Fruit Tree Nets Uk? Top Answer Update

Many decisions in the garden involve weighing up the pros and cons. This even applies to netting your fruit trees. You’d think it would be child’s play – create a net and save the fruit, right?

Well, this photo (above) shows one of the downsides. It usually becomes apparent once you take the curtain nets off.

All growing tips (or “leaders”) at the top of each limb have grown curved. If they have been held by the mesh for too long while they are flexible and growing vigorously, they may have permanently assumed this curved shape and will not spring back to the vertical when the mesh is removed.

Avoiding the problem by removing the nets earlier

It’s a great lesson on why it’s best to remove the nets once you’ve picked the fruit. It is also much easier to remove netting while the fruit trees still have leaves.

Ant and Hugh take nets from the pear trees

The arm bent tree is a 4 year old peach tree. She grew a lot and produced a beautiful crop of peach in the year this photo was taken. It was charged in time to save the fruit from the birds.

What should have happened next was the nets being removed. But it got busy and it never made it to the top of the to-do list.

Sound familiar?

It’s all too common and you can see the consequences.

Hugh helps Bozena remove a curtain net from her large fruit tree

How to fix bent limbs

All is not lost, however, and in fact, the benefits of netting your fruit trees definitely outweigh the disadvantages.

Fortunately, the bent limbs are not that difficult to correct. A little careful pruning at the top of the branches usually removes most of the bend. The limbs will then continue to grow in a largely straight line for the next year. You just have to understand the consequences of the cuts you make to fix the problem explained in this blog.

Aside from the obvious benefit of protecting your fruit from being eaten by pests, there is another benefit.

Curtain netting for your fruit trees can help slow down the growth of a vigorous tree. This often helps a tree settle down and produce fruit rather than putting all of its energy into growing.

It’s also really interesting to note how easy it is to affect the way a tree grows. This can be particularly useful when aiming for a specific tree shape, such as a tree shape. B. a trellis. Learn more about growing different shaped trees here.

There are many factors that go into a successful and bountiful harvest from your fruit trees. One of the more strenuous tasks can often be keeping native wildlife from stealing the fruits of your labor – literally. Bird netting is one of the most commonly used bird deterrent methods. While it’s proven effective, the fruit tree net isn’t without its problems either.

Before you buy expensive rolls of netting, compare the pros and cons of bird netting to determine if this tactic is right for you.

Benefits of bird netting

Bird nets are popular bird deterrents for a reason – they work. Nets have a history of doing exactly what they’re designed for: keeping pesky birds off your fruit trees. Here are some of the reasons farmers choose fruit tree netting:

It adds a physical barrier: bird netting is a mesh material designed to be wrapped completely around your fruit trees or plants. Nets provide a physical barricade between hungry birds and your crops. Before purchasing, you should research the bird species in your area to ensure you are purchasing the correct size net.

It can be reused: While the process can be time-consuming and requires gentle and patient removal. It is possible to remove and store bird nets between harvests. Exactly how many years you can get from your bird netting depends on the elements it is exposed to, any damage that may occur and how well it is maintained.

It’s Eco-Friendly: Bird netting is generally a safe way to keep birds away from fruit trees. Except in some cases where a bird may become tangled in a loose web or get stuck in a crack or hole. Set up correctly, a bird net will not harm birds or other animals.

Disadvantages of bird nets

If you’ve ever spoken to someone who has used bird netting, chances are you’ll hear them gripe about one or two of these things. Netting is effective but can be very difficult and not always worth the extra effort. Here are some of the reasons growers are looking for alternatives to orchard netting:

It’s Expensive: Wetting your fruit trees doesn’t come cheap. The initial cost of netting can be quite high, especially if you’re on a budget and have never done netting before. This makes it all the more important to choose the right size and type of net and to take care of it properly. Damaging the mesh or buying the wrong type can have significant financial consequences.

It’s easy to damage: Bird netting is made of a fine mesh that can easily tear, puncture and other damage that allows birds to get to your fruit trees. Worse, if tears aren’t treated quickly, they can easily spread and render the mesh nearly irreparable. If your mesh has multiple tears after one season, it may no longer be reusable.

Difficult to install and remove: This is perhaps one of the main reasons farmers are reluctant to netting their fruit trees. Installing bird netting can be a long, tedious process that requires the farmer to manually wrap each tree. It is important to ensure proper spacing between budding fruit and hole openings so birds cannot access fruit on the edges of your trees. At the end of the season, the nets must once again be removed long and gently to avoid long tears and tears.

Other factors to consider

If you plan to use netting, be sure to cover the tree to prevent birds from getting under the netting or getting stuck in loose netting. Birds can often be trapped and in some cases injured by an improperly installed bird netting. Be careful that other animals like snakes and squirrels get tangled as well. Sometimes it’s best to build a frame around a tree as a mesh. This approach ensures that a tree is completely covered.

ALSO SEE: Bird netting versus bird spray

Choosing liquid bird repellent over bird netting

Many farmers are turning to a simpler, less expensive alternative to bird netting. With our professional liquid bird repellent from Avian you can deter birds almost instantly in a simple, fast and safe way for you, your plants and birds. You can even opt for a time-delayed mist treatment. In this way, your plants are automatically sprayed at the ideal time without any additional effort on your part.

Contact us today at 888.868.1982 when you are ready for a simpler, better alternative to bird netting.

The pros and cons of fruit tree netting Fruit tree netting has its pros and cons. See how Avian Fog Force TR protects your fruit trees. Brand: Avian Enterprises

Pros and cons of fruit tree netting

Would you like birds in your orchard? Some species can be very damaging to fruit and berry crops and you should keep these birds away from your fruit trees. But other bird species can also be beneficial. These are the birds that eat insects and help keep insect pest populations under control.

In this article we will review which birds you would like to have in your orchard. And we will talk about the bird bandits that you should keep away from your fruit trees and other crops.

A birdhouse designed to attract beneficial birds to protect fruit trees from insect pests. (Image credit: Mary Nelson)

useful birds in your orchard

At Orchard People, we encourage fruit growers to install birdhouses in their orchards to attract bug-eating thrushes or tree swallows. Every day these birds eat a variety of flying pests that can ruin the fruit of your growing trees.

For example, during the growing season, eastern thrushes eat massive amounts of insects, including snails, maggots, caterpillars, insect larvae, moths, and mosquitoes. Many of these insects damage fruit trees, so eastern thrushes help control fruit tree pest populations. Tree swallows have a similar diet and help keep pest populations in check. (Check out this post on how to attract beneficial birds to your yard.)

Cultivation of fruit trees:

A Beginner’s Guide Learn fruit tree pruning, feeding, and pest and disease prevention with our mini-course. $39 USD for a limited time only.

LEARN MORE

Bandit Birds: The ones you want to keep out of your fruit trees and berry orchards

Yet anyone who grows fruit knows that birds can be a nuisance even in an orchard as they peck at the fruit on your trees and berry plants. Some common bird bandits include red-winged blackbirds, cedar waxwings, American robins, common grackles, house finches, and European starlings.

Red-winged blackbirds have a varied diet, but they enjoy eating berries and fruits during the growing season. Photo credit: Unsplash.

How do you keep birds away from your fruit trees or berry plants?

Over the years, researchers have developed various methods of integrated pest management to keep birds away from our crops. Learn all about this science and how to apply it in our Integrated Pest Management for Fruit Trees online course.

Watch this video on YouTube. Exclusion nets are a tool used to protect fruit trees from bird and insect damage. Watch this video to see City Fruit Seattle volunteers attach a net to a fruit tree. After the petals fall, a net should always be put on. Video credit: City Fruit Seattle

But here are some approaches that commercial and other growers use:

Plant fruit crops away from common nesting and perching sites such as woods and hedges.

Use exclusion netting. After pollination, trees or shrubs are covered with barrier netting to prevent insects and birds from accessing the growing and ripening fruit. You can also use garden netting to cover growing clusters of fruit.

Installation of battery-powered, electric, or solar-powered sonic scarers that emit bird distress calls or other sounds that repel birds. One option is Birdbusters’ Screech Owl, which looks like an owl and makes the sounds of birds in distress.

Use visual deterrents to scare away birds. An inexpensive and easy option is reflective deterrent tape, which you tie to branches or attach to posts. The ribbon flutters in the wind, repelling birds by reflecting light.

Dancing scarecrows have also become popular with commercial breeders. These are the blast signs that car dealerships use, but studies show they harm birds of fruit trees and vineyards.

Attracting natural predators that hunt birds to the site. Breeders can install owl nest boxes to encourage the owls to prey on the unwanted birds. Some orchards hire companies that bring in trained birds of prey to address your bird problem and scare away bird bandits.

If none of these methods work for you, you can always distract the bird bandits by installing a squirrel-proof bird feeder somewhere far from your orchard. Let the birds stock up on seeds, grains and nuts so they leave your fruit trees and berry plants alone!

Some commercial growers use inflatable scarecrows to prevent birds from damaging their crops. Photo credit: OrchardPeople.com.

A small footnote: birds and wildlife are smarter than many of us give them credit for. Some of these methods may work for a few weeks, but when the birds figure out what’s going on, they may return to scavenge on your growing fruit.

For much more information, Cornell University has published a great article on bird management strategies that highlights the extent of the damage birds can do and how to prevent it.

Please Note: This page contains affiliate links, which means Orchard People may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase. By shopping through us, you support our mission to create free fruit tree care resources including our blog, YouTube videos and podcasts.

Some birds are beautiful and fun to watch, while others can be downright annoying and destructive. Although birds aren’t typically thought of as nuisance pests, they can become a problem when their nests block vital areas in your home, their droppings carry communicable diseases, or they get into your attic or chimney.

Understanding what nuisance birds are attracted to is the first step in preventing them. Pest birds such as crows, pigeons, sparrows, robins and starlings are attracted to food sources they can find around your home (insects, earthworms, corn, seeds and rotting fruits and vegetables). Woodpeckers are also a common nuisance bird and will burrow into your trees in search of carpenter ants, beetles and other wood-boring insects.

Birds can be attracted to pet food, which is often left out all day for them to feast on. Birds also need water to survive and will use your fountain, water feature or any other standing water on your property as a bird bath.

While a professional bird deterrent is always an option, there are some bird prevention tips you can use at home to keep birds away. Here are 5 of our favorite DIY bird control methods.

1. Change their habitats

If there is nothing in your yard to attract birds, they will be less likely to hang around. Most birds require fresh water to survive. Replace fresh water with salt water in your fountains and water features to keep birds from drinking from them. If you feed your pets outdoors, remove or cover their food and water bowls as soon as they are done. Make sure pet food is stored in airtight containers. Birds also like to seek shelter in grass and other landscaping, especially in windy or stormy conditions. Be sure to mow the grass and trim hedges and trees to reduce cover. If you see a bird actively building a nest, use a long stick to dismantle it. If you do this a few times, the bird will move on to a new nesting site. If the nest is already built or occupied by the bird, do not attempt to remove the bird’s nest yourself. Every state has laws governing the removal of bird nests. Contact a professional wildlife exclusion company to properly remove or relocate the bird’s nest in question.

2. Aluminum Foil

One of the easiest and cheapest natural bird repellents is aluminum foil. There are several ways you can use aluminum foil to keep birds away. If birds are disturbing your garden, you can place strips of aluminum foil under the surface of the soil or around any plants they are disturbing. Birds don’t like the feel of the foil under their beak and stay away. You can also hang strips of aluminum foil (or shiny streamers) from the trees or other high points in your home and yard. The sun reflects off the shiny surface, interfering with her eyes and preventing her from getting close. If woodpeckers are around, hang an aluminum cake stand on the tree where you see them most often. The reflection on the plate will deter the woodpeckers.

3. Fishing wire

If birds keep landing in or near your pool, try criss-crossing the pool with your fishing line. You can hang it between 2 trees, between eaves or in other high places near your pool. The birds do not like the obstruction of their airfield and will look for another landing site. As a bonus – you can’t see the clear fishing wire from the ground, so it won’t detract from the aesthetics of your backyard.

4. Baking soda

When pigeons and other pesky birds invade your patio area or window sills, try sprinkling baking soda anywhere they like to perch. Birds don’t like the feel of baking soda under their toes and will avoid it at all costs. You can also use double-sided tape in place of the baking soda.

5. Predator Bait

If birds are a problem in your yard, pool, or patio, you can purchase one (or more) predator lures from your local hardware store to scare them away. As the birds fly overhead, they’ll see the plastic owl, rubber snake, or other decoy you choose and won’t land nearby. Just make sure you move your lures often or the birds will get used to it and realize it’s not real.

The more deterrents you have near your property, the less likely birds are to hang around. If these methods don’t work, or you already have a bird problem, contact a professional bird control company who can help you safely and effectively remove the pesky birds and take steps to prevent them from coming back in the future.

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Learn how to repel birds with different bird repellent and repellent options.

Birds are beautiful creatures. Some people go out of their way to invite them into their yard by placing bird feeders and water baths around, and others may find them a nuisance or even a threat to their small livestock or crops.

While some find it fascinating to see a hawk in the sky, others may see it as nothing more than a death sentence for their chickens. Regardless, most of us want to protect birds and let them live full lives as long as it doesn’t affect ours.

Nobody wants to be cleaning poop off their deck all the time or going outside to find a missing chicken. Whatever your reason for exploring different bird deterrent options, you’re sure to find a solution below. Birds are beautiful creatures. Some people go out of their way to invite them into their yard by placing bird feeders and water baths around, and others may find them a nuisance or even a threat to their small livestock or crops. While some find it fascinating to spot a hawk in the sky, others may see it as nothing more than a death sentence for their chickens. Nobody wants to be cleaning poop off their deck all the time or going outside to find a missing chicken. Whatever your reason for exploring different bird deterrent options, you’re sure to find a solution below.

How to repel birds

Identify bird damage

The first thing you need to do is determine if the damage to your property (if any) was actually caused by birds.

If hawks are your primary concern for the safety of your chickens or other small livestock, you may very well see them perched high in the trees as they scout your land.

Some common signs of birds on your property are:

droppings on your buildings, cars or the ground

Clogged gutters from nesting birds

Harvests that have picked

Lack of poultry, eggs or other small farm animals

remove attractants

Remove bird feeder

Harvest ripe fruit and vegetables as early as possible

Pick up all the fallen fruit from the yard

Store cattle feed in airtight containers

Remove the brush and keep overgrown trees trimmed and tidy

Seal any holes or openings that allow birds to nest or perch

Choose a bird repellent

Bird repellent reflective deterrent tape

This reflective deterrent tape

reflective scare tape

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLECTIVE SCREW BAND

Solar LED deterrent lights

Solar LED deterrent lights are commonly used by livestock farmers to deter a variety of predators, including birds. However, they will ensure that birds are kept away during dusk, dawn or night.

They’re not quite as effective for daytime birds as the glowing lights aren’t very noticeable. But if you watch birds on your property early in the morning, in the evening or at night, then it certainly helps.

Mistaking the eyes of a predator, the dual LED lights trigger the birds’ flight response and send them on their way. It is most effective for owls and hawks and should be installed about 8 feet off the ground.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSTALLING SOLAR LED DETERRENT LIGHTS

spray repellents

Bird repellent sprays are another option for keeping birds out of your yard or property.

As mentioned above, birds are repelled by visual deterrents rather than scent-based repellents, but it’s worth a try, especially for determined troublesome birds.

The main instance where spray repellents might be helpful is when birds are picking your crops or garden.

frequently asked Questions

Do Homemade Bird Repellents Work?

Homemade repellents can work, and you have a few options. Some people hang CDs in their yard as a cheap alternative to reflective deterrent tape. Others make a homemade spray. Some people just chop garlic and spread it around their garden. However, these are not without disadvantages.

Sprays and homemade scent-based repellents need frequent use to be effective. The fragrance is easily washed away by rain and dried by the sun. And while CDs offer a similar visual effect to professional clogging tape, they lack the noise-blocking factor that makes blocking tape so effective.

What smell keeps birds away?

Garlic, in particular, appears to be an effective short-term solution to keeping birds away. Most birds dislike the smell and avoid it.

Do wind chimes keep birds away?

Any unusual or unexpected noise will keep birds away, but once they get used to the noise, they’re likely to return. Placing wind chimes in your yard may give temporary results, but it’s unlikely to work for years to come.

If you’re from a town with a lot of pigeons, you might have seen electronic deterrents in the grocery store or other large buildings where birds tend to perch and flock. You may also have noticed that it’s not usually the most useful method in the world. Every few minutes there will be a noise and the pigeons will fly away, only to return moments later.

This is because it is the only bird repellent in existence and is never altered or relocated. The birds are used to the loud noise and it doesn’t bother them after realizing that nothing bad is happening.

The best practice when using radios, wind chimes, or other noise machines is to cycle through different noises from time to time to keep the birds busy. This applies to any pest or predator.

How do you keep birds off your property? Have you found a technique that works for you? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Removing the attractants on your property will certainly reduce the number of birds that will nest and prey on your poultry or eat your crops. Like any other animal, birds settle where there is plentiful food, water and shelter. You have a few options when it comes to choosing a bird repellent. Most of these options will work regardless of the race you are dealing with. Visual bird repellents are one of the most effective ways to keep birds off your property and your crops and livestock since birds primarily rely on their eyesight. They have a sense of smell, but they are much more likely to be put off and notice a visual change in the area than they are to notice a strange smell. This is a wonderful option for gardeners, chicken keepers, and homeowners alike. Whether you’re battling hawks that keep an eye on your flock, or you simply want to keep birds off your deck so you don’t have to remove droppings every week, it should do the job . The ultra-reflective material shimmers in the sunlight and makes a metallic sound in the wind, effectively scaring away birds! Even better, it can be installed anywhere. Tie 3′ strips to stakes or poles, wrap them around specific plants or near your chicken coop or any other location with access to wind and sunlight.

Not only people like to eat cherries, but also birds! Birds love cherries as a food source even before they are ripe. A mix of preventative methods should be employed to keep pesky birds away from your prized cherries. To best protect your cherry crops or trees from birds, follow these tips:

1. Install netting

An effective way to keep birds away from your cherries is to put netting on the tree. Be careful though, birds can be stubborn and make their way past the net through the ground. Also, birds can reach their beaks through the net and steal surrounding fruit. Installing wooden framing around the tree to drape the netting and protect it from nearby berries can help prevent this.

2. Use scaremongering

Whether it’s a fake predator, aluminum pans, or brightly colored streamers, these items can deter birds from cherry picking. However, birds can become familiar with these tactics. Make sure you rotate the items regularly to intimidate them.

SEE: Protecting berries from birds

3. Offer alternative food sources

Sometimes the cherry harvest is the only available food source for birds. Install feeders away from the cherry trees to provide the birds with a different food supply. Birdseed, sunflower seeds, and corn can all help keep pesky birds away from cherries.

4. Implement noisemakers

Birds don’t like loud noises. Hanging wind chimes around cherry trees or the sounds of fake predators can help deter them. In addition, playing bird calls and distress signals can help. Like false predators, these should be rotated regularly so birds don’t become too familiar with them.

SEE ALSO: Protecting Cherry Trees from Birds: An Agricultural Guide

5. Spray the area with bird repellent

The most effective way to keep birds away from cherry trees is to spray or mist the area with a liquid bird repellent, such as Avian Control Liquid Bird Repellent. In addition to being effective against pesky birds, Avian Control’s bird repellent is EPA registered. The non-toxic spray is safe for birds, but it is safe for humans and will not harm crops in any way. Contact us online or call 888.868.1982 to place an order and learn more about how Avian Control can save your cherry crop.

Buy Avian Control Bird Repellent – 1/2 Gallon

Buy Avian Control Bird Repellent – 1 Gallon

Buy Avian Control hose adapters

Top 5 Ways To Protect Cherries From Birds Birds can ruin your cherry trees if you don’t take precautions. Follow these tips to safely protect your plants. Brand: Avian Enterprises

Top 5 ways to protect cherries from birds

In the park, on a trail, and even in your backyard, bird watching is a fascinating hobby. However, you may not want the same birds in your yard. After spending hours growing seeds and tending to plants, it can be devastating to see birds feasting on the tasty treats you’ve worked so hard to grow.

The best bird repellents prevent birds from eating the ripe fruits and seeds in the garden. To repel these beautiful but troublesome creatures, different types of bird repellents are available. However, before you start shopping, read this guide to understand the different types of bird repellents and the key features to consider.

Discover the following selection of some of the best bird repellents on the market so you can choose the type that best suits your needs. We have researched premium bird repellents across a variety of categories focusing on customer satisfaction, product effectiveness and value. We’ve researched the leading options on the market, comparing features – and, just as important, customer reviews – to create our list of favourites.

Types of bird repellents

Three main types of bird repellents are most commonly used to scare birds away from gardens and other property areas, including spikes, rods and false owls. Each type of deterrent has advantages and disadvantages.

spikes

Spike deterrents, as the name suggests, are literal spikes attached to a strip of clear plastic or metal. Depending on the product selected, the number and length of the metal or plastic prongs vary. Spike deterrents are often useful to deter birds such as pigeons, sparrows, starlings, crows, blackbirds, grackles, and swallows.

However, spike deterrents are not always a popular choice as many gardeners think they are cruel. In reality, birds are not actually harmed by spikes. You don’t have to land on the spikes to avoid wanting to sit on them; Instead, the birds see the spikes before they land and avoid them entirely.

rods

Pole repellents are usually made of metal or plastic. Usually sparkling or reflective, these deterrents confuse birds as they approach an area. Not knowing where to land, they often avoid the area altogether.

Perch repellents are often used to keep smaller birds out of gardens such as pigeons, sparrows, starlings, crows, blackbirds, grackles and swallows. However, they are sometimes effective in deterring larger birds of prey such as hawks.

Manufacturers try to make the design and shape of some pole spreaders decorative so that they can also serve as lawn decorations. Gardeners looking for a more aesthetically pleasing deterrent that is less intimidating than spikes may prefer them.

While poles can be hung from trees or poles, they are more difficult to install in trees with low branches. Consider planting a stake in the ground for this type of deterrent.

Fake Owls

Fake owls are usually the most effective way to deter large birds of prey such as hawks and of course owls. For those who have smaller pets or backyard chickens, a mock owl may be the best bird deterrent.

Fake owls are usually made of plastic, and some models have eyes that light up and heads turn, meaning they require batteries. Some versions even emit sounds when they detect nearby movement. However, while these features are effective, they can be loud enough to annoy your neighbors.

What to look for when choosing the best bird repellent

In addition to these qualities, look out for four other key characteristics when looking for the best bird repellent. Consider the effectiveness of the deterrent, its expected lifespan, the potential environmental impact, and its ease of installation and use.

effectiveness

Not all deterrents are created equal, and they don’t all work for every species of bird. Take a week or two to observe the birds in your yard, and then research what deterrent works best for those particular birds. By and large, smaller bird deterrents are likely to work on almost all small birds, while larger bird deterrents will usually work on any large bird.

life cycle

When purchasing a bird repellent, research how long the product claims to last. As outdoor products, they will wear out even in a temperate climate. Weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind and sun can slowly wear down deterrents.

If you live in a harsher, colder climate that experiences frequent snow and storms, consider investing in a more robust deterrent. Metal spikes and bars tend to last longer than plastic, but they can be a more significant initial investment. Fake owls are usually made out of plastic, and if they have moving parts or lights, they can fail and require service or replacement.

environmental friendliness

Today’s bird repellents are generally eco-friendly, but some may not be. As previously mentioned, spike deterrents can look scary, but they are perfectly safe and harmless to birds.

Stick repellents are not usually harmful to birds; However, if the manufacturer uses decals to create their shine or shine, they could peel off over time. Birds or other small animals might find these stickers and eat them. Be aware of these issues and proactively replace or remove parts or entire products when they are no longer safe.

Easy to install and use

Spike Defense and Pole Defense are both relatively easy to install.

Spikes typically attach to a strip of metal or plastic and must be attached to a surface with nails, screws, or glue.

Poles are usually hung from branches or poles, much like bird feeders. If you have a tree near your yard or on your property, installing a bird deterrent is usually easy. However, without a tree or when the branches on the tree are too high, installing this type of deterrent becomes more difficult.

Fake owls are pretty easy to use and install. The package usually comes with two screws and the base has two holes to attach the owl to a fence post or patio railing. Once the batteries or solar panels are in place and the owl is mounted it is fully functional.

Our top picks

Birds are beautiful, but they can become a nuisance eating the berries on bushes or pecking at the tomatoes on plants. The top picks include the types of bird repellents discussed in this guide and the various considerations to keep in mind when shopping. Read on to discover some of the best bird repellents on the market to protect your yard and property.

Best Overall 1 Aspectek Stainless Steel Bird Spikes Photo: amazon.com Check Current Price This stainless steel bird scarer from Aspectek helps keep smaller birds such as pigeons, sparrows, crows and swallows out of your garden and property. Providing 10 feet of spike coverage on almost any surface, the bird deterrent is 5 inches wide. The UV-protected polycarbonate plastic base is flexible up to 360 degrees and durable. It features pre-drilled holes and a glue tray that make installation relatively easy. Install this spiked bird repellent either horizontally or vertically to deter not only birds but also smaller climbers like squirrels. Its flexibility allows it to be installed in many places to prevent harmful bird droppings from ruining your property. Install in locations such as support structures, poles, and near TV antennas. Product Specifications Type: Spikes

Spikes Coverage: 10ft

10ft Assembly Required: No Benefits Durable stainless steel design

Can be installed horizontally and vertically

Includes pre-drilled holes and adhesive for installation. Cons Some reports of birds nesting on the spines. Get the Aspectek Bird Repellent on Amazon.

Best Bang For The Buck 2 Bird B Gone Enviro Spike Bird Spike Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price With five 2-foot spikes, this bird repellent from Bird B Gone offers a total of 10 feet of spikes on convenient strips. Not only is this deterrent quite affordable, it also requires no assembly. Its pre-drilled holes facilitate installation. In addition to drilling, users can also use glue or cable ties to attach them to a surface. The strips are 5 inches wide, allowing them to protect more extensive areas. Each 1 inch section of the strips has a break point so you can adjust tip placement to suit your needs. Product Specifications Type: Spikes

Spikes Coverage: 10ft

10ft assembly required: No benefits Affordable solution

Customizable placement

Includes pre-drilled holes for installation Cons Less durable plastic components

Some reports of birds nesting on the spikes Get Bird B Gone bird repellent on Amazon.

Best Fake Owl 3 Dalen Gardeneer Natural Enemy Scarecrow Owl Decoy Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price This fake owl from Dalen helps deter larger prey birds like hawks and owls. This fake owl is 18 inches tall, 7.2 inches wide and weighs just under a pound. It has a rotating head that is triggered by a breeze to deter predatory birds. The hand-painted details of this owl add to its realistic appearance. The base of this owl has a pre-drilled hole for attaching to a post (not included) for better visibility, or you can place it on a balcony, porch or railing to keep pesky birds out of your garden. Product Specifications Type: Fake Owl

Fake Owl Range: Not specified

N/A Assembly Required: No Benefits Deters larger prey birds

Rotating head triggered by breezes

Realistic Appearance

Pre-drilled holes for mounting Disadvantages Unknown cover

Some reports that it doesn’t deter birds Get Dalen Gardeneer bird repellent at Amazon and Walmart.

Best Spikes 4 Bird-X STS-10-R Stainless Steel Bird Spikes Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Each section of this Stainless Steel Spiked Bird Repellent from Bird-X is 6 inches wide and 1 foot long. Choose from a range of lengths: 10ft, 24ft, 50ft or 100ft. The flexible base allows for easy installation on rounded or uneven surfaces and discourages birds from landing or perching in places where they are not wanted. The pre-drilled holes in the base make installation pretty easy, or you can use glue or zip ties. The stainless steel is durable and will last for years without maintenance. Product Specifications Type: Spikes

Spikes Coverage: 10ft, 24ft, 50ft, or 100ft

10ft, 24ft, 50ft, or 100ft Assembly Required: No Benefits Durable stainless steel design

Can be installed on round or uneven surfaces

Comes with pre-drilled holes for installation Cons Some reports of birds nesting on the spines Get the Bird-X bird repellent at Amazon and Walmart.

Best Hanging 5 De-Bird: Repellent Disks – Bird repellent for your home De-Bird style bird repellent. The plastic discs are non-toxic and reflect sunlight to confuse birds when they fly near them. They’re also a logical option when a spiked bird guard feels too harsh, and can also double as a lawn or garden decoration. The complete bird deterrent kit includes eight 11″ discs, 24 connecting rings, eight rotating pieces and eight hooks. Install discs on low-hanging branches or attach to poles. Product Specification Type: Hard Drives

Hard Drive Cover: Not specified

Not Specified This product requires assembly: No Benefits Repels smaller species of birds

Serves as a lawn or garden decoration

Easy to install Disadvantages Unknown coverage

Some reports of ineffective use Get the De Bird bird repellent on Amazon.

Our verdict

With a durable stainless steel design and a 10 foot range, we recommend the Aspectek Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. If you’re on a budget, consider the Bird B Gone Enviro-Spike Bird Spike, which offers the same coverage at an affordable price.

How we chose the best bird repellents

We have researched the best bird repellents across a variety of categories and selected options with high customer satisfaction. The list takes into account the type of bird control, cover, assembly, installation and material.

While spiked bird repellents are the most popular with customers, we’ve also included a fake owl repellent to repel larger birds and a set of reflective discs that can deter small bird species. Most bird repellents on the list offer a 10-foot range, and each option requires no assembly. The Spike Bird Repellent comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation. In addition, we have prioritized bird repellents made of durable stainless steel to ensure long-lasting use.

frequently asked Questions

After learning about the types of bird repellents and how they can protect birds that enter your property, you may still have a few questions about bird repellants and birds in general. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers below.

Q: What keeps birds away?

The best way to keep birds out of your garden or yard is to make it difficult for them to determine where to fly and land. If they are unsure of where and how to approach your property, they are more likely to avoid the area entirely.

Q: What smells do birds hate?

Similar to mice and other pests, birds dislike the smell of peppermint oil and citronella.

Q: Will aluminum foil deter birds?

When hung so that it rotates and reflects the light, aluminum foil can act as an effective deterrent against hanging birds.

Q: Do false owls scare off birds?

Yes, false owls tend to deter large birds like hawks and other owls, but they can also deter small birds.

We offer high-flying birding tips and guides, bird watching, wildlife and more!

citrus net

Our citrus netting is manufactured by Smart Net Systems and is made from the highest quality, high density, UV protected polyethylene. The first mesh we supplied has been in use for 6 years now and looks like it will be used for at least 8+ years for this application.

Our citrus net is made to order. Smart Net Systems has designed and developed a citrus fruit netting machine to easily install and remove your netting.

Weight: 55 g per square meter

55 g per square meter Lifespan: 8+ years

8+ years Ideal anti-pollination bee netting that prevents seed development

prevents the development of seeds Excellent for growing high-quality mandarins

Citrus Netting Machine (YouTube Video) »

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The benefits of citrus nets

Why Use Citrus Nets?

To produce high quality seedless oranges.

Why produce seedless oranges?

Higher value, improved yield of your crop.

Cross-pollination by bees in citrus fruits causes seeds in easily peeled oranges. California has been catching oranges for protection against cross-pollination by bees for 6 years, since 2008.

Seedless oranges are achieved using a fine mesh polyethylene netting to completely cover the rows of oranges. Smart Net Systems has been engaged in providing citrus netting since 2008. Smart Net Systems designed and built a machine to attach and remove the nets. The machine not only installs and removes nets, but also provides a storage facility for the nets. The machine is designed as a 3-point attachment and is operated via the tractor hydraulics.

Installing and removing nets

Nets are created before flowering. The best scenario for netting is after harvest and before flowering. Trenches are dug on either side of the rows of trees before the netting is installed to facilitate the attachment of the edges of the netting. The machine lays nets over the rows and the edges of the net are held down with dirt in trenches. When flowering is over, the nets are lifted from the trees and coiled onto the machine.

Conclusion

Netting has been shown to stop cross pollination resulting in seedless oranges, protecting your investment and getting the best value for your crop.

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Questions and answers from citrus growers

Q: Is the mesh effective in stopping semen production and if so how effective?

A: Netting is extremely effective. Without the use of nets we could not bring our product to market. The market standard is no pits for Easy Peel oranges. We don’t see seeds in oranges offsetting.

Q: How much separation zone is needed between seedless web trees and other cross pollinators to avoid wind induced cross pollination?

A: We don’t need a dividing line between netted varieties and other non-netted citrus varieties. The rows of webs closest to the other species are seedless.

Q: What about the crop yield?

A: Very little difference. Fruits with seeds are larger than fruits without seeds. As a result, the trees that produce seedless oranges have a slightly lower weight yield, but the seedless fruit are all of high value and marketable. Seed tangerines have limited or no market value. The end result is a more valuable crop. It is becoming policy for packers in California not to accept soft-skinned oranges with pits.

Q: How much time elapses between harvesting and attaching the nets? And when do you have to start planning the network?

A: The mesh will be applied once the harvest is complete. There are only about two weeks between harvest and flowering. Depending on the weather, the nets hang on the trees for between 3 and 7 weeks. One should start planning their netting regime for the following year at least 6 months in advance.

Q: Do you notice a loss of productivity from pruning and topping at 3-3.5 meters to make it easier to apply and remove netting?

A: We didn’t notice any difference in production. There are three reasons why we prune this way: we try to maintain the height and width of the trees to allow the nets to fit year after year, it simplifies harvesting as the fruit is all harvested from ladders, and it also addresses safety concerns on. The fruiting zone on the Murcott is in the range of 3 to 3.5 meters and if you grow the tree to higher altitudes the fruiting zone is in the top 3 meters and you will see a bit of dying and non-productive branches in the lower regions.

Q: Do you need a citrus netting machine?

A: Using a machine is essential for applying, removing and managing nets for storage. This machine was specially developed by Smart Net Systems for use in netting citrus fruit. The citrus netting machine is designed for 3-point attachment and use of the tractor hydraulics.

You have two options when installing netting. You can make a frame to keep the netting away from the branches, or you can drape the netting directly over the tree. The use of a frame prevents birds from pecking at the outside of the tree for fruit, which would rest on a net draped over the canopy. Creating a frame takes time and must be done for all your fruit trees. If you choose to drape the netting over the tree, tie it around the trunk to prevent squirrels or birds from getting to your fruit or nuts from the trunk of the tree.

Ah, spring. The sun is peeping out more often, the birds are singing their morning songs again and your trees are slowly sprouting new flowers and fruit.

And then… the temperature changes. A late spring frost is troublesome for all trees, but fruit trees are particularly susceptible.

That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast and act quickly to protect your trees when a spring frost is expected. Read below to learn how to protect fruit trees from frost.

How to protect fruit trees from late frost

Some fruit trees tolerate the cold better than others, but all need protection from possible frost damage. How to protect fruit trees from frost:

How to protect citrus trees from late frost: Citrus trees are certainly the most sensitive of the bunch. To protect smaller trees, set stakes in the ground around the tree and drape it with a sheet, burlap, fruit tree frost blanket, plastic, or other cloth before freezing during the day. Make sure the cover reaches the floor. A cover is used to keep heat around the tree.

Citrus trees are certainly the most fragile of the group. To protect smaller trees, set stakes in the ground around the tree and drape it with a sheet, burlap, fruit tree frost blanket, plastic, or other cloth before freezing during the day. Make sure the cover reaches the floor. A cover is used to keep heat around the tree. How to protect peach trees from late frost: You can also cover your peach trees with a sheet or blanket. Just like with citrus, cover during the day to allow heat to build up before an overnight freeze.

You can also use a sheet or blanket for your peach trees. Just like with citrus, cover during the day to allow heat to build up before an overnight freeze. How to protect apple trees from late frost: Compared to other types of fruit, apple trees actually tolerate cold quite well. Even so, you should shield them with a cover.

According to the University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, you should keep mulch, ground cover, and weeds as far off the ground around the trees as possible because bare, moist soil radiates more heat than mulched soil. It is also recommended to water trees before a possible frost as water gives off heat and helps protect the trees. However, if a severe frost is expected, make sure the soil is well drained and run a sprinkler slowly or water the furrow through the night.

Contact us for more tips and information. We are here to help you and answer your questions.

At what temperature should you cover fruit trees?

Plan to cover your tree when the temperature is expected to fall below 32 degrees F.

Which fruit trees survive cold weather?

Although no fruit trees are made for the cold, your plant hardiness zone can help you determine which are best suited to surviving the elements in your area.

For example, lemon trees are very sensitive to cold weather, so they need to be planted in zones 9-11, which equates to warm areas like Florida, California, or Texas. On the other hand, many pear trees actually need a cooler winter to get strong in spring, so they do best in cooler planting zones 4-8.

Find out your planting zone to see which fruit trees grow best in your area.

Factors affecting frost damage to fruit trees

Unfortunately, some fruit trees that are caught out by a late frost may lose their fresh blossoms and only sprout again the following spring. But that depends on many things, including:

The age of the tree. Frost can damage young trees much more than mature ones.

Frost can damage young trees much more than mature ones. The stage of growth. Unopened tree buds are often equipped to withstand the cold, but once a tree begins to flower, a late frost becomes more dangerous.

Unopened tree buds are often equipped to withstand the cold, but once a tree begins to flower, a late frost becomes more dangerous. The duration of the freeze. Some trees will recover if there is just a threat of frost in the spring, but as the frigid weather drags on, it becomes more difficult for the tree to survive.

If you’re concerned about the health of your fruit tree after a late frost, have your local arborist check it out.