10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (2024)

Birds are easy to fall in love with.

How hard would it be to like small creatures that bring your yard alive with colorful feathers and soothing tunes?

Straight answer:

It isn't. At all.

It's no surprise you'd go the extra mile to plant flowers and buy feeders to attract these adorable creatures.

But making your garden so bird-friendly invites different species of birds: the ones you cherish and the ones you don't.

Besides, you may fall out of touch when birds take over your yard. Your beautiful plants no longer flourish, and poop starts to deface your beautiful garden.

It happens to the best of us. But you don't have to go all commando on birds or put up a scarecrow. A bird repellent will get the job done without harming birdies.

I've also taken the time to find the best bird repellents on the market. It'll save you a lot of time sifting through the sea of products available. And the one that made it on top of my list is the Homescape Creations. Check it out and see what I mean...

Let's go chase off some birds!

Page Contents

  • Review Of Top 10 Bird Deterrent Devices
    • 1. Homescape Creations Reflective Scare Rods
    • 2. Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes
    • 3. Chephon Bird Repellent Discs Set
    • 4. Bird-X Bird-Proof Gel Bird Repellent
    • 5. Bird Blinder Repellent Pinwheels
    • 6. De-Bird Bird Repellent Scare Tape
    • 7. Homescape Creations Owl Bird Repellent Holographic
    • 8. Dalen OW6 Gardener - Scarecrow Horned Owl
    • 9. Bird Blinder Repellent Wind Twisting Scare Rods
    • 10. Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler
  • What to Look For When Choosing a Bird Repellent
    • Bird Safety
    • Human Safety
    • Effectiveness
    • Device Mechanism
    • Aesthetic
    • Weather
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Q: Can I Make Homemade Bird Repellent?
    • Q: What Bird Deterrent Brands Are Popular?
    • Q: Do You Need to Clean Your Bird Repellent?
  • Conclusion

Review Of Top 10 Bird Deterrent Devices

ProductDetails
1. Homescape Creations Reflective Scare Rods10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (1)

Editor's Choice

Ornamental Design

  • Reflective Rod
  • Hard Plastic
  • Hang Anywhere
  • Eye-Catching
  • Confuses Birds
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2. Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (2)

Highly Effective

No Harm To Birds

  • Easy To Cut Base
  • Stainless Steel
  • Weatherproof
  • Flexible Base
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3. Chephon Bird Repellent Discs Set10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (3)

Most Reflective

Simplistic Design

  • Quick Assembly
  • Mirrored Discs
  • Double Sided
  • Disturbing Sound
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4. Bird-X Bird-Proof Gel Bird Repellent10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (4)

Sticky Solution

Long Lasting

  • Weatherproof
  • Polybutene
  • Easy To Apply
  • Affordable
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5. Bird Blinder Repellent Pinwheels10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (5)

Best Value

Elegant Decor

  • Holographic
  • Solid, Thick Sticks
  • Easy To Use
  • Looks Like A Toy
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6. De-Bird Bird Repellent Scare Tape10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (6)

Non-Toxic

  • Simple To Set-Up
  • Diamond Design
  • Comes In 2 Sizes
  • Rustling Sound
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7. Homescape Creations Owl Bird Repellent Holographic10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (7)

3-Way Technique

  • With Bells & Rods
  • Vinyl Material
  • Easy To Use
  • Startling Noise
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8. Dalen OW6 Gardener by Natural Enemy Scarecrow Horned Owl10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (8)

Looks Realistic

  • Handpainted
  • Durable Plastic
  • Easy Set Up
  • Chemical Free
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9. Bird Blinder Repellent Wind Twisting Scare Rods10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (9)

Best Budget Buy

Cheap & Effective

  • Blinding Effect
  • Decorative
  • Easy To Install
  • Set Of Five
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10. Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (10)

Motion Activated

  • Powerful Sprinkler
  • Battery Operated
  • Easy To Install
  • Pricey
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1. Homescape Creations Reflective Scare Rods

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (11)

The first product on our list is the Homescape Creations Reflective Scare Rods. The bird repellent can be mistaken for an ornamental decoration (which is a bonus on its own).

It's a visual bird repellent device that produces visual stimulus with startling light. On seeing the startling light, the bird predicts danger. And it's instinct is to take flight in the sight of danger.

This reflective scare rod is designed to offer some sort of semblance to a sequence of mirrored ovals with dozens of refraction points. Once it gets the wind and sunlight, this scare rod moves along and creates flashes that will confuse and scare the birds.

It's made of lightweight hard plastics. You can easily hang it wherever you've got a bird invasion to suppress.

I should reiterate that it's shiny and gleamy. So much so that you might be tempted to use it indoors. But don't fall for it – ensure to hang it outdoors always.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Portable. You can easily hang this bird repellent anywhere in your yard.
  • Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

  • It may not be as effective with larger birds.

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2. Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (12)

One of the most effective bird repellent devices is the spike. Simply put, it works without having to inflict any harm on the bird – which is why Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes make for one of the best bird repellents in 2020.

The use of spikes is a technique that is as old as bird watching and feeding, but it remains highly effective in getting rid of unwanted birds.

The device has an elastic base that makes it possible to line on uneven surfaces. This design adds to the functionality of the product by allowing users to anchor on waving front door rain covers.

Also, you can decide to cut the base to adjust to the length of a smaller space. The base comes with 3 spikes that go in different directions and at about 15 centimeters long. However, the spikes don't necessarily deter birds away.

A long spike is designed to physically prevent unwanted birds from perching in areas where they are anchored. So, you can attract birds to your home or backyard using these spikes.

To actually chase off birds, you'll need to attach sharp items like nails, screws, and staples through holes on the base of the device.

You don't have to worry about the spikes being too sharp enough to harm the birds – they won't.

Pros

  • The stainless steel is not easily affected by weather – you don't have to worry about decay or corrosion
  • The plastic base is easy to cut
  • Flexible base allows it to fit into any space

Cons

  • Only works for places where it is directly installed

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3. Chephon Bird Repellent Discs Set

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (13)

The next bird repellent device that ranks as one of the best is the Bird Repellent Discs by Chephon.

Basically, it's a string of discs with mirrored surfaces on either side. The discs reflect light in a way that scares the birds.

It's simplicity and ease of assembly easily makes it one of the best bird repellents to use.

All you need to get it functioning is to connect the separate discs with the provided rings. Then remove the transparent films and blue ones that come with the product on both sides. Obviously, it won't work if you don't tear off the protective films.

With sunlight and breeze, those shiny discs will swivel wildly, producing startling flashes and disturbing sounds. Once the birds detect the light or sound, they envision danger in the area and fly away.

Pros

  • The device is lightweight
  • Easy and quick assembly
  • You can decide to adjust the number of discs on a string
  • The discs are aesthetically pleasing

Cons

  • The drilled hole may crack after some time
  • Not as effective for bigger birds

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4. Bird-X Bird-Proof Gel Bird Repellent

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (14)

This device uses a simple technique to prevent birds from roosting and perching in your vicinity. And it's also easy on the pocket.

While holographic devices are some of the most common types of bird repellents because they scare birds away from a distance, this device takes a different approach.

Bird-X Bird-Proof Gel is a sticky gel substance that you can apply to areas where you don't want birds using a caulking gun. The gel makes the surface sticky and unpleasant for birds to roost or perch for long.

If you were wondering, the gel isn't harmful to birds, pets, or humans. It's made of polybutene – the same substance used to make lip gloss.

Also, it's long-lasting. The pack of 3 can last for as long as a year if you stay where the weather isn't 100 degrees centigrade.

Pros

  • Works without any harm to birds or the environment
  • Easy to apply
  • Weather-resistant
  • Affordable
  • Lasts long, depending on the weather

Cons

  • Unwanted pieces like debris and dried leaves tend to stick on the gel.
  • Tiny birds like hummingbirds can get trapped

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5. Bird Blinder Repellent Pinwheels

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (15)

It is easy to mistake this bird repellent as a toy, but they are one of the best bird repellents you can find at the moment.

The beauty of this device is one of the many things that will catch your attention. Each pinwheel would look like a shiny little windmill in your yard.

Plus, the pinwheels swiveling in the wind as they refracting sunlight adds another dimension of aesthetics to your home. The spinners' primary job is to act as holographic scare tape or rods, but they add color and elegance to your backyard.

You may need some help while inserting the spinners into the rods. Also, the sticks are solid and thick – so they can pierce into the soil in flower pots or directly into the ground.

Pros

  • Great value pack
  • Perfect for scaring away tiny birds
  • Elegant décor for a garden

Cons

  • Not particularly helpful in dealing with a flock of birds

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6. De-Bird Bird Repellent Scare Tape

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (16)

The De-Bird Bird Repellent tape is designed to keep birds out of your property, such as farmland, garden, or backyard. This device has become a go-to bird deterrent device for most farmers.

The tape is reflective, which ensures that birds can't perch or roost anywhere within its range. The best way to use this device is to wrap it around whatever you are trying to protect – whether it is tree branches, crops, railings, or fences.

The bright diamond design that comes with the tape scares birds away using two methods; one, it reflects the sunlight, and two, it makes a rustling sound that startles birds whenever the wind is blowing.

With this, you never have to worry about any harm to the birds. It keeps them safe but away from your precious crop.

The tape comes in two sizes – as such, you would have to decide based on the size of your property.

Pros

  • Simple to use and set up
  • Works as it should
  • The tape doesn't leave any toxic material behind
  • You don't have to worry about maintenance

Cons

  • The tape tends to fade with time, which then makes it ineffective

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7. Homescape Creations Owl Bird Repellent Holographic

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (17)

This is a decoy bird repellent control that combines the features of the numerous techniques of scaring birds away. It blends the technique of repelling through sight, deterring through sound, and keeping away via sight. This makes it one of the best bird repellent devices.

When sunlight reflects off the owl, it creates a bright light that scares away the birds. Additionally, the device comes with bells and rods that make startling noise whenever the wind blows. This noise screams danger to birds, and then they fly off.

Finally, the owl is used in the design because it petrifies most birds, and maybe even some humans.

Also, the product is made of non-toxic materials to both wildlife, humans, and the environment. One more thing to note is that the product comes with a money-back guarantee in the unlikely situation that you are unsatisfied with the product.

The device comes with two owls, two scare rods, and two suction cups – all of which is more than enough to get the job done.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Fusion of traditional and modern art of scaring birds
  • The device does not harm the birds
  • Money-back guaranty

Cons

  • Works well only when it's windy and sunny

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8. Dalen OW6 Gardener - Scarecrow Horned Owl

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (18)

The device is a replica of an owl that stands at 16 inches tall. It represents an improvement in the traditional technique of keeping birds away using scarecrows.

An owl is known in the bird kingdom as a natural enemy of most birds; this knowledge is applied to design a replica that will quickly scare other birds away on sight. With this, you can keep birds away from your gardens, patios, and windows.

It is made of durable plastics and hand-painted right here in America to add a classy touch. It is pretty lifelike, which makes it very useful in keeping birds away from your property, especially shy ones.

You don't have to worry about your seeds, vegetables, or fruits if they are within close range. So, if you have a spacious property, you may need to put up more than one to chase off most of the birds.

Pros

  • Effortless setup and operation
  • No maintenance needed
  • It adds some degree of elegance and beauty to your property

Cons

  • The color fades away after some time

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9. Bird Blinder Repellent Wind Twisting Scare Rods

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (19)

This device stands at 12 inches and comes as a set of 5. It is one of the simplest methods of scaring birds away. The fact that it is also cheap makes it one of the best bird deterrents you will get your hands on.

You can hang this around your property from vantage points such as branches, beams, or patio. Whenever it's windy, the device will swing around, and this will create a bright reflection that will startle the birds. In reaction, they'll fly off rather than perch anywhere close.

If you do not want bird droppings in your vicinity, this is one effective yet non-harmful way to go about it.

Pros

  • This bird blinder repellent is simple to use
  • Works well at an affordable price
  • Easy to install
  • Some folks use it only for its shimmering design

Cons

  • Only works when it's windy

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10. Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (20)

The last device on this list is quite different from others; it repels birds (and other animals) using water. Any bird that comes within 40 feet from the detector at a 1200 angle of view will be attacked with a powerful water jet.

On some occasions, the water won't hit the birds. However, the sudden effect of the high-pressure water jet is enough to scare the birds away.

This will prevent the birds from pooping in your surroundings or perching anywhere within their reach.

Pros

  • Not harmful harm to the birds
  • Battery-powered, so you don't have to worry about connecting to a power source
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • You have to set it at the right angle to be effective
  • Regular monitoring of battery level is required
  • Expensive

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What to Look For When Choosing a Bird Repellent

When searching for bird repellent to purchase, you will find numerous products that you are bound to get confused about. To prevent this, I've presented a few factors to look out for to help you make an informed decision.

These factors have also been considered for all of the devices featured in the review above.

Bird Safety

It is important to remember that in the process of getting rid of starlings or chasing away other unwanted birds, you have to bring no harm to the birds. As such, you need to be careful with the bird deterrent you choose to repel them away from the property.

All of the devices featured in the review would bring no harm to those songbirds you love.

Human Safety

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (21)

As much as you need to consider the safety of birds, you have to do the same for yourself, pets, and people around you.

Some bird deterrents tend to be harmful to people, especially bird repellent spray and some ultrasonic devices. Fortunately, none of the products in this review would harm you or the birds.

Effectiveness

The truth is that the range of some devices is limited when it comes to effectiveness and functionality. This is something you need to consider when deciding what to buy to scare the birds away. After all, you don't want to buy a device that does not scare the specific birds that fly into your property.

For example, some reflective bird repellent works for small birds but not large birds while bird gel repellent work for large birds but not small birds.

Device Mechanism

You need to figure out what makes a bird repellent tick to confirm how effective it would be in your yard. Some require chemical reactions to function while others work with natural elements, such as wind and sunlight. And there are also some which are called the best ultrasonic bird repeller devices, too.

In terms of results, you'll see faster action with a chemical spray, but it poses harm to you and the birds.

Aesthetic

You don't have to ruin the beauty of your home because of a bird deterrent. For instance, a spike repellent sometimes looks spooky and unattractive around a house, especially if it covers every inch of your fence.

But many bird repellents are aesthetically pleasing without sacrificing functionality. Try to look out for something that can beautify your yard, even if it doesn't work as well as you planned.

Therefore, you need to consider the aesthetics that the device offers too.

Weather

Without a doubt, bird repellents would rely on weather for their functionality or longevity. Reflective devices would need adequate sunlight to function optimally. Inversely, gel-based repellents would last longer if you stay in a cold region.

On the other hand, you don't want to get a device that relies on the wind if you aren't living in a windy area.

All in all, this factor is pretty much straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (22)

Q: Can I Make Homemade Bird Repellent?

A: Yes, you can make homemade bird repellents. Most homemade bird deterrents usually come in the form of gel and spray.

Q: What Bird Deterrent Brands Are Popular?

A: The most popular bird deterrent brands include Homescape Creations, Bird-X, and Dalen. Chephon is another reputable brand when it comes to producing unharmful bird repellents.

As you'd expect, all of these well-known brands are known for delivering functional and durable products.

Q: Do You Need to Clean Your Bird Repellent?

A: Yes, you do need to clean bird repellents. However, these devices do not require any complex cleaning process. Sometimes, all you need to do is just dab it with a wet cloth or repaint the device, if necessary.

Conclusion

As much as birds make for great sight and company, they can prove destructive to your crops and valuables. In order to prevent these birds from perching and roosting in your yard, try our favorite option: Homescape Creations Reflective Scare Rods.

However, it is always important to remember that whatever device you elect to use does not bring any harm to the birds.

10 Best Bird Repellents: Sprays, Tapes, Gels (& More) - BirdingHub (2024)

FAQs

What is the most effective bird deterrent? ›

Bird Spikes are a simple but effective deterrent for birds. The blunt, harmless spikes thwart birds' efforts to land without harming them in any way. Spikes can be permanently or temporarily installed.

What smell do birds hate the most? ›

Some smells birds hate include:
  • Essential oils. These scents are overpowering to birds, especially peppermint oil. ...
  • Peppers. With most peppers being spicy, their smell often creates a burning sensation. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Cinnamon. ...
  • Vinegar. ...
  • Citrus oil.
Dec 15, 2022

Does bird repellent gel work? ›

Bird repellent gel is a relatively new bird deterrent method and extremely effective. Also known as 'fire gel', bird free gel has been developed by scientists and is an innovative addition to bird control services.

Do ultrasonic bird repellers actually work? ›

Tests have shown that ultrasonic repellents have no effect on birds, including the ones that are advertised to repel them. Ultrasonic pest repellers are a scam. They have been thoroughly tested and found not to work on rodents, spiders or insects.

What spray do birds hate? ›

Bird B Gone offers several bird repellent sprays that contain the active ingredient Methyl Anthranilate (MA). All-natural MA is extracted from grape seeds. This non-toxic substance acts like pepper spray for birds; it affects their trigeminal nerve and irritates their eyes, nose, and throat without harming them at all.

How do you keep birds permanently away? ›

Using Visual and Auditory Deterrents
  1. Scare tape or aluminum foil.
  2. Flashy objects, such as strips of foil, shiny party streamers, old CDs, or aluminum pie plates.
  3. Plastic owl, rubber snake, or other fake bird predators.
  4. Wind chimes.
  5. Bird call device or a loud speaker.

What color do birds hate the most? ›

One color that the majority of birds avoid is white. A dull or bright white signals alarm and danger to birds, causing them to avoid those areas.

What really scares birds away? ›

Generally speaking, birds hate strong smells, shiny objects, and predators, such as birds of prey and larger animals or humans.

Will spraying vinegar keep birds away? ›

The smell of vinegar is very unpleasant for birds. It's a common household item, so you can easily put it in a spray bottle and use it anywhere you want to avoid birds in your garden.

What are the disadvantages of ultrasonic bird repellent? ›

Sonic and Ultrasonic Repellents

Cons: Limited effectiveness for all bird species, potential disturbance to humans or pets, may not provide long-term control.

Does aluminum foil scare birds? ›

Aluminum Foil

Birds don't like the feel of the foil under their beaks and will stay away. You can also hang strips of aluminum foil (or shiny party streamers) from the trees or other high points around your home and garden. The sun reflects off the shiny surface and bothers their eyes, deterring them from coming near.

Does WD 40 keep birds away? ›

A Handy Can Of One Household Essential Is All You Need To Keep Pigeons Out Of Your Yard. There's no denying that pigeons can be extremely annoying when they start making heaps of noise or pecking at the garden you've worked hard at. If you want to keep birds out of your garden, it's time to invest in some WD-40.

Do spinners keep birds away? ›

Decorative garden spinners can move in the wind, creating motion that birds may find intimidating or unpredictable.

What irritates birds? ›

Are you wondering, "Can birds smell?" and "What smell deters birds?" Yes, some home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, peppermint, and chili pepper flakes may have a small repelling effect on birds. But nothing comes close to how birds hate the smell of the food grade ingredient, Methyl Anthranilate.

What is bird repellent gel? ›

Developed by scientists, bird free gel is a revolutionary new method of bird control that uses food-grade natural oils to keep pigeons, gulls and other problem bird species off structures without harming them.

What do farmers use to scare birds away? ›

Propane cannons

Propane scare cannons are one of the most common types of bird scarer available in Europe and America. It is a propane-powered gas gun which produces a periodic explosion. The audible bang can reach very loud volumes, in excess of 150 decibels, causing a flight reaction in birds.

What is a homemade remedy to keep birds away? ›

Peppermint oil is known for its strong aroma, which birds find unpleasant. Mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and a small amount of dish soap can create an effective spray to keep birds away from desired areas.

What can I put in my yard to scare birds away? ›

Beyond reflective items, there are other decoy predators you can implement in your garden to deter birds from pestering your plants. Popular options include plastic owls, snakes, and even scarecrows.

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