Bird Deterrent Products

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

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

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.