Pigeons are common garden pests that often cause crop damage and can feed on plants in gardens and allotments – here’s how to make four “homemade repellents” to “deter” them
Gardens are a fantastic haven for attracting birds – but when they start to attract pigeons – it can become a real issue.
These garden nuisances often wreak havoc on crops and feast on plants in gardens and allotments. They have a broad diet, but seem particularly fond of the leaves of brassicas, lilacs and peas. They’ll peck at the leaves and tear off chunks, often leaving just the stalks and larger leaf veins.
They may also strip buds, leaves and fruits from blackcurrants and other fruit bushes. Gardeners might not spot the pigeons feeding on plants, as they typically visit in the early morning. To ensure pigeons stop being a nuisance in the garden, bird experts at Avian Enterprises have shared four “homemade repellents” using smells they “hate” to “deter them”.
1. Peppermint oil spray
Peppermint oil is an effective DIY bird-repellent spray to keep pigeons at bay. They can’t stand this smell, and so they will certainly steer clear of gardens once they get a whiff of peppermint, reports the Express.
To make this spray, mix 14 drops of peppermint oil, and 14 drops of lemon oil in a spray bottle with half a cup of white vinegar and water. Spray the solution around the garden, but be aware that the smell will only last for a few hours. Reapply the spray solution during the early morning and later afternoon.
2. Cayenne pepper spray
To create an effective DIY bird repellent spray using cayenne, simply gather all the ingredients and follow the instructions. Pigeons can’t stand the smell of it, making this mixture a potent deterrent.
For this repellent, you’ll need six drops of dish soap, two tablespoons of cayenne pepper and one gallon of water. Fill a large container with water and mix in the liquid dish soap and cayenne pepper.
Let the mixed solution sit for about a day or two at most. After a maximum of 48 hours, stir the cayenne pepper solution. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer some of the solution to a clean spray bottle, leaving the rest in the large container for future use. Then use the spray to deter birds from nesting in your garden. Reapply the spray after one week.
3. Garlic spray
Garlic spray is another option. Garlic has a strong smell that repels pigeons and it’s non-toxic, so your plants will not be harmed. This spray only requires two ingredients – eight cloves of garlic and two cups of oil. Peel the garlic and crush them using a knife and chopping board.
Put the crushed garlic inside a glass jar and mix in the olive oil. Once thoroughly mixed, cover the jar and leave it inside the fridge for about five days. Once the garlic oil solution is ready, transfer it to a spray bottle or put the solution in small containers. Place the small containers filled with garlic oil around the garden or spray the garlic oil repellent around the garden and plants.
4. Cinnamon spray
Creating a repellent spray with cinnamon is the simplest of the four methods. Just mix three parts water with one part cinnamon in a spray bottle and apply it around your garden.
