The Beloved Home Staple That Does Everything, Including Keeping Birds Away

Birds can be a pleasant sight when you're at the beach, or when they're making a V formation high in the sky, but finding their excrement on your property isn't so pleasant. Sometimes it's your car or driveway that gets splattered by bird poop, and we all know how big a mess can follow after dozens of birds perch in a tree for a few hours. Some bird species, like pigeons and robins, are known for congregating near or making their nests on window sills, porches, and patios. Over time, this can result in a number of nuisances, including messes from their droppings, feathers everywhere, and excessive chirping at all hours of the day.

So what do you do when you've discovered that a few — or a few dozen — birds have made your windowsill or porch their favorite hangout spot? How do you get them to find somewhere else to call home, in a humane way? With baking soda.

You probably already know about the many benefits of baking soda in your home and kitchen, but it can serve a purpose outdoors, too. Birds aren't particularly fond of being near baking soda, so this popular pantry item can serve as a deterrent for them. All you need to do is sprinkle it over the areas where you see birds perching.

Since there's no way to know for sure exactly what birds don't like about baking soda, there may be a couple of different explanations. Some say birds don't like the physical feeling of the powdery substance while others say that the smell is what repels them. Regardless of the real reason, make sure the surface on which you plan to sprinkle the baking soda is dry. You should also check the area daily, as you will need to apply fresh powder regularly, due to the outdoor elements.