How To Get Birds Out Of A Barn

How to Get Birds Out of a Barn: A Comprehensive Guide

Birds in your barn can be a nuisance, causing damage to your property and potentially spreading disease. Getting rid of them humanely and effectively requires a multi-pronged approach. This guide will walk you through the best methods, focusing on prevention and humane removal.

Understanding Why Birds Choose Your Barn

Before you start removing birds, it's important to understand why they've chosen your barn as their home. Common reasons include:

• Shelter: Barns offer protection from the elements, predators, and harsh weather.
• Nesting Sites: Cracks, crevices, and open rafters provide ideal nesting locations.
• Food Source: Spilled grain, insects, and other food sources attract birds.

Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for long-term bird control.

Humane and Effective Bird Removal Strategies

Here's a breakdown of effective methods to remove birds from your barn, prioritizing humane treatment:

1. Exclusion: The Most Effective Long-Term Solution

This involves physically blocking birds from entering your barn. This is the most humane and effective long-term solution.

• Identify Entry Points: Carefully inspect your barn for cracks, holes, gaps under doors, or any openings where birds can enter.
• Seal Entry Points: Use materials like steel wool, caulk, hardware cloth, or even chicken wire to seal these openings. Ensure a tight seal to prevent re-entry.
• Repair Damaged Areas: Fix any damaged roofing, siding, or other structural elements that may be providing easy access.

2. Deterrents: Keeping Birds Away

While exclusion is the best solution, deterrents can be useful in conjunction with it or in situations where complete exclusion is difficult.

• Visual Deterrents: Shiny objects like reflective tape, Mylar balloons, or even old CDs hung from the rafters can scare birds away. Rotate their positions regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
• Auditory Deterrents: Ultrasonic bird repellents emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to birds but inaudible to humans. Effectiveness varies, and some birds may adapt.
• Predatory Decoys: Owls or hawks (fake, of course!) strategically placed can sometimes deter birds. Again, rotation is key to prevent habituation.

3. Removal of Nests and Eggs (With Caution):

• Timing is Crucial: Removing nests and eggs is only effective outside of nesting season. Check your local laws and regulations regarding bird nests and eggs before attempting this.
• Cleanliness is Key: Once nests are removed, thoroughly clean the area to eliminate the attractant for future nests.

4. Eliminate Food Sources:

• Secure Food Storage: Store grain and other food sources in airtight containers to prevent spills and attractants.
• Clean Regularly: Regularly sweep and clean your barn to remove spilled grain, insects, and other debris that might attract birds.

Prevention is Key: Ongoing Maintenance

Once you've successfully removed the birds, implementing preventative measures is crucial to avoid future infestations:

• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your barn for new openings or signs of bird activity.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Address any repairs or maintenance needs promptly to prevent birds from finding new entry points.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively and humanely remove birds from your barn and prevent future infestations. Remember to prioritize humane methods and always check local laws and regulations before taking any action.