This BBQ The fire is lit, the food is ready, and your garden is looking lush – guests are approaching, but you look under the arm of your chair and see a flock of birds… oh, and on the sofa cover too.
At this time of year, the birds are busy; They keep their young in the nest, and they’re feeding them back and forth, so if they nest near your house and garden, you’re in the fly-poop zone, and your The patio is the first place you’ll notice it.
We talked to our experts, and they have seven genius ways to prevent this from happening that are also humane.
1. Optical bird gel
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Optical Bird Gel is a new way to keep birds from buzzing in your garden. Amazon has a version called the SpectrumV Holographic Bird Gel, £35.89.
‘It has been developed to humanely deter wild birds from areas and is sometimes called ‘fire gel’ or ‘optical gel’. Usually sold in small, messy dishes or tubes for application using a caulking gun. The gel acts as a small ball of fire because the birds see in the ultraviolet spectrum,’ explains Lucy Bradley, horticulture and greenhouse expert. Easy Garden Irrigation.
The good thing is that some of these gels contain essential oils, ‘Essential oils such as peppermint or citronella are also emollients – this combination of the brightening look and scent makes these gels so effective,’ adds Lucy.
2. Reflective objects
(Image credit: Signal/Future)
Reflective surfaces are a big no-no for birds, especially if they are fluttering or swinging.
Lee Trethewey, Outdoor Furniture expert durable furniture, ‘Reflective objects, such as old CDs or metallic ribbons, will definitely help near outdoor furniture,’ he says. Reflective surfaces naturally deter birds because the unexpected flashes of light they can encounter, and sudden changes in light intensity or direction can confuse and startle birds, so they won’t settle in your garden.’
B&Q’s 350ft Bird Repellent Scare Tape, £7.99Reflects light and makes noise when windy. Cut into strips and tie them close to your furniture – ideally, around tree branches and the top of your canopy.
3. Decoys
(Image credit: Future PLC/FWA Photography)
Decoys are a good option that have a high interception rate. Lee agrees, ‘Realistic predator decoys can also be used to keep birds away from outdoor furniture. Use plastic owl or bird-shaped kites, but make sure you rotate them every few days so the birds don’t realize they’re fake.
are our favourites Marco Paul Swivel Head Owl Bird Deterrent Decoy, £15.99, B&Q With his head that moves with the wind, And eyes so alive, and Amazon’s Flying Hawk Bird Scare Kite, £14.99That you can hang tree branches.
4. Consider your furniture layout
(Image credit: Future / David Giles)
Before you start your summer fun season, it pays to look over yours Garden furniture Layout in relation to where birds may choose to live.
‘Many of us like to place bird feeders or bird baths in our garden to attract wild birds to visit, but at the same time you don’t want your Garden furniture Getting splattered by bird poo,” says Lucy.
To combat this, Lucy recommends moving your feeders and birdbaths at least ten meters away from your patio or seating areas.
Another top tip is to check the branches they like to stay on: ‘trim back Upper branches or bushes which is close to outdoor furniture,’ suggests Lee.
Invest in this McGregor telescopic bypass loppers, £15, from Argos – They are very valuable and have good reviews.
5. Smart planting
(Image credit: Future plc/B Homes)
There are some scents that deter birds, and they can be used effectively to keep them away from your patio furniture.
‘Although that’s what we usually think about,’ explains Lucy We can grow plants to help wild birds And make our gardens inviting to them, you can plant native trees around the house or sit with plants that birds don’t like to go near those areas.’
Look for plants like lavender, marigolds and mint, says Lucy, ‘They can be grown in pots and placed near seating areas, and birds will be put off by the strong scent.’
Lavender is especially good because it deters birds but attracts bees and butterflies. we like Lavandula angustifolia Hidcote Blue variety, currently £6.99 for 12, Gardening Express.
6. Hearing Impediment
(Image credit: Future plc/Colin Poole)
‘Birds generally prefer a quiet resting place and adding unexpected noise can make your garden less welcoming,’ explains Lee.
There are two types of noise deterrents, ‘wind chimes can discourage small birds, with metal chimes being the most effective. There are also ultrasonic or motion-activated devices, but be aware that pets or neighbors can hear sounds from these,’ adds Lee.
we like Woodstock Amazing Grace Wind Chime, £32.95 from B&QIt is inspired by the opening melody of Amazing Grace and is tuned as such. There are six brass tubes and a teak finish ash wood top. For the ultrasonic option, check Isotronic Ultrasonic Solar Bird Repeller Device, £32.95, Amazon; It also repels cats and other small animals.
7. Keep your patio clean and tidy
(Image credit: Future plc/David Giles)
This may seem obvious, but our patios can be prone to all kinds of debris during the summer months, especially if we eat outside.
‘You can make your garden less attractive to birds by making sure you keep it clean. Clean up food immediately after eating out, and clean furniture to remove crumbs or spillage,’ advises Lee. ‘You should also clean up any existing bird poo, as this will prevent other birds from viewing your furniture as a safe landing area.’
Invest in a good stiff outdoor broom and dustpan so you can brush away debris every evening. We love Charles Bentley large outdoor broom and large dustpan set from Argos, £20It is great value and ideal for her Patio cleaning.
Items needed for cleaning furniture
Garden Mate Bird Mess Remover, 500 ml
This product is designed to remove bird stains from any surface. It has a powerful action foaming spray that breaks up stains and neutralizes them so you can clean them.
Kraftprotz Enzyme Cleaner, 750 ml
This enzyme cleaner will work wonders on your upholstery as it breaks down stains and removes any odors as well. It will also work on food stains and has a fresh, pleasant smell.
Kärcher K2 Horizontal Pressure Washer
If the loop on your furniture is bad, it may be time to reach for the big gun – the pressure washer. This compact design is made for garden tools, bikes and garden furniture.
Follow our guide to poop-free patio furniture, and your summer entertaining will be perfect! Just keep an eye on them all, and hopefully our feathered friends will keep away.
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