How to Keep Birds Out of Ferns? – 5 Effective Methods

It will be beneficial to have lovely plants in your garden. You want to be able to fully appreciate the beauty of your property by looking out the window. Here are some tips on how to keep birds out of ferns.

However, you may occasionally need help keeping some plants secure. Ferns are usually highly robust, although they may face some problems if birds bother them. Because ferns provide food, shelter, and security, birds choose to nest there.

However, allowing them to only sometimes makes sense. They can infect you and your family with sickness, destroy your ferns, and scatter a lot of waste.

So how can plants be protected from birds? You have three options:

Prevent them from ever building a nest.

Use sounds and specific decorations to scare them away.

Put safeguards in place for your ferns.

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Table of Contents

Method 1: Creating a Physical Barrier

A physical barrier is a straightforward yet effective way to deter birds from reaching your ferns. There are several options you can consider:

1 Using Netting or Mesh

Covering your ferns with netting or mesh is an excellent method to prevent birds from landing or accessing the plants. Ensure the netting is securely fastened and covers the entire fern bed or container. This physical barrier acts as a deterrent, making it difficult for birds to reach the foliage and causing them to seek alternative perching spots.

2 Installing a Fence

Another effective way to keep birds out of ferns is by installing a fence around the fern area. Choose a tall fence to discourage birds from flying over it. Ensure the fence has small enough gaps to prevent birds from squeezing through. This method protects your ferns and adds a decorative element to your garden or outdoor space.

3 Placing Spikes or Deterrents

Consider placing spikes or deterrents strategically around your ferns. Birds often look for flat surfaces to perch, and installing bird spikes or other bird-deterrent devices on these surfaces can discourage them from landing. These spikes are harmless to birds but make it uncomfortable for them to perch, encouraging them to find alternative locations.

Method 2: Utilizing Visual Deterrents

Visual deterrents exploit birds’ instincts and visual perception to discourage them from approaching your ferns. Here are some effective visual deterrents to consider:

1 Hanging Reflective Objects

Birds are often intimidated by reflective objects that create flashes of light and movement. Hang reflective tape, CDs, or aluminum foil strips near your ferns. The sunlight reflecting off these objects will create a constantly changing and unpredictable environment, deterring birds from getting too close.

2 Installing Bird Decoys

Bird decoys, such as owls or hawks, can effectively scare away birds. Place these decoys near your ferns, moving them occasionally to maintain the illusion of an active predator. However, moving the decoys regularly is essential to prevent birds from recognizing them as non-threatening objects.

3 Utilizing Wind Chimes or Noise-Making Devices

The sound and movement generated by wind chimes or noise-making devices can startle birds and make them wary of your fern area. Hang wind chimes or install motion-activated noise devices near your ferns. The unexpected sounds and vibrations will create an aversive environment for birds.

Method 3: Applying Taste Deterrents

Taste deterrents discourage birds from approaching ferns by making the plants taste unpleasant. Here are some methods you can try:

1 Spraying Homemade Repellents

Create a homemade bird repellent by mixing water with ingredients that birds find unappealing, such as hot pepper flakes, garlic juice, or vinegar. Spray this solution on your ferns, focusing on where birds tend to land or peck. Remember to reapply the repellent after rain or watering.

2 Using Commercial Bird Repellents

Commercial bird repellents are readily available and often come in spray or gel. These products contain substances that birds find unpalatable, deterring them from approaching your ferns. When applying the repellent, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

3 Incorporating Natural Bird-Repelling Plants

Certain plants have natural properties that repel birds. Consider planting bird-repelling herbs near your ferns, such as rosemary, sage, or lavender. The intense aromas of these plants can discourage birds from getting too close. Additionally, these herbs add a delightful fragrance to your garden.

Method 4: Creating an Unattractive Environment

Creating an unattractive environment for birds can significantly reduce their interest in your ferns.

1 Removing Bird Feeders

If you have bird feeders near your ferns, consider relocating them. Bird feeders attract birds, and having them near your ferns may inadvertently invite them to explore and perch on your plants. Removing the bird feeders or placing them further away from the fern area can reduce bird activity and the likelihood of birds disturbing your ferns.

2 Eliminating Water Sources

Birds are attracted to water sources for drinking and bathing. If you have birdbaths, fountains, or other water features near your ferns, ensure they are not easily accessible to birds. Consider relocating them or placing barriers around them to prevent birds from using them as a gathering spot.

3 Minimizing Potential Nesting Spots

Birds often seek out ferns as potential nesting spots. Minimizing the availability of suitable nesting locations can discourage birds from choosing their ferns. Regularly inspect your ferns for signs of nests or potential nesting materials. If you find any, remove them promptly and consider implementing other bird deterrent measures to prevent future nesting attempts.

Method 5: Providing Alternative Bird-Friendly Areas

While it’s important to keep birds out of your ferns, providing them with alternative spaces where they can safely perch, forage, and nest is essential. By offering bird-friendly areas in your garden, you can redirect their attention away from your ferns. Here are some suggestions:

1 Setting Up Bird Feeders and Birdhouses

Designate specific areas in your garden for bird feeders and birdhouses. Fill the feeders with bird-friendly seeds and provide fresh water. By providing an alternative food source and shelter, birds are more likely to be drawn to these designated spots rather than your ferns.

2 Creating a Birdbath or Fountain

Install a birdbath or fountain in a different area of your garden. Ensure the water is clean and replenished regularly. This water feature will attract birds and give them a place to drink and bathe, diverting their attention from your ferns.

3 Planting Bird-Friendly Vegetation

Include bird-friendly plants in your garden. Native plants that produce berries, seeds, or nectar can attract birds and provide them with a natural food source. Creating a diverse and attractive environment for birds makes them more likely to focus on these plants than your ferns.

Final Thoughts

You can see that there are many methods for keeping birds away. So be sure to attempt one or more of the mentioned ways if you’re having issues with birds building nests in your plants.

You should be able to keep away the birds with a bit of work while protecting your lovely ferns.

FAQs

Can birds harm ferns?

Yes, birds can harm ferns by pecking at the foliage, digging around the roots, and leaving droppings that can affect the plant’s health. They can also cause fern stress with their constant movement and fluttering.

Will these methods harm birds in any way?

No, the methods mentioned in this article are designed to deter birds without causing them harm. They create aversive environments or make the ferns less appealing to birds, encouraging them to seek alternative locations.

How long does it take for the deterrents to be effective?

The effectiveness of the deterrents can vary depending on the bird species and their behavior. In some cases, birds may be deterred immediately, while others may take a few days or weeks to change their behavior. To achieve the desired results, being patient and consistent with the chosen methods is essential.

Should I use a combination of these methods?

Combining methods is often more effective in keeping birds out of ferns. Birds can adapt to single deterrents over time, so employing multiple strategies creates a more challenging and aversive environment. Combining physical barriers, visual deterrents, and taste deterrents and Creating a homely environment increases the chances of success in keeping birds away from your ferns.

What if I need a different method than these methods for my ferns?

To effectively keep birds away from your ferns, it might be worth seeking advice from a gardening or bird control specialist if the methods mentioned in this article prove ineffective. They can provide customized recommendations based on your situation and help you find alternative solutions to protect your ferns.

How to Keep Birds Out of Ferns? – 5 Effective Methods