(StatePoint) Without a few measures in place, your home and garden could be hazardous to birds. Here are some great ways to create a safe haven for beautiful flying visitors.

• • Garden organically: Conventional pesticides can be toxic to birds, so ditch the dangerous chemicals. Did you know that there are essential oils that you can use instead that will do the job of warding off pests without harming birds — or people for that matter? Protecting birds is not only the right thing to do, but their health and safety helps ensure their ability to feed on the very pests you’re trying to eliminate.
• • Make windows visible: Your beautiful view can be a safety hazard to birds. Each year, millions of wild birds are killed in the U.S. alone by striking windows. Fortunately, there’s an easy action you can take to prevent this from happening, and it is to apply decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight to your home’s windows, particularly those windows that are highly reflective of open sky. Doing so has been proven to substantially reduce the likelihood of bird strikes. Those from WindowAlert feature patterns that give the appearance of slightly frosted translucent glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds. The brand also makes WindowAlert UV Liquid, a high-tech liquid that offers even greater protection when applied between decals. To learn more, visit WindowAlert.com.
• • Introduce birdfeeders, mindfully: Birdfeeders attract birds to your yard and give them a place to rest and refuel. However, it’s important not to unintentionally create a safety hazard with this addition. Because feeding birds are easily frightened and apt to take wild, evasive flight, the risk of birds striking windows can be elevated near birdfeeders. By using window decals, as well as by positioning feeders closer than three feet or farther than 30 feet from windows, you can create a safer space. Already have birdfeeders? Take a look at their current placement and make changes as needed.