Cat, hunting

Animal deterrents

As a conservation organisation, the RSPB is not generally involved in deterring and scaring birds or other animals.

However, we appreciate that in some circumstances people can have problems, and to help, we have accumulated information on deterrents that people tell us they have tried with some success, including products available in our shop: cat deterrents and squirrel deterrents 

Scarers and deterrents

Sparrowhawk, Accipter nissus, in long grass, Cheshire, UK
Our thoughts on deterring birds in your garden.
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Birds

Feral Pigeons Columba livia, two bird on a roof.

Pigeon deterrents

There are simple steps that you can take to help deter feral pigeons from visiting your garden.
Herring gull

Seagull deterrents

Gulls in the garden - our advice.
Grey heron Ardea cinerea, flying above trees, Co. Durham

Herons and garden fish ponds

Herons and garden ponds. If you have fish, this may be a combination you're hoping to avoid.

Magpie Pica pica, standing among red berries, Hampshire

Deterrents to get rid of magpies

Until the mid-19th century, magpies were common in Britain and popular with farmers because they ate harmful insects.
Sparrowhawk, Accipter nissus, in long grass, Cheshire, UK

Sparrowhawk deterrents for gardens

Many people enjoy being able to add the sparrowhawk to their list of garden visitors, but others are not so sure.
Starlings Sturnus vulgaris, gathering above reed bed at Ham Wall RSPB reserve

How to get rid of starlings if necessary

Starling numbers have been seriously declining across Europe for many years, and the species is red listed.

Organic pest control

Seven-spot ladybird (coccinella 7-punctata), climbing up grass, The Lodge RSPB reserve, Sandy, Bedfordshire
You don't have to use chemicals to rid your garden of pests. We look at some of the alternatives.
Find out more

Mischievous mammals

Cat, hunting.

Cats and garden birds

Cats and garden birds often don't mix well. Here's our advice to help us keep the peace in our gardens.
Grey squirrel sciurrus carolinensis, portrait on a garden lawn

Deterrents for Squirrels

Grey squirrels can be a problem in gardens and the wider countryside. Here are tips to keep them out of your garden.