How to Keep Birds Off Porch Columns

Photo by I. Zabelha.

Rats aren't the only non-bug pest out there. Birds, too, can be a major annoyance. Apart from finding holes in roofs, and nooks and crannies in the rafters, these little feathered critters like to perch on porch columns, leaving feathers, dirty footprints and fecal matter on the columns and across the porch itself. But keeping birds off porch columns doesn't have to be a headache.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Using Bird Spikes

Things You’ll Need:

Bird repellent spray Bird spikes
Bird repellent spray
Bird spikes

Step 1

Purchase bird spikes. Enough spikes to cover the top of your porch columns may cost anywhere from $10 to $30. Bird spikes can be purchased in home repair stores or online from websites like BirdBGone.com.

Step 2

Attach the bird spike to the top of your porch columns, or wherever the birds typically perch. Depending on the type of spike you purchased, this will entail using adhesive (generally included) or screws (also generally included).

Step 3

Watch for the return of the birds. Sometimes, the birds will find a bare spot somewhere that you may have missed. If the birds fail to return to congregate on your porch columns for more than three days, chances are you've rid yourself of them for good.

Using Bird Repellent Spray

Step 1

Purchase bird repellent spray. Several types are commercially available, including Bird-X's Bird Shield biodegradable repellent spray. Sprays generally cost anywhere from $50 to $100.

If you are concerned about the environmental effects of a spray, check its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating. Bird-X's repellent, for example, is classified as "reduced risk." If you are concerned about a repellent's effects on the birds themselves, check the label. The product will explain clearly whether or not it is intended to simply repel or actually injure or kill birds. Again, Bird-X's repellent doesn't physically harm birds.

Step 2

Spray the area of the porch column where the birds tend to congregate. Don't worry about soaking the column. One layer of spray will do.

Step 3

Observe the porch. One application might be all you need to deter the birds from returning to their regular spot. However, you'll need to be vigilant and check for the birds throughout the day and over the next three to four days.

Step 4

Whether the birds return or not, continue to spray the porch columns daily with the repellent. Repeat this for at least four days.

Step 5

If you don't have birds on your porch columns for three or four days, it typically means that the birds have found another place to congregate.

Tips & Warnings

Of the two methods described here, bird spikes are probably the most humane, since the birds cannot be harmed in the slightest.

Read the warning label on the container of bird repellent spray that you purchase and follow instructions carefully.

Article Written By William Jackson

William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...