Asked on Jun 06, 2017

What can I apply to my bricks to deter the birds from pecking them?

Sharon Bobbins
by Sharon Bobbins
The birds are eating away at the lowest bricks surrounding my front door. I bought an owl to detr them but that hasn't solved the problem. I need help'
The birds love my bricks!
  13 answers
    • Sharon Bobbins Sharon Bobbins on Jun 06, 2017

      Thank you So much for the information! I will try this approach and hopefully resolve our issue.

  • Ger Leahy Ger Leahy on Jun 07, 2017

    paint the wall with bleach jeys fluid etc that will keep them away

    • Sharon Bobbins Sharon Bobbins on Jun 07, 2017

      Thank you , Ger! I never heard of Jeys fluid- it's not commonly sold here ( I had to google it!) do you think regular bleach would work also?

  • We28518635 We28518635 on Jun 07, 2017

    Have you checked to see if you have bugs or ants they are eating?

    That could be why they are only pecking on the lower bricks.

  • Wally seeley Wally seeley on Jun 07, 2017

    I have never heard of birds pecking bricks. There has to be some type of infestation that the birds are after. Is it happening all year long or at different times of the year. I'd call an exterminator and have the situation checked out. Good luck, Wally

    • V Smith V Smith on Jun 07, 2017

      Birds need grit to help digest their food. The fine sand in the mortar is attractive to the birds. They are not necessarily eating insects.

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Jun 07, 2017

    Yes I would have to agree with Wallysrainbow. You need to find out why they are doing it and remedy the situation. Masking the problem by just deterring them could end up being an even bigger issue.

  • Pen16946733 Pen16946733 on Jun 07, 2017

    Buy a plastic/rubber snake from a kiddies' store & just throw it on the path. The birds are terrified or snakes so will stay away. I have tried this & it really works. Good luck! Penny. Johannesburg SA

  • Julesatlanta Julesatlanta on Jun 07, 2017

    Birds have a tendency to go after sounds that bugs make so if they hear something in the wall, you may be very happy they were doing it especially if it is only happening in 1 area. Call pest control company to take a look. Until then, anything reflective like a aluminum pie pan hanging in area will keep them away

  • A A on Jun 07, 2017

    I learn the most interesting things on this website. I had never heard of birds pecking at concrete, bricks, etc. I now understand why they would (for the grit). I hope you've solved your problem.

    • 861650 861650 on Jun 07, 2017

      Birds pecking on bricks? That's a new one on me. If they need grit, maybe they need a sandbox...LOL!


  • Wally seeley Wally seeley on Jun 07, 2017

    yes birds do need grit.... But I suspect there is more to this situation than that better to be safe than sorry!

  • C Crow C Crow on Jun 07, 2017

    Best wishes.

  • Sharon Bobbins Sharon Bobbins on Jun 08, 2017

    Hi all- many thanks for your feedback and comments. We did have an exterminator in who assured us there is not an insect problem. No, the birds are eating the grit out of the bricks! We will try putting a bowl of sand nearby so they can "dine" there instead of my house! thanks again! Sharon

  • B Wassenaar B Wassenaar on May 20, 2020

    I have this problem too on our home and our detached garage. Lower bricks are being eaten away. I've actually seen them doing it. Nothing we do has worked. We have to have brick replacement work done, and then maybe we will paint all the brick!

    • Renee Renee on Apr 10, 2021

      Hope that worked. I have at least fifty birds at one time on brick. Have eaten ten feet if brick wall at eye height. I tuck pointed and washed with acid to set. Cost me two grand. Need to do it again :)


      Any more ideas?


  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 10, 2021

    Hi,

    Maybe have it Rendered and painted!