Tired of constantly cleaning bird droppings off your car mirrors?
Look no further!
In this article, we will show you a variety of creative and easy methods to keep birds from turning your mirrors into their personal resting spot. From covering the mirrors with an opaque tarp or netting to coating them with a non-stick cooking oil spray, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll also explore other deterrents such as ultrasonic devices, fake predators, and chemical repellents.
Hanging visual repellents and avoiding parking under trees are also effective strategies. Don’t make the common mistake of leaving your side mirrors exposed or attracting birds with food.
Keeping your car mirrors clean and bird dropping-free not only ensures maximum visibility while driving, but also prevents any etching or staining to the mirrors and paintwork.
With these creative tips, your car mirrors will remain pristine, and those pesky bird droppings will be a thing of the past.
Covering the mirrors
Using an opaque tarp
Birds often find car mirrors to be an enticing landing spot, and their droppings can quickly become a nuisance.
If you’re looking for a simple solution to keep birds from pooping on your car mirrors, consider using an opaque tarp. By covering the mirrors with a tarp, you create a barrier that prevents birds from perching on them.
When selecting a tarp, make sure it is large enough to fully cover the mirrors.
Secure the tarp tightly using bungee cords or clips, ensuring no gaps are left for birds to access the mirrors. Not only does this method deter birds from landing on the mirrors, but it also protects them from dirt, debris, and other potential damage.
Using netting
Another effective way to prevent birds from pooping on your car mirrors is by using netting.
Choose a mesh net that is fine enough to keep birds out but still allows air to circulate and doesn’t obstruct your visibility while driving. Stretch the netting over the mirrors, securing it tightly with zip ties or hooks.
Netting acts as a physical barrier, making it difficult for birds to land on the mirrors.
Additionally, the netting can also serve as a visual deterrent, as birds often avoid areas where they see obstacles in their flight path. By incorporating netting into your bird deterrent strategy, you can ensure that your car mirrors remain clean and bird-free.
Coating the mirrors
Using non-stick cooking oil spray
If you prefer a less invasive method to keep birds away from your car mirrors, consider using a non-stick cooking oil spray.
Birds dislike landing on surfaces coated with oil, as it makes them lose their grip and destabilizes their perching position.
To apply the oil spray, first, clean the mirrors thoroughly to remove any existing bird droppings or dirt.
Once the mirrors are clean and dry, use a non-stick cooking oil spray and evenly coat the surfaces. Be sure to cover all areas where birds typically land, including the sides and edges of the mirrors.
The non-stick coating creates an unfavorable environment for birds, making it less likely for them to choose your mirrors as their perch.
As an added bonus, the oil spray also helps to repel dust and other debris, keeping your mirrors cleaner for longer periods.
Installing bird spikes
On the area where birds perch
Bird spikes are a highly effective solution for keeping birds away from your car mirrors.
These spikes are specifically designed to deter birds from perching on ledges, roofs, and other surfaces. By installing bird spikes on the areas where birds commonly perch on your car mirrors, you can prevent them from landing and leaving their unwanted droppings.
To install bird spikes, simply attach them to the areas where birds frequently land, such as the edges of your car mirrors.
The pointed spikes create an uncomfortable landing spot, discouraging birds from perching and causing them to seek an alternative location. Bird spikes are available in various sizes and materials, ensuring compatibility with different types of mirrors and car models.
By incorporating bird spikes into your bird deterrent strategy, you can effectively protect your car mirrors from unwanted bird droppings and maintain their cleanliness.
Ultrasonic bird deterrent devices
For a more technologically advanced approach, consider utilizing ultrasonic bird deterrent devices.
These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are unpleasant to birds but completely inaudible to humans. By placing these devices near your car mirrors, you can create a sound barrier that repels birds from the area.
Ultrasonic bird deterrent devices are available in various forms, including standalone units or attachments that can be connected to your car’s electrical system.
They are designed to emit different patterns of sound to keep birds from becoming accustomed to the noise.
These devices offer a humane and non-invasive solution for keeping birds away from your car mirrors.
However, it’s important to note that their effectiveness may vary depending on the species of birds in your area and their tolerance for sound.
Using fake predators
The presence of predators can often deter birds from landing in specific areas, including car mirrors. By using fake predators, you can create the illusion that there is a potential threat nearby, making birds think twice about choosing your car as their perch.
One commonly used fake predator is a plastic owl.
Owls are natural predators to many bird species, and the sight of an owl can be enough to frighten birds away. Place the fake owl near your car mirrors, ensuring it is visible to any birds that may approach.
It’s also a good idea to periodically reposition the fake predator to maintain its effectiveness.
Alternatively, you can use other types of fake predators, such as plastic snakes or scarecrows. The key is to choose a predator that is commonly seen as a threat by birds in your area.
Remember to regularly clean and maintain the fake predators to ensure they continue to be effective in deterring birds.
Using chemical repellents
Chemical repellents can be an effective way to deter birds from landing on your car mirrors.
These repellents are designed to create an unpleasant taste or smell that birds dislike, making your car mirrors an unappealing place for them to perch.
When using chemical repellents, it’s important to choose products specifically labeled for bird deterrence and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Apply the repellent to the mirrors according to the recommended dosage, ensuring that all surfaces are adequately covered. It’s advisable to reapply the repellent periodically, especially after rainfall or if it has been washed away.
Chemical repellents provide a long-lasting solution for keeping birds away from your car mirrors.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential environmental impact of these products and use them responsibly.
Hanging visual repellents
Spinner discs
Hanging visual repellents can be an effective way to deter birds from perching on your car mirrors.
Spinner discs, also known as wind spinners, are particularly useful in creating an engaging visual deterrent that birds find intimidating or unsettling.
To use spinner discs, attach them to strings or wires and hang them near your car mirrors, allowing them to rotate freely in the wind.
The movement and reflective surfaces of the spinner discs create an ever-changing, eye-catching display that birds find distracting and unappealing.
Experiment with different colors and patterns of spinner discs to maximize their effectiveness.
Birds often have specific aversions to certain colors or patterns, so finding the combination that works best for your area can greatly enhance their deterrent effect.
Brightly colored beads
Another visual deterrent that can effectively keep birds away from your car mirrors is using brightly colored beads.
Birds are naturally attracted to vibrant colors but can be startled or put off by unexpected or unusual arrangements.
String a collection of brightly colored beads together and hang them near your car mirrors.
The movement and vibrant colors will catch the birds’ attention and make them think twice about landing on your mirrors.
Explore different bead shapes and color combinations to find the most effective arrangement.
By utilizing visual repellents like spinner discs and brightly colored beads, you can add a touch of creativity to your bird deterrent strategy while keeping your car mirrors bird-free.
Avoid parking under trees
One simple way to reduce the likelihood of birds pooping on your car mirrors is to avoid parking under trees. Trees provide birds with perching spots and natural cover, making them popular hangout spots for our feathered friends.
Parking away from trees reduces the chances of birds choosing your car as their landing zone.
Instead, opt for open parking spaces or parking garages without nearby trees. By avoiding close proximity to bird-filled areas, you can significantly reduce the chances of bird droppings on your car mirrors.
If avoiding trees altogether is not possible, park strategically, positioning your car away from overhanging branches or areas where birds frequently roost.
Taking this small precaution can go a long way in minimizing the risk of bird droppings on your car mirrors.
Leaving side mirrors exposed
A common mistake people make when trying to keep birds from pooping on their car mirrors is leaving the side mirrors exposed, focusing only on the front-facing mirrors. Birds can perch on the side mirrors just as easily as they can on the front ones, resulting in unwanted droppings.
To ensure comprehensive bird deterrent coverage, it’s essential to protect all mirrors on your car.
Apply the same bird-proofing techniques to the side mirrors, including covering them with tarps or netting, coating them with non-stick cooking oil spray, or installing bird spikes if applicable.
By leaving no mirror unprotected, you reduce the chances of birds finding a landing spot on your car and leaving their mess behind.
Benefits of keeping car mirrors clean
Maximum visibility while driving
Keeping your car mirrors clean and free from bird droppings offers numerous benefits, the most crucial being maximum visibility while driving.
Clear and unobstructed mirrors allow you to monitor traffic, navigate turns, and change lanes with confidence.
Bird droppings on car mirrors can significantly hinder your ability to see clearly, especially when they accumulate over time.
They create smudges, streaks, and spots that distort your view, posing potential safety hazards on the road.
By implementing effective bird deterrent methods and maintaining clean mirrors, you ensure clear visibility and optimal safety while driving.
Prevents etching or staining to mirrors and paintwork
In addition to affecting visibility, bird droppings can cause damage to your car’s mirrors and paintwork.
The acidic nature of bird droppings can eat away at the protective coatings on mirrors, leading to etching or staining that is difficult to remove.
Over time, these etchings can become permanent, leaving behind unsightly marks on the mirrors. The corrosive properties of bird droppings can also damage the paintwork of your car, requiring costly repairs.
By keeping your car mirrors clean and free from bird droppings, you preserve their longevity and prevent unnecessary damage.
Routine cleaning and bird deterrent measures ensure that your mirrors and paintwork stay in good condition, maintaining the overall appearance and value of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Bird droppings on car mirrors can be a frustrating and unsightly problem. Fortunately, there are several creative and effective methods to keep birds from pooping on your car mirrors.
From covering the mirrors with an opaque tarp or netting to coating them with non-stick cooking oil spray, there are options to suit various preferences and levels of invasiveness.
Installing bird spikes, using ultrasonic bird deterrent devices or fake predators, and hanging visual repellents can provide additional layers of defense.
By avoiding parking under trees and ensuring all mirrors are protected, you can further reduce the chances of bird droppings.
Regularly cleaning your car mirrors and understanding the benefits of doing so, such as maximum visibility and prevention of damage, are essential for maintaining a clean and functional vehicle.
With these creative and comprehensive bird deterrent techniques, you can keep your car mirrors clean, clear, and free from bird droppings, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant and unobstructed driving experience.