Imagine just getting your favorite car cleaned, and it looks shiny, nice, and tidy. But then, you’re frustrated to find bird poop on it all of a sudden. Your car will look ugly, and you want to prevent this from happening again.
Here are 16 ways to keep birds from pooping on your car and explain why do birds poop on cars.
1. Park In a Garage
One of the most effective ways to stop birds from pooping on your car is to park it in a garage or indoors. Instead of leaving your car exposed to birds outside, consider parking it in a garage or under a carport.
If birds can’t see or access your vehicle, they’re less likely to perch on it and leave droppings behind.
2. Don’t Park Under Trees
Trees are favorite hangout spots for birds. By avoiding parking under trees, you reduce the chances of birds perching on your car and pooping on it. Look for open spaces or areas without trees to park your car.
3. Don’t Park Under Electric Wires and Posts
Similar to trees, birds love to perch on electric wires and posts. Parking your car under these spots will also increase the chances of bird poop landing on your vehicle.
Instead, opt for parking spots away from these areas to minimize the risk of bird droppings.
4. Don’t Park Close to the Edge of Buildings
Also, avoid parking your car near the edge of buildings. Birds often perch on building edges and can poop on your car while standing there or taking off.
5. Don’t Feed Birds Near Your Car
Avoid feeding birds near your car or leaving food around it. You need to ensure that there are no sources of food near your car, so you can prevent birds from coming around. Also, clean up any dropped food or crumbs around your car to avoid attracting birds.
This method is easy to follow and can significantly reduce the chances of birds pooping on your car.
6. Cover Your Side Mirrors
Preventing bird droppings on your side mirrors is crucial since birds often target these reflective surfaces. They might mistake their own reflection for another bird, causing them to leave droppings on the mirror.
To avoid this, ensure your side mirrors are covered when your car is parked. You can either buy custom-made covers or use an old t-shirt or cloth to wrap the mirrors.
7. Remove Bird Baths and Bird Feeders From the Front Lawn
Bird baths and feeders attract a variety of birds to your property. You can discourage birds from congregating near your car by removing these items from your front lawn.
If you wish to maintain bird-friendly features in your yard, consider placing them farther away from your parking spot to minimize the risk of bird droppings on your vehicle.
8. Utilize Predator Decoys
Birds are scared of predators such as owls, hawks, and snakes. You can place these decoys in your parking area or inside your car near the windows to scare the birds away.
Decoys can be made from plastic, rubber, or even stuffed animals that resemble predatory birds. Remember to change their positions daily to maintain their effectiveness, as birds can eventually recognize the decoys as non-threatening.
For example, you can place a rubber snake in prominent areas of your vehicle, such as the trunk, hood, or bumper, where it will be visible to birds flying above.
This method taps into the birds’ natural fear of predators and discourages them from perching on your car, helping to keep it free from droppings.
9. Use Bird Repellent Spray
Using natural bird repellent spray is an eco-friendly option that can be highly effective. You can apply it to areas near your car or even on the car itself.
Many repellent sprays use ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lemon oil, and eucalyptus oil, which irritate birds’ senses and deter them from landing on or near your vehicle.
To create your own bird repellent spray, mix equal parts of water, apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of lemon or eucalyptus oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it around your car. This method is easy to do and helps maintain the environment while keeping birds away from your car.
You can also buy from a pet store.
10. Place Reflective Tapes
Birds are afraid of shiny objects. You can place reflective tapes or other shiny objects like old CDs, aluminum pie plates, or Mylar balloons near your car. Or even hang these objects from nearby trees or poles to maximize their effect.
Birds’ fear of the unknown and the reflection of sunlight will make them think twice before perching on your car.
11. Use Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil works similarly to reflective tapes. When birds land on it, the crinkling sound and shiny surface will startle them, causing them to fly away. Place sheets of aluminum foil on or near your car to deter birds from landing on it.
You can either tape the foil directly to your car or create a barrier around your parking spot by hanging strips of foil from nearby trees or poles.
12. Place a Bird Scaring Kite
Creating a bird-free zone is possible with the help of a bird scaring kite. Place one in your backyard, lawn, or near your parking spot. The kite will fly with the breeze, intimidating birds and keeping them away from your car.
13. Bring Your Cats and Dogs
Many birds are naturally afraid of cats and dogs. If you have pets, consider letting them roam around your car when it’s parked outside. The presence of these animals will deter birds from approaching your vehicle, reducing the chances of them pooping on it.
14. Use A Car Cover
A car cover is a practical solution for protecting your vehicle from bird droppings. Although the cover may get dirty, your car will remain clean underneath. Car covers are available in various sizes and materials, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
15. Apply a Noisemaker
Noisemakers can be a powerful tool to scare birds away as the sound coverage is wide. Place a noisemaker near your car, and its sound will discourage birds from perching on your vehicle.
You can use anything from wind chimes, ultrasonic devices, or even portable speakers with pre-recorded bird distress calls.
Whichever option you choose, make sure the sound is not too loud or disturbing to your neighbors. This method is easy to implement and can effectively prevent birds from pooping on your car.
16. Install a Motion-Activated Sprinkler
A motion-activated sprinkler is also an effective solution for keeping birds away from your car. These sprinklers are triggered by movement and will startle birds with a sudden burst of water.
Better choose a sprinkler with adjustable sensitivity to prevent false alarms caused by wind or other factors. And then install the sprinkler near your parking area and test it to ensure optimal performance.
Why Do Birds Poop on Cars
It is not entirely clear why birds seem to prefer pooping on cars, but factors like parking location, car color, car finish, and territorial marking may contribute to this occurrence.
It’s possible that the combination of these factors makes cars particularly attractive to birds, leading to the frequent appearance of bird droppings on vehicles.
Parking Space
If you notice a car covered in bird droppings, its location is often a key factor. It’s likely that the vehicle is parked under a tree or near power lines, where birds like passerines tend to roost. As a result, when they relieve themselves, the droppings inevitably land on the car below.
Car Color
Red is a popular color among many bird species, so they might be attracted to red cars and choose to perch on them. When nature calls, these birds end up leaving their droppings on the vehicle.
Other colors that may appeal to birds include blue, black, and white, as they can also be attracted to the reflections they see in the car’s paint.
Car Finish
A bird may be drawn to shiny car finishes due to its good reflection. A glossy surface is more likely to catch their attention compared to a matte finish, increasing the chances of birds perching on the car and eventually pooping on it.
Territorial Marking
Although it’s not proven, some people believe that birds might poop on cars as a way of marking their territory. If this is the case, the droppings on your car may serve as a signal to other birds that the area is already claimed.
Final Thought
These 16 ways can stop birds from pooping on your car. From simple and cost-effective solutions to more elaborate methods, you can try out and find a best fit for your car. Then you can enjoy a clean, bird poop-free parking car.
