| How can I get rid of pigeons that keep coming to my garden for the seeds ? |
| What pests! You might try setting a protective barrier of wire mesh over the plants/seed beds. You can string clear monofilament fish line 6-8" above each row, and a couple down either side of the plot, to keep the birds from landing in the patch . They'll encounter the line when they try to land, and get confused by the unseen obstruction. Or possibly, a floating row cover would exclude them. Continuous flagging is the most traditional way to keep birds from crops such as corn. Stakes are placed 15 to 20 feet apart all around the corn patch and a long flag of cloth is attached to the top. The flag can be tied directly or tied first to a string and the string attached to the stake (gives more play iin the wind). Set up the stakes before the corn is attractive to the birds. Another method, although more frequently used for ripening fruit trees or small fruits, is bird netting stretched above the ground. Noise makers like a radio (got any neighbors who might be bothered?), aluminum pie pans on a scarecros or line, metallic flash tape and mylar balloons (the reflection bothers the birds), have been used with varying degrees of success. Varying your scare tactics works best, as it keeps the birds from getting used to them. Good luck! |
