Keep Birds Away: Strategies For Boat Docks

Keeping birds away from boat docks can be challenging, but it is important to prevent them from causing damage and leaving unsightly and smelly droppings. Birds are attracted to docks for food, shelter, perching, and nesting opportunities, as well as the proximity to water. To deter them, a combination of preventative measures is often necessary. This can include using bird repellent sprays or gels, reflective objects, bird spikes, bird netting, decoy predators, and keeping the dock clean and well-maintained. Some products on the market, such as the Dori Pole, use shadows and noise to scare birds away, while others, like the FlyBye, employ fishing line as a primary deterrent. Bird control is an ongoing challenge, and what works for one type of bird may not work for another, so a multi-product approach is often the best strategy.

Bird repellent sprays or gels

There are a variety of bird repellent sprays and gels on the market, and many of them are non-toxic, harmless to birds, and safe to use around children, plants, and food crops. Some products contain the active ingredient methyl anthranilate (MA), a non-toxic substance derived from grape seeds that irritates the trigeminal nerve of birds, affecting their eyes, nose, and throat. Other products use food-grade liquid that creates an invisible barrier, irritating the trigeminal system of birds and encouraging them to seek a better food source.

When using bird repellent sprays or gels, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Some products require dilution, while others should be used undiluted. Application methods may vary, with some products requiring spray or fogging equipment, and others suitable for application by hand. It is also important to consider the size of the area you need to treat, whether any portion of the area is enclosed or partially enclosed, and your ability and tolerance for reapplication and maintenance.

Bird repellent sprays and gels can be an effective part of a multi-product approach to bird deterrence. Combining different methods, such as visual deterrents, physical exclusion devices, and bird repellent sprays or gels, can increase their effectiveness in keeping birds away from your boat and dock.

Reflective objects and tape

Reflective Objects

• Hang old CDs or DVDs around your boat and dock. The shiny surface of the discs will reflect light and create a scary illusion for the birds.
• Try using aluminium foil strips. These can be hung or placed in areas where birds tend to perch or nest. The reflective surface will disorient the birds and make them think twice about sticking around.
• Use mirrors. Similar to the CDs, mirrors will reflect light and create a confusing environment for the birds. Hang mirrors of different sizes and shapes around your boat and dock to create a dazzling effect.

Reflective Tape

• Line the edges of your dock with reflective tape. This method is effective and subtle, as the thin material of the tape won't be too obtrusive.
• Bird-Xs Irri-Tape is a product specifically designed to deter birds. It is a 2-inch-wide iridescent foil tape printed with a holographic pattern. The tape creates sight and sound distractions for the birds and can also be strung up to form a physical barrier.
• If you don't want to purchase specialised tape, you can use regular reflective tape or even packaging tape. String it up around your boat cover or dock to create a glistening barrier that birds will want to avoid.

While these methods are effective, it is important to note that birds are clever creatures and may eventually get used to these deterrents. Therefore, it is recommended to use a combination of methods and switch things up every now and then to keep the birds guessing.

Bird spikes

• Bird Barriers Polly-Spike: Made of clear plastic, these spikes are fabricated in interlocking 2-foot lengths with spikes every half-inch. The panels come in various widths, with spikes ranging from 2 to 5 inches long.
• Bird Barriers Bird-Flight: This option features 5-inch metal spikes mounted on a narrow polycarbonate base. The panels are 1-foot long and span either 3 or 6 inches.
• Fly Byes Stainless Steel Wide Spike: These spikes are made of stainless steel and are 4 inches long. They are clipped to a stainless base and come in 1-foot lengths.

It is also important to note that bird spikes may not be allowed in some marinas due to the potential harm they can cause to birds. Before installing bird spikes, check with your local marina to ensure compliance with any regulations or guidelines.

Bird netting

Netting is particularly useful for boat docks as these areas provide an ideal location for birds to nest, protected from harsh weather and predators. By installing bird netting, you can stop birds from taking advantage of the shelter that docks offer.

Bird-B-Gone, a company that provides professional bird control products, recommends their Heavy Duty Bird Netting with a 10-year product warranty. They suggest a professional installation for the best results.

In addition to netting, you can use secondary deterrents such as sound and visual repellents to further discourage birds from approaching your boat dock.

Decoy predators

Another option is to use a life-like natural predator decoy, such as the Scary Cat Bird Deterrent Decoy. This decoy is designed to resemble a cat, a bird's natural predator, and it is always on duty, protecting your boat dock from unwanted avian visitors. It is also weatherproof and UV resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Additionally, you can try using inflatable scarecrows, which are effective in deterring birds away from large areas, such as boat docks. These scarecrows can be easily inflated and placed in strategic locations to create the impression of a potential threat to birds.

For a more dynamic approach, consider using rotating devices like the WhirlyBird Repeller. This clear plastic device resembles a bird of prey and rotates around a central PVC mounting post, creating a visual deterrent. It also makes a slight noise when spinning and has reflective tape inside, adding to its effectiveness.

By employing these decoy predator methods, you can effectively keep birds away from your boat dock while also maintaining a safe and humane approach to pest control.

Frequently asked questions