Humane Avian Deterrents

How to Safely and Humanely Deter Birds

How to Safely and Humanely Deter Birds

Important Note:

Birds play an important role in ecosystems. Most species in Alberta are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Convention Act or other legislation, so always check regulations before taking action against nesting birds. Avoid harming them, instead, focus on prevention, deterrence, and exclusion.

Click HERE to access more information regarding the Migratory Bird Convention Act.

Step 1: Remove Attractants

Birds are goal-oriented, they’re looking for food, water, and shelter. Reducing these attractants is the first step to minimizing conflicts.

Common attractants include:

  • Unsecured compost, garbage or recycling

  • Bird feeders, fruit bearing trees, access to water

  • Easy access into attics, vents or eaves for nesting

  • Large trees and close access to “natural areas” like ravines or storm water ponds

Step 2: Add Deterrents

Once attractants are reduced, use deterrents to make your property less attractive to birds.

Visual deterrents:

  • Scare eyes – large eye-pattern balloons or decals that mimic predators.

  • Reflective/flash tape – flutters and shines in the wind, scaring birds away.

  • Decoys – owls, hawks, or snakes can discourage birds (move them frequently to remain effective).

Sound deterrents:

  • Play a radio station with talk programming near roosting or high-traffic areas. The sound of human voices suggests danger.

Step 3: Exclude Birds from Areas of Interest

Once birds have moved on, exclusion ensures they won’t return.

Exclusion techniques include:

  • Install bird netting over fruit trees, gardens, or balconies.

  • Use chicken wire or hardware cloth to protect trees, vents, or eaves.

  • Seal holes under decks, in attics, and around sheds.

  • Cap chimneys and vents to prevent nesting.

  • Install spikes or sloped barriers on ledges to discourage roosting.

Step 4: Coexist & Be Patient

Many bird problems are seasonal. With deterrents and exclusion in place, birds often move on naturally. Patience, combined with prevention, is key to long-term success.

✅ Follow these steps: Remove Attractants → Add Deterrents → Exclude Safely → Be Patient

We recognize that this is a lot to consider, but these creatures are making these decisions for a reason, and it is much more humane to have them choose to move on rather than trapping and relocating them.

If you need more advice on deterrents and exclusion, please call the Wildlife Helpline and speak to an advisor  at 780-914-4118.