Prevent birds from perching on your Arlo camera in 2026 by installing a simple, effective deterrent like a weatherproof bird spike strip or a motion-activated sprinkler. These proven solutions disrupt landing zones without harming birds or compromising your camera’s view. For lasting results, combine physical barriers with strategic camera placement and occasional cleaning to remove droppings that attract pests.

How to Keep Birds Off My Arlo Camera in 2026 Expert Tips

Key Takeaways

• Install a bird guard: Use a weatherproof shield to block perching and nesting.
• Adjust camera angle: Point it downward to reduce landing spots.
• Use visual deterrents: Hang reflective tape or fake predators nearby.
• Apply non-toxic repellents: Spray bird-safe gels to discourage landings.
• Trim nearby branches: Remove overhanging limbs that attract birds.
• Schedule regular checks: Clean debris and inspect for early signs of nests.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever set up your Arlo camera, excited about 24/7 home security—only to check the feed and find a pigeon staring back at you? Or worse, a bird has turned your camera into its personal perch, leaving behind a mess and blocking your view?

You’re not alone. Birds love elevated, sheltered spots, and Arlo cameras—especially those mounted under eaves or gutters—are perfect real estate. But when birds nest, poop, or peck at your camera, they can trigger false motion alerts, block the lens, or even damage the housing.

That’s why learning how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about maintaining reliable security. And with bird populations adapting to urban life, this issue is only getting more common.

I’ve dealt with this firsthand: a pair of starlings moved into the corner where my Arlo Pro 5 was mounted. Within a week, I had feathers, droppings, and a camera that kept “seeing” motion every time the birds flapped. It was frustrating, and I had to act fast.

So, let’s walk through what works, what doesn’t, and how to protect your camera without harming birds—because we can be smart and humane at the same time.

What You Need

You don’t need a full hardware store to solve this. Most solutions use everyday items or affordable deterrents. Here’s a quick list of what I’ve found effective over years of testing.

• Visual deterrents: Reflective tape, old CDs, or wind spinners (birds hate sudden glints of light)
• Physical barriers: Bird spikes, wire mesh, or a custom 3D-printed shroud
• Motion-activated sprinklers: Like the Orbit B-hyve or a simple sprinkler timer
• Ultrasonic devices: (Use with caution—some are more bark than bite)
• Cleaning supplies: Isopropyl alcohol, microfiber cloth, and a soft brush for cleaning the lens
• Mounting tools: Drill, screws, level, and a ladder (if you’re repositioning the camera)
• Optional but helpful: A second camera or a wide-angle lens to monitor blind spots

The key is combining prevention with maintenance. You don’t need all of these, but a layered approach works best. And remember: the goal is to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips—not to scare or harm them.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Keep Birds Off My Arlo Camera in 2026 Expert Tips

Step 1: Clean the Area and Camera Thoroughly

Before installing any deterrent, start with a clean slate. Birds are attracted to nesting materials, droppings, and food sources—so remove all traces.

Use a soft brush to remove feathers and debris, then wipe the camera housing with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher). Avoid water near the lens or sensors. A microfiber cloth is perfect for the lens—no paper towels, which can scratch.

While you’re up there, check the mounting bracket and screws. Tighten anything loose. A wobbly camera is easier for birds to land on and dislodge.

Pro tip: Do this in the morning when birds are less active. And wear gloves—bird droppings can carry bacteria.

This first step is often overlooked, but it’s critical. A clean camera is less inviting, and you’ll get a better view once you’re done. It’s a small thing, but it sets the tone for how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

Step 2: Choose the Right Deterrent (Match It to Your Bird Type)

Not all birds are the same. Pigeons, starlings, swallows, and sparrows all behave differently. The best deterrent depends on who you’re dealing with.

• Pigeons and starlings: Love flat, sheltered spots. Use bird spikes or a wire mesh cage around the camera.
• Swallows: Build mud nests. Install a sloped cover or overhang so they can’t attach nests.
• Sparrows and finches: Small and agile. Try reflective tape or wind spinners to create visual chaos.
• Woodpeckers: They’ll peck at anything that looks like a tree. A motion-activated sprinkler is your best bet.

I once tried reflective tape on a woodpecker—it ignored it. But a $20 sprinkler from Amazon? That bird left in under 24 hours. Lesson: match the solution to the species.

Observe for a few days. Note the bird type, landing pattern, and time of activity. Then pick your weapon. This step is the heart of how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

Step 3: Install Physical Barriers (Spikes, Mesh, or Shrouds)

Physical barriers are the most reliable. They don’t rely on power, batteries, or luck. Here’s how to install them right.

Bird spikes: These are plastic or stainless steel strips with upward-pointing spikes. Install them around the camera base and any nearby ledges. Use outdoor adhesive or screws—don’t just tape them. I’ve seen birds push aside flimsy tape in seconds.

Wire mesh: Cut a small cage from 1/2-inch hardware cloth. Shape it like a dome over the camera, leaving a gap for the lens. Secure it with zip ties or brackets. This lets light and motion pass through but blocks birds from landing.

Custom 3D-printed shroud: If you’re tech-savvy, print a camera hood that extends 6–8 inches beyond the lens. It acts like a visor, blocking overhead perches. I found a free design on Thingiverse that works with my Arlo Pro 4.

Warning: Don’t cover the lens or sensors. Test the camera after installation. Make sure night vision and motion detection still work.

Physical barriers are the gold standard. They’re durable, low-maintenance, and effective. Just make sure they don’t block your field of view. This is a core part of how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

Step 4: Use Visual Deterrents (Light, Movement, and Color)

Birds rely on sight. Use that against them.

Hang reflective tape or old CDs near the camera. The flashing light confuses birds and makes the area seem unstable. I tied a few CDs with fishing line so they spin in the wind—worked like a charm.

Wind spinners or pinwheels also work. They create motion that birds find threatening. Place them within 2–3 feet of the camera.

Another trick: paint a fake eyeball on a nearby surface. Birds think a predator is watching. I used a round mirror and drew a big “eye” with permanent marker. It sounds silly, but it deterred starlings for weeks.

Rotate these every 2–3 weeks. Birds get used to static objects. But if you change the pattern, they’ll stay away.

Pro tip: Use UV-reflective materials. Birds see ultraviolet light, which we don’t. A UV sticker or tape is invisible to us but glaring to them.

Visual deterrents are cheap and easy. They’re not 100% effective alone, but they’re great when combined with other methods. A key part of how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

Step 5: Try Motion-Activated Sprinklers or Ultrasonic Devices

For persistent birds, go active.

Motion-activated sprinklers like the Orbit B-hyve or ScareCrow use a sensor to detect movement and spray a burst of water. Birds hate getting wet—and they won’t come back.

Install the sprinkler 3–5 feet from the camera, angled to cover the landing zone. Use a timer so it only activates during daylight. You don’t want it going off at night when you’re the one walking by.

Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that birds find irritating. But here’s the catch: many are ineffective. Cheap ones don’t cover enough area, and birds can adapt.

I tested a $30 ultrasonic repeller. It worked for a week—then the pigeons returned. The Bird-X Ultrasonic model was better, but it required direct power and had a limited range.

Warning: Ultrasonic devices can affect pets (especially dogs and cats). Test them in a safe area first.

Sprinklers are more reliable. They’re also fun to watch—my neighbor’s cat got sprayed once and never came near again. Just remember: these are part of a strategy, not a silver bullet. Essential in how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

Step 6: Reposition or Relocate the Camera (If Possible)

Sometimes the best solution is to move the camera.

If your Arlo is under a wide eave, consider shifting it to a more exposed spot—like a wall or pole. Birds avoid open areas with no shelter.

Use a pole mount or adjustable arm to extend the camera away from the house. This also improves your field of view.

I moved my camera from the back porch to a 10-foot pole in the yard. No more birds, and I now see the entire driveway. Win-win.

If relocation isn’t possible, try angling the camera slightly downward. This makes it harder for birds to land on top.

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app to test the view before finalizing the mount. Make sure you still cover key areas.

Repositioning takes effort, but it’s often the most effective long-term fix. A core element of how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

Step 7: Maintain and Monitor Regularly

Bird deterrence isn’t a one-and-done deal. Birds are clever and persistent.

Check your camera every 2–3 days. Look for:

• New droppings or feathers
• Damage to deterrents (e.g., chewed tape, bent spikes)
• Changes in bird behavior

Clean the lens weekly. Even a tiny smudge can reduce motion detection accuracy.

Rotate visual deterrents monthly. Replace reflective tape when it fades. Trim nearby trees or branches that birds use as launch pads.

And keep a log. Note what works and what doesn’t. Over time, you’ll learn your local birds’ habits.

I keep a small notebook in my toolbox. “June 12: Swapped CD for new tape. Pigeons returned. June 15: Added sprinkler. All clear.” It sounds nerdy, but it helps.

Maintenance is the glue that holds your strategy together. Don’t skip it. This is how you truly master how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned—the hard way.

• Don’t use sticky gels or poisons: They’re inhumane and illegal in many areas. Plus, they attract insects and smell terrible.
• Avoid fake owls or snakes: Birds figure them out in days. They work for a week, then become decorations.
• Don’t block the lens: It sounds obvious, but I’ve seen people cover the camera with mesh so tight it blocks night vision. Test your view after every change.
• Don’t ignore local laws: Some birds (like swallows) are protected. Check your state’s wildlife regulations before removing nests.
• Don’t rely on one method: Birds adapt. Use 2–3 deterrents together. For example: spikes + reflective tape + sprinkler.

Pro tip: Use a secondary camera (like a cheap Wyze) to monitor your main Arlo. That way, you can see if birds are approaching from blind spots.

One mistake I made early on: I installed bird spikes but left a 1-inch gap on one side. The starlings found it and nested anyway. Now I check every inch.

Also, be patient. Deterrents take time to work. Give each method at least 2–3 weeks before judging it.

And remember: the goal is coexistence. We want birds in our gardens—just not on our cameras. These insights are vital for how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

FAQs About How to Keep Birds Off My Arlo Camera in 2026 Expert Tips

Q: Do bird spikes hurt the birds?

No. They’re designed to block landing, not injure. The spikes are blunt and spaced so birds can’t perch. It’s like putting up a “no parking” sign—annoying, but harmless.

Q: Will a motion sprinkler work at night?

It can, but I don’t recommend it. Nighttime sprinklers waste water and might activate when you (or your dog) walk by. Set the timer for 6 AM to 8 PM. Birds are most active during the day anyway.

Q: Can I use a fake bird of prey?

You can, but don’t expect miracles. A plastic owl might work for a week. After that, birds realize it’s fake. I once had a crow land on my fake hawk and poop on it. Not ideal.

Q: What if birds have already nested?

Check local laws first. Many birds are protected during nesting season (usually spring). If it’s safe, gently remove the nest with gloves and a mask. Clean the area, then install deterrents. Wait until the birds leave before acting.

Q: Do ultrasonic devices work on all birds?

Mostly, but not always. Some species (like pigeons) have limited hearing. And cheap devices don’t cover enough area. High-end models work better, but they’re not a guarantee.

Q: Can I paint my Arlo camera to blend in?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Paint can block the lens, sensors, or ventilation. And Arlo cameras are designed to reflect heat—painting them can cause overheating. Instead, use camouflage around the camera, not on it.

Q: How often should I clean my Arlo lens?

At least once a week. More if you’re in a dusty or high-bird area. Use a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol. A dirty lens can trigger false motion alerts or reduce image quality.

These FAQs are part of mastering how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips. They address real concerns from real people.

Final Thoughts

Keeping birds off your Arlo camera isn’t about winning a war—it’s about smart, humane coexistence.

You don’t need fancy tech or expensive gadgets. Start simple: clean the camera, add a few spikes, hang some reflective tape. Then observe, adapt, and maintain.

The best strategy is layered. Combine physical barriers, visual deterrents, and active devices. Reposition the camera if you can. And stay consistent.

Remember: birds are part of our world. We just want them to stay off our security gear. With these how to keep birds off my Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips, you’ll get clear footage, fewer false alerts, and peace of mind.

Now go check your camera. Is there a feather on the lens? A new visitor in the corner? Time to act. You’ve got this.