Don't Throw Out Aluminum Cans, Use Them To Deter Birds From Your Garden

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Even if you're an animal lover, there are some birds you don't want to see in your yard. While many feathered creatures help around the garden, such as munching on unwanted insects, they can also be a nuisance and destroy plants you worked hard to grow. Starlings, blackbirds, and sparrows are a few examples of irritating birds that can cause damage with their behavior. Luckily, it's easy to take control with aluminum cans. Whether you're trying to save a bountiful garden or you just don't want droppings everywhere — hanging these cans is a budget-friendly solution. 

Birds are afraid of certain things, and shiny material is on the list. The light of reflective objects can make a bird feel threatened, which in turn scares it away. For this reason, many people place deterrents in their yards like mirrors, tin foil, and old CDs. Shiny objects that move work even better when it comes to mimicking predators. You can also create the same effect with aluminum cans, an item that's both inexpensive and readily available. If birds spot the reflective material of the cans, they will take it as a sign that danger is lurking and avoid your garden.

In order to keep unwanted birds away, start saving your aluminum cans instead of tossing them into the recycling bin. You can use them in a variety of ways as deterrents, from simple to more creative. First off, your cans need to be shiny, such as ones that are silver. Hang them near your garden from either trees, stakes, or create a long string of them that'll clank in the wind. If your cans won't reflect the light — cover them with a shiny material like foil or reflective safety tape. 

Another idea is to turn your empty aluminum cans into DIY windchimes. Gather several shiny cans together and tie a string to each of their tabs. Then, attach them together so that they're clustered, but at varying lengths. Hang the windchime up, and the light, sound, and movement will help rid your garden of pesky birds. To make a windchime that's a little more stylish, cut the bottom portion off the can. Poke holes all around the lower rim, and tie strings of bells and beads to each one. Place it where you think the birds will spot it.

You can also construct a simple but effective deterrent with an added twist. Similar to the first windchime, tie several shiny aluminum cans together by threading a string through their tabs. Drop a small rock inside each one. Next, hang the group of cans from a post near your garden with a rope attached to it. If the birds aren't frightened by the reflective material, they'll certainly get a good scare when you pull the rope and shake the noisy cans. Best of all, it won't hurt them either.