How to Keep Sparrows From Roosting

The sparrow is a hearty bird with a reputation for being a pest. Sparrows can cause significant damage to gardens and crops. They peck at seeds, bushes, vegetables, fruits and flowers. These bird pests are known to consume livestock feed and leave droppings behind, effectively spoiling the feed. Sparrows will not fly far from their nest to reach food, however, so by preventing sparrows from roosting near your garden or crop fields, you can also prevent them from ruining your produce.

Things You'll Need

  • Mesh
  • Bird repellants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine your property for potential perch and nest sites. If you already have a sparrow problem, watch them to find out where their nests are. If you're only looking to prevent sparrows, try to identify areas that sparrows could use for nests. Some common roost sites for sparrows include flat ledges, rafters, lofty warehouses and garages. Any opening larger than 2 cm in a building can permit the entrance and roosting of sparrows.

    • 2

      Eliminate roosting opportunities. Once you've identified potential roosting sites, make them unfit for sparrows. Cover broken windows and other entrances with wire mesh, plastic, wood or another type of impermeable screen. String mesh over shrubs and other plants to prevent sparrows from using them for nesting sites.

    • 3

      Apply repellants as necessary. Repellants like tacky glue or lined porcupine quills are effective for about a year. They keep sparrows away by making potential roosting places like rafters unpleasant for sparrows.

    • 4

      Encourage other birds to roost in sparrow-prone areas. This option is for individuals who simply do not want sparrows roosting, not for individuals who want to get rid of all birds from the area. Providing birdhouses with very small openings can exclude sparrows and encourage other birds like wrens. Introducing competition in the form of other birds can help drive sparrows away and prevent them from roosting.