Bird Scare Balloon
Bird-Scaring Balloons – Bizarrely painted basketball-sized balloons are reportedly used in Japan to protect millions of acres of rice from birds. The balloons are hung from trees or on long poles, and they have several black and red “bullseye” markings on them (supposed to imitate the wing pattern of a moth having the ability to repel moth-eating birds). Just why the balloons scare crop-eating birds is not known, but trials in the U.S. and Canada have shown that the effect is real. Birds which form flocks, including starlings, grackles, crows, and pigeons, are controlled best. One or two balloons per home landscape are recommended to protect such crops as cherries, blueberries, strawberries and corn. These ballons should be suspended from poles made of bamboo, willow, popular or fiberglass. The ballons should be moved every seven to ten days.
For Best Results:
• Place in a prominent position so birds can see it (avoid hanging from tree limb because leaves will obscure birds’ view).
• Use 1-2 balloons for a small garden; use three or more for a large garden.
• Install balloon before fruit ripens and feeding habits develop.
• Move balloon around garden every few days.
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