How to Stop Cardinals From Attacking Windows
Are you having an issue with cardinals attacking and pecking at your windows? If so, it can be a frightening sight that leaves you feeling helpless. Cardinals are aggressive birds who protect their territory by attacking reflective surfaces like windows and car windshields. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why cardinals attack Windows, as well as strategies you can use to stop them from doing so. Stay tuned for tips on what to do when a cardinal starts attacking your window—you will soon have that pesky bird flying away!
If you wondering why cardinals repeatedly fly into your windows and how to stop cardinals from attacking windows, You’re not alone – this problem is a common one in households with bird feeders, as well as many larger institutions like schools or hospitals. Luckily, there are multiple ways for you to deter cardinals from attacking windows. In our blog post today, we will discuss the different causes of window attacks by cardinals and outline a few practical steps that you can take to protect your windows while still allowing these beautiful birds their space.
Why is It Important to Stop Cardinals From Attacking Windows?
1. To Protect Your Home
Cardinals can cause serious damage to windows and screens. If left unchecked, the birds can peck through the glass, causing it to shatter and potentially injure anyone nearby. By eliminating this risk, you are ensuring your home’s safety.
2. To Keep Birds Healthy
Cardinals that attack windows have been known to suffer from a condition known as ‘window addiction.’ This means that the birds are addicted to attacking windows, which can cause them serious harm. Keeping them away from windows helps to ensure their overall well-being.
3. To Maintain Property Value
Windows that have been damaged by cardinals will need to be replaced, which can be costly. Additionally, the presence of birds attacking windows can be off-putting to potential buyers if you are looking to sell your home. By preventing Cardinals from attacking windows, you are helping to maintain the value of your property.
10 Tips on How to Stop Cardinals From Attacking Windows
1. Install Window Guards
Window guards are a great way to protect your windows from cardinals. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be easily installed on any window. This will also protect your windows from other forms of damage.
2. Use Decals or Stickers
Using decals or stickers is another great way to deter cardinal attacks on windows. These can be placed directly onto the window and will make the glass appear reflective, which will confuse the bird and cause it to fly away.
3. Bird Feeders
Setting up bird feeders away from the window can be a great way to keep cardinals away. If they are able to get food elsewhere, they won’t be as likely to come near your windows.
4. Screen Doors
Installing screen doors on your windows is another effective solution for when dealing with cardinal attacks. The screens cover the entire window and will prevent the birds from having direct contact with it.
5. Keep Lawns Clean
Keeping your lawn tidy and clean can also help to keep cardinals away from windows. Removing potential hiding spots such as dense shrubs or tall grasses can make them feel less secure, so they’ll be less likely to attack windows.
6. Close Blinds and Curtains During the Day
Closing your window blinds or curtains during the day can also help to keep cardinals away from windows. This will prevent them from being able to see in and make them less likely to attempt an attack on the glass.
7. Install Window Shades
Installing window shades is another great option for keeping cardinals away from windows. The shades will prevent the birds from seeing directly into the window and make them less likely to attack it.
8. Use Stun Guns
Stun guns can be an effective deterrent for cardinals attacking your windows. The loud noise made by the gun’s discharge will scare the bird away.
9. Turn Out Lights at Night
Turning out lights at night can also help to prevent cardinals from attacking windows. This is because they won’t be able to see the reflection in the window and will instead fly away.
10. Install Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are a great way to prevent cardinals from attacking windows. They will make the window frame too uncomfortable for them to land on and they’ll fly away instead.
These are just some of the ways in which you can stop cardinals from attacking your windows. If these don’t work, then you may need to contact a professional for help in dealing with the problem. However, with the right precautions and measures, you should be able to keep your windows safe from cardinals. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take to Stop Cardinals From Attacking Windows?
There are several precautions you can take to help prevent cardinals from attacking your windows. Here are a few: Move any bird feeders away from the window – Cardinals tend to be attracted to bird feeders and will fly towards them when they spot one, increasing their chances of colliding with the window.
Install a hawk silhouette or other visual deterrent – Placing a hawk silhouette, owl decoy, or another type of visual deterrent, such as reflective tape near your windows can help deter cardinals from attacking the glass. Install bird netting – Bird netting is an effective way to reduce collisions and will create a physical barrier between the window and any birds that may try to fly into it.
Clean windows regularly – Dirty windows are more likely to draw a bird’s attention, so make sure to keep your windows clean. This will help reduce the chances of a cardinal mistaking them for an open space. Install motion detection alarms – If you have persistent problems with cardinals attacking your windows, you may want to install motion detection alarms. These alarms will sound when a bird is detected near the window and can help scare them away.
What Damage Can Cardinals Cause To Windows?
Cardinals can cause significant damage to windows if they continually collide with them. The glass may crack or shatter due to repeated strikes, and the birds themselves may be injured in the process. In addition, cardinals can also leave behind droppings on your window, which can be difficult to clean off and may cause permanent staining.
Are There Any Other Ways To Deter Cardinals From Attacking Windows?
In addition to the precautions mentioned above, you can also install interior window screens or shutters. These can provide additional protection from birds that may be flying too close to the windows, and they also help reduce sun damage and heat loss. Additionally, keeping your windows closed during the day can help prevent the birds from getting too close in the first place.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Help Injured Cardinals?
If you find an injured cardinal, it’s important to get help right away. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian and they can advise you on the best way to safely transport the bird for treatment. It’s also a good idea to remove any visual deterrents from around the window to prevent further collisions.
Can I Stop Cardinals From Attacking Windows By Removing Bird Feeders?
Removing bird feeders is one of the best ways to deter cardinals from attacking windows. As previously mentioned, bird feeders attract cardinals and will bring them into close contact with your windows. If you can move the feeder away from the window or take it down entirely, that will reduce the risk of collisions.
Can I Use A Fake Hawk To Deter Cardinals From Attacking Windows?
Yes, a hawk silhouette or other visual deterrents can be effective in deterring cardinals attacking windows. Placing one near the window will help make them aware of the potential danger and scare them away before they can fly too close. Other visual deterrents include reflective tape, wind socks, and even moving objects such as a pinwheel or wind chime.
Conclusion
All in all, knowing how to stop Cardinals from attacking windows can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, ensuring that your windows keep intact all year long. Fortunately, there are several affordable solutions available that can help deter the birds from your windows. By creating a physical barrier like netting or decals, you can keep these territorial birds away without harming them. You could also try suggested solutions such as streaming helium balloons or hanging reflective objects near the window to startle incoming cardinals.
As always, remember to provide plenty of bird feeders nearby to ensure they’re still able to access the food they need. We hope this article on how to stop Cardinals from attacking windows has served as an informative guide on how to stop Cardinals from attacking your windows – good luck and happy birdwatching!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
