# I don't want to be a bird landlord (Needs answer fast) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 10, 2017, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293 "2017-05-10T15:50:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/1 "2017-05-10T15:50:06Z")
I have a second story deck, which means the patio out back is covered. I have robins trying to set up shop in the rafters. They’re trying to bring all of their building materials before actually constructing their nest. There’s mud, grass/hay on the ground, the grill & the smoker. I keep sweeping it up & getting rid of it but they keep bringing more the next day. Any suggestions for what I can do to convince them this is not a good place to want to reside as I want them to start their nest somewhere else. I’m not anti-bird, I just want to be able to walk outside w/o either stepping in or being shit on. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/2 "2017-05-10T16:02:31Z")
Or dive-bombed. Robins will attempt to defend their nest from you. You need to block their access to the hidey-holes they’re attempting to use. Use wire mesh. It will also keep out other critters. ---
**Author:** ![Emergency911](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/43a26b/32.png) [@Emergency911](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emergency911)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/3 "2017-05-10T17:14:17Z")
Had a similar problem some years back. I just stayed on top of getting rid of their nest making materials and they eventually gave up. That happened the first year and then it seems every other year or so, a bird will try again. Either I have gotten used to cleaning it up or they have given up a lot quicker than the first year, I honestly don’t know which is true at this point, but it does seem that I’m not having to clean up after them as much as I did the first year. One lesson I did learn fairly quick, when you get rid of their nest making material, make sure it is in a covered trash can, otherwise they find the stash and start using it again. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/4 "2017-05-10T17:38:50Z")
BB Gun. Kill them. That is the only sure method. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/5 "2017-05-10T17:47:15Z")
Note that some [species of robin](https://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/migratory-bird-treaty-act-protected-species.php) are listed under the [Migratory Bird Treaty Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migratory_Bird_Treaty_Act_of_1918) and killing them might be illegal. ---
**Author:** ![Unabashed\_Fascist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/c2a13f/32.png) [@Unabashed\_Fascist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unabashed_Fascist)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/6 "2017-05-10T18:08:10Z")
Have you considered using a decoy owl, or other scarecrow-like device? ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/7 "2017-05-10T18:21:22Z")
You know that cat you’ve been thinking of getting? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/8 "2017-05-10T18:27:15Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > BB Gun. Kill them. That is the only sure method. That would be illegal for most species in the US, as well as being stupid and unnecessary. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/9 "2017-05-10T18:29:43Z")
> [@Unabashed\_Fascist](#): > > Have you considered using a decoy owl, or other scarecrow-like device? This is what I came in to recommend. Moving devices, like Scare-Eyes or Terror-Eyes balloons have actually been proven, in a scientific study, to deter birds from fruit trees. [https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=terror+eyes&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps&hvadid=77721732101646&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd\_sl\_237wobnq25\_e](https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=terror+eyes&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps&hvadid=77721732101646&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_237wobnq25_e) > **[Bird Deterrent Balloons | Visual Scares Repel Birds | Bird-X](https://bird-x.com/bird-products/visual-scares/terror-eyes/)** > > 3D visual scare device Terror Eyes reduces damages made by birds, and the cleanup that follows. Holographic eyes create the illusion of a predator following pest birds to attack, while moving organically with the wind. Bright colors and fierce... As a cheap version, you can hang old CD or DVDs on fishing line so it swings in the breeze. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/10 "2017-05-10T18:36:02Z")
I’ve heard of ham radio operators using bird repellent products like this to keep antennas clear: > **[Bird B Gone 10 oz. Bird Repellent Gel Transparent MMTBG - The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bird-B-Gone-10-oz-Bird-Repellent-Gel-Transparent-MMTBG/203231405)** > > Transparent Bird Gel is a sticky gel used to keep birds off of horizontal surfaces. Birds cannot stand the sticky sensation on their ft. and will move on to a more comfortable perch. Each 10 oz. tubes ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/11 "2017-05-10T18:38:46Z")
Or you could let them move in and enjoy watching them, they will only be there for a little while. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/12 "2017-05-10T18:41:02Z")
> [@Weisshund](#): > > Or you could let them move in and enjoy watching them, they will only be there for a little while. This. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/13 "2017-05-10T18:47:49Z")
I’d second the solution of continuing to remove the nesting material until they give up, unless there’s only one or a few suitable sites and you can block them. Moving scare devices might also work and be less trouble. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/14 "2017-05-10T18:50:49Z")
They have recordings of hawks played outside some buildings here. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/15 "2017-05-10T18:58:51Z")
Robins are a lot easier to deal with than Vultures, webhead. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/16 "2017-05-10T19:42:35Z")
Blocking access to where they’re building is the fastest way to get them to stop and quit wasting their energy. I’d put up a birdhouse (where I could watch them), though, so they’d have somewhere to move. ---
**Author:** ![aktep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f0a364/32.png) [@aktep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aktep)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2017, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/17 "2017-05-10T20:48:19Z")
We had birds nesting in a crevice in our roof. It was cute, if a little loud in the mornings when the babies were chirping. Until the birds brought mites and the whole house was infested rather quickly. The pest control company took care of the bugs and plugged up with mesh and foam anywhere on the house that birds might want to nest. ---
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/18 "2017-05-11T00:12:17Z")
BB Gun won’t work, its just not efficient or accurate enough, even if they are sitting still. Not to mention illegal, but it hasn’t stopped me from trying it. Pigeon’s at least seem to be armored. I get these insane Pigeons by my house and I can’t stand the noises, I tried putting up an owl just for a couple days, it worked. Haven’t seen them. Have to do it again though for a couple days this summer, just to let the birds get the word (heh) out to each other again. Robin’s are awful, even if you are like 30 feet away from the nest, they’ll come after you. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/19 "2017-05-11T00:36:14Z")
We relocated some birds (not robins; I don’t remember what they were) by taking the materials they had placed in the rafters (for the umpteenth time), putting them into a small box (uncovered) and moving it to a place where they were not a nuisance. She immediately laid eggs in the new location no problem. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2017, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293/20 "2017-05-11T00:39:10Z")
You can initiate eviction proceedings, but you will find them quite slow and costly. Unfortunately [Bird Law in this country is not governed by reason.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o43C1kufMaM) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-want-to-be-a-bird-landlord-needs-answer-fast/786293.md?page=2)