You can’t afford to be lazy when it comes to cleaning your bird bath. Apart from needing to change the water every day to prevent disease, stagnant water attracts mosquitoes and encourages algae growth.
If you don’t properly maintain your bird bath, you are creating an environment that’s both unsafe for birds and humans. And I know from experience that a clean bird bath brings in more feathered friends, who you can watch having a quick drink or making a splash.
Algae and mosquitoes are the biggest threat
“Algal growth is one issue, but even more urgent and potentially dangerous is the possibility of mosquitoes breeding,” says All About Birds, “The mosquitoes that breed in small stagnant pools, such as rain gutters and bird baths, are the ones most likely to harbor West Nile Virus, which is dangerous for both humans and birds. The importance of keeping water in bird baths clean cannot be overemphasized.”
So, to enjoy watching the birds swoop into your yard and to keep them safe, you need to keep your bird bath clean.
The magic power of copper
If you’re looking for a quick solution so you’re not having to scrub away at the grime, then the OICEME Bird Bath Purification Copper Disk could be a budget option, and it’s only $8 at Amazon. In fact, it’s similar to the copper coin hack.
How does it work? The copper ions inhibit bacteria and algae, leaving your birdbath clean and safe for birds.
The purification disc is made of pure copper, and it’s simple to use — no installation required. What’s more, it’s designed to be used in all types of birdbaths, including those made of glass, ceramic, stone, metal and even plastic.
Apart from placing the copper disc in a birdbath, it can also be used in water fountains and nectar feeders, and it’s compatible with most fountain pumps and birdbath heaters, so it can be used year-round.
What’s more, the disc is available in a variety of designs — choose between a Honeybee, Gnome, Leaf or Frog. Although it does the hard work for you, it’s still advisable to rinse the disk occasionally to maintain its effectiveness.
