The simplest way to keep birds out of a wreath is to wrap it in fine-mesh deer netting, which is nearly invisible from a few feet away and physically blocks birds from settling in. But if a bird has already built a nest with eggs or chicks, federal law prohibits you from removing it until the young have left. Prevention is far easier than dealing with an active nest, so the best time to act is before nesting season begins in early spring.
Wrap the Wreath in Deer Netting
Black deer netting with roughly half-inch square mesh is the most reliable physical barrier. Wrap it snugly around the entire wreath and secure it with twist ties from bread or vegetable bags. Birds can’t pull apart the ties, and the fine black mesh blends into most wreath colors so well that visitors won’t notice it from three feet away. You can find deer netting at any garden center or hardware store for a few dollars per roll.
The key is full coverage. If you leave gaps at the top or bottom, persistent birds like house finches and robins will find a way in. Wrap the netting all the way around, pull it taut, and use multiple twist ties to keep it from loosening in the wind. This method works on both artificial and natural wreaths, though on fresh greenery you may need to re-secure the netting as the foliage dries and shrinks slightly over the season.
Use Scent-Based Repellents
Peppermint oil is one of the strongest scent deterrents for birds. A simple spray made from 14 drops of peppermint oil, 14 drops of lemon oil, half a cup of white vinegar, and half a cup of water can be misted directly onto the wreath. The overpowering smell discourages birds from landing, though it won’t harm them. Reapply every week or two, and more often after rain, since the scent fades as it dries out.
Citrus scents also repel birds, but citrus oil on its own is less effective as an area deterrent because it needs near-direct contact to bother them. Combining citrus with peppermint in a spray gives you better coverage. Stick to non-toxic, food-grade essential oils so you’re not introducing anything harmful to birds, pets, or the plants in your wreath.
Add Reflective or Moving Elements
Reflective bird tape, sometimes sold as holographic ribbon, spins in the breeze and throws flashes of light that confuse and startle birds. You can weave short strips of this tape into the back or sides of your wreath where they’ll catch wind but stay mostly hidden from the front. Even small pieces that rotate freely will make the wreath feel unpredictable and unsafe as a nesting spot.
Small pinwheels, metallic streamers, or even a few strands of old CDs hung near the wreath serve the same purpose. The combination of movement and reflected light is more effective than either one alone. These visual deterrents work best in the early weeks of nesting season, before a bird has committed to a location. Once a bird starts building, reflective tape alone is unlikely to drive it away.
Combine Methods for Best Results
No single deterrent is foolproof, especially with determined species like Carolina wrens, house finches, and robins that are drawn to the sheltered pocket a wreath creates against a door or wall. The most reliable approach layers two or three methods together. Wrap the wreath in netting as your primary barrier, spray it with peppermint solution for scent reinforcement, and tuck a strip or two of reflective tape into the back. Each layer addresses a different sense: touch, smell, and sight.
If your front door sees heavy daily use, that foot traffic alone can help. Birds prefer quiet, undisturbed spots. A wreath on a door you open ten times a day is less attractive than one on a side entrance you rarely use. If you have the option, move the wreath to a busier door or consider bringing it inside during peak nesting months (typically March through July in most of the U.S.).
What to Do If a Bird Has Already Nested
If you find a nest with eggs or chicks in your wreath, you’re legally required to leave it alone. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to destroy or remove an active nest containing eggs or dependent young for nearly all bird species in the United States. Violations are prosecutable, and permits for removal are granted only in rare cases involving human health or safety emergencies. Bald and golden eagle nests have even stricter protections and require a permit for removal at any time, whether occupied or not.
In practical terms, this means waiting it out. Most small songbirds fledge within two to three weeks after hatching, so the disruption is temporary. During that time, try using a different door if possible, and avoid slamming or frequently opening the door the wreath hangs on. The parent birds will tolerate some activity, but repeated disturbance close to the nest can cause them to abandon their young.
Cleaning Up After the Birds Leave
Once the nest is empty and the young birds are no longer returning to it, you can safely remove it. Bird droppings carry pathogens, including the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a lung infection. Old nests also harbor mites, parasites, and ticks that can linger long after the birds are gone.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, latex gloves, and a respiratory mask when handling the nest. Spray it with antibacterial spray and let it dry before removing it. Place the nest in a sealed trash bag and dispose of it in an outdoor bin away from your home. Disinfect the wreath thoroughly (or replace it if it’s too soiled), and clean the door and wall area where it hung. Afterward, remove your gloves, wash your clothes in hot water immediately, and scrub your hands well. It’s not an overly complicated process, but skipping the protective gear isn’t worth the risk.