer to keeping birds away from your balcony or garden. It’s called Liquid Bird Repellent (Amazon link) and it is a biodegradable food-grade repellent.
Some people have found success using the repellent, while others have found that it doesn’t work as well as they had hoped. But don’t worry, we have plenty of more options to choose from that are going to deter birds!
How to keep birds off balcony using bird repellent gel
Birds can really be a nuisance when they congregate on your balcony or roof, but using bird repellent gel (Amazon link) can help keep them away.
Bird repellent gel is a sticky substance that birds do not like to touch or land on. This means that the bird repellent will keep them away from your balcony and you won’t have to worry about pesky birds making a mess of your beloved outdoor space.
Keep birds away from balcony with scary objects
If you want to keep birds away from your balcony, you can use objects that are scary to them. Here below are a few objects that are relatively easy to find and use.
Does aluminum foil scare birds?
Though aluminum foil is often associated with the negative effects it has on humans, it’s also been known to scare birds. In fact, some say that when the shiny metal is crinkled up and placed around a bird’s habitat, it can cause the bird to flee in terror.
Still, many people believe that aluminum foil can be harmful to birds, so it’s best not to use it around them unnecessarily.
Instead, you could also use old CDs, they are also very shiny and seems to be effective at deterring birds.
Using shiny tape
Shiny tape (Amazon link) is a great way to keep birds off your balcony. The reflective material on the tape makes it visible to birds, while the adhesive keeps them from landing on the ledge.
As long as it’s not too stiff, the shiny tape can keep unwanted birds out of your balcony for quite a while.
Spinning plastic wheels
No one likes birds perched on the railing of their balcony. But if you put a plastic spinning wheel (Amazon link) next to the railing, the birds will most likely stay away. The motion of the bright and shiny wheel is like a wave, and it’s apparently too much for the birds to cope with.
Bird spikes
To keep the birds away from the apartment balcony, some homeowners have resorted to using bird spikes (Amazon link).
We suggest you review different bird spikes carefully upon purchase to make sure birds, pets or children will not be hurt by them (the materials used do differ).
Wind chimes
While it’s sometimes not possible to eliminate the birds entirely from your balcony, it may be possible to deter them from sitting on your balcony by using traditional wind chimes.
Wind chimes (Amazon link) are available in a variety of designs and shapes that many birds will strongly dislike. Wind chimes are also very good at keeping other pets like cats and dogs away from the balcony where you may have little to no control over them.
Fake owl (owl decoy)
Many people put fake owls (Amazon link) in strategic places around their balcony so that when the wild birds see them, they think there’s an actual owl up there waiting to eat them. This is a simple but, in many cases, very effective bird deterrent.
Using glow sticks to keep birds off your balcony
Glow sticks are easy to find and inexpensive, so you can buy a few and use them to create a light show that will scare away the birds.
You can also make your own light show by shining different colors of glow sticks at different times of the day or night. This will attract the birds’ attention, and they will eventually learn to stay away from your balcony.
Using sound deterrents
Some homeowners use sounds as deterrents to keep birds off the railing and balcony. There are many types of sounds, and it is up to the homeowner to find the one that works best for them.
One common sound station is a squawk box (Amazon link), which plays recordings of different birds and predators that will scare away your balcony birds very effectively.
Get rid of food
Clear any food rests to keep birds off balcony rails and furniture. Birds constantly look for stuff to eat, so it is a good idea to get rid of anything they might like to eat. That way, they’ll go look for food elsewhere.
Install a bird screen
Installing a bird screen (Amazon link) is a great way how to keep birds off balcony. There are a variety of types of screens, some of which allow sunlight to come through. Use the type that best suits your situation and design.
How to keep birds off balcony using bird netting
Bird netting (Amazon link) is usually made from tightly woven steel wires or polypropylene that are stretched across a frame or post. They are many times also made of fine mesh netting with a strong metal frame that can be nailed or screwed into place. Bird nettings are effective and a popular bird deterrent for balcony owners.
How to keep birds off balcony railing
- First, make sure your railing is clean.
- Second, remove any objects that could be a perch or nesting spot for the birds.
- Third, place netting or a wire screen over the railing to keep them off and prevent them from landing on your property.
- Finally, use deterrents such as noisemakers or glow sticks to discourage the birds from coming near your railing in the first place.
How to stop birds from nesting on your balcony
If you’re one of those people who dread the sound of cawing birds in the morning, then you might want to consider installing some type of bird netting on your balcony.
This easy and affordable solution is not only effective at preventing birds from nesting on your property, but it can also keep them from pooping and peeing all over your place.
How to stop birds pooping on your balcony
It is best to clean up the bird droppings before they foul your patio or balcony with their stench!
Here is how to stop birds from pooping on your balcony:
Install a wire mesh fence around your balcony or patio so that the birds can’t get access. Use motion lights on your balcony at night to deter the birds from coming onto your property.
How do you keep birds off porch or patio?
Birds can be pesky creatures, and if they start to congregate on your porch or patio, it can be difficult to keep them away.
There are a few things you can do to try and discourage them from hanging out on your property: You can install bird netting or bird guards around any openings that let in the birds.
How to keep birds off patio furniture
If you want to keep birds off your patio furniture, there are a few things you can do. First, cover the furniture with a bird net. Second, use some bird repellent. Third, make sure the area is well-lit and free of trees or bushes that could provide cover for birds.
Final thoughts on how to keep birds off balcony
In conclusion, there are several ways to discourage birds from landing on your balcony. By using a combination of methods, you can keep the birds away and enjoy your outdoor space.
These were the most common ways how to keep birds away from apartment balcony. We hope you’ve found one or two options that seem suitable to your specific situation, whether you live in the United States or elsewhere.
Lastly, if you have a cat, you could consider cat-proofing your balcony with a net, this will also keep the birds away!
PS. Here’s a compilation of tips on how to maintain balconies on houses and buildings, covering almost anything and everything balcony-related.
Frequently asked questions
How to keep pigeons off balcony
There are a few ways to keep pigeons off of your balcony. One way is to use a physical barrier, like a net or screening. You can also use a repellent, like a hawk statue or noise machine. Finally, you can keep your balcony clean and free of food or water sources that might attract pigeons.
What do birds hate the most?
Birds despise having their feathers ruffled. Literally. When a bird’s feathers are messed with, they become agitated and can’t fly or hunt as well. This is why birds hate having their feathers touched or messed with, because it makes them uncomfortable and ineffective.
What smells do birds hate?
The consensus among bird enthusiasts and scientists seems to be that there is no one smell that all birds universally hate. However, there are a few scents that are particularly offensive to many birds, including citrus smells, ammonia, and smoke. Birds may also be disturbed by the scent of human sweat or perfume.
What home remedy will keep birds away?
One home remedy that is reputed to discourage birds from nesting or visiting an area is a mixture of Tabasco sauce and water. This mixture is said to create an unpleasant environment for the birds, discouraging them from staying in the area.
How do I keep birds off my balcony?
There are a number of ways to discourage birds from landing on your balcony. One way is to install bird spikes on the railing. This will make it difficult for the birds to perch and will eventually discourage them from landing there. Another option is to put up a bird net. You can also try to scare the birds away by using a bird scarer or by playing loud noises.