How to Keep Birds Away from Sunflowers: 10 Clever Tactics

Sunflowers are a gardener’s delight, with their bold, bright blooms that attract pollinators and provide seed for birds in winter. However, birds often help themselves to sunflower seeds and blooms before we get to enjoy them! While sharing is caring, it’s understandable to want to protect some of your sunflowers.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 clever tactics to gently deter birds from feasting on sunflowers prematurely With a combination of exclusion, distraction, and natural repellents, you can find an effective solution

1. Row Covers

Placing lightweight row covers over sunflower seedlings or blooms creates a protective barrier. Use summer-weight fabric and secure the edges with clothespins or garden staples. This is ideal for smaller areas.

2. Netting

Drape bird netting over mature blooms to keep birds at bay. Netting allows sunlight and air circulation while preventing access. For a less obtrusive option, wrap netting just around the flower heads.

3. Cages

Protect young sprouts by placing wire cages over seeds or seedlings. Use tomato cages or construct cages from chicken wire or hardware cloth. Ensure cages are anchored well.

4. Scare Tape

Hang reflective Mylar tape or old CDs near plants to scare birds with flashes of light. Streamers that blow in wind also help deter birds. Move periodically so they don’t acclimate.

5. Noisemakers

Strategically place wind chimes, aluminum pie pans, or other noisemakers near plants. The sounds startle birds and make them keep their distance. Change locations regularly.

6. Natural Repellents

Sprinkle cayenne pepper, chili powder, or garlic powder around plants. Birds dislike the smell and taste. Reapply after rain. Coffee grounds or crushed eggshells also work.

7. Companion Planting

Plant “sacrificial” sunflowers or other treats birds favor near your main crop. This distracts birds away from prized blooms. Or interplant sunflowers with plants birds dislike like daffodils.

8. Bird Feeders

Set up bird feeders and birdbaths away from the garden to lure birds away. Well-fed, happy birds are less likely to raid blooms. Offer black oil sunflower seeds they love.

9. Harvest Promptly

Check flowers daily as they start forming seeds. Seedheads ripen quickly. Harvest promptly before birds discover seeds. Tie paper bags over heads to catch loose seeds.

10. Scarecrow

Position a scarecrow among plants, moving occasionally. Simple homemade ones work well. Just be sure it’s large, bright, and has moveable appendages. Change clothes seasonally.

With persistence and multiple deterrents, you can successfully protect sunflowers from early bird invasions. Just avoid harming wildlife, as birds play a vital role in our ecosystems. With thoughtful tactics, you can safely keep your blooms bird-free and enjoy nature’s bounty!

How to Keep Birds Off Sunflowers with Bird Netting

FAQ

How do I stop animals from eating my sunflowers?

You can use brown paper bags or nylon mesh. Secure the bottom of the material with wire or string. Make sure the sunflower head is completely covered. Not only can the covers keep squirrels away from sunflowers, but it can help your sunflower head still breathe and prevent mold from forming.

Do birds destroy sunflowers?

Red-winged blackbirds cause most wildlife damage to sunflower crops. The potential of UAS as a hazing tool will depend on how blackbird flocks behave in response. Many factors impact whether or not a flock will leave a field.

Why are birds eating my sunflower leaves?

Experts surmise the lesser goldfinch enjoys consuming greens for the added vitamins and minerals it needs during breeding and growth phases. Sunflower leaves eaten are described as “skeletonized leaves” or “shredded leaves with angular holes.”

How do I protect my sunflowers from birds?

There are great ways to secure your sunflowers from those troublesome birds you find around your sunflowers. Row covers are a great plan if you have a large amount of sunflowers you want to cover. This option allows you to have temperature control and protect your sunflowers from bad weather.

How do I protect my sunflower blooms from squirrels & birds?

Potted dwarf plants are also easier to cover or cage if you must resort to that, for part or all of the growing season. This is always my favorite type of advice to offer. I believe the very best way to protect sunflower blooms from squirrels and birds is to plant plenty of seeds.

Do birds eat sunflowers?

You can get creative to deter birds eating sunflowers and squirrels taking your hard won harvest. Using netting over the flower or entire plant can prevent many seed thieves. Plant decoy plants, keep bird feeders filled, and place feeding sites for squirrels. If they aren’t hungry, they are not as likely to go after your plants.

How to keep sunflowers away from the Sun?

The reflection from the sun bounces off the rods and the birds will steer clear because no one likes sun in their eyes. Placing wire or creating a fence is definitely a great option so your sunflowers won’t get covered from the sun.