Most homeowners with fruit trees in their yard face the age-old problem of their apples being stolen by birds. It seems like no matter what type of bird it is, they all like apples. This can be a real issue as there is no easy solution to stop birds from stealing your apples. In order to solve this problem, it is important to understand the factors that draw birds to apples and how to make them less appealing. Here are some tips on how to stop birds from eating your apples.
First of all, bird-proofing your tree is essential. Ensure the tree is well away from any bird feeders, as these will be incredibly attractive. Pruning your apple tree is also essential. Ensuring the branches are not too close the the ground will decrease the likelihood of birds reaching them. Covering the apples with netting or placing spikey deterrents around the tree, such as string and CD’s, will also help cut down on the problem.
Creating a diversion for the birds is also a great way to stop them from eating your apples. Planting decoy trees with fake apples next to your apple tree can serve as a distraction, as birds will go for the fake apples before getting to the real ones. Additionally, adding birdhouses, water basins and other bird-friendly additions to your yard can help to keep birds away from your apple tree.
Finally, making the apples less appealing is a great way to get birds to stay away. Spraying the trees with a greasy vinegar-based solution will make the apples taste unappealing and, thus, discourage the birds. Additionally, using strong-scented repellents like garlic, chilli pepper and onions-infused water or oil can also give them a reason to stay away from the apples.
Bird Proof the Tree
Bird-proofing the tree is a key step in preventing the birds from eating the apples. Ensuring the tree is well away from any bird feeders will help cut down on the problem significantly. Pruning the tree and making sure the branches are not too close to the ground will also decrease the likelihood of birds reaching them. Putting up a netting or spikey deterrents around the tree, including string and CD’s, will also help.
Create a Diversion
Creating a diversion and providing bird-friendly additions to the yard is a great way to prevent birds from getting to the apples. Planting decoy trees with fake apples next to your apple tree will draw birds to the fake apples and keep them away from the real ones. Adding birdhouses, water basins and other bird-friendly additions can also help keep the birds away from the apples.
Make the Apples Unappealing
Making the apples less appealing is another great way to stop birds from eating them. Spraying the trees with a greasy vinegar-based solution will make the apples taste unappealing and, thus, discourage the birds. Additionally, using strong-scented repellents like garlic, chilli pepper and onions-infused water or oil can make the apples unappealing to the birds.
Set up Physical Barriers
Setting up physical barriers around the apple tree is another good way to protect against birds. Creating a barrier to stop birds from getting to the apples can be done by adding a wide-mesh netting around the tree, securing it to the ground with stakes. This will stop the birds from getting close enough to the apples to eat them.
Offer Other Foods
Offering other types of bird food can help to distract the birds from the apples. Bird feeders with different types of seed or suet blocks in a different location from the apple tree will draw the birds away from the apples. As well, oranges, grapes and other fruits can be used as a distraction and will help to keep the birds away.
Make Loud Noises
Sometimes making loud noises is necessary to keep birds away from the apples. Using loud noises such as horns, whistles and rattle cans will scare the birds away. This should be done in combination with other methods to make it more effective. It is especially important to make the noise close to the tree so the birds don’t simply move to another branch nearby.
