Bird Deterrent Products

by Alex A. Kecskes

It's no surprise that pest birds have become a nagging nuisance. The bird droppings, the nests, the noise---it's enough to drive you crazy. Add to that the maintenance and cleanup costs and you have a crying need for some serious pest bird deterrents. What homeowners, boat owners, facilities managers and municipalities have discovered is that they can fight back. And they don't have to use dangerous, harmful or ineffective methods to rid themselves of pest birds.

Today's professional bird control experts have come up with a number of highly effective bird pest deterrents that can be used against a wide range of bird pests. Some are high tech and some are low tech. We'll start with the most simple devices.

Consisting of reflective foils, tape banners and balloons, Bird Scare deterrents create an “Optical Distraction Zone” that birds would rather not go near. Some banners and tape produce a crinkling noise in the breeze that alarms pest birds. Balloons have the added threat of large predator eyes imprinted on them, which adds to the scare factor. These devices work to discourage a wide range of birds. They are easily installed and need only be refreshed from time to time so birds won't get bored.

One manufacturer has developed the king of bird scare devices. Called the Scarecrow, this pest bird deterrent employs a motion-activated sprinkler to blast a burst of water whenever it senses an approaching bird. Ideal for gardens, backyards, pools/spas and other outdoor areas, the ingenious device combines water spray, the caricature of a moving bird's head and a sudden sprinkler sound to scare pest birds.

Next up is the king of bird pest deterrents--the Bird Spike. No matter how smart or skilled, no bird alive can negotiate a landing around these threatening looking spikes. The blunted spikes attach to most any flat surface and are harmless to birds and people. Some manufacturers offer spikes in various colors and, when installed correctly, are unnoticeable from anyone looking up from the ground. The spikes are available in durable stainless steel or stiff, unbreakable polycarbonate. As a bird pest deterrent, spikes can't be beat.

Some manufacturers offer a number of different types and sizes of bird spikes, each designed to deter a specific set of bird species and pest bird nuisance. For example, there's the Mega Spike, which has spikes that are typically 7” high to ward off large pest birds, such as seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors. The best mega spikes are made of marine grade stainless steel for lasting durability. When evaluating this deterrent, opt for spikes that are crush proof with a non-reflective metal finish. And if you can, go with a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that allows you to angle the spike to fit curved surfaces.

If you're looking for a pest bird deterrent that keeps birds out of rain gutters, there's the Gutter Spike. These are ideal for large pest birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons. The best gutter spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base to allow you to attach them to the lip of a gutter.

Birds hate spindly arms that threaten to grab them. That's the theory behind the Bird Spider. This bird pest deterrent is ideal for keeping pest birds away from outdoor eateries. awnings, canvas covers, patios and other flat areas. To whisk away birds of different sizes, spiders come with varying arm lengths.

A simple truth about all birds is that if they can't land, they won't stay. Our next pest bird deterrent exploits this truth. Unobtrusive to a fault, there's nothing threatening about the Bird Slope, yet no matter how many times they try and how skilled the bird, they just can't get a solid footing on these angled PVC panels. Ideal for eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches, bird slopes are easy to install on almost any surface.

Birds won't even try to land anywhere near our next bird pest deterrent--Bird Foggers and Misters. Once birds fly through the irritating mist dispensed by these systems, they can't wait to get the heck out of the area. The chemical--food-grade methyl anthranilate--is essentially a grape extract that's harmless to birds and humans. The more sophisticated fog/mist systems are equipped with timers and multiple nozzles that let you direct the mist to very specific sites in varying spray times and durations.

Our next bird pest deterrent presents birds with an icky, sticky landing zone. And birds hate that. Called Bird Gel, the stuff has proven its worth on a wide range of pest birds. It goes on any surface, is practically invisible and stays sticky for a full six months. Gels are an ideal deterrent and will keep all manner of pest birds off ledges, conduit, pipes, I-beams and parapet walls.

Sometimes only a physical bird barrier will keep pest birds from your property. And there's no better barrier than Bird Netting. Effective and humane, this bird pest deterrent has been widely used to keep birds out of groves, vineyards, enclosed courtyards and patios. You can get various net mesh sizes to deter any number of pest birds--from pigeons and sparrows to starlings and seagulls. You can also get bird netting that is flame resistant, U.V. stabilized, and rot- and water-proof. If you're going to put up netting for the long haul, these superior attributes are recommended.

 
 

by Alex A. Kecskes

In these tough economic times, you have to do whatever you can to protect your business. And that means limiting repair and maintenance costs to your structure and its systems. It also means keeping your business clean and attractive-looking for customers. If the exterior of our building is covered with bird droppings, you have to spend money to keep windows, doors and entryways clean.  If you're A.C. systems, rooftop ventilators, skylights and gutter systems are damaged or clogged by bird droppings, feathers and other bird debris, it's money down the drain.

Aside from being a nuisance, pest birds can cause you all sorts of problems. But there is something you can do now to keep birds from calling your place of business their home. It's called Bird Control.  Here are three bird control measures you can implement that will save you a lot of time and money.

Bird Wires. These simple post-and-wire systems can be strung up just about anywhere—on rooftops, along parapet walls, over signs and windows. When birds try to land on bird wires, they shimmy and wobble and soon leave. These wires are also ideal for keeping birds off ledges, handrails and similar areas. And they are easy to install on most surfaces. They are also safe and humane, and have been approved even for use on Federal and State government structures. The best bird wire systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire to last longer in punishing weather. Bird wires are an affordable, low profile, low visibility solution to deter pigeons, crows, gulls and many other pest birds. While recommended for large pest birds, bird wire systems should not be used in areas where birds have been nesting.

Transparent Bird Gel. If your rooflines, ledges, open beams and other areas are covered with bird droppings and you're tired of the smell, you can use this gel to keep them off these areas. Bird gel works equally well on signs, conduit, pipes and other problem areas. The reason it works is because birds hate to step on the sticky surface. After a few steps they leave. The bird gel can be used in temperatures from 15F to 200F and it usually lasts up to 6 months outdoors. It's easily applied using a caulking gun. Spread it on problem areas to keep pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls, starlings and many other pest birds from nesting and roosting. The gel is non-toxic to birds and maintenance crews. Best of all, the gel is practically invisible.

Bird Spikes. Seems everyone has been using these spikes to keep birds from landing on their retail establishments.  And who can blame them?  They work.  Birds try to land on or near them and they soon give up and move on. Bird spikes are among the most effective bird deterrents ever devised and are ideal for all manner of pest birds—including pigeons, seagulls and similar large birds. They're easily installed and come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; the plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. The plastic bird spikes can be used near cell phone antennas and TV dishes, since they won't interfere with RF energy. Today's bird spikes also come in a non-reflective metal finish and a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes won't harm birds or maintenance crews. They have been approved by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds can be loud, annoying, destructive, even hazardous to one's health and well-being.

But thanks to modern technology, man has come up with a number of ingenious ways to discourage these fine-feathered pests from landing, roosting and nesting on valued property. These bird deterrents run the gamut from low-tech flashy banners to high-tech ultrasonic systems that annoy pest birds almost as much as they annoy us.

Among the most elementary and economical is the Bird Scare deterrent. These reflective banners and balloons are usually made of metal foil or shiny tape and are animated by even the gentlest breeze. Some balloons have large predator eyes. And all work on the principle of creating an “Optical Distraction Zone.” Aside from being fairly inexpensive, these scare-eye diverters can be easily affixed to almost any point or surface pest birds tend to land. Bird scare products are perfect for boats, patios, pool areas, overhangs, gazebos, and other open areas, even vineyards and orchards.

An ever-popular bird deterrent for use against pigeons and large birds is the Bird Spike. These come in strips of menacing-looking spikes that effectively keep pest birds from landing. You can choose steel spiked strips or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes (the poly spikes are less expensive). Ideal for use on rooftops, signs and other elevated areas, they're easy to install and won't harm birds.

For awnings, boat or patio covers, and other flat surfaces, you can't go wrong with the Bird Spider. These have spider arms that wave in the breeze. To a pest bird, the arms look like tentacles that are about to grab them, so birds avoid them. Spiders come in a number of diameters to discourage various bird sizes. Best of all, they're maintenance free and harmless to birds.

If you've ever tried to run on ice, you know the feeling a best bird gets with this bird deterrent. Made of angled PVC panels, Bird Slopes just won't allow birds to land--their little legs slip and slide right off. Bird slopes are perfect for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree corners where pest birds like to nest.

Another bird deterrent that works a bird's legs is Bird Gel. You apply it with a caulking gun, and when the gel dries, it skins over, leaving a sticky membrane that birds can't stand. Not to worry, it’s safe for birds (except swallows). Bird gels are ideal for a wide range of surfaces, including conduit, pipes, ledges, I-beams and parapet walls.

If you've got a large area to protect--like a warehouse, airplane hangar, big courtyard, or rooftop, Bird Netting makes an ideal bird deterrent. Mesh openings vary to deter various sizes of pest birds, including sparrows, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and other large birds. Opt for netting that's flame resistant, U.V. stabilized, and rot and waterproof. For most applications, choose non-conductive netting.

Our next bird deterrent depends on electrical conductivity to discourage pest birds from landing. Called Electric Track Bird Repellants, these deliver a mild electric shock that’s irritating yet harmless to birds. Ideal for pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, the electric tracks are easily mounted on signs, ledges, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces. Opt for tracks with a flow-through design to keep water from damming up on rooftops.

Moving into the higher tech category of bird deterrents, there's a the Motorized Whirly Gig device. These feature rotating arms that resemble an animated Bird Spider. Ideal for signs, billboards, parapet walls, roofs, or any flat surface. Some have batteries, others you plug in, and some run on solar power.

Another high-tech bird deterrent uses sounds to discourage pest birds from landing and nesting. Called Audio Bird Repellents, they emit ultrasonic sounds that mimic a bird's predator or distress calls. These are ideal for parking garages and overhangs. Whether you've got problems with pigeons, sparrows, starlings, or seagulls, these ultrasonics will keep them away.

By Alex A. Kecskes

In recent months, the Villa Del Arroyo mobile home park on the east end of Moorpark, CA has been invaded by birds. In a scene right out of the movie “The Birds,” thousands of crows have descended on the roofs of the park’s mobile homes.

Residents are rudely awaked every day at 6 a.m. to the incessant caws of the noisy black birds. At night, more waves of crows move in, creating quite a din and leaving pounds of droppings on roofs. Some of the birds pick off roof tiles, which residents claim, have caused their roofs to leak. Many residents avoid walking their dogs while the crows are visiting. The numbers seem to swell in the winter and then drop off near the beginning of the breeding season, usually in March. Getting them off rooftops has been a challenge, as they leave when frightened only to return later.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep birds from landing on rooftops. Here are some of the most effective and popular bird deterrents.

Bird Spikes. If you’re a bird, you’ll flap and weave and circle around these spikes, but you’ll never be able to land. The spiked strips have been keeping birds off rooftops, ledges and parapet walls for years. They’re easy to install using glue, nails or screws. And they come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or high strength, durable stainless steel. The poly spikes cost a bit less and are a good choice around TV dish antennas or cell phone aerials, as they won’t interfere with RF transmissions. These spikes also come in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear to blend in better with the shade of roof. When installing bird spikes, place them on roof crowns, parapet walls and ledges where birds tend to land.

Bird Gels. A popular and highly effective bird proofing solution, Bird Gels create a sticky, unpleasant surface for birds to land on. Birds take a few steps and it’s off they go to more accommodating landing sites. Gels are easy to apply using a standard caulking gun. Use a zig-zag pattern on the surface--ledge, parapet wall, conduit, or pipe--and re-apply every 6 months or so. Gels, by the way, are safe for birds (except swallows). They are effective against small and large birds, including pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls and starlings. The substance maintains its sticky constitution in a wide temperature range—from 15F – 200F.

Bird Spiders. These devices are ideal for keeping pest birds off specific roof areas—like A.C. units, skylights, vents and the like. They are compact and easy to move from location to location.  The wildly flailing arms that bob and weave in the breeze make birds very nervous, so they simply move on. Bird spiders come in various sizes--including 2-, 4- and 8-foot diameter arm lengths to create ever widening diameters of protection. The devices are highly effective against a wide variety of pest birds, including gulls, pigeons, cormorants and raptors. The best bird spiders feature a glue-on base, which allows them to be easily attached to most surfaces. Some spiders come with a removable sand bag base that makes them easy to position where pest birds tend to gather. The best bird spiders have a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base for lasting durability in tough outdoor weather.

Bird Sonics. A highly effective bird proofing device, particularly for larger rooftop areas, Bird Sonic Systems broadcast predator and distress calls to frighten birds away. The sounds alarm pest birds, but are not unpleasant to humans or pets. One of the best sonic systems currently available will broadcast distress and predator calls for as many as 22 different types of birds. It will broadcast sounds for about 2 minutes, remain silent for 10 minutes, then play for another 2 minutes, alternating this way to keep pest bird on their toes. These bird deterrents can be programmed to emit distress and predator calls day and night—or to shut off and come on and specific times. Some systems will continually alter the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of their sounds for maximum effect.

For best results, bird proofing devices can be used in tandem with other pest bird deterrents. Before you install these or other deterrents, clean the roof thoroughly of bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Birds are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.” Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Homeowners, property managers and facilities managers are increasingly turning to bird deterrents to bird proof their homes and buildings. While these scientifically designed devices do a great job in achieving bird control, they must be properly installed for best effect.

For example, when installing Bird Spikes, there are certain guidelines one must follow. First off, you should know that these spiked strips can be used in enclosed or exposed areas and in Light to Heavy Bird Pressure environments. Heavy pressure=lots of birds nesting or roosting at the site; Light Pressure=just a few birds stopping during the day. In addition, bird spikes are generally ideal for deterring larger birds--like pigeons and seagulls. They can be installed on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduits and signs--on flat or curved surfaces.

Stainless steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and two-foot sections. The 3-inch spikes will provide 2 to 4 inches of coverage on a 5-inch wide ledge; the 5-inch spikes will cover 5 to 7-inches on a 7-inch wide ledge; and the 8-inch spikes will cover 8 to 10 inches on a 10-inch wide ledge.

If you want your bird spikes to blend in with their surroundings or you need to install spikes near dish TV antennas or around cell phone antennas, you should consider rigid plastic bird spikes. They’re made of a U.V.-resistant, unbreakable polycarbonate material and they come in seven different colors, as well as 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and two-foot sections. The 3-inch spikes will provide 1 to 5 inches of coverage on a 5-inch wide ledge; the 5-inch spikes will cover 5 to 7-inches on a 7-inch wide ledge; and the 7-inch spikes will cover 6 to 9 inches on a 9-inch wide ledge.

Bird spikes can be glued, screwed or tied down to most any surface. Be sure to use construction-grade adhesives in the glue trough. And use the offset pre-drilled holes for screws or glue. If you need smaller pieces, use the breakaway notches. The spikes should protect the surface, leaving no more than a 1-inch gap on either side. To install bird spikes on pipes and conduits, use a 1-inch spike to cover 1 to 2 inches and use common hose clamps, nylon ties or wire lashings.

Another popular bird proofing measure called Ultra Net also requires proper installation to function as an effective deterrent. Ideal for keeping pest birds from eaves, barns, balconies, garages and sheds, this lightweight plastic mesh is designed for temporary use.

Ultra Net comes in various bulk sizes and three different mesh openings--3/4-, 1/2- and 1/4-inch--to deter, pigeons, swallows, crows, gulls and sparrows. For smaller birds, use the 1/2- and 1/4-inch netting.

When bird proofing fruit trees, vegetable gardens, blueberry bushes and grape vines, suspend the netting above these plants. For trees, measure the circumference of the tree and cut at least one extra foot.  Secure the netting with twine, zip ties, or hog rings.

For blueberry bushes and grape vines, suspend the netting over the bush or vine and leave at least 6 inches of clearance. This keeps birds a safe distance away from your fruit when they land on the netting.  Another way to install netting is to suspend it using poles positioned around the bush or vine.

To bird proof vegetable gardens, wrap each plant in netting or suspend the netting around the entire garden area to create a bird barrier. To keep pest birds away from eaves and open spaces, install netting using clips or staples.

Before installing any bird deterrents, the surface should be clean and dry. Thoroughly remove bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Birds are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.” Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

For additional advice on how to properly install bird deterrents, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

by Fran Prisco

Every year thousands of dollars are spent by building owners, homeowners and property managers cleaning up after birds.  Birds become a problem when they decide to land, roost and nest on our buildings and homes, leaving behind debris, damage and droppings.  Not only do pest birds leave an unsightly mess, it can also be a health hazard.  Birds such as pigeons and gulls can carry any of 60 plus transmittable diseases in their droppings.  Bird droppings are also acidic and can quickly eat away at building materials and paint.

Building owners and homeowners alike have found that the best way to get rid of birds is to install some sort of bird deterrent system.  Choosing the correct bird control product for any bird problems depends on what type of bird is a problem, where they are a problem and what they are doing.  Once you have answered these questions, you can choose the proper bird deterrent to do the job.

Before installing any type of bird deterrent, it is important to do a thorough cleanup. It is best to power wash or spray bird droppings down and remove them while wet.  Dried bird droppings can cause dust which when breathed in may carry any of 60 plus communicable diseases.   Bird Droppings are also acidic and can quickly erode building and roofing materials, not to mention that they are a safety hazard on sidewalks, causing slip and fall accidents.

Bird Deterrents for Commercial Applications

Bird Spikes are an ideal way to keep larger birds such as pigeons and gulls from landing on commercial buildings.  They are easily installed using adhesive, screws or tie downs.  Use birds spikes to keep birds from landing on ledges, roof edges and peaks, parapet walls, windowsills and other flat surfaces.  Be sure to cover the entire surface with bird spikes so the birds cannot land around them.  Often times, if birds can land around the spikes, they will use them as a nesting area.  Made from stainless steel or polycarbonate plastic, bird spikes are rugged and long lasting.  Once installed there is little maintenance; periodic cleaning of debris buildup from nearby trees or shrubs is all it takes.

Electric Bird Repellers are electrified track that give pigeons a small “jolt” when they touch the track.  They are easily installed on parapet walls, roof edges and peaks, ledges and even channel letters.  Install the track with an outdoor adhesive and connect to a solar or direct charger.  When the pigeons are “Zapped” by the electrical current running through the track, they will change their landing and roosting habits and find another more comfortable area.  Electric bird repellents are low profile, usually no more than ¼” high, which does not take away from the buildings aesthetics.  These bird control tracks are one of the most specified systems by architects, government offices and contractors.

Bird Netting is used on and in commercial buildings with severe bird problems.  Bird net is an exclusionary bird deterrent; it excludes birds from areas that they are unwanted.  Bird netting is ideal to use in large warehouses, airplane hangars, “Big Box” stores and food processing plants.  It can also be used on building facades to protect signs, channel letters and architectural features.  It is best to hire a professional to install bird netting, if not done properly, the netting may sag and allow birds to get underneath it.

Cell-phone towers are becoming as ubiquitous as trees. Over 100,000 towers are listed in a federal database, with some 22,000 new towers having been erected in just the past five years. Without proper bird deterrents, the towers can be dangerous to birds. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, between 5 million and 50 million birds die each year when they slam into towers that are used to power cellular telephones, pagers, televisions and radios, Migrating birds crash into these towers because they are lighted at nigh and attract birds. Bird deterrents can prevent these mishaps.

According to environmentalists, birds killed or injured include such endangered migratory songbirds as the black rail, Bell's vireo, the golden-winged warbler and Henslow's sparrow. Most songbirds fly at night and orient themselves via starlight. In bad weather, birds often mistake tower lights for stars. The birds keep circling until they collide with the tower, support wires, or each other. The problem is that birds are sensitive to magnetic radiation to the point where microwaves interfere with their sensors and misguide them while navigating. Environmentalists have urged cell phone companies to install bird deterrents to save the birds.

But collisions aren't the only danger cell phone towers pose to birds. A study by a team in Panjab University found that the EMR (electromagnetic radiation) could damage bird eggs and embryos. The frequency of 900 or 1,800 MHz can result in thinner bird skulls and eggshells.

Then there's the damage birds inflict on the towers. Bird droppings can corrode copper fittings and connections and thus interrupt service. They can also corrode supporting braces and structures and damage plastics. Bird nests can plug rain gutters and vents,  which can lead to water damage and short circuits.

Another problem with bird droppings on cell phone towers is that the droppings carry diseases. Maintenance workers can become seriously ill when they disturb dried droppings and nests and inhale the dust, bacteria and spores that live in bird droppings.

Finally, bird droppings can cause potentially lethal slip-and-fall hazards as maintenance workers maneuver around cell phone towers—some of which are in dangerously lofty perches. The right bird deterrent can keep pest birds away from these towers.

One way to discourage pest birds from avoiding cell phone towers is through the use of Plastic Bird Spikes.  Plastic bird spikes are made of a rigid polycarbonate plastic.  They are U.V. protected and non-conductive, making them ideal for installation on cell phone towers.  Plastic bird spikes come in a variety of colors to match the towers, so once installed they will be virtually invisible.  The best plastic bird spikes will come with a 5-year guarantee making them one of the longest lasting bird deterrents on the market.

Pigeons can become a very costly nuisance for gas station owners, especially for owners who have gas stations with fast food stores attached to them. Without bird deterrents to dissuade them, pigeons will settle in and nest on the canopies and overhangs of these properties. It only takes a few years for a flock of pigeons to completely clog the gutters of these structures with their nests. And it doesn't take long for the metal (which, in most cases is lightweight) to succumb to the acid in pigeon droppings. The droppings eat away the paint, exposing the metal to the elements, which can cause extensive rust damage.

When gutters become clogged, they are increasingly less effective. And when it rains, the added water weight on a canopy's roof is about twice the dry weight. Before you know it, your expensive canopy, overhang or guttering will need to be replaced. If you ignore the problem for too long, a canopy could collapse. Imagine the liability if there are customers underneath.

In the absence of bird deterrents to control pigeons, canopies and overhangs make an ideal place for these birds to gather. They're generally safe from predators and, if the gas station has a convenience store attached that sells any kind of food, pigeons will swoop down for a meal.  Most gas station trashcans are overflowing with leftover food scraps. Some gas station convenience stores even have small tables and chairs for customers to eat a burger, fries or hot dog. And kids eating there often leave scraps on these tables, which means more food for pigeons to get fat, poop and breed.

A popular and highly effective commercial bird deterrent is Bird Netting. Properly installed, pigeon netting presents an impenetrable barrier for pigeons. For commercial structures, heavy-duty bird netting is ideal. It can take the weight and wear that flocks of pigeons dish out. Heavy duty bird netting is most often prescribed by architects. For maximum effectiveness as a bird deterrent, look for bird netting made of ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. This netting is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The netting should be draped over rooftops, nooks and crannies to prevent pigeons from reaching nesting areas. For best results, bird netting should be installed before pigeons gather in large flocks.

by Alex A. Kecskes

In these tough economic times, you have to do whatever you can to protect your business. And that means limiting repair and maintenance costs to your structure and its systems. It also means keeping your business clean and attractive-looking for customers. If the exterior of our building is covered with bird droppings, you have to spend money to keep windows, doors and entryways clean.  If you're A.C. systems, rooftop ventilators, skylights and gutter systems are damaged or clogged by bird droppings, feathers and other bird debris, it's money down the drain.

Aside from being a nuisance, pest birds can cause you all sorts of problems. But there is something you can do now to keep birds from calling your place of business their home. It's called Bird Control.  Here are three bird control measures you can implement that will save you a lot of time and money.

Bird Wires. These simple post-and-wire systems can be strung up just about anywhere—on rooftops, along parapet walls, over signs and windows. When birds try to land on bird wires, they shimmy and wobble and soon leave. These wires are also ideal for keeping large birds off ledges, handrails and similar areas. And they are easy to install on most surfaces. They are also safe and humane, and have been approved even for use on Federal and State government structures. The best bird wire systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire to last longer in punishing weather. Bird wires are an affordable, low profile, low visibility solution to deter pigeons, crows, gulls and many other pest birds. While recommended for large pest birds, bird wire systems should not be used in areas where birds have been nesting.

Transparent Bird Gel. If your rooflines, ledges, open beams and other areas are covered with bird droppings and you're tired of the smell, you can use this gel to keep them off these areas. Bird gel works equally well on signs, conduit, pipes and other problem areas. The reason it works is because birds hate to step on the sticky surface. After a few steps they leave. The bird deterrent gel can be used in temperatures from 15F to 200F and it usually lasts up to 6 months outdoors. It's easily applied using a caulking gun. Spread it on problem areas to keep pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls, starlings and many other pest birds from nesting and roosting. The gel is non-toxic to birds and maintenance crews. Best of all, the gel is practically invisible.

Bird Spikes. Seems everyone has been using these spikes to keep birds from landing on their retail establishments.  And who can blame them?  They work.  Birds try to land on or near them and they soon give up and move on. Bird spikes are among the most effective bird deterrents ever devised and are ideal for all manner of pest birds—including pigeons, seagulls and similar large birds. They're easily installed and come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; the plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. The plastic spikes can be used near cell phone antennas and TV dishes, since they won't interfere with RF energy. Today's bird deterrent spikes also come in a non-reflective metal finish and a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes won't harm birds or maintenance crews. They have been approved by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

by Alex A. Kecskes

We have a love-hate relationship with our fine-feathered friends. Poets love them. Property managers can do without them. Like anything in this world, too many birds can be a real problem. Suddenly, what was endearing becomes a pest. One that's noisy, messy and damaging to almost everything it lands on. The solution? Bird deterrents.

In days of old, this meant culling by birdshot, trained predator –like hawks, or poisons. Today, thanks to environmentalists, there are far more humane ways of discouraging pest birds. These bird deterrents have come just in time. For today, pest birds have so many more places to perch, nest and wreak havoc.

It's no surprise to many that the damage pest birds cause cost businesses and municipalities millions annually. Their droppings contain highly concentrated uric acid, which can alter the color of painted surfaces, permanently stain wood and, over time, erode even metal and stone. Many a stone façade or gleaming bronze statue has been reduced to pitted or crumbling rubble thanks to bird droppings. And many have been saved from this fate by bird deterrents.

Then there are the health hazards that bird droppings create. Bacteria and parasites that live and grow in bird droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. Needless to say, keeping bird droppings away from outdoor eateries, parks and public playgrounds, schools and day-care centers can be a crucial first step in preventing the spread of some very serious diseases. Once again, bird deterrents can help keep pest birds at bay and shoo them away.

Thanks to some inventive people, today's bird deterrents are both humane and effective. They run the gamut from high tech to simple and economical. Most can be used in any situation or location and provide relief from a wide range of pest birds. 

One bird deterrent that has been proven effective is the bird gel. Applied like calk from a calking gun, gels create a sticky surface that birds simply can't stand; yet they're safe for birds (except swallows) and people. Gels are ideally suited for I-beams, parapet walls, ledges, conduit, pipes, and flat or curved surfaces where pest birds like to gather.

Another simple bird deterrent is the Bird Spike strip. Ideal for pigeons and other large birds, they require no maintenance and are easy to install. Some have stainless steel bird spikes that look menacing but are harmless to birds. Others feature spikes of rigid unbreakable polycarbonate--ideal for areas where electrical conductivity prohibits the use of steel spikes. Bird spikes are particularly useful for rooftops, commercial signs, billboards, and other open areas. Another simple bird deterrent is the Bird Spider. Ideal for boat canvas covers, biminis, radar antennas and other areas, the spider arms come in a variety of diameters and undulate with the breeze, discouraging a wide range of larger pest birds such as pigeons and gulls from landing.

For courtyards, canopies, signs, warehouses, airplane hangars and rooftops, there's Bird Netting. This highly effective bird deterrent discourages many species of birds from landing. Heavy-duty bird netting is most often prescribed by architects. Some brands have ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric that's U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. For many applications, non-conductive webbing is preferred. Netting is usually available in 3/4", 1-1/8" and 2" mesh sizes to deter sparrows, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and larger birds.

Finally, an entire family of higher-tech bird deterrents. Included here are the electric-track bird deterrent products. These are ideal for deterring all types of pest birds. Easily mounted on ledges, signs, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces, they utilize an electrified track to impart a mild electric shock to discourage pest birds from landing. Once shocked, birds are convinced that the area is definitely not bird friendly, thus altering a bird’s habits to land and nest there. Some low-profile systems are almost invisible. Others feature a flow-through design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops and other surfaces. Opt for marine grade Monel knitted wire, if you can. It's stronger than steel, and highly resistant to corrosion, alkali and acidic environments. The knitted designs have a single strand of higher gauge wire and a tube-within-a-tube design that allows for greater conductivity and enhanced strength.

So there you have it. While there's no shortage of pest birds today, there's also no shortage of bird deterrents to shoo them away.