Birds are usually welcome in home gardens, but their messy nests and droppings can quickly become a nuisance. Some birds return to build nests in the same spot year after year, damaging your home and garden.
Do you have problems with bird nests on your property? You might be surprised to learn that you can use something as simple as all-natural essential oils to deter birds.
This article will explain how you can use essential oils to keep birds from building nests.
Why Essential Oils Keep Birds From Building Nests
Birds can smell, but their olfactory system is different from humans. Some of the scents humans find attractive are repulsive to our feathered friends.
Scattering the offensive odors in potential nesting areas around your home and garden will keep birds away. They will be repelled by the stench and unwilling to build nests nearby.
Essential Oils To Keep Birds From Building Nests
From peppermint oil to garlic, there are a handful of natural scents commonly used to deter birds from gardens.
Here is a list of essential oils to keep birds from building nests on your property.
Peppermint Oil
Minty peppermint oil is the best essential oil to keep birds from building nests. It’s a natural insect repellent and commonly used as a deterrent for many garden pests, including mosquitos and mice. Mint oil is an acceptable alternative to peppermint oil.
Lemon Oil
Fragrant lemon oil is one of the scents that many birds just can’t stand. You can use lemon oil or a few sprinkles of lemon juice to deter birds from nesting in your garden.
Garlic Oil
Strong-smelling garlic oil is another option for keeping birds from nesting on your property. It’s sold at most grocery stores, or you can make your own. Add a head of peeled garlic cloves to a bottle of vegetable oil and let it sit for a week.
Chili Oil
Spicy chili oil is as irritating to birds as it is to humans, so be careful when using this option. Cayenne pepper is a commonly used alternative to chili oil. Mix the cayenne pepper with water and spray it around your home to repel birds.
Non-Oil Alternatives
While not an essential oil, pure vinegar is an effective deterrent for bird nests. Some people use toxic mothballs, but they should be avoided since they release dangerous fumes.
How To Use Essential Oils as a Bird Deterrent
Identify the problem areas around your home by looking for places where birds gather and checking for evidence of nests. Then, use the techniques below to deter birds from building nests on your property.
Essential Oil Spray
Create a bird deterrent spray by diluting essential oils with water. Add 10-20 drops of essential oil, preferably peppermint oil, to a small spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and spray the mixture on the problematic areas. If the birds are still there, add more essential oil until you find the right concentration to deter them.
Scented Cotton Balls
Get a bag of cotton balls and add about five drops of essential oil to each cotton ball. Place the soaked cotton balls in the bird nesting areas throughout your home.
Concentrated Essential Oil
Apply a few drops of concentrated essential oil directly to spots where birds nest.
Essential Oils To Keep Birds From Building Nests: Wrap Up
Using essential oils to keep birds from building nests is an all-natural way to keep your home and garden nest-free. Peppermint is the most effective essential oil for deterring birds from nesting on your property and is an excellent solution for keeping birds away without harming them. Peppermint oil can also deter ants and other insects.