Do you love growing fruit trees but struggle with birds eating the fruit before you get a chance to enjoy it? Birds can quickly become a problem and ruin your harvest. This guide will give you tips on how to keep birds away from your fruit trees so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.
While birds are lovely to watch, they’re not so great for fruit trees. Luckily, there are several methods to prevent them from eating your fruit.
Table of Contents
- Learn About Birds’ Habits
- Use Barriers to Protect Fruit
- Netting for Birds
- Shiny Tape
- Homemade Scarecrow
- Scaring Birds with Sounds and Reflections
- Chimes in the Wind
- Tape that Reflects and Crinkles
- Natural Ways to Keep Birds Away
- Fake Predators
- Spicy Spray
- Final Thoughts
- Commonly Asked Questions
- How do I know if birds are attacking my fruit trees?
- How often should I use bird netting?
- Is it safe to use garlic and chili pepper spray?
- How do I make a scarecrow?
- How can I make sure that the physical barriers do not damage my fruit trees?
Learn About Birds’ Habits
Understanding why birds are drawn to your trees is the first step. Birds are attracted by bright colors and the scent of ripe fruit. With this in mind, you can take steps to make your trees less inviting to them.
Use Barriers to Protect Fruit
Creating a physical block between birds and your fruit is a highly effective strategy. Here are different barriers you can set up:
Netting for Birds
Putting a special net over your fruit trees can stop birds from reaching the fruit. This net lets sunlight and fresh air through while keeping birds out.
Shiny Tape
Shiny, reflective tape can scare birds away. Hang it around your trees, and the sunlight will make it flash and move, scaring the birds.
Homemade Scarecrow
For a long time, people have made scarecrows to keep birds away from their plants. You can make your own with old clothes and straw. Put it near your trees to fend off birds.
Scaring Birds with Sounds and Reflections
Bright flashes of light and loud noises can scare birds away. You can use objects that make noise or reflect light to keep birds from harming your trees. Here are some examples:
Chimes in the Wind
Wind chimes can make delightful sounds that might help to stop birds from landing in your fruit trees.
Tape that Reflects and Crinkles
This kind of reflective tape not only shines but also makes a crinkling noise that birds dislike. Hang it from your trees for a double effect.
Natural Ways to Keep Birds Away
There are also natural methods to prevent birds from going after your fruit. Here are a few natural deterrents:
Fake Predators
Show birds that your garden isn’t safe by using decoys of birds’ natural enemies like owls or hawks. Place these fake predators around your trees as a warning to real birds.
Spicy Spray
Birds don’t like the strong smells of garlic and chili. You can make a spray using these ingredients to keep birds at bay without harming your trees.
Final Thoughts
Birds can be trouble for fruit trees, but there are several ways to keep them from your fruit. From using nets, tapes, and scarecrows to employing sounds, reflections, and natural repellents, you have many options. Try these methods and enjoy your fruit without birds getting to it first.
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I know if birds are attacking my fruit trees?
Look for signs like marks from pecking on the fruit or tree to tell if birds are causing trouble.
How often should I use bird netting?
Put the netting over your tree as soon as fruit starts ripening and keep it there until you’ve picked all the fruit.
Is it safe to use garlic and chili pepper spray?
Yes, this spray is safe. Just be sure to follow the instructions when you make or use it.
How do I make a scarecrow?
Use old clothes and straw to stuff a scarecrow. Attach the dressed-up figure to a pole and stand it near your trees to keep birds away.
How can I make sure that the physical barriers do not damage my fruit trees?
When installing barriers, attach them securely but gently. If they are too tight, they could harm your tree’s branches.
