To get rid of doves, try these steps: put up nets or spikes, hang shiny tapes and fake predators, use smells like peppermint oil, don’t leave out food they like, play sounds they don’t like, set up other places for them to nest, keep your place clean, surprise them with sprinklers that move, ask experts for help, and keep trying without giving up.
This blog cuts straight to the chase, offering you ten tried-and-tested tips on how to get rid of doves. We’ve got you covered, from installed physical barriers to the strategic use of natural repellents.
You’ll learn how simple changes in your outdoor space can encourage doves to find a new hangout spot, allowing you to enjoy a clean and quiet environment once more.
You’re in the right place if you want to keep doves away but still be nice to them. These ideas work; many people have already made their yards dove-free using them. Let’s get started and say goodbye to dove problems for good.
Understanding Dove Behavior
Doves are pretty birds that coo softly and bring peace, but sometimes, they live in our outdoor spaces more than we’d like. Even though they are a sign of peace in many stories, having them on our balconies or ledges can be a bit much.
Why Doves Like Our Homes
Our places are like fancy hotels for doves. They have everything a dove could want: safety, food, and a cozy spot to nest. These birds don’t mean to bother us; they’re looking for the best place to live.
And often, that place is where we live because it feels safe from dangers and bad weather. It’s like they’re looking for a nice neighborhood to move into, and our homes seem perfect to them.
What Makes Doves Leave
Doves get scared off by things that remind them of danger, like predators. We don’t have to turn our homes into a scary movie for them. Simple things like shiny objects or fake birds of prey can make doves think twice about staying.
These tricks don’t hurt the doves; they make them believe there are safer places to be. It’s like kindly asking them to move along without being mean.
Learning about doves helps us find excellent ways to live without them in our spaces. We use intelligent tips and a bit of kindness to make our areas clean and dove-free while still caring for the doves. Let’s figure out how to live well together, with doves finding their space happily and safely.
Top 10 Humane Tips to Get Rid of Doves
Doves, those symbols of peace, can sometimes be too peaceful hanging around our homes. While we appreciate their beauty and the calm they represent, finding a balance where both humans and doves can enjoy their space is key.
Here, we’ll walk through ten compassionate ways to encourage doves to find a new hangout spot, ensuring our coexistence is harmonious but separate.
Tip 1: Install Physical Barriers
One of the first steps you can take is to install physical barriers. Putting nets or spikes on your balcony can look lovely and keep it dove-free. It’s like making rules for a good friendship; you’re telling doves they need to hang out somewhere else that’s safe for them.
Tip 2: Use Visual Deterrents
Ever noticed how a slight shimmer can make a big difference? Reflective tapes, old CDs, or even metallic objects that move with the wind can act as visual deterrents for doves. These items create light patterns and movements that doves find unsettling, making them think twice before settling down. It’s like the disco ball at the party, which is too much for some guests.
Read more: How to Keep Birds Off Your Porch
Tip 3: Apply Natural Repellents
Nature has its own set of repellents that can help keep doves at bay. Essential oils such as peppermint or citronella, or even planting spicy plants like cayenne around your space, can create an invisible barrier. Doves are sensitive to these solid scents and will likely decide your balcony isn’t the best place for them after all.
Tip 4: Modify Feeding Practices
If you love feeding the birds, that’s great! But if doves are becoming too frequent visitors, it is time to review your feeding habits. Secure your trash and use bird feeders designed to deter larger birds. This way, you can still enjoy the presence of smaller birds without rolling out the welcome mat for doves.
Tip 5: Implement Auditory Deterrents
Sound is a powerful deterrent. Devices that emit predator calls or ultrasonic frequencies can make doves feel uneasy. It’s like playing a soundtrack not to their taste; eventually, they’ll prefer to hang out somewhere with more pleasant background music.
Tip 6: Offer Alternative Nesting Sites
Sometimes, all doves are looking for an excellent spot to nest. If you’ve got doves trying to settle in less-than-ideal places, consider setting up alternative nesting sites away from home. A birdhouse in the back corner of your yard might be the new prime real estate they’re looking for.
Tip 7: Keep Your Space Clean
A clean space is less inviting to doves looking for a quick snack or nesting materials. Regularly sweeping your balcony, keeping food scraps out of reach, and removing standing water can make your home less attractive to doves.
Tip 8: Employ Motion-Activated Sprinklers
In extensive gardens, sprinklers that turn on when they sense movement can scare doves away. When these sprinklers suddenly spray water, it surprises the doves but doesn’t hurt them. This makes the doves want to hang out where things are calmer.
Tip 9: Consult with Professionals
If doves are causing significant issues or are unsure how to proceed, contacting wildlife control professionals can provide humane and practical solutions. They can offer tailored advice and, if necessary, assist in safely relocating doves.
Tip 10: Patience and Consistency
Like any behavior change, consistency is key. Doves might return a few times before realizing your space is less welcoming than it used to be. Stay consistent with your deterrents, and over time, doves will find a new favorite spot, leaving you to enjoy your dove-free space.
We can keep them away without being mean by being kind and understanding how doves think. We want to ensure we all get along, even if it means we must kindly show doves where they can’t go.
You may also read: How to Keep Birds Away
People Also Asked
How do you get a dove to leave?
Gently shooing them away or using a water hose can make doves fly off without harm. Consistently doing so will teach them your space is not safe.
What can I use to keep doves away?
Natural repellents, visual and auditory deterrents, and physical barriers are all practical and humane ways to keep doves at bay.
How do you stop doves from nesting?
Blocking off potential nesting areas with netting or decoys and keeping spaces clean and food-secure can prevent doves from calling your space home.
Will a dove come back to its nest if scared?
Doves might return to check on their nest, but if they consistently feel threatened or uncomfortable, they seek safer grounds elsewhere.
Wrap Up
To summarize, keeping doves away is all about being intelligent and gentle. We’re helping them find a safer place that’s good for them and keeps our areas calm and clean. By following the kind tips we discussed, we ensure doves are treated nicely.
Being patient and steady is essential. It might take a little time, but if we keep at it, doves will understand and pick a new place to hang out. We want to live peacefully, ensuring both people and doves are happy in their own spaces.
