INTRODUCING THE ALUMINIUM SQUID - 3 November 2012

…actually this is a bird deterrent as birds are starting to cause major problems all over my garden (vegetable garden, cottage garden, woodland garden and berry garden) and in particular in this raised bed which is home to myAlliaceae (the onion plant family) which contains the following:

• leeks
• red onions
• shallots
• spring onions
• garlic

The birds have been digging up the garden and flicking the little plants all over the place.  I quickly re-planted all the tiny red onions, leeks and spring onions that they had dug up today during a break in the weather.  It is mainly thrush, blackbirds and sparrows that seem to be doing all the damage.

It has been raining most of the day, and the birds are clearly trying to feed on worms and bugs in the garden.  But I’m afraid it’s not just today that they’ve done this…but almost every day this week.  I’m a bit fed up as they have been all over the garden as I mentioned earlier. 

So I’ve taken control of the situation upon consultation with my mother who is a keen gardener & some research on the net, and I’ve made these tinfoil bird deterrents (or what I call an aluminium squid)…simple, cheap and quick to make,  they seem to be doing the trick in my other gardens.  This will hopefully help my red onions, garlic, leeks, shallots & spring onions to grow nice and big without interference (normally it’s black aphids that are the major pest for this family in my garden!)

 

This is how to make the ‘squid’:

EQUIPMENT:

• scissors
• wooden or bamboo stake
• aluminium foil
• twine or string

METHOD:

1. Take 500mm of aluminium foil and fold it in half.
2. Fold the folded edge down 20mm a couple of times (this is to make a nice strong spine).
3. Cut strips of any width up to the spine.
4. Fold it in half length-wyas so you make a squid looking thing.
5. Tie a piece of twine around the top of the 'aluminium squid'.
6. Tie this on to the top of a stake and push into the ground.

RESULTS:

• The 'squid' will blow around in the breeze/wind which will keep the birds at bay
• It will reflect light from the sun which will also ward off the birds
• It will make a little bit of noise as it blows about in the breeze/wind which also deters the birds (note: it is not an invasive noise to we humans, but enough to keep the birds away!)

Well here’s hoping the weather clears up tomorrow as I’ve got lots to get done in the garden and I only managed to get out there for 10 minutes today due to the rain.   (Although it gave the garden a much need soaking after five days of glorious sunshine!)