Birds Eating Seedlings: How to Protect Your Plants

Table of Contents

Gardening can be a very rewarding hobby, but it can also be very frustrating when birds start eating your seedlings. There are few things more devastating than planting your garden only to find out that birds have destroyed your hard work. Fortunately, there are many different techniques you can use to protect your plants from hungry birds.

The Different Techniques

There are two main categories to consider when it comes to protecting your plants from birds: physical barriers and natural bird deterrents.

Physical Barriers

Physical barriers involve physically blocking birds from getting to your seedlings. There are a couple of different options for this:

• Netting: Bird netting is a great option if you want to protect your seedlings without completely enclosing them. You can lay the netting over the top of your plants or create a cage around them.
• Row Covers: Row covers are essentially blankets for your plants. They can be placed directly over your seedlings or used to cover an entire row of plants.

Natural Deterrents

Natural bird deterrents use sensory cues to try and discourage birds from approaching your plants. Here are some popular natural bird deterrents:

• Predator Decoys: Placing fake predator decoys around your garden can be an effective way to keep birds away. You can use owls, hawks, and other predators.
• Sonic Bird Repellents: These devices emit noises that are unpleasant to birds but inaudible to humans. They can be very effective, but make sure they won't bother your neighbors.
• Visual Deterrents: Using shiny objects or reflective surfaces in your garden can cause birds to become disoriented and fly away. Examples include CDs or strips of aluminum foil.
• Scare Tape: Scare tape is a reflective tape that can be tied to stakes around your garden. The movement of the tape in the wind and the reflective surface can be very effective at scaring away birds.
• Bird Bangers: These devices produce loud noises at random intervals, which can startle birds and motivate them to leave the area.

Other Strategies

• Companion Planting: Planting certain plants near your seedlings can help repel birds. For example, planting marigolds or nasturtiums in your garden can help keep birds away.

There are many different techniques you can use to protect your seedlings from hungry birds, and the best approach is to use a combination of these methods. Physical barriers and natural deterrents can be used together for even better protection.

FAQ

Here are some common questions people have about protecting their plants from birds:

What types of birds are most likely to eat seedlings?

It depends on where you live and what type of plants you are trying to protect. In general, sparrows, finches, and robins are the most common culprits.

How effective are bird nettings?

Bird nettings are very effective at protecting seedlings from birds. They create a physical barrier that is difficult for birds to navigate.

Do predator decoys really work?

Yes, predator decoys can be very effective at keeping birds away. The key is to move them around your garden periodically so that birds don't get used to them.

Will sonic bird repellents bother my neighbors?

Sonic bird repellents emit noises that are inaudible to humans, but you should check with your neighbors before using them to make sure they won't be bothered.

Are there any plants that naturally repel birds?

Yes, there are several plants that can help repel birds. Examples include marigolds, nasturtiums, and garlic.

Do bird deterrents harm birds?

No, bird deterrents do not harm birds. They are designed to simply discourage birds from approaching your plants.

How often do I need to apply deterrents like scare tape or bangers?

You should apply deterrents like scare tape or bangers every few days to make sure they continue to be effective.

How do I know if birds are still eating my seedlings even with deterrents?

You may still see signs of bird damage even if you are using deterrents. Check your garden regularly and adjust your tactics as necessary.

Can I use multiple strategies at once, or should I stick to one?

You can definitely use multiple strategies at once. In fact, combining different methods can be very effective.

Should I be worried about birds carrying diseases that may infect my seedlings?

There is always a risk that birds could carry diseases that could infect your seedlings, but the risk is generally low. Just be sure to wash your produce before consuming it.