Are you tired of stepping out to your car only to find your side mirrors covered in bird droppings? It’s a common and frustrating problem for car owners, especially in certain locations or seasons. You might have wondered, like many, why birds seem to specifically target car side mirrors. The answer is quite surprising and rooted in avian behavior!
When I first experienced this issue, I was puzzled. Parking my truck in Northern California rarely resulted in more than the occasional bird mess. However, a stint in Southern California changed everything. Day after day, my side mirrors became a prime target for birds. Despite cleaning them daily, the problem persisted.
Curiosity led me to research this peculiar phenomenon. It turns out, birds are not intentionally targeting your car out of spite! The real culprit is their reflection. Birds often see their reflection in the shiny surface of car mirrors and mistake it for a rival bird intruding on their territory. This triggers territorial behavior, leading to droppings and even pecking at the perceived competitor. Side mirrors are particularly vulnerable as they often provide a convenient perch for birds to launch their “attacks.”
You can witness this behavior in action in this Youtube video. The video clearly demonstrates how a bird reacts to its reflection in a car mirror, resulting in the unwanted mess.
Immediate Action: Cleaning Bird Poop Safely
Before we delve into preventing future bird “bombardments,” it’s crucial to address existing bird droppings promptly. Bird poop is not just unsightly; it’s corrosive. The uric acid in bird droppings can quickly etch into your car’s clear coat, especially under direct sunlight. If left unattended, this can lead to permanent damage that requires professional polishing to rectify. For detailed instructions on safely removing bird poop, you can consult this comprehensive guide: How to Clean Bird Poop from Your Car.
The essential steps for safe bird poop removal involve using a gentle cleaning solution and a microfiber towel. Ideal solutions include car wash soap or a quick detailer. These are designed to lift contaminants without harming your car’s paint. Avoid using harsh household cleaners as they can damage the car’s finish.
To clean, spray your chosen cleaning solution onto the affected area and the microfiber towel. Gently wipe the bird droppings away, using an upward and outward motion. This technique lifts the droppings away from the surface rather than dragging them across the paint, minimizing the risk of scratches. Microfiber towels are excellent because their fibers trap dirt particles, further preventing scratches. Always use a clean section of the towel for each wipe to avoid re-depositing contaminants.
Proven Methods to Deter Birds from Targeting Your Car Mirrors
Having dealt with the cleanup, the next logical step is prevention. I experimented with several methods to find the most effective ways to stop birds from pooping on and pecking at my car’s side mirrors. These methods are all relatively simple to implement, but the practicality depends on your daily routine and parking situation. Here are the methods I tested, along with my findings:
Method 1: Mirror Covers – Plastic Bags or Socks
The most straightforward approach is to physically cover the side mirrors. This eliminates the reflective surface that attracts birds, effectively breaking the cycle. Using plastic bags is a readily available option. Simply slip a plastic bag over each side mirror, ensuring it covers the reflective surface. Secure the bag by tying the handles or using a rubber band if necessary.
An even more convenient alternative to plastic bags is using old socks. Socks, especially longer ones, can snugly fit over the side mirrors and stay in place without needing to be tied. This is quicker and easier for daily use. Both bags and socks act as physical barriers, preventing both reflection and direct contact for bird droppings.
Method 2: Visual Deterrents – Bird of Prey Photos
Taking a different approach, I tested the effectiveness of visual deterrents. The idea is to mimic a predator to scare away birds. Birds of prey, like eagles and hawks, are natural enemies to smaller birds. Printing out a high-resolution photo of a bird of prey and placing it inside your car windows facing outwards can potentially deter birds from approaching your mirrors.
I printed photos of an American Eagle and placed one behind each front window. Positioning the photo strategically allows the eagle image to be reflected in the side mirrors, creating the illusion of a predator nearby. This method showed promising results, significantly reducing bird droppings on the mirrors. While not 100% foolproof, it was a less cumbersome option than physical covers and certainly less visually obtrusive than bags on your mirrors. However, remembering to place and remove the photos each time you park and drive can be a minor inconvenience.
Method 3: The Simplest Solution – Folding In Your Side Mirrors
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. If your car is equipped with folding side mirrors, this might be the easiest and quickest way to prevent bird poop issues. Initially, I was skeptical about whether simply folding the mirrors would work. However, after testing this method, I was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness.
Folding in the side mirrors eliminates the reflective surface entirely, removing the trigger for territorial bird behavior. This method requires no extra equipment or effort beyond pressing a button or manually folding the mirrors. It’s incredibly convenient and proved to be highly successful in keeping birds away.
Final Verdict: Reclaim Your Clean Mirrors
Based on my experience, folding in your side mirrors stands out as the most convenient and efficient method to prevent birds from pooping on them. It’s quick, requires no extra items, and is highly effective at removing the reflective trigger.
If your vehicle lacks folding side mirrors, using socks to cover them is a practical second choice. While the bird of prey photo method offers some deterrence and is less visually intrusive than bags or socks, it requires more daily effort than simply folding mirrors or slipping on socks.
Ultimately, choosing the best method depends on your car’s features and your personal preference for convenience. However, taking proactive steps to address this issue will save you time cleaning and protect your car’s paint from potential damage caused by persistent bird droppings.
