There’s nothing more frustrating in this world than rolling your car or truck out onto the driveway, going inside to get a drink, and coming back out to find that a bird has pooped straight on the window or down the side of your driver’s side panel.
This is particularly frustrating when you have just spent two hours polishing your pride and joy.
Worry not though car lovers, in this article we are going to discuss the best ways to keep birds away from your car, and keep your car poop-free.
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The Effects of Bird Poop on Your Car
So, you’ve spotted the bird poop on your car, that horrible white stain that’s splattered all over your beautifully clean car. This is frustrating and can be rage-inducing if you have just cleaned your car, so much so that you decide to leave it on there.
Car owners beware, leaving bird poop on your car for long periods can have a couple of negative effects which you will want to avoid.
The most obvious is that birds poop doesn’t look very nice. You turn up to work with a car full of bird poop and people will start to notice. Leaving bird poop in place is a sure way to feeling self-conscious about your car, so it’s best to get that cleaned up as soon as possible.
The second reason is that bird poop is damaging to your car’s paint. Bird poop contains uric acid which is highly corrosive. When allowed to sit on your car for longer periods, it can eat into the layer of paint on your car and break it down, leaving your car paint blemished and damaged, not a good look.
Places to Avoid Storing Your Car
There are some simple steps you can take as a car owner to reduce the risk of those pesky avian vandals pooping on your car, without forking out heaps of cash.
Firstly, if you have it, park your car in a garage. This will stop birds from getting anywhere near your car, as well as protecting your vehicle from the other dangers to your car like the weather, other animals, and of course, other people. A car porch is also an option if you have one.
If you are lacking in the garage department, moving your car away from an overhang will significantly reduce the ability of birds to seek and destroy.
Pay close attention to trees, overhanging limbs are a perfect perch for birds, who love nothing more than to sit over the roof of your car and play “hit the target” with your car.
Overhead electrical wires are another point of reference to avoid, this includes telephone wires as well. Birds often gather in groups and perch on telephone wires to flock together for safety against other predator birds. Starlings are a particular nuisance for this type of gathering and can collect in their hundreds.
When you are out around town, try and remember to avoid parking directly underneath lamp posts or signs. I’m not sure what they feed birds in towns and cities but they seem to create the biggest and worst poop of them all.
Methods of Pushing Birds Away from Your Car
As a way to discourage birds from pooping on your car, people have developed some interesting methods in which they deter birds from going near your car. in this section, we will cover some of the easier methods and how they keep birds away from your vehicle.
Reflective Items
Birds seem to struggle with shiny objects, they don’t appear to like landing near them or roosting in an area in which they are present.
To assist the birds in leaving, it is recommended that you use items such as CDs, tin foil, food cans, reflective tapes, and even small mirrors. Place them in possible roosting areas to prevent them from settling.
The XPCARE tape is great value for money and comes in a roll that is easy to use and store.
Decoys
Simple as they may be, decoys can be the perfect way to scare away the birds that are constantly pooping on your car.
Decoys come in all shapes and sizes, you will be wanting to put them in prominent positions so that they are visible to the incoming birds.
The most effective kinds are predator-shaped decoys, sometimes they will come with shiny, reflective covers, whilst some come in the shape of predatory animals such as coyotes and owls.
Something like the Homescapes Creations is a great choice, the owl shape is also reflective, effectively giving you predator and reflector in one bargain package.
Bird Spikes
Although not the friendliest of methods, bird spikes are a highly effective way of discouraging birds from roosting and sitting in a particular area.
They come in long spike strips which can be affixed to a surface using either screws or adhesive pads. These strips come with long spikes which, then the bird comes into land, will deter the pesky poopers from being able to land on that area.
These spike strips can be used on the overhangs of buildings or even trees at a push and are highly effective methods of deterring birds.
The Tape Method
This may seem like a strange method but hear me out. Get yourself some double-sided sticking tape and cut it into strips. Lay the strips out on your window sills and overhangs before the birds start to arrive.
Once the birds arrive and perch, they will find that their feet start to stick to their favorite perch, the birds will then fly away due to them hating the feeling of the tape beneath their feet.
This method also works with baking soda, sprinkle the baking soda on the windowsill or overhang and it will discourage the birds from landing.
Sonic Deterrents
On to a more modern method of deterring birds. Sonic emitters pretty much do what they say on the tin, they emit sonic sound waves which are perfect for driving birds away from a particular area.
A bird’s hearing is surprisingly well developed, they can hear supersonic noises more clearly than we humans. The ultrasonic devices emit sounds that keep the birds on a high state of alert, making them feel uncomfortable about landing in the area in which the sonic emitter is located.
There are a wide variety of sonic deterrents available on the market these days, meaning that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a really effective one that will suit your needs.
Bird Sprays
Several different ingredients can be put into homemade bird repellant sprays. These include Cayenne pepper, Garlic, and Chilli peppers.
Birds have a sensitive sense of smell and can be put off areas once they have been sprayed with the repellent. To make the repellent you can make a blend of peppers, vinegar, and water. Leave them to steep for a while to make a potent bird repellent spray.
There is always the option to buy pre-mixed bird sprays should you find yourself short of time, this spray from Flock Free is a great alternative to making your own.
Call a Professional
If you find that the birds are not getting the hint, or that none of the methods above have worked so far, it may be best to call a professional pest controller.
These professionals have the expertise and equipment to fit appropriate pest control measures, to deter birds.
Summary
Birds are a nuisance if they are pooping on your car, it’s that simple. By using some of the methods we have covered in this article, you will be able to rid yourself of birds and keep your car poop-free.