You don’t need to be an ornithologist or a bird watcher to appreciate the beauty of birds, especially those in your garden. Their chirping on a sunny day is enough to brighten someone’s day. So it’s not hard to understand why people watch and study these animals.
The problem is when they make nests in your homes, offices, apartments, and places you work and live. So people try to find ways to deter birds without harming them. And one of the best ways to do this is to use essential oils.
So in this article, you will learn what essential oils birds hate.
Birds are beautiful. But they can be a nuisance when nesting on your property. Fortunately, you can repel them with essential oils without harming them, like:
- Garlic oil
- Peppermint oil
- Chili oil
If you want to repel birds without harming them, using the essential oils below should help.
Essential Oils That Birds Hate
Birds are beautiful creatures that people should appreciate and respect. But they can be a nuisance too. Some of the damage they can do are:
- Contaminated droppings on the ground, vehicles, mailboxes, and buildings.
- Clogged gutters because of bird droppings.
- Fruits and flowers in the garden are getting pecked.
- Loose tiles cause by nesting birds.
- Predatory birds eat small farm animals.
Birds can also be aggressive when nesting. So they might attack you and your family when they build nests in your home.
Fortunately, you can repel them using the essential oils below.
Garlic Oil
Garlic is one of the typical spices people use for their dishes. You can find various pasta, soups, and fried food in it. However, birds cannot stand the smell of garlic. And it’s because of the chemical “allicin,” which is healthy for humans but an irritant to birds.
You can make a spray solution by mixing garlic oil with water in a spray bottle. And spray possible nesting areas. But spray those areas occasionally to keep the smell pungent. If you have fruits in your garden, you can spray garlic solution on them. Garlic can mask the scent of ripe fruits, ensuring birds stay away.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is probably the most common natural repellent for animals and insects. So it’s no surprise birds also hate its scent and are repelled by its odor.
You can make a solution out of peppermint oil and spray it on your plants and structural areas and not cause any damage. It will just deter birds from nesting on your property. Just one whiff, and you’ll send those pesky birds flying in the opposite direction.
It would be best to spray your peppermint solution on potential nesting areas and gardens to ensure they don’t disturb you.
Cayenne Oil
Almost every animal does not like the taste or scent of cayenne pepper. And birds find it repulsive because it can irritate their olfactory glands.
Mix cayenne oil with water and spray it in your home or garden to keep birds away.
Chili Oil
Much like cayenne oil, chili oil is another essential oil that can irritate the nasal cavities of birds. Mix it with water and vinegar and spray it around areas where birds want to nest. And you will keep them at bay.
Chili has the chemical capsaicin that gives it its spicy, pungent flavor. And it’s something you don’t want in your olfactory glands. If you smell it, you’ll know why birds do not like it. Chili oil will also not damage your plants and buildings. If you want a stronger solution, mix chili oil with garlic to make the scent more potent.
Lemon Oil
You can use lemon oil as a bird repellent if you want something pleasant to smell. You can find this scent in plenty of air fresheners. So it’s guaranteed it will not make anything smell bad. But don’t use those since the chemicals might harm your plants.
Put ten drops of lemon oil in water instead and mix it in a water bottle. It will be enough to send those pesky birds away.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon is something that people love. You can find it in plenty of dishes and even on pastry. But even though it has a pleasing smell and taste, birds hate it. Its spicy aromatic scent can irritate the nasal passages of most birds. So mixing cinnamon oil with water should make a powerful deterrent against birds.
Tea Tree Oil
Like peppermint oil, tea tree oil is another natural repellent in most commercial products. And it can be very effective at repelling birds. But there’s a catch. Since it contains terpenes, it can be toxic to animals. So it would be best not to spray birds directly with this essential oil.
Instead, you can soak rags or cotton balls and place them where bird activity is. Its smell is enough to drive birds away.
Conclusion
Birds are beautiful and fun to watch and observe, especially on warm, sunny days. But they can also be a nuisance to owners, especially when they nest and eat your fruits and flowers. Fortunately, you can repel them by using essential oils, like garlic, peppermint, and chili, without harming them. So if you know anyone wondering what essential oils birds hate, sharing this article should help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Worry About Bird Nests?
Nesting birds can pose several problems, such as leaving bird droppings in their nests and wake, which may attract nasty pests to your home. They can also spread diseases like salmonella and E. coli.
Can Birds Smell?
Back then, people believed that most birds had no sense of smell. And only use their sight and hearing to locate nesting spots and food. But ornithologists have since adjusted their thinking because there are olfactory air sacs in birds that enable them to breathe and smell certain scents.
What Are Other Home Remedies You Can Use To Repel Birds?
Besides essential oils, you can also use baking soda to deter birds away from your property. Birds don’t like the feel of baking soda on their feet, so you can sprinkle it where they hang out.
