How to Stop Birds from Eating Grass Seed

You’ve put in the hard graft of preparing your lawn for a blanket of luscious green grass to thrive, and then, just as the grass seeds start to take root, birds come along to feast. The most common culprits are sparrows, finches, starlings, and pigeons.

It can seem like there’s nothing you can do but accept defeat, however, that doesn’t have to be the case. There are many ways to deter birds from eating your grass seed without causing any harm to them. Let’s explore some of the tried and tested methods to help protect your lawn from those hungry avian visitors.

Erect mesh, netting, or bird-proof fencing around your lawn.

One of the most effective ways to keep birds away from your grass seed is to put in place some form of fencing or mesh. This could be as simple as adding full-length netting or bird-proof fencing, which you can buy in your local DIY shop and garden centre. The idea is that this will create a physical barrier between the birds and your grass seed. Depending on the type of material you choose, make sure your grass seeds are visible to light to enable them to grow and be weary, ensuring the birds cannot get tangled or trapped.

Hang CDs or foil on a piece of string!

This may have been something you’ve encountered before, but the CDs spread across the grass are not for decoration. Why not hang up any unwanted CDs or pieces of shiny tin foil on a string across your lawn, and the reflections will dazzle the birds or at least discourage them from swooping down onto your lawn.

Hide the seeds with compost or topsoil

The old adage of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ really is true when it comes to keeping birds away from your grass seeds. This is the way to go if you’re considering applying a top dressing to your lawn. Simply cover them with an inch or two of compost or topsoil after sowing the seeds; this will make it harder for birds to spot them and visit your lawn in search of a tasty snack. Make sure to water regularly too, so the soil doesn’t dry out and the seeds can continue growing.

Deter the birds with unusual sounds

Birds are usually sensitive creatures. The sound of a bird of prey – such as an owl or hawk – can be enough to send them fleeing in the opposite direction. So why not set up a recording of a bird of prey’s screech or caw? Understandably you won’t want these recordings playing throughout the day or night, so we recommend setting them up to play when the birds are most active, usually early morning or late evening.

Set up fake birds of prey

It’s a simple solution, but you could place a realistic-looking plastic or fabric model owl or hawk around your garden. The fear of these birds may be enough to scare them away, so it’s a great way to protect your grass seed whilst keeping your garden looking lovely.

Try putting down an alternative food option

If you enjoy feeding the birds and don’t want to deter them away entirely, you can always place down an alternative food source. Birds will naturally be drawn to soft fruits as well as suitable seeds and grains like Nyjer, millet, oats, and sunflower seeds over grass seeds. By placing these treats around the perimeter of your lawn, you will give them something else to snack on and distract them from your newly sowed lawn.

So, there you have it, our top tried and tested methods that will help prevent birds from eating your grass seed without causing any harm. Keep these tips in mind, and watch your garden flourish with a luscious, green lawn in no time! And if you’re looking for grass seed or fertiliser for your lawn – click here.