Birds (such as pigeons) are nice, but they can make such a mess! Here’s what to do if some feathered friends refuse to leave your porch, terrace, deck or patio the way they found it.

Glop up the birds’ landing strip—the railing or ledge of your outdoor space—with petroleum jelly or a generous amount of powdered chalk. Those substances will make it uncomfortable for them to land…and the powdered chalk contains calcium carbonate, a natural pest repellent  (You can purchase powdered chalk that climbers and gymnasts use, or make your own by crushing up blocks or sticks of chalk. Just be sure that you don’t use powdered paint chalk.) You should have to apply the jelly or chalk only once or twice—birds actually have good memories, and one or two bad landings should keep most of those in your neighborhood away for good.

When the birds have permanently flown the coop, wipe off the excess petroleum jelly and sweep away the chalk. If the outdoor surface is wood, rub the jelly into the wood evenly throughout the area.

More help with pests…

 

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