Prevent birds from making nests in wheel well

Question

I've had an unusual issue a few years now, so I thought I would ask for any ideas. There is a pair of robins that seems to think that our van's tire makes a good place for a nest. They are persistent, and even if you remove the nest, they'll be at it again the next day.

I don't particularly want to squash them or their babies (if they ever manage to get that far!) when I drive out some day, but it's a nuisance to check the wheels every day before leaving and remove a bird's nest if required.

Any ideas on how to prevent them from nesting there?

Answer 1

I don't have any specific way that I know works, but there are several different techniques you can try.

1. Buy a cat

Cats are a natural predator to birds and should scare away most of them.

2. Peter Griffin them

   

3. Look at this website

See if they offer anything that you think would work for your situation. The products can be somewhat expensive, but if they work they might be worth it... who knows? https://www.birdbgone.com/

4. Put a plastic predator in your wheel well

Shove some form of plastic predatory animal into the wheel well to scare away any birds that wish to nest there.

Good luck with your problem!

Answer 2

Would providing them with an alternative work? A bird-box in a suitable location that doesn't get disturbed every day...

Alternatively, get a cat ;)

Answer 3

A bunch of housemartins nest in eaves in my village every year and they leave a hell of a mess - as they take off, they fly down everyone's driveways targeting cars, so for the two weeks when they begin choosing and building nest sites we have to continually persuade them not to choose our eaves.

• Sticks
• Flags
• Water jets
• CD's or tinfoil hung from a pole

Of those, it occurs to me that you could use small flags set in a weighted base so they flutter next to each wheel.

Answer 4

Methyl anthranilate

Repels birds

Answer 5

Cover the Wheels. Then they won't get in.