Gardening Hack: Deter Pigeons with Old CDs

A Quick Fix to a Persistent Problem

Gardeners seeking to protect their beloved flora and patios from the menace of pesky pigeons might find a solution in an unexpected, old-school household item gathering dust. Not only do pigeons have a penchant for pecking at plants and property, but they also pose a potential health risk, with their droppings often harbouring harmful bacteria – bad news for both people and garden soil.

Why Pigeons are a Problem

Pigeons peck at plants and property, causing damage and destruction
Pigeons pose a potential health risk with their droppings, which can harbor harmful bacteria
Pigeons are carriers of airborne diseases, and their feathers can lead to scattered nesting materials around homes
Pigeons can clog gutters, eaves, and air vents, leading to unwanted water build-up

A Clever Trick to Deter Pigeons

Organic gardening enthusiast and founder of Lovely Greens, Tanya Anderson, has shared a clever trick to deter pigeons by using an item that has largely fallen out of everyday use. Anderson recommends: “Tie old CDs by a string in your fruit trees, bushes, or elsewhere in your garden. Their reflective surfaces will flash as they move in the breeze, scaring birds away.”

Best Placement	Hang CDs where pigeons are mostly found within the garden, at several heights, to ensure visibility of the reflected light from various angles.
Spacing	Space CDs strategically to avoid crowding too many in one spot, as this can reduce their scare factor.

The Science Behind the Hack

Pigeons find themselves bewildered by the spontaneous movements of the CDs and the alternating light reflections, often mistaking these dynamics for predators.
Pigeons quickly realise that a scarecrow left in the same place for weeks isn’t going to harm them, and the same applies to the CDs.

“The most significant thing to take from it is that birds aren’t stupid. They quickly realise that a scarecrow left in the same place for weeks isn’t going to harm them.” – Tanya Anderson

A Variety of Bird-Scaring Tactics

People have tried all sorts of methods to keep birds at bay – twinkling pinwheels, fluttering ribbons, and even faux predators alongside the good old scarecrow. One crafty trick involves dangling crinkled aluminium foil bits; reflections off these makeshift baffles can act as a bargain deterrent, steering clear of pricier options like spikes or anti-perching devices.

The Importance of Change

To really get on top of your pigeon problem, the secret sauce is in the shake-up. Regularly mixing up and repositioning your bird-scaring tactics monthly is advised for the best results. Plus, keep those CDs dancing around the garden – change is key to keeping those pigeons guessing and gone.

A Definition

Pigeon-Proofing

Definition: The act of taking steps to prevent or deter pigeons from entering or inhabiting a particular area or garden.

Conclusion

Keeping pigeons at bay requires a combination of creativity and persistence. By using old CDs, mixing up your bird-scaring tactics, and regularly repositioning them, you can create a pigeon-proof garden that’s safe, healthy, and thriving. So, don’t let those pesky pigeons ruin your outdoor space – try the CD hack and see the difference for yourself!