It is always a joy to see small birds in your garden and we need to encourage them. In Scotland if your garden if full of plants and flowers, you can enjoy seeing blue tits, robins, blackbirds, sparrows, finches and many more.

However, not all birds are a source of joy. Pest birds such as seagulls, pigeons, magpies and crows can cause damage to your home and garden. The sound of a magpie squawking is as bad as nails scraping on a blackboard for me! Not only do bird droppings look unsightly but the uric acid in the faeces can erode brick, stone and metal on buildings, discolour paintwork and stain wood. Have you seen the damage bird droppings can do to the paintwork on your car if you don't remove it immediately?

So how can you deter them from your home and garden?

To be honest, you are never going to get rid of them completely but there are actions you can take that should make them choose a new place to hang out.

1. Bird Netting

Bird netting can be used to stop these birds from nesting in their favourite spot at your home or business. You can then remove the mesh once nesting season is over. It is also often used on balconies as they are a favourite place for pigeons to sit, keep warm, and watch the world around them.

2. Deterrent Sounds

Just like I don't like the sound of a magpie, there are sounds that birds don't like. You can buy sonic sound systems that mimic the sound of a predator which keeps these birds away.

3. Anti-perch Devices

A common measure is to attach a spike system to chimneys, ledges and guttering where birds like pigeons like to perch or nest. The spikes do not harm them but they will look for another nicer place to perch.

4.Bird Wire

Bird wire is not as heavy as netting and is more discreet. It is often used as a deterrent to perching on ledges, signs, guttering and pipes.

5. Decoys

Like scarecrows in a field, decoys are fairly cheap deterrent that can be used in a garden. A simple kite or balloon decoy that looks like a bird of prey and moves about can help deter pest birds. Many people hang old CDs to deter birds as they don't like the flashes of light as the sun catches the CD.

6. Natural Deterrents

Pigeons hate the smell of many spices, herbs and essential oils. Growing garlic, lavender, mint or marigolds in your garden or putting a cinnamon, pepper or clove essential oil where they like to perch could deter some birds.

7. Remove Food

If you are feeding small birds, ensure the bird seed is contained in a bird feeder that only small birds can access. If you throw out bread crumbs onto your garden, it will attract the pest birds.

Good luck in making your home and garden a sanctuary for small birds. If you need help getting rid of pest birds, call your local pest controller who will be able help.