How to Keep Birds Away from Fig Tree (Without Hurting Them)

So your fig tree’s finally thriving, and what happens? Birds. Birds everywhere. One second your fruit is almost ripe, and the next, a feathered thief swoops in like it owns the place. Yeah, I’ve been there. It’s like they’ve got a group chat alerting each other the second your figs hit peak sweetness.

If you’re searching for how to keep birds away from fig tree without losing your mind (or your harvest), this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the best (and worst) ways to keep birds from treating your fig tree like a free buffet. Some of these tricks I’ve tried myself, and others come from fellow fig-lovers who’ve been in the trenches.

Let’s talk strategy. 🧤

Use Bird Netting (Yes, It Actually Works)

Ever wrapped a present in way too much tape? That’s kinda what netting your tree feels like, but instead of frustrating a gift recipient, you’re frustrating a bird, which honestly feels more satisfying.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Buy fine mesh netting (¼-inch or smaller). Birds can weasel through anything bigger.
• Drape it completely over the tree, not just over the fruit. Think of it like putting the whole tree in a hoodie.
• Secure it at the bottom with rocks, bricks, or twist ties. If the net’s flapping in the wind, birds will sneak under.

What I learned the hard way: Don’t just “kind of” cover the tree. The birds will find the gap. They’re not lazy.

Pros:

• Works like a charm when done right.
• Doesn’t require tech, chemicals, or much money.

Cons:

• Kind of a pain to install.
• Looks like you’re trying to catch ghosts in your backyard.

Still, netting is the most reliable method. If you’re serious about saving your figs, don’t skip it.

Hang Shiny, Fluttery Stuff (It’s Like Bird Lasers)

Birds hate unpredictability. Shiny, fluttery things mess with their sense of safety, and yes, they’re also weirdly dramatic about it.

Options to hang:

• Old CDs (finally, a use for that 2003 mix you made).
• Aluminum foil strips or Mylar tape.
• Pinwheels, bonus points if they’re obnoxiously colorful.
• Metal pie pans on string (they clatter in the wind, birds hate drama).

The trick? Hang these high and let them move. The more unpredictable the light flash, the better.

Will it work forever? No. Birds catch on. They’re not geniuses, but they’re not totally clueless either. This works best when you rotate items every couple of weeks or combine with other methods.

IMO: Shiny stuff is great as a starter move or backup. Not a solo act.

Try Fake Predators (Some Are Hilariously Ineffective)

I once bought a fake owl that looked like it was sculpted during a power outage. The birds laughed. Literally sat next to it while pecking my figs. 🙄

But here’s the thing: when used correctly, decoys can help.

Options to try:

• Owl statues with rotating heads (the key is movement).
• Hawk kites that flap in the wind.
• Rubber snakes draped over branches (I swear, these work better than you’d expect).

Important tips:

• Move them regularly. A stationary owl becomes yard furniture by day 3.
• Don’t rely on just one decoy. Mix things up.

Best combo I’ve tried? A hawk kite up high and a couple of snakes near the lower branches. Gave the tree a “haunted fig farm” vibe. Loved it.

Harvest Early (Yes, Even Slightly Under-Ripe)

If you think you’re waiting until figs are perfectly ripe, guess again. So are the birds. And they don’t ask for permission.

What you can do:

• Pick the figs just before peak ripeness.
• Let them ripen indoors on the counter for a day or two.

Figs don’t ripen well once picked, but there’s usually a window right before peak where they’re softening and sweet enough to finish indoors.

Look for:

• A gentle droop on the neck.
• Slight softness.
• Slight cracking or sugary juice at the stem.

FYI: This doesn’t mean you’ll always beat the birds, but it gives you better odds. And hey, a slightly underripe fig is still better than a pecked-over one, right?

Save

Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers (Yes, They’re Real)

Imagine a bird strutting up to your tree, all smug, and then BAM 💦, sprinkler attack. It’s like a backyard booby trap, and it’s glorious.

Why it works:

• Birds hate sudden movement.
• They hate being soaked.
• They really hate surprises.

Good brands to check out:

• Orbit Yard Enforcer
• Havahart Spray Away
• ScareCrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler

Set-up tips:

• Position the sprinkler where birds usually land.
• Adjust sensitivity so it doesn’t spray you every time you walk by. Unless that’s your thing.

Downsides:

• Not cheap.
• Needs water access and batteries.
• Can soak your dog/kid/self if you’re not careful.

Still, if you’ve got the budget, this one’s a game changer.

Cover Individual Branches with Fruit Bags

Maybe your tree is too big to net. Or maybe you don’t want to turn your fig tree into a backyard art project. Enter: fruit protection bags.

These are mesh drawstring bags you put over individual clusters of figs. Think of them like little fig sleeping bags.

Why they rock:

• Inexpensive
• Reusable
• Easy to install

You can find them on Amazon or garden supply stores. Look for ones labeled “fruit protection bags” or “mesh produce bags.”

Pro tip: Get breathable mesh. Otherwise, you’re going to trap moisture and mold those figs right up.

Heads-up: If your tree’s absolutely loaded, this might feel like bagging 800 grapes. But if you’ve got a few prized branches, it’s 100% worth it.

Make the Area Less Friendly to Birds

Sometimes, you’ve got to go full HOA-mode and make the space a little less cozy.

Here’s how:

• Trim back nearby branches or shrubs. Birds like to perch and plan their fig raids.
• Remove standing water. No birdbaths = fewer loiterers.
• Add spiky deterrents (like bird spikes) to fences or roofs near the tree.
• Play predator bird calls on a loop. (Annoying? Yes. Effective? Sometimes.)

The goal here isn’t to punish the birds (well, maybe a little), but to nudge them to someone else’s tree.

Honorable Mentions That Kind of Suck (But You’ll Probably Try Anyway)

Just to save you time, here are a few things that sound good in theory but didn’t work for me:

• Wind chimes: Sounded lovely. Didn’t stop a single bird.
• Plastic bags tied to branches: They blew away. The birds didn’t.
• Scarecrows: Looked cute. Useless.
• Hot pepper spray: Maybe for squirrels. Birds don’t have taste buds for capsaicin. Yeah. Who knew?

A Quick Word About Squirrels (Because They’re Jerks Too)

If you’re battling birds, there’s a good chance squirrels are also freeloading off your fig stash. Some of the methods above, like netting, sprinklers, and motion, work for both.

But squirrels are bolder. They’ll chew right through cheap netting. If they’re a problem, you’ll need to go sturdier or use tree guards.

Also? Don’t underestimate their climbing skills. These guys train for the squirrel Olympics.

Final Thoughts (And a Fig-Filled Future)

Keeping birds away from your fig tree isn’t impossible, it just takes a little strategy and a lot of trial and error. The best approach usually mixes a few methods:

Try this combo to start:

• Net the tree or cover the fruit.
• Hang some shiny stuff nearby.
• Set a motion sprinkler if you’re feeling fancy.
• Harvest figs just before the birds notice.

And hey, if you lose a few figs here and there? Consider it a small price to pay for not turning into a full-on backyard security guard with a whistle and clipboard.

But seriously, you grew those figs. You deserve to eat them.

Now go save your fruit from the feathered freeloaders. 🐦✌️