Peppermint: The strong, minty scent of peppermint is irritating to birds' respiratory systems and can be used to deter them from certain areas.
Cinnamon: Similar to peppermint, cinnamon has a pungent aroma that birds find unpleasant.
Citrus Fruits: The sharp, acidic scent of citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, is known to repel birds.
Garlic and Onion: The strong, pungent odors of garlic and onion can be effective in deterring birds.
Vinegar: The pungent smell of vinegar is another bird repellent that can be used to keep birds away from certain areas.
Ammonia: The sharp, pungent odor of ammonia is an effective bird repellent that should be used with caution due to its strong nature.
Naphtha: Birds dislike the pungent smell of naphthalene derived from naphtha. You can hang some cotton balls dipped in it to repel the nuisance caused by birds. Some other effective ingredients with an intense smell effective when it comes to bird control including coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, clove extract, lemongrass oil, mint essential oil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil.
Keep in mind that different bird species may have different reactions to these scents, and what works for one species may not be as effective for another. Additionally, some of these scents may also be unpleasant to humans, so use them with caution and in well-ventilated areas.