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When it comes to keeping birds from doing their business on your porch rails, you have several DIY options and home remedies you can try: 

• Tie a fishing line from one end of the deck post to the other. Birds won’t be able to see the line across the railing, so they can’t land on it.  

• Hang wind chimes close by, which may scare birds away. 

• Apply a bird gel repellent to the railings, which contains smells that birds generally don’t like. Or, similarly, you can apply citronella or lemon oil around the railings, since birds don’t like strong smells.

Using audio and visual methods to discourage birds might work initially, but birds tend to acclimate to them over time. While chemical deterrents can show some effectiveness, their results can be inconsistent. Some may dissipate too quickly, and there's a risk they might cause unintended damage to your surroundings. Additionally, birds might become immune or resistant to the impact of such treatments.

A solution of vinegar and water can deter moles, but be careful about the strength of the solution. Too much vinegar can dry out and kill grass or other plants when distributed too frequently.

Some birds of prey, like owls, hunt at night. Hawks are diurnal and need good light to see their prey. You could see them circling anytime from dawn to dusk. Species like the common red-tailed hawk are most active in the early morning and late evening when their prey is also typically on the go.