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.
