Bird Deterrent Products

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.

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.

Spring can be a time of flowering gardens, backyard barbeques and pool parties with friends and relatives. Unfortunately, Spring also draws some unwelcome guests—pest birds. Unless you've implemented bird deterrents before they arrive, these winged pests will undoubtedly make themselves at home in your backyard, patio, and garden .  They'll build nests and leave unsightly droppings in your freshly cleaned pool and spa. Birds will also leave their little deposits on your sparkling barbeque, shade umbrellas, walkways and garden ornaments.  

The key to keeping pest birds away before they flock to your property in Spring is preparation in the form of effective pest bird deterrents. But which should you choose?  A few suggestions:

 Bird Spikes. Ideal for awnings, patio covers and rooflines, these tried and true bird deterrents keep pest birds from landing. If you're on a tight budget, opt for the rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate bird spikes. If you want them to last practically forever, go with the flexible stainless steel spikes. No matter which you choose, bird spikes come in a variety of sizes, are easy to install and won’t harm birds. They work quite well in discouraging all manner of pest birds, keeping them off of pipes, chimneys, cutouts, and light fixtures. When installing them, make sure you cover the area tightly to prevent birds from sneaking around them. That means closing off corners and all open sides of a ledge.

 Bird Netting. This physical barrier deterrent keeps pest birds away from courtyards, patio covers, and rooftops. The best heavy-duty bird netting is most often prescribed by architects. Its ISO 1806 mesh-test polyethylene fabric is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The sub-zero stable, non-conductive webbing comes in 3/4-inch, 1-1/8-inch and 2-inch mesh sizes to deter all manner of pest birds. Bird netting should be positioned over window recesses, balconies or even whole rooftops to prevent birds from gaining a foothold in nesting areas.

Bird Slopes. These angled, slippery PVC panels deny pest birds a stable place to land. No matter how hard they try, their little legs will just "squirrel cage" endlessly until they finally give up and move on. Perfect for ledges, eaves, beams and other 90-degree nooks and crannies, bird slopes present an unobtrusive bird-proofing method that blends into the architecture of a home or building. The panels come in several colors and can be easily painted to match any home’s décor. When installing bid slope panels on wide ledges, the panel's flat base glues to any clean surface. For narrow ledges, the fins can be trimmed down. The best bird slope panels are made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate.

Keep in mind that all of these bird deterrents should be installed before pest birds arrive in the Spring. If you're not ready for the birds, they'll move right in.

 

by Alex A. Kecskes

Among the family of pest birds that plague our homes and businesses, one can include the bird type known as "invasive birds." Birds that fall into this category can pose a problem for wildlife, agriculture and, most alarmingly, human health. So what constitutes an invasive bird?

For starters, invasive species are not native to a particular area. Without bird deterrents to control them, they will threaten the local ecosystem and economy, and pose significant human health risks. It should be noted that not every non-native bird can be classified as invasive. Many of these nomads readily adapt to new and different ecosystems without threatening these habitats. Only when a species significantly impacts a new area can it be labeled as invasive. It's also worth noting that a species that may be considered invasive in one area may be entirely innocuous in a different region.

Birds that many consider invasive in North America include the European starling, house sparrow, mallard, mute swan, rock pigeon and Canada goose. These species and others who fall into the category of invasive are introduced to an "invaded area" a number of ways. One way is simply through geographic expansion, e.g., when one species crowds out another threatening the species or the ecosystem that supports it. Another way a species becomes invasive is when it is deliberately imported as in the case of early European settlers who brought over birds they liked from their native countries, or when farmers imported birds to control the threat of insects.

Regardless of how they came to an area, unless they are controlled with bird deterrents, invasive birds can create all sorts of problems. They compete for nesting sites and food sources, they eat crops and seeds, they carry any of 60 known diseases, and they disrupt an area's ecological predator/prey balance.

In many areas, invasive bird species are protected by wildlife conservation measures or migratory bird treaties. Before attempting any lethal means of control, property owners should contact their local wildlife management office. The other alternative is, of course, to use non-lethal bird deterrents. These are effective, humane, and run the gamut from simple to high tech. Let's look at a few.
Fogging Agents

A humane and highly effective bird deterrent, these chemical agents irritate a nerve in a bird's mucus membrane. Birds fly or walk through this chemical and they can't wait to leave. The chemical, a food-grade methyl anthranilate, is basically a non-lethal grape extract regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under FIFRA (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). Bird fogging can be used indoors or out to deter a variety of pest birds--including gulls, mallards, Canada geese, pigeons, starlings, blackbirds and cowbirds. Fogging agents should be used in the early morning or late evening when flocks are typically feeding and grouped together. These agents have been widely used to clear airport runways and tarmacs. Golf course owners often use them to clear greens and adjacent areas of grass-eating pests. And warehouse operators have used fogging agents to clear invasive birds out of open bay storage facilities, receiving docks and similar structures.

Chemical Bird Repellents

Another way to use chemicals as a pest bird deterrent is through the use of Chemical Bird Repellents. These chemicals are applied to the invaded area to create an uncomfortable sticky landing zone. Ideal for use on ledges, trees, fences and bushes or shrubs, the non-toxic liquid gel is equally effective for small or large pest birds. You get a lot of repellent for your money, since a one-gallon container will usually treat 120 square feet. These repellents are easily applied using a hand or pressure spray gun with a discharge pressure between 40 to 150 psi. A single application typically lasts up to six months outdoors. One bit of advice: Don't use chemical bird repellents on vertical or porous surfaces, building structures, or where birds have been nesting.

Chemical Goose Repellents

Got geese?  Here's a bird deterrent that will make them leave. It's called Chemical Spray Goose Repellent. It's ideal for repelling geese from parks, shorelines, golf courses, cemeteries, lawns, yards, landscaping, shrubs, or any grassy areas. When geese eat the grass, shrubs or anything green covered with this non-toxic liquid, they can't stand the taste and move on to a more palatable menu. The chemical is basically a grape extract that's safe for pets, geese and humans. These repellents are easy to apply using standard hand-held sprayers available at most garden stores. Some chemical repellents come in a liquid concentrate that you mix with water. You apply an initial application, then wait about a week, and repeat the process. Two applications will last for approximately three months. The chemical stays effective even after a rain spell or sprinkler watering. The best goose repellent is registered with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Bird Sonic Systems

Like most living things, birds have a fear threshold. Cross it and most birds will simply take flight. This holds true for invading bird species, since they are constantly on the lookout for predators and the distress calls of their fellow feathered friends. If you happen to be a pigeons, the sound of Peregrine falcons defending their territory will make you nervous enough to leave. If you're a starling and seagull, predator hawks screeching and gulls under attack will convince you to take flight. These are the sounds emitted by Bird Sonic Systems. The have been specially designed to broadcast natural bird sounds that are not unpleasant to humans but alarm invading birds. The best sonic bird deterrents can be set up to emit distress and predator calls day or night. And speaker units can easily be added to significantly expand the coverage area. The best systems will continually alter the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of their sounds. This keeps invading birds from getting too accustomed to the sounds.

Bird Scare Balloons

Invading birds don't like the idea of a big predator staring at them. That's the idea behind Bird Scare Balloons. These beach-ball sized bird deterrents have a giant predator eye that gives most birds the "willies." The best balloons are made from U.V.- and weather-resistant vinyl. They do quite well in intimidating birds in fruit trees, patio covers, gazebos, just about anywhere birds tend to gather and roost.