Do Amazon's Bird Scarer Rods Really Work? Here's What Reviews Say About The Tool

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Bird scarer rods glitter, spin, and catch the light just enough to make you wonder whether you've installed a deterrent or a piece of kinetic yard art. Although skeptics scoff at the idea that a few shimmering twists of reflective plastic could possibly protect your prize-winning cabbages or tomato plants from an opportunistic flock, there are hundreds of Amazon customers who swear by them. To find out whether they're brilliant or bogus, we decided to dig into the reviews for multiple Amazon bird scarer rod products to see if the flashy little items actually earn their keep. Although scientific evidence suggests that birds quickly get used to reflective items in their environment, anecdotal reports from hundreds of gardeners suggest that bird scarer rods are worth the investment.

Keeping birds out of your yard and garden can be a real challenge, whether you opt for an old-fashioned scarecrow or new-fangled devices. When it comes to deterrents like the OFFO Multicolored Reflective Bird Scarer Rods from Amazon, the plastic spirals are designed to be hung where they'll catch the breeze, scattering light in unpredictable flashes around your yard. In theory, the sudden motion and shifting reflections should make birds uncertain enough about whether it's really safe to snack on your strawberries that they move on to the next spot. Unlike cumbersome netting, scarer rods are a visual cue rather than a physical barrier for birds. They're also a chemical-free option, which appeals to many gardeners who prefer quirky non-invasive pest management methods like warding off hungry birds with a few items from the kitchen. Plus, since bird scarer rods are available in several colors, they also blend in attractively with many garden landscapes.

When it comes to the question of whether reflectors keep birds out of your yard, the experts aren't sold. But there's no shortage of customers who've spent under $20 for a pack like the Hausse Hanging Silver Plastic Scare Rod Reflectors from Amazon who say they absolutely work! From battling aggressive crow populations to encouraging birds to poop anywhere but directly onto porches and patios, several reported nearly instantaneous success after hanging their bird scarers. Others who experienced woodpeckers curiously pecking away at cedar shingles, and a few more who were bothered by early birds crashing into their bedroom windows, also found them effective. In general, reviewers suggested making sure your scare rods are hung at multiple height intervals where they will freely blow in the wind. A few cautioned that the lightweight plastic material becomes brittle over time, and others were less than enthusiastic about the durability of the attached rubber bands and nylon cords due to their tendency to break.

It's important to note that bird scarer rods aren't a foolproof solution for everyone. According to multiple reviews, it seems they're not much of a match when tempting blueberry bushes are nearby. Several users reported that daredevil birds were willing to risk it, so if you're anxious to have a few berries left over for yourself, netting might be a better option. Others reported birds building nests within very close proximity to the scarer rods, describing them as an attractive but ineffective deterrent. Still, given the low cost and high potential, adding a set of these shiny spinners to your yard may be worth the investment.