From clever physical barriers to high-tech sound devices and even fake predators that might have the neighbors talking, discover how to keep birds from eating grass seed.
Planting grass seed can feel like setting up a buffet for the local bird population. Just when you’ve finished overseeding, dreaming of a dense, green lawn, the birds swoop in for their feast. No more patchy grass and frustration. Learn everything you need to know to keep birds from turning your yard into their snack bar.
1. Use Motion Sensing Sprinkles
First on the list of bird-be-gone tricks is the motion-sensing sprinkler. These devices act as your lawn bouncers. They detect movement and as soon as a bird swoops in for a snack, BAM! They’re met with a splash of water.
The best part? It’s completely harmless to the birds. They get a little wet, a little confused, and quickly decide that maybe your lawn isn’t the best place for lunch after all.
Motion sensing sprinkles can turn your yard into a no-bird zone while being humane. Just set it up and watch as it keeps your grass seeds safe, one splash at a time.
2. Add a Physical Barrier
Next is the tried-and-true method of adding a physical barrier. There are a couple of options for this:
- Bird netting: This is made of a lightweight, thin material. It is laid over the area you’ve seeded, and voilà! The birds are kept away while water and sunlight can still reach the seeds. Just make sure to position the net a few inches above the soil to prevent birds from pecking through.
- Burlap sheets: This natural, loosely woven material does wonders for your planting efforts. It lets water and sunlight in while keeping the birds out. To install, just lay the burlap over your seeded area and use pin wires to secure it.
- Floating row covers: These are used to protect plants from pests, but they can be used to protect grass seeds too. Lightweight and breathable, they allow sunlight and water to pass through while keeping birds out.
3. Mulch Over Your Seeds
Another tip for keeping birds from munching on your grass seed is to mulch over them. This is a physical barrier too, but the difference with the above is that it also brings benefits to the table.
Here are some mulch options you can use over your seeds:
- Compost: One of the simplest ways to mulch over your seeds is by using compost. After sowing your seeds, just cover them with one-quarter to one-half inch of compost. This makes it harder for birds to spot the seeds. It also enriches the soil, giving your lawn a nutrient boost.
- Straw: Another great option is straw mulch. Make sure to use certified weed-free straw, so you don’t end up with a yard full of unwanted weeds.
Here are some guides on mulching you may be interested in:
4. Spray Liquid Bird Repellent
Liquid bird repellent is a straightforward and effective way to keep birds off your lawn. When used as directed, liquid bird repellent is long-lasting, non-lethal, and safe for plants, humans, and pets. The best part is that it keeps your yard looking nice without visual disruptions.
The repellent makes your lawn less appealing by giving it an unpleasant taste or smell (Just for the birds, not you). Birds quickly learn to avoid your grass seed.
5. Use Bird-Repellent Grass Seed
Another method to protect your grass seed from birds is using bird-repellent grass seed. These seeds are coated with a special, non-toxic substance that makes them unappetizing to birds.
However, results can be hit-or-miss, as some birds, like pigeons, might still snack on them. Additionally, bird-repellent grass seed tends to be more expensive than standard varieties, and your choice of grass species may be limited.
6. Use Grass Seed Mats
Grass seed mats are pre-seeded and ready to roll right onto your prepped soil. These mats ensure even coverage and keep the seeds firmly in place until you water them. No more worries about hungry birds.
The mat also retains moisture, helping your seeds stay hydrated. It biodegrades over time, becoming part of the soil as the seeds germinate and grow. And as a bonus, it keeps weeds from popping up during the germination process.
7. Use Reflective Objects
Birds can be easily startled by shiny, moving objects. Hanging old CDs, mirrors, or pieces of shiny tin foil on a string across your lawn will be useful. This will create reflections that dazzle and disorient birds, making them too distracted and wary to bother with your grass seed.
8. Set Up Fake Predators
Another trick to keep birds from feasting on your grass seed is to set up fake predators.
Birds are naturally afraid of predators like owls and hawks. By placing a realistic-looking plastic or fabric model of these fierce birds around your garden, you can scare away the seed-snatchers.
Note: However, there’s a small catch. Birds are smarter than they look and might eventually realize that your plastic owl isn’t moving an inch. Once they figure out it’s a fake, they could start ignoring it and return for more grass seed snacks.
9. Use Noise Deterrents
Another strategy to keep birds from eating your grass seed is to use noise deterrents. Playing recordings of birds of prey can send seed-snatching birds fleeing in the opposite direction. They will hear those fearsome calls and think, “Time to skedaddle!”
You don’t need to blast these recordings all day and night. Just play them during peak bird activity times, usually early morning or late evening.
Note: Before you go full DJ with predator sounds, consider your surroundings. If you have close neighbors or pets, they might not appreciate the sudden owl hootenanny. Use the noise deterrents thoughtfully.
10. Put Alternative Food Options
Another great way to keep birds from munching on your grass seed is to put out alternative food options. Hang bird feeders in trees to lure them away from your grass seed. Fill it with any type of bird food. By providing an alternative dining spot, you can protect your grass seed from hungry birds.
11. Use a Scarecrow
The last tip is a classic trick to keep birds from munching on your grass seed: use a scarecrow.
Scarecrows are time-tested bird deterrents that can keep different types of birds at bay. They trick the birds into thinking a human is watching over the lawn.
Note: Scarecrows might work for a while, but birds usually catch on quickly. Eventually, they get used to the decoy and it loses its effectiveness.
Turn to a Lawn Care Professional
Follow the above tips to triumph over the birds trying to snack on your grass seed! Once your grass seeds have germinated and your lawn is dense and green, it might be time to call in some extra help to keep it looking fabulous. Hire a lawn care professional to assist you with mowing and other maintenance tasks necessary to keep your yard in perfect shape.
Main Photo Credit: Itxu / Adobe Stock Free / License
