Bird Deterrent Products

Birds will soon be hovering around your vegetable garden. Just when your veggies are ripening and ready to eat—birds will beat you to them. They’ll peck and eat and, yes, poop on your prized crops.  If you’re like most gardeners, you won’t have the patience or the time to stand guard over your garden with a hose to disperse the birds. Nor will you have the cruel indifference to use poisons or other lethal means to harm the birds. What you need are humane, effective bird deterrents. Here are three bird control measures the pros recommend that will keep birds from eating what you worked all year to grow:

Sonic Bird Deterrents

Ideal for larger gardens, the Sound Bird Deterrents will intimidate any bird within earshot. The device emits bird distress and predator calls that make birds believe their safety may be threatened. The sounds broadcast are perceived as natural enemies of most birds (peregrine falcons, for example). While these sounds may strike fear in the hearts of most birds, they resemble normal bird calls to humans and pets. If your garden is being attacked by a variety of bird species, the Bird Chase Supersonic “covers all bases,” emitting distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. By the way, bird control experts suggest you stay away from ultrasonic bird deterrents. Birds can’t hear them and they are mostly ineffective.

Garden Bird Netting

Virtually invisible and easy to handle, Bird-B-Gone Garden Bird Netting will block birds from specific patches of your garden.  It provides effective bird barrier protection for your prized fruit trees, berry bushes and vegetables. The netting comes in 14 x 100-foot and 14 x 200-foot rolls and can easily be cut and shaped over plants and small trees. Garden netting comes in three different mesh sizes—1/4" mesh, 1/2" mesh and 3/4" mesh—depending on the specific bird you want to exclude. Unlike some netting, Bird-B-Gone high quality netting is made from a durable, UV-protected polypropylene. This is why it's so strong and light.

Visual Bird Deterrents

Birds avoid areas that are noisy and visually distracting. They hear better and react faster to danger than we do. That’s why Visual Bird Deterrents can be so effective—if they are frequently moved around so birds don’t get used to them.  Bird-B-Gone Visual Bird Deterrents include Flash Tape and Reflective Banners, which snap and crackle in the breeze and reflect sunlight. Equally effective are Scare Eye Diverters and Bird Scare Balloons, which twist and bob in the breeze to make their lifelike mock predator eyes appear threatening to any bird.

Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

Another highly effective visual bird deterrent, Red Tail Hawk Decoys are feared as predators by most birds. The Bird-B-Gone Hawk Decoy is made of heavy duty plastic to remain realistic looking through season after season of rough weather.  Just remember to move them about from time to time, or birds will eventually get to used to them.

As recently reported in The Huffington Post Green, crows have been attacking Seattle-area police in the parking lot of an Everett Police Department precinct station.

The aggressive black birds have been swooping down and dive-bombing officers on their way to and from their cars. One officer who was attacked by a crow, noted that the birds were behaving like velociraptors. In an effort to scatter the crows, officers turned on their sirens to frighten them. Not only did this strategy of bird control fail, the crows “decorated” police cars with droppings.

A wildlife department biologist noted that the crows are merely protecting baby crows that were ejected out of their nests and learning to fly. It’s a known fact among bird experts that crows are highly intelligent, so much so that the birds can actually recognize the individual features of people. Crows have also been known to hold grudges. So it stands to reason that if these crows perceive police officers as threatening to their young, they will attack them—or anyone else wearing a similar uniform.

Clearly, what the Everett Police Department precinct station needs to do is implement an effective bird control strategy. Fortunately, there are a number of effective and humane bird control deterrents currently on the market. Here’s what the pros recommend:

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Large birds like crows simply can’t get their wings around Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. The spiked strips are easy to install and can be glued down, nailed or screwed onto most any surface. They come in a variety of widths --1”, 3”, 5” and 8” --to match the area you want protect. The best stainless steel bird spikes are made in the USA and will have their spikes securely embedded in UV-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. Approved by the US Humane Society and PICAS, the spikes are blunted at the tips and won't injure crows or installation crews.

Bird Chase Super Sonic

Easy to place on precint buildings, garages, and similar open areas, the Bird Chase Super Sonic exploits a crow’s alertness to sound threats. The device continually broadcasts pre-recorded bird distress and predator calls. These sounds resemble natural bird sounds, so humans won't be bothered by them. Because of the socail nature of crows, they will hear the distress and predator calls and send the message along that there is a threat, and the birds will flee the area.  The quality-constructed device is weather resistant and designed for outdoor use. It's easily programmed for day or night operation.

Bird Jolt Flat Track

A low-profile, electrical bird deterrent track system, Bird Jolt Flat Track imparts a mile electric shock to the feet of crows (or any bird for that matter). Birds are quickly “instructed” to avoid the surface and will move on. The shock produced is harmless to crows, yet it creates an inhospitable area to the birds. Flat Track is made in the USA and comes in six colors to match the surface onto which it is installed. The track can be easily glued down to most surfaces.

by Alex A. Kecskes

In pairs of one or two, grackles can be entertaining to watch and fun to feed. But they often arrive in flocks of hundreds, even thousands, occupying trees and large bushes, making quite a racket and leaving a huge mess in droppings.

Grackles are blackbirds with iridescent purple-blue feathers on the back, neck and head. They have black legs and heads, yellow eyes, and a long tail. They’re not exactly small birds, either, measuring up to 13 inches in length with an 18-inch wingspan.

Most grackles are usually found in open or urban areas, in orchards and savannas, as well as suburban and agricultural settings. They prefer to gather in scattered trees. Grackles will eat insects, small fish, mice, small bats, seeds, grains, acorns, and some fruits. So if you have a fruit tree on your property, a flock of grackles can consume or destroy your fruit in a very short time.  All the more reason to use some proven bird deterrent methods to discourage them.

That doesn’t mean resorting to firecrackers, pellet guns, even poisons, for these are simply temporary measures that won’t achieve the long-term results you need to keep them away from your property. Not to mention the fact that poisons and pellet guns are inhumane and dangerous to pets and children. Fortunately, there are several effective and humane bird deterrents you use.

They include:

Sonic Bird Deterrents Encourage Birds to Leave

Grackles, like most birds, are easily alarmed. But unless you plan on banging pots 24/7, the birds will come back minutes after you leave. One solution to this problem is to install a Sonic Bird Deterrent. This device will broadcast distress calls of other grackles as well as the predator calls of a grackle’s natural enemy—hawks or falcons—day and night until grackles get the message that your property is unsafe for them. By the way, don’t bother with ultrasonic deterrent devices. These only irritate pets and birds can't hear them.

Reflective Eye Diverters  Scare Birds

These things are classified as visual bird deterrents and can be very effective against grackles when you hang them in trees and large bushes. They will scare pest birds away from trees, patios, gardens, and other areas of your property. Each diverter features a large “mock” predator eye on its shiny reflective surface. Grackles take one look and they become convinced that a big predator is sizing them up for a meal. Result: they head off to someone else’s property.

Hawk Decoys Deter Birds

Most birds fear the sight of hawks, which is why Hawk Decoys can be so effective against grackles. Strategically placed in trees and other lofty structures, Hawk Decoys can convince grackles that your property is too dangerous to occupy. The best decoys are made of heavy-duty plastic to remain realistic looking for years outdoors. For best results, move the decoy around often to convince grackles that your hawk is real.

 

by Alex A. Kecskes

Swallows like to build mud nests on many different kinds of surfaces. These bowl-shaped nests are built from mud mixed with saliva and grass. They are lined with soft feathers and hair. The nests can damage and deface the eaves of homes, office buildings and other structures.

Mud nests built by swallows are often insect infested, and if they are not removed in a timely manner, they will stain the surface onto which they are attached. To make matters worse, the bacteria, fungal agents and parasites found in swallow droppings and nests can carry such serious diseases as histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more.

When swallows permanently leave, their nests are frequently invaded by sparrows. And when these birds leave, insects will move in and eventually enter your home or building.

If you already have swallows nesting under your eaves, you’ll first need to legally remove their nests before installing any bird deterrents. Keep in mind that you are prohibited from removing swallow nests if they are occupied by swallows or their eggs. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any migratory bird, or to intentionally damage or destroy the nest, eggs, or young of a swallow while the nest is being built or in use.

Fortunately, there are a variety of humane bird deterrent products one can use to prevent swallows from nesting under eaves. Chief among these is a product called Bird Slope. Installed along the underside of your eaves, these angled, slippery PVC panels make it impossible for any swallow to gain a solid footing. They just slip and glide right off. After a few unsuccessful attempts, they give up and will look for a better place to build their nests. Bird slopes come in different colors to blend in with a building’s exterior. The panels install easily using glue, nails or screws and they're essentially maintenance free.

Another type of netting, plastic bird net, can also be used to deter swallows. This lightweight plastic mesh netting excludes swallows from eaves by creating a physical barrier that blocks the birds’ access to eaves. Easy to work with and made from durable, U.V. protected polypropylene, it comes in a 1/4-inch mesh size to stop swallows. To keep birds out of eaves, temporarily install the netting using specially designed ultranet clips. You can also use a staple gun to secure the netting around the perimeter.

Used in conjunction with other measures, consider hanging a few visual scare bird deterrents under your eaves. Included in this category of deterrents are Bird Scare Balloons, which come with reflective decals, flash tape and twine. The balloons feature large predator eyes that make swallows too nervous to nest. Bird Scare Diverters use the same principle. They feature a giant predator eye and can be hung under eaves to frighten swallows. When using visual scare devices, it’s important to move them around occasionally to prevent swallows from getting used to them.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Some homes just attract the wrong kinds of birds. If your home is beginning to draw flocks of crows, it’s time you got some bird deterrents worth crowing about. In other words, you need effective, humane bird deterrents that will get rid of those black birds once and for all.

Crows are not dummies. They live in close communities and work together to defend their territories. Working in teams, they’ll use “spotters” as lookouts to warn the flock of impending danger. These birds are omnivorous scavengers that will devour virtually anything, including discarded food in and around garbage cans. Without effective bird control, they’ll hop on patio table and feast on your outdoor BBQ dinner.  

If no food is immediately accessible, crows have been known to tear up lawns looking for grubs. If you have this problem, treat your lawn for grubs to keep the crows from doing any more damage. Removing the source of food is one way to discourage crows, but the sure fire way to get rid of crows is to use the bird control devices today's professionals use. Here are three suggestions:
Crows Dislike Spikes

Bird Spikes have been used for years to deter all manner of birds. And they can  be particularly effective against crows. The reason is simple: crows just can’t seem to negotiate a landing on or near them. Bird spikes come in long-lasting stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. They also come in several colors to blend in with their surroundings. The spiked strips are virtually maintenance free. The best bird spikes come with predrilled holes and glue troughs for fast, easy installation on patio covers and rooftops.

Crows Hate Spiders

Bird Spiders have long spindly legs that flagellate in the breeze to whip crows away. Place one or two on your patio covers, near your solar panels, or other elevated flat surfaces, and crows will think twice before landing anywhere near them. Bird spiders come in several arm lengths to accommodate a specific problem area.

Scarecrows  Scare  Crows

Employing the latest in bird sensing technology, these advanced devices spring to life the second a crow enters their radius of protection.  Crows who dare to invade this protected space get hit with a blast of water and startling sprinkler sound. It’s enough to scare the pants off any bird. Using these devices is an ideal and very humane way of discouraging crows from gardens, backyards, pools, spas and many outdoor areas.

Balloons Bug Crows

Crows are nervous creatures. Predator Eye Balloons work on a crow’s fear of predators. The balloons sport a large eye, and will bob and weave in the breeze to make crows really uneasy—too uneasy to hang around. Best of all, these balloons are relatively inexpensive. And you can hang them just about anywhere. Just remember to move them around occasionally so crows don’t get too used to them.

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a waterfront home, you’ve no doubt had to deal with gulls, cormorants or pelicans on your property. Without effective bird control measures to deter them, these birds can create a number of costly problems. Not the least of which is the build-up of bird droppings everywhere.

Gull droppings on your roof, for example, are so acidic they can permanently damage roofing tiles. Cormorants like to build nests in lofty places, like chimneys, which can be dangerous to both bird and resident. Sometimes, gulls will bring muscles on your deck or rooftop and break them apart before eating. This can create a smelly mess, damage your roof and mar your deck.

Seaside pest birds can wreak havoc with your outdoor furniture. Canvas awnings and umbrellas can become so covered with droppings that they will degrade the material to the point of tearing. Droppings on the sides of your home, deck or boathouse can require expensive removal and re-painting.

So what can you do to protect your home from pest birds? Install some effective, humane bird deterrents. Here are few of the most popular for seaside homes:

Marine Grade Bird Spikes

These won’t allow birds to land or perch. The best bird spikes are made of flexible, marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. The spikes are easy to install on rooftops, decks, light posts or other lofty areas birds often choose to land. The spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to cover areas up to 8 inches wide. For larger birds—like cormorants—you’ll need the Mega Spike, which protects landing areas with 7-inch long spikes. To keep pest birds out of your rain gutters, Gutter Spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base. Bird spikes are blunted at the tips and are approved safe by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Visual Bird Deterrents

Often called Bird Scare Deterrents, these include Flash Tape and Reflective Banners than can be easily hung on decks, patio covers, and landing areas. They “spook” birds by crackling in the breeze and reflecting sunlight. Working on the same principle are Scare Eye Diverters, which sway and bob in the breeze. These teardrop shaped plastic panels feature large predator eyes to frighten birds. Finally, there are the Bird Scare Balloons, which also feature large predator eyes to keep pest birds thinking twice about landing. These visual bird deterrents can be effective, but you must move them around from time to time to convince birds they are a real threat.

Sonic Bird Control

These devices emit bird distress and predator calls that resemble normal bird sounds to humans. They make birds far too uncomfortable to stay. One popular sonic bird control unit can emit distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. Its built-in speaker covers up to one acre. The unit can be programmed to turn on or off at night, and you can even adjust the volume.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Homeowners, are bird droppings raining on your patio? Do you find yourself washing bird droppings off your BBQ every week? Are your rain gutters clogged with bird nests causing water to always overflow into unwanted areas? What about your pool or spa? Do friends and family avoid it because of bird droppings in the water? If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, it's time you looked into a pest bird deterrent.

Boat owners; is your pride and joy covered with bird droppings? Does your beautiful blue canvas boat cover rip due to hardened bird poop? Are your antennas and masts covered and jammed up with droppings? Do people slip and fall on the slippery poop left by birds as they move about your vessel?  If so, you need some serious pest bird deterrent.

Property managers are pest birds destroying the businesslike atmosphere you've worked so hard to create. Are your air conditioning units and rooftop ventilators grinding to a halt? Are your solar panels and security cameras plastered with poop? Is your outdoor eatery losing customers due to bird droppings on tables and chairs?  If so, you know what you need to do--get some bird deterrents!

If you run a day care center or school, is the outdoor play area covered with disease carrying bird poop? Are the outdoor lunch tables splattered with bird droppings? If so, read on. You need some pest bird deterrent ASAP.

Fortunately, for all those who have been putting up with pest birds, there are many highly effective pest bird deterrents to choose from. These are readily available, easy to install and safe for birds and people.

Let's start with flash tape. This simple bird deterrent is often made of iridescent material that shimmers and reflects in the sunlight. Tape made of thin metal will crackle in the breeze. The combination of these audio-visual distractions work to disorient and confuse most pest birds. Ideal for indoor or outdoor use, flash tape is an ideal bird deterrent for use in barns, sheds, storage areas, warehouses, docks, farms, carports parking lots, homes, boats and boat docks.

A close cousin to flash tape is the Bird Scare Balloon. Often covered with looming reflective predator eyes or other bird-threatening markings, your typical bird deterrent balloon is about 16” diameter when fully inflated. Pest birds see these balloons bobbing in the breeze and they will fly away. The best balloons are constructed of a U.V.- and weather-resistant vinyl. They are ideal for deterring pest birds from fruit trees, gazebos, boats, patio covers, and building overhangs. Balloons are also an ideal way to discourage geese and ducks away from pools. When filled one-fourth with water and allowed to float around the pool, birds will stay away.

Another bird deterrent that has proven itself to be effective in many applications is the Bird Spike strip. Armed with menacing looking spikes that discourage pest birds from landing, these simple devices have kept pigeons and other large birds from ledges, windowsills, rooftops, commercial signs, billboards, parapet walls, I-beams, and other open areas. Spike strips are currently available with flexible stainless steel spikes or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes. The blunted spikes are harmless to birds and will not cut or injure people. They typically come in two-foot sections and are easily installed with screws or adhesive. Installed properly, their non-reflective metal finish makes them all but invisible from the ground.

Birds really can't stand this next deterrent--Bird Gel. Easily applied using a caulking gun on virtually any flat surface, this stuff dries, but stays sticky. When birds land on it, they can't wait to get their little footsies off. Safe for birds and humans, bird gel is ideal for ledges, rooflines, beams, signs, conduit, pipes and other problem areas. The sticky gel typically lasts up to 6 months outdoors.

Next up is the utterly simple Bird Slope. These angled, slippery PVC panels prevent birds from landing. Their little footsies scramble and scamper like "Road Runner." Pest birds soon give up and move on to more secure landing zones. Easily installed on ledges, eaves, beams and other areas, the best bird slopes are U.V. protected and sun and weather resistant. The panels provide anti-perching, anti-roosting protection against all types of birds, including swallows, starlings, pigeons and seagulls. Some panels have a "snap-on" extender, which allows them to easily adapt to wider ledges and coverage areas.

Still another effective pest bird deterrent--Bird Netting--has proven its worth in orchards, vineyards and other large areas. There's heavy duty bird netting made of high strength polyethylene for really demanding applications--like air hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, eaves and canopies. Better bird netting is often made from a U.V.-resistant mesh for lasting durability. You can order netting in various mesh sizes and cuts to deter a wide variety of bird species and types.

Everyone knows you can scare pest birds away by clapping your hands. But do you really have the time and energy to clap them 24/7? The solution? Audio Bird Deterrents. Designed to scare pest birds from large open areas, these systems emit distress and predator calls. Some systems have a repertoire of as many as 22 bird calls. The sounds are repeated on a regular basis to remind birds that this is not a "safe" place to land or roost. Ideal for deterring pigeons, crows, woodpeckers, sparrows, starlings, swallows, gulls, grackles, cormorants and many other birds, some audio bird deterrents have the flexibility to add more speakers that will extend the coverage range up to six acres.

by Alex A. Kecskes

One of the most popular pest bird deterrents currently on the market is the Electric Track. These easy-to-install systems were designed for homeowners, property managers and facilities managers who want to effectively bird proof their property.

Ideal for deterring pigeons, sparrows, gulls, starlings, crows and many types of birds, Electric tracks impart a very convincing but innocuous electric jolt that birds will long remember. The tracks are highly efficient in keeping pest birds off ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams, eaves and signs. The best electric tracks feature a low-profile design and measure just 1/4-inch at their highest point. These tracks are available in four colors--grey, stone, black and terracotta--to blend in naturally with their surroundings.

Top bird control experts recommended using electric tracks that feature a flow-thru design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops. The best electric tracks incorporate a tin-plated copper-knitted wire mesh in a continuous “tube-in-tube” stocking design. This allows for greater conductivity, strength and reliability. The copper mesh is also resistant to corrosion and highly resistant to alkalis and acidic environments.

Before installing electric track, you must heed these Warnings:

• Do not install electric track in areas where it may come in contact with people.  
• Do not use electric track bird control systems in and around gas stations, or in any area where there is even a remote possibility of contact with flammable liquids, vapors or fumes.

Electric tracks can be easily installed on most any flat or curved surface. Before installing any bird deterrents, the surface should be clean and entirely 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.

Installing a bird control electric track system requires some basic electrical knowledge.  Determine whether you’ll need a Direct Wire, Solar Charger or Super Charger Direct as follows:

Solar Charger covers up to 300 linear feet of track and lead wire  (make sure you have a southern exposure for this one). 

Direct Charger covers up to 500 linear feet of track and lead wire. This type of charger must be protected from the elements and placed in a waterproof box.

Super Charger Direct covers up to 2,000 linear feet of track and lead wire e.  This type of charger must be enclosed in a waterproof box.

Measure the width of area to be covered to calculate number of track rows you’ll need as follows:

For single-sided ledges or surfaces that have a back wall or window:
For 1” to 4” wide area, use1 row of track.
For 5” to 8” wide area, use 2 rows of track. 
For 9” to 12” wide area, use 3 rows of track. 

For double-sided ledges or surfaces like parapet walls, run a row on each side of the surface as close to the edges as possible.   
For 1” to 6” wide area, use 1 row of track on each side. 
For 7” to 15” wide area, use 2 rows of track on each side. 
For 16” to 28” wide area, use 3 rows of track on each side.

Bird control electric track typically comes in 100-foot kits. The track is packed in a box that lets you play out the track as you install it. Use polyurethane adhesive to secure the track to the mounting surface. Apply adhesive to the entire underside of the track to ensure a secure bond. Be sure to allow the adhesive to cure thoroughly during installation. The adhesive must be completely dry (cured) before the track system will be effective.

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).