Keeping birds out of barns is crucial to prevent common issues such as noise, structural damage, disease spread, and feed contamination. Birds like swallows, pigeons, and sparrows may cause harm by nesting in rafters, leaving droppings, and spreading diseases that affect both animals and humans. Their droppings can also damage equipment and contaminate food supplies.
Knowing how to keep birds out of barns effectively is key to maintaining a clean and safe environment. In this guide, we will explore a series of solutions that can be effective in deterring birds while ensuring legal compliance with wildlife protection laws.
Common Bird Species to Watch for in Barns
Barns are prime nesting spots for various bird species because they provide safe, warm, and sheltered areas. These structures offer protection from predators and harsh weather while also often housing abundant food sources like grain and insects. Birds are naturally drawn to barns because of the accessible food sources—such as spilled grain or open water troughs—and the available nesting sites in rafters and eaves. However, it's essential to note that many bird species are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, meaning it's illegal to harm or kill these birds without proper permits. Here are some of the most common bird species that appear in the barns.
Swallows
Barn swallows are one of the most recognizable birds in barns. They are known for their graceful flight and long, forked tails. Swallows often nest under eaves or inside barns where they build mud nests. They are helpful in controlling insect populations.
Starlings
European starlings are another frequent barn inhabitant. They are known for their iridescent black feathers and their mimicry of sounds. While they help with pest control by eating insects, starlings can be invasive, often displacing native bird species.
Pigeons
Pigeons are highly adaptable and commonly found in barns, especially in urban areas. These birds roost on rafters and ledges, making themselves comfortable in human-made structures. Pigeon droppings can cause sanitation issues, but they also act as scavengers, feeding on leftover grains.
Sparrows
House sparrows, originally introduced to North America, are often seen around human structures, including barns. These small birds with brown and gray coloring build their nests under eaves and inside barns. They are prolific breeders, raising multiple broods during the spring and summer.
Barn Owls
Barn owls are commonly found in rural barns and are beneficial due to their diet of rodents. They have distinctive heart-shaped faces and are known for their silent flight. Unlike other species, barn owls tend to be less of a nuisance and more of an asset for pest control.
Finches
Finches are smaller birds that may visit barns, especially during colder months, when they seek warmth and shelter. Their colorful plumage and melodious songs make them a welcome sight, though they can sometimes build nests in inconvenient spots.
How to Get Rid of Birds in a Barn
: 10 Most Effective Means
To effectively keep birds out of barns and rafters, it’s important to utilize a combination of methods that address both the root causes and specific behaviors of birds. Here are our pitches for some practical solutions, including their pros and cons, with a focus on achieving long-term control.
Cover Food Sources
Birds are primarily attracted to barns due to easily accessible food sources, such as spilled grain or unsecured animal feed. By covering food supplies with sealed containers and regularly cleaning up spills, you can significantly reduce bird activity. This approach effectively removes one of the main attractants, making the barn less appealing to birds. As a foundational bird control method, it should be implemented to effectively reduce bird presence.
Pros:
- Directly eliminates the primary reason birds enter the barn.
Cons:
- Requires continuous effort.
Place Open Feeders
By placing bird feeders a considerable distance from your barn, you can provide an alternative food source for birds, drawing them away from your structure. This method can be effective when used alongside other deterrent strategies to keep birds from nesting or roosting inside the barn. For best results, this approach should be combined with other deterrent methods, especially strategies like blocking entry points.
Pros:
- Redirects birds away from the barn.
Cons:
- May attract more birds to the area if unmanaged.
Keep the Barn Clean
Maintaining a clean barn is crucial for preventing birds from finding food or nesting materials. Regularly removing debris, spilled feed, and trash makes the barn less attractive to birds, reducing the likelihood of them settling inside. Cleanliness is essential for long-term success in bird management and should be a core part of your regular barn maintenance routine.
Pros:
- Eliminates food and nesting materials, decreasing bird activity.
- Enhances overall barn hygiene.
Cons:
- Demands consistent effort and time.
Block the Entry Points
Sealing gaps in walls, ceilings, and windows, and covering vents with mesh prevents birds from entering the barn. This method creates a strong physical barrier that blocks access, significantly reducing the likelihood of birds nesting inside. While the initial installation can require effort and may be costly, especially for larger barns, it offers a reliable long-term solution for keeping birds out. This is one of the most effective long-term methods for bird control and should be a top priority for barn owners with sufficient budgets.
Pros:
- Effectively prevents entry.
- Reduces chances of nesting.
Cons:
- Labor-intensive and costly installation, especially for larger barns.
Build Alternative Nests
Offering alternative nesting sites, such as birdhouses placed away from the barn, provides birds with a more appealing and controlled location to settle. This method is ideal for those who enjoy having birds on their property but want to manage where they nest. However, this approach does not fully eliminate birds from the area and may require ongoing maintenance to ensure the alternative nesting sites remain attractive.
Pros:
- Encourages nesting in controlled areas.
- Ideal for bird enthusiasts.
Cons:
- Does not remove birds entirely.
- May require ongoing maintenance.
Sound Deterrent
Ultrasonic devices or loud noise makers work by creating sounds that disrupt birds and scare them away from barns. This non-invasive, environmentally friendly method can be effective initially, but birds may eventually grow accustomed to the noise, making it less impactful over time.
Also, sound deterrents may not cover larger spaces effectively due to directionality limitations. For best results, these devices should be used as a temporary or supplementary measure alongside other bird control methods.
Pros:
- Non-invasive.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons:
- Birds can habituate to the sound.
- Limited effectiveness in larger spaces.
Predator Decoys or Reflectors
Using predator decoys, such as fake owls or hawks, or hanging reflective objects like CDs or tapes, can simulate threats that scare birds away. Birds are naturally wary of shiny or moving objects, making this method an effective, low-cost solution for deterring them in the short term.
However, over time, birds may recognize that these decoys are harmless, which reduces their effectiveness. To maintain impact, it's recommended to regularly rotate or move the decoys and reflective items.
Pros:
- Easy to set up.
- Cost-effective.
Cons:
- Birds may eventually realize decoys are non-threatening, reducing effectiveness.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are designed to prevent birds from landing on ledges, rafters, and other surfaces both inside and outside the barn. This method is especially effective at deterring birds from settling in areas where they typically like to perch.
As a long-term, physical barrier, bird spikes offer a reliable solution for keeping birds away from specific spots. However, installation can be tricky indoors, particularly in large barns with multiple potential perching areas that require coverage.
Pros:
- Long-lasting, physical barrier.
- Highly effective at preventing perching.
Cons:
- Installation can be challenging indoors, especially in large spaces.
Bird Gels or Liquid Repellents
Sticky gels or liquid repellents create surfaces that are uncomfortable for birds to land on, discouraging them from perching or nesting in problem areas. While these repellents are non-lethal and effective for targeted spots, their performance can be compromised by weather conditions like rain, which may wash them away.
As a result, they require regular reapplication to maintain their effectiveness. For best results, this method should be combined with other bird control strategies to ensure more comprehensive coverage.
Pros:
- Non-lethal.
- Effective for specific areas.
Cons:
- Requires frequent reapplication.
- Weather can reduce effectiveness.
Laser
Laser devices work by emitting beams of light that birds see as a threat, helping to keep them away from barns and large, open areas. This approach is highly effective for covering long distances and is especially useful in bigger spaces.
However, it does rely on reflective surfaces to work at its best. Over time, birds may also get used to the lasers, reducing their impact. Moreover, laser systems can be costly to set up and maintain. To keep them effective, it’s a good idea to change the laser patterns regularly to prevent birds from adapting.
Pros:
- Works over long distances.
- Great for large, open areas.
Cons:
- Needs reflective surfaces.
- Birds may adapt over time.
- Can be expensive.
iCHASE is the Answer to How to Keep Birds out of Your Barn
To effectively keep birds out of your barn, several approaches can be implemented, from covering food sources and keeping the barn clean to more advanced methods like using sound deterrents, predator decoys, and bird spikes. Among the various techniques, lasers have emerged as a highly effective solution for bird control, especially in large, open barn areas. However, birds may adapt to the laser patterns over time, and proper management is required to ensure safety.
This is where iCHASE’s AIoT laser bird repellent system comes into play. Our innovative AI-driven system addresses the limitations of traditional laser repellents by incorporating a smart laser safety mechanism that automatically stops when humans or vehicles are detected in the active zone—the designated area where the laser operates. This ensures surrounding areas remain safe for unrestricted movement. Proven effective over a year of use, the system reliably deters birds, preventing contamination, property damage, and the spread of diseases, making it an ideal solution for barns.
What’s more, with remote control capabilities, barn managers can easily operate the system from their laptop or phone, ensuring seamless integration with daily operations. Not only does this solution improve biosecurity, but it also contributes to better livestock productivity, helping to prevent disease loss and improve sustainability.
iCHASE offers a comprehensive, AI-powered laser solution that protects both your livestock and your barn’s operations. Enhance productivity and biosecurity with our cutting-edge bird laser control service, designed for long-term success in sustainable precision farming. Don't wait for problems to escalate—act now to create a safer, more efficient barn environment. Contact us today to discover how we can help you safeguard your barn and take your farming operation to the next level!