Pest Bird Control at Water Parks

by Alex A. Kecskes

Without an effective bird control strategy, birds can wreak havoc at water parks. The abundance of pools, slides, lofty perches and snacking areas are big attractions for a wide range of pest birds. 

The problem for water park owners and facilities managers are manifold. They include bird droppings that can create health issues throughout the park (bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases); nesting materials and accumulated droppings that can clog water jets and drains; and the annoyance of pest birds snatching food from tables and even children's hands. There's also the problem of slip-and fall hazards bird droppings create. These are exacerbated by the endless stream of running children and teens who may not be on the lookout for water-slick bird droppings. The legal liability of a serious fall can be extremely costly to a park and its reputation. Finally, there's the negative image of bird droppings covering everything from benches, chairs, and tables to signage--all of which can affect a park's reputation. Clearly the need for effective bird control cannot be overemphasized.

Before resorting to lethal means of bird control, water park operators should consider local, state and federal statutes concerning specific pest birds. On the other hand, one can simply turn to the growing variety of non-lethal bird control measures available today. These are effective, humane, and can save a park's reputation. Here are a few.

Sonic Bird Deterrents

These devices emit predator and distress calls for various species of birds. Sonic Bird Deterrents can, for example, realistically recreate the sounds of Peregrine falcons defending their territory (a pigeon's natural enemy), or the sounds of predator hawks screeching and gulls under attack (vary alarming to starlings and seagulls). The best sonic bird deterrents can be set up to emit distress and predator calls day and night. One sonic system can broadcast distress and predator calls for up to 22 different bird species. These sounds are not annoying to humans, but they strike terror in the hearts of many pest birds. Some sonic systems will continually alter the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of their sounds to keep birds on constant alert.

Bird Foggers

Ideal for use before opening or after closing hours, Bird Foggers utilize a chemical that irritates a nerve in a bird's mucus membrane. The harmless food-grade grape extract--called methyl anthranilate--is regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under FIFRA (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). Bird Foggers deter a wide range of pest birds--including gulls, mallards, Canada geese, pigeons, starlings, blackbirds and cowbirds. Foggers have their greatest deterrent effect when they are used at dawn or sunset, which is when most birds typically flock together to feed.

Hawk Decoys

Made to order for outdoor venues like water parks, Hawk Decoys can be positioned virtually anywhere pest birds seem to flock. When choosing a decoy, opt for the most lifelike and intimidating-looking hawk available. Be sure to reposition the decoys to give the appearance that they are alive and mobile. Better hawk decoys are constructed of heavy duty plastic and will be weather and water-resistant. Some decoys are hollow, which allows you to fill them with sand, adding to their stability.

Motion Visual Deterrents

Easy to attach almost anywhere, Motion Bird Deterrents come in many shapes and sizes. They include Flash Tape that crackles in the breeze, Banners that snap in the wind, and Balloons that bob and weave in the air. Each can be used to make pest birds feel nervous and uneasy. High quality bird scare balloons are made from U.V.- and weather-resistant vinyl. As with decoys, you should move them around occasionally for best deterrent effect. Another advantage of scare balloons is that you can also fill them partially with water and let them skim the surface of water-filled areas after closing hours to frighten pest birds.

Bird Netting

An ideal exclusionary measure to keep pest birds out of specific areas, Bird Netting can be used around food service facilities, overhangs, canopies, electrical control areas, storage yards and dipsy-dumpster zones. Bird netting now comes in a variety of types and mesh sizes to deter all manner of pest birds. For larger birds like pigeons or seagulls, go with a 1-1/8-inch to 2-inch mesh size; for sparrows or starlings, choose the 3/4-inch mesh size. The most durable bird netting is U.V.- stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof. Netting even comes in different colors--like white, stone and black, which makes it less visually intrusive. The best bird netting is tough and meets or exceeds ISO 1806 protocols.

Scarecrows

Perfect for parks where few people, if any, are afraid to get wet, Scarecrows fit right into the theme, yet they work to deter unwanted birds. When a pest bird wanders into a Scarecrow's radius of protection (about 35 feet out and 45 feet wide), a motion sensor turns on the Scarecrow's sprinkler head and birds get hit with a discouraging blast of water. The water blast, startling sprinkler sound and realistic looking gaping bird head leave a lasting impression. Simple to set up and easy to use, Scarecrows easily connect to virtually any garden hose, yet they use just 2 to 3 cups of water per spray. For all their frugality, Scarecrows work day and night for up to 6 months--delivering over 1,000 "firings"--on only one 9-volt battery. There's flexibility, too, since you can also adjust a Scarecrow's sensitivity and coverage zone.

Bird Spiders

An ideal pest bird deterrent where concentrations of large pest birds have become a nuisance, Bird Spiders use spindly stainless steel “arms” that whip around in the breeze to prevent pest birds from landing. Spiders are available in various sizes--usually 2-, 4- and 8-foot diameter arm lengths to cover increasingly wider areas. An effective bird control device for use against pigeons, seagulls, and larger birds, spiders are easy to install and move around. The best bird spiders have a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. A variety of optional base mounts allow the spider to be set up virtually anywhere.