How To Get Birds Out Of Barn

How to Get Birds Out of Your Barn: A Humane and Effective Guide

Birds in your barn can be a nuisance, causing messes, damaging structures, and spreading disease. However, it's crucial to approach the problem humanely and effectively. This guide offers several strategies to deter birds and encourage them to find new homes, all while prioritizing their well-being.

Understanding the Problem: Why are Birds in My Barn?

Before implementing any solutions, it’s important to understand why birds are choosing your barn as a habitat. Common reasons include:

• Shelter: Barns provide protection from the elements, predators, and harsh weather conditions.
• Nesting Sites: The dark, quiet spaces within barns are ideal nesting locations for many bird species.
• Food Sources: Insects, seeds, or stored grains might be attracting birds to your barn.

Identifying the reason behind the bird infestation will help you tailor your removal strategy for optimal success.

Humane Bird Removal Methods: A Step-by-Step Approach

The key is to make your barn less attractive to birds while also ensuring their safety. Avoid harming them; instead, focus on encouraging them to find alternative nesting sites.

1. Exclusion: Preventing Future Bird Entry

This is the most effective long-term solution. Focus on sealing entry points.

• Identify Entry Points: Carefully inspect your barn's exterior for cracks, gaps, holes, and other potential entry points. Pay close attention to areas around windows, doors, vents, and roofing.
• Seal Entry Points: Use appropriate materials to seal these openings. Hardware cloth is excellent for small holes, while caulk or expanding foam can address larger gaps. Ensure a tight seal to prevent birds from squeezing through.
• Repair Damaged Areas: If the structure itself is damaged, such as broken boards or loose shingles, repair them promptly to prevent further bird entry.

2. Deterrents: Making Your Barn Unattractive

These methods create a less appealing environment for birds.

• Visual Deterrents: Shiny objects like reflective tape, Mylar balloons, or old CDs hung strategically can scare birds away. Their movement and reflection can deter birds from landing or nesting. However, birds can habituate to these, so regular adjustments in their placement are necessary.
• Auditory Deterrents: While ultrasonic devices are often marketed, their effectiveness is debated. Consider using other methods instead. Loud noises, like startling sounds played on a recording, may temporarily deter birds, but consistent use is crucial.
• Predator Decoys: Placing realistic owl or hawk decoys around the barn might discourage birds, but again, their effectiveness can vary. Regular repositioning is key.

3. Removing Existing Nests (Responsibly!)

• Wait for the Right Time: Never disturb nests during nesting season or when young birds are present. This is crucial for the birds' survival.
• Removal After Fledging: Once the young birds have left the nest, carefully remove any remaining nests and debris. Dispose of them appropriately to prevent attracting more birds.

4. Cleanliness is Key

• Remove Food Sources: Eliminate any potential food sources, such as spilled grain, insects, or accumulated debris. A clean barn is less attractive to birds.

Maintaining a Bird-Free Barn: Long-Term Strategies

Once you’ve successfully removed the birds, maintain these strategies to keep them away:

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your barn for new entry points or signs of bird activity.
• Continued Deterrents: Continue to use visual or auditory deterrents, especially during nesting seasons.
• Preventative Maintenance: Regularly maintain your barn's structure to prevent damage that could create new entry points.

By following these humane and effective methods, you can successfully remove birds from your barn and prevent future infestations, ensuring a clean and safe environment for both you and the birds. Remember, patience and consistency are key to long-term success.