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.

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

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

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 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.