My second favorite time of the year is finally here – summer (fall is superior, and I will die on this hill). In order to prepare, I decided to open my pool a few weeks ago. Usually, there are some issues that arise; I have issues balancing the chemicals (science is not my forte) or the pump is misbehaving. This year, a new challenge arose. A pair of ducks have decided to claim my pool as their personal pond.
Now, at first, I was ecstatic. I love ducks, and now I had the chance to see them swimming about if I looked out the window? But, little did I know, I shouldn’t be too excited. If the ducks poop in the water, anyone who goes for a swim has a chance to catch swimmer’s itch. The ducks might also mate in the yard, and start a family (as adorable as that would be, no, thank you). For a while, it seemed like the only option to get rid of my unwelcome guests would be to scare them off every time I noticed them. This issue came out of the blue – I’ve had this pool for almost seven years and have never had ducks before. So, I was a little lost on what to do. However, a quick search through Amazon led to the discovery of the Bird-X Scare Eye Balloons.
Bird-X Scare-Eye Balloons
Holographic predator eyes, bright colors, and wind movement adds up to a highly effective bird scare.
Cost-effective solution to repel most types of birds from outdoor areas, each balloon covering up to 6,000 sq ft.
Comes equipped with a string to be able to hang from trees and fences.
At first, this seemed like a joke. How could these balloons be intimidating, in any way, to ducks? I actually thought they were toys at first, and tried to get a game of volleyball going with them (I was feeling competitive, okay). But, the silver mylar stickers are meant to look like the eyes of a predator. And, they work exceedingly well.
Amazon reviewer Julie was also in the same boat as me (the doubt, not playing volleyball) at first, saying “Read reviews and thought, ‘There’s no way these eyeballs will repel ducks from landing in my pool after dealing with this every year for the past 5 years.’ Well… I was wrong! Haven’t seen one duck yet!! No poop on the concrete around the pool and no poop in the pool. I’ve been using them for over a week now. Those reviews saved me $100 bc I was going to purchase two owls. Thank goodness I tried these first!!”
Ducks aren’t the only birds afraid of these; these will also work on crows, doves, swallows and woodpeckers, and others.
Even if you don’t have a pool, this product can still be of use. Equipped with a small loop at the top, you can hang a balloon from a tree, fence post, or anywhere from your house. However, keep in mind you will need a pump of sort to inflate them.
Arthur B. Cooper Jr. hung these in one of his trees, and stated, “I have a very old Aspen tree in my front yard. Over the last 7 years, the woodpecker has devastated it. I’ve tried shiny things, plastic owls with solar-powered head movement, tin foil wrapped around the trunk; you name it. Until I hung these eyeballs, NOTHING EVER WORKED. Within two days of hanging these back in May when they arrived, the woodpeckers are GONE!!! IT WORKS!!!”
Nobody likes to have unwanted guests, especially if they’re going to poop in your pool and mate in your yard. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to keep those pesky flying critters out of your way, the Bird-X Scare Eye Balloons are the perfect solution to your problem.
