How to Keep Birds Away From Your Food Outdoors

Seagull with pizza

Nothing ruins a picnic or beach day faster than birds swooping in and stealing your snacks. Seagulls, crows, pigeons, and other birds are always on the lookout for an easy meal—especially from people eating outside. Whether you're at the beach, in the park, or on a hike, it’s important to protect your food and avoid attracting birds.

Why Birds Try to Take Your Food

Birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons are used to seeing people with food. When they find crumbs or get fed, they learn to come back—and bring their friends. This can lead to a learned behavior, health problems for the birds, and a mess for you.

Common Birds That Scavenge for Human Food

Keep an eye out for these birds that often try to steal food:

• Seagulls – Most common at beaches. Loud and not afraid of people.

• Crows and Ravens – Smart birds found in parks, campgrounds, and cities.

• Pigeons – Common at picnics, parking lots, and sidewalks.

• Blue Jays or Steller’s Jays – Colorful and fast, often found in forests or on hiking trails.

• Hawks – Rare, but they may show interest in food in open areas.

How to Keep Birds Away From Food Outdoors

Use these bird deterrent tips to keep your snacks safe:

1. Cover Your Food: Use sealed containers, reusable wraps, or foil. Birds are less likely to try stealing food they can’t see or smell.

2. Don’t Leave Food Out: Always clean up right after eating. Even small crumbs attract birds quickly.

3. Eat Under Cover: Sit under a tree, umbrella, or tent when possible. Birds don’t like flying into small, covered areas.

4. Never Feed the Birds: Feeding birds encourages them to beg, steal, and return with more birds.

5. Use Bird-Scaring Items: Set up shiny objects like phone screens, tin foil, or reflective tape. Birds avoid areas with sudden flashes or movement.

6. Move If Needed: If birds keep bothering you, it’s okay to find another spot to enjoy your food.

   
   

Bird Problems That Won’t Go Away? AviAway Can Help

Sometimes, even when you do everything right, birds still become a problem—especially in busy public places or near buildings. That’s when professional bird control is the best solution.

AviAway Bird Control offers safe, humane ways to keep birds away from your food, property, or outdoor space. Whether it’s a park, beach, home, or business, AviAway uses expert methods to prevent bird issues before they get worse.

Visit AviAway.com to learn more about how to keep birds away the smart way.

Enjoy the Outdoors Without Bird Problems

Eating outside should be fun—not frustrating. By keeping your food sealed, avoiding feeding birds, and using bird deterrents, you can enjoy a bird-free meal at the beach, during a picnic, or on a hike. And if you need extra help, AviAway Bird Control is just a click away.

Protect your food. Prevent bird problems. Visit www.aviaway.com today.