Bird Netting Hits Home-Run at Athletic Stadiums

by Terra Anders

Athletic stadiums are often the subject of much ballyhoo.  When a new stadium opens up, the architecture, seating capacity, or technological gizmos are often praised as the latest and greatest.  People flock to this new attraction to be part of the history of the stadium.  But over time, something else flocks to the stadium.  They are not interested in the design or technological tools. They could care less about the sculptures carved intricately into the stone ways. They don't‘ even care if the home team wins or loses.  They are birds: pigeons, doves, or sparrows to be more specific.  Some may call them songbirds or feathered friends, but ball park maintenance teams call them by another name: Pests!

These pest birds are attracted to the open stadiums because of their ongoing supply of crumbs and leftovers, their high rafters for safe roosting, and their vast space for their ever growing flock size. However, lots of birds hanging around means lots of potential headaches for those who are responsible for keeping the stadium clean. Bird droppings on stadium seats, cement concourses, even exterior entryways and concession stands can mean unintended health and sanitation violations.  This could result in authorities shutting down a stadium until city inspectors are convinced that the problem won’t repeat itself. The cost of closing down a multi-million dollar stadium could be devastating to annual earnings.  Not only does that result in unhappy fans, but angry stockholders as well.

Bird infestations create problems for all kinds of structures, and stadiums are no exception. On a rainy day, bird droppings can become slippery and create a fall hazard or personal injury that could cost management big bucks.  In the summer time, the dust created from the droppings could create a carrier for some airborne diseases that bird feces commonly harbor. A new stadium can go from attractive to atrocious in a very short period of time. Perception of the stadium as run-down or messy can really devalue the property quickly. In addition, cleanup costs can tally into the thousands of dollars a year. Finding ways to stop bird infestations before they become a problem is a critical step in the stadium design process.

Many city ordinances have rules and regulations about how you can and cannot get rid of pest birds. Some mandate only humane methods be used to rid a property of birds. The best way to avoid this scenario is to design preventative bird deterrent systems into the construction of the stadium from the early stages.  Waiting until the birds have made themselves at home is too late.  Architects and engineers often turn to proven bird deterrent experts like Bird-B-Gone. They can evaluate the structure design and the type of birds that are roosting in the area.  Once they know the extent of the problem, they will suggest the best, most humane option(s) to design into the stadium decor.

Bird netting can prove to be one of the best options. This polypropylene netting is made with a knotted or unknotted polyethylene mesh. The netting comes in 3/4” (generic for all birds), 1-1/8” (starlings or pigeons), or 2” mesh (pigeons or seagulls).  The netting is heavy-duty and UV stabilized to last up to 10 years without deteriorating. It shuts off the favorite bird roosting spots and the frustrated flyers are likely forced to find other accommodations. The best part is that it is almost completely invisible so it will let all the pizazz of the stadium design details shine through. 

The cost of outfitting a large athletic stadium with bird netting is cost effective, but could be up to a few thousand dollars (depending on size of stadium).  Still, the cost for weekly cleanup, including materials, labor and customer dissatisfaction could be many times greater. Building bird deterrent systems into the stadium at conception is sure to be a home-run for the home team fans.

How to Use Humane Bird Guards to Protect Commercial Property

by Alex A. Kecskes

Some “big-box” department stores have gone to great lengths to get rid of pest birds, especially when they enter the garden department and other interior areas.

One giant retailer even resorted to lethal glue traps to catch pest birds. Unfortunately for the store, an alert customer saw the bird struggling in one of the traps and alerted PETA. The trap happened to be one of many that had been set by a bird-removal contractor to snare pest birds that had flown into the store. PETA staffers rushed to the store and although they were able to remove the bird, which was a protected species, the injuries caused by the trap were fatal and the bird passed away.

When PETA alerted retailer’s headquarters to the incident, the retailer immediately terminated its contract with the bird-removal company. The contract expressly prohibited birds from being harmed during removal. In addition, local animal-control officers ordered the bird-removal contractor to cease using the lethal glue traps. The officers subsequently paid a visit to all the local big-box stores, letting their managers know that the use of lethal glue traps are cruel and that violators would be cited.

Today, there is absolutely no reason to use lethal or cruel bird traps to deter pest birds from commercial property. There are simply too many effective and humane bird control products on the market. Here are just a few:

Bird Spikes…the Ultimate Bird Guard

Ideal for use in the entrances and lofty perch areas of garden departments and other semi-outdoor areas, Bird Spikes deny birds the landing zones they need to observe before they swoop down and annoy workers and customers. The spike strips come in stainless steel spikes or plastic. Stainless steel versions come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; the plastic spikes are a tad more economical and come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Plastic spikes offer the added advantage of coming in a full range of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear. Custom colors are also available. Humane and highly effective, both types are easy to install--using screws, nails or glue--and require no maintenance.

Bird Proofing with Bird Netting

To block out pest birds from specific areas of a big box store or other commercial property, consider this tried and true bird deterrent. Installed properly, Bird Netting physically excludes a wide range pest birds without harming them.

For really rugged bird netting that will last for years, there’s Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Bird Netting. Fabricated using a U.V. -stabilized mesh, this netting is available in various sizes and custom cuts. Current sizes include a 2-inch mesh, 1 1/8-inch mesh, and 3/4-inch mesh. For pigeons, gulls and crows, you would lean toward the larger mesh sizes; for smaller birds like starlings, opt for the 3/4-inch mesh netting.

Heavy Duty Poly Netting is ISO 1806 protocol mesh tested, flame resistant and rot- and waterproof. What makes this netting so tough is that it has 6 monofilaments, each12/1000s of an inch thick. The monofilaments are entwined to create a tough net with 160-200 twists per meter.

They Won’t Hang Around on Bird Wire

Another effective low-profile bird control measure, Bird Wire keeps birds off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, signs, and all those lofty beams inside your store. Safe and humane, bird wire systems consist of nylon-coated stainless steel wires suspended by poles. Attached to springs, the wires create a super wobbly landing perch that birds can’t stand, so they leave. Bird wire systems are ideal for deterring large pest birds--like pigeons, crows and gulls. They are approved for use on Federal and State Government Structures, however they should not be used in areas where birds have been nesting.

Bird Control for Military Installations

by Alex A. Kecskes

The Army Corp of Engineers recently built a new Defense Distribution Depot at Pearl Harbor. The building was designed to store a variety of materials and goods the military needs for various operations in the area.
 
Recognizing that other military airplane hangars and warehouses had pigeon problems, the Army decided to be proactive when it came to pigeon control. They knew that the traditional cross-beam structures used in hangars and warehouses presented an attraction to pigeons looking for a place to roost and nest. To circumvent a costly pigeon problem, the Army included bird barriers in the form of pigeon and bird control netting in its design of the new depot. Netting effectively blocks birds from the entire area, forcing them to find other areas to perch, roost and nest.

Pigeon control netting was installed across the entire ceiling of the new warehouse, which excluded pigeons from the support beams. The 3/4" mesh netting was supported by a cabling system, and care had to be taken to ensure that the netting was correctly tensioned. Improperly tensioned netting would have left gaps large enough for pigeons to squeeze through. Boom lifts were used to properly install the netting so it wouldn’t rip or tear. Bird net zippers were installed in the horizontal bird net surface to allow maintenance crews access to lighting fixtures.

One of the most effective pigeon control products available, bird netting comes in various sizes to exclude different bird species. The 3/4-inch mesh size excludes everything from pigeons to sparrows. Better bird netting consists of twisted and knotted polyethylene twine designed to last 10 years or more. Netting now comes in various colors, making it nearly invisible from ground level.

Once installed, the new Defense Distribution Depot was protected from the nuisance and expense of pigeons. The high tech equipment and supplies in this warehouse would not be vulnerable to the damaging effects of pigeon droppings. 

There are hundreds of military bases across the U.S. Each can fall victim to the damage and defacement caused by pest birds. The uric acid in bird droppings can damage electronics, machinery, engine parts, weapons and explosives. Damage to these things can be very expensive, something today’s tight military budgets can ill afford.

Unless effective bird proofing measures are implemented, military buildings, depots and structures will be vulnerable to pest bird infestations. Pest birds can also create fire hazards with their accumulation of nesting materials and feathers—these combine to make excellent kindling.  Bird droppings carry diseases that can impact a military installation’s manpower readiness.  Cleaning up dried bird droppings can be expensive, since cautions must be taken in the form of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Last but not least are the slip-and-fall hazards bird droppings create on warehouse floors and air hangars.

In addition, to bird netting, there are a number of other bird proofing devices that can be used to repel pest birds from military installations. Just as popular as bird netting are Bird Spikes. Used to keep pest birds away from the White House, bird spikes prevent birds from landing on or near them. Harmless to birds and installation crews, bird spikes come in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. They are easy to install on most any surface using nails, screws or glue. For really large birds like seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors, there’s the Mega Spike, which features 7-inch spikes of marine-grade stainless steel. To keep pest birds out of rain gutters and spouts, consider using the Gutter Spike. It’s specially designed to keep pigeons and other large birds out of these commonly infested areas.

Related articles

• Bird Proof Spikes Keep Pest Birds Away (bird-spike.co)
• Top 10 Reasons to Use Plastic Bird Spikes (bird-spike.co)
• Effective Pigeon Control Methods (pigeoncontrol.blog.com)
• Top 10 Reasons to Use Plastic Bird Spikes (plasticbirdspikes.co)

How To Install Bird Gel

by Alex A. Kecskes

One of the most effective pest bird deterrents currently on the market is a product known as Transparent Bird Gel. This sticky non-toxic gel was specifically designed to keep pest birds from roosting and nesting on horizontal surfaces. It is a very low-profile bird deterrent that is virtually invisible.  Yet once pest birds land on it and take a few steps, it’s bye-bye birdie. They can’t stand the stuff because it makes them feel trapped.

Ideal for use against small and large pest birds--including pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls and starlings--bird gel discourages pest birds wherever they tend to gather. The gel can be used on indoor and outdoor areas, including ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, signs, and dozens of other flat surfaces.

Bird gel is sold in a standard 10-ounce caulking tube, and it comes 12 tubes per case. Each gel tube can effectively treat an area approximately 10 feet long by 3 inches wide. To apply bird gel, use a standard caulking gun and spread it on the surface in a zig-zag pattern. Be sure to leave periodic spaces for water drainage. Non-toxic to birds, people and pets, bird gel stays sticky and effective for up to six months outdoors. It remains effective throughout a wide temperature range, too—from 15F – 200F. Suitable for most applications, these gels should not be used where birds have been nesting.

Before installing any bird deterrents, the surface should be clean and dry. Be sure to thoroughly remove bird droppings, feathers and all nesting materials. Birds are attracted to this debris and will consider the area a “welcome” site. 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. When ready to install the gel, put painter’s tape down to protect surfaces. To remove the gel, use mineral spirits available at most local hardware stores.

For additional advice on how to properly install bird deterrents, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

Related articles

• How to Keep Birds Off Windowsills and Rooflines (birdrepellent.wordpress.com)
• Getting Rid of Pest Birds (getridofbirds.wordpress.com)
• Effective Pigeon Control Methods (birdcontrolproducts.blogetery.com)
• How to Install Mega Bird Spikes (birdspike.wordpress.com)

Window Washing Companies Adding Bird Control

By Alex A. Kecskes

More window cleaners are adding bird control to their list of services and doing quite well at it. Add-on services are ideal for all window cleaners.  It’s rare to find a window cleaning company that only offers window cleaning service.  Most companies offer at least 2 or 3 add-on services. Adding bird control services to a window cleaning company’s offerings can fatten service contracts, especially when the client must comply with public health codes to operate—like restaurants.

One window cleaning service in California, recently added bird control and gutter cleanups to their repertoire of services.  They found the add-ons to be lucrative and a real business booster. The company pressure washes gutters and downspouts to clear out leaves and bird debris. The add-on services represent as much as 40 percent of the company’s overall business, with bird control being among the fastest growing areas. The company notes that selling clients on added services is fairly straightforward, since clients who are particular about clean glass want to avoid pest birds and their droppings.

Commercial window cleaning companies are realizing that pigeons and other pest birds can create a messy situation. A single mating pair of pigeons, for example, can quickly turn into a small flock, and in a year or so, they can cover a commercial building with unsightly droppings. To make matters worse, pigeons and many pest birds seem to be attracted to the scent of their droppings.

Pest bird droppings left on windows can carry a variety of diseases. Pigeons, for example, carry Ornithosis (psittacosis), Encephalitis, Newcastle disease, Toxoplasmosis, Salmonella food poisoning and other diseases. More customers are becoming aware of these diseases carried by pest birds, which is why more are asking about effective bird control when they contract to have their windows cleaned.

Besides the health hazards pest birds pose, window washers are hearing from their customers that bird droppings are slippery and can create slip-and-fall hazards, a liability they would rather avoid.

If you want to add a profitable new service to your window cleaning business, consider these two popular bird control products:

Electric-Tracks. Birds get a harmless “zap” the second they land on these electrified bird control tracks. Ideal for most pest birds, these tracks will even discourage seagulls and larger birds from landing on window ledges and rooftops. They are easily installed on any flat or curved surface. The jolt imparted by these tracks tends to permanently "persuade" pest birds to change their habits and find a more hospitable ledge or rooftop. For customers concerned about aesthetics, one of the best electric tracks is a low-profile model that’s virtually invisible from the ground. It measures just 1/2-inch high by 1-3/4-inch wide and comes in 100-foot rolls. The track is available in four colors: grey, stone, black and terracotta. It’s made from a flexible U.V.-protected PVC base that can easily conform to curved or straight surfaces. For added convenience, the track can be powered by an A.C. charger or solar charger. The best electric tracks have a flow-through design to prevent water from damming up around them. Consider offering a corrosion-resistant track, which will stand up to tough alkali and acidic environments.

Bird Spikes. An ideal bird control device, bird spikes prevent birds large and small from landing on rooftops and windowsills. They come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The spikes won't harm birds or work crews. In fact, they've been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service). For customers are concerned about aesthetics, bird spikes come in various colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. They’re easy to install with glue, screws or nails. One manufacturer even offers a no-gap spike that's easy to mount on curved surfaces.

Related articles

• Pigeon Control for Architects (birdcontrolproducts.blogetery.com)
• Bird Proof Your Strip Mall with Bird Spikes (birdspikesnow.blogetery.com)
• How to Get Rid of Pigeons from Commercial Buildings (birdcontrolproducts.blogetery.com)
• Bird Control for Today's Building Managers (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)

Bird Control for Today’s Building Managers

By Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds can be a real nuisance for today’s building managers. If you manage a building or other commercial property, you’ve undoubtedly experienced many of the problems birds can cause.

Birds have a nasty habit of making themselves at home in and around rooftop AC units, ducting, ventilators and antenna structures. The same holds true for ledges and parapet walls. Birds just can’t resist perching on these areas and nesting near them. It’s safe, and chances are, there’s a dipsy-dumpster below that’s usually filled with garbage they can feast on. Pest bird nests and droppings can block skylights and solar panels, which you have to keep clean.

Without effective bird control measures, you’re continually faced with expensive and repetitive clean-ups. These clean ups can get complicated because bird droppings can contain any number of diseases. Clean up crews must be properly protected, which raises the cost of cleanups.

So what can you do to protect your building from this expensive nuisance? Plenty.

Today, you can avail yourself of a number of humane and highly effective bird control devices.

You could start by installing a tried and true bird deterrent called a Bird Spike. Ideal for use against medium to large size birds like pigeons, bird spikes are easily installed on rooftops, parapet walls and ledges.  They get the job done because birds just can’t get their wings around them to land. And they’re easy to install because they can be glued, nailed or screwed onto most surfaces. So you won’t need a special crew to mount them. You can also choose from a number of bird spike options: rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or high strength, durable stainless steel. The less expensive poly bird spikes are ideal for use around RF or cell phone antennas, since they won’t interfere with radio frequency transmissions.

If the owner of the building you manage is concerned about the appearance of bird spikes, you can assuage his or her concerns with the fact that bird spikes now come in various colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. You can even get bird spikes with a non-reflective metal finish. For best bird control, the spiked strips should be installed so that no gaps remain for birds to squeeze through.

Another effective bird control measure is No Knot Bird Netting. This netting is specifically designed to exclude pest birds from the areas they like most—around AC units, ducting and other rooftop areas. The best bird netting is fabricated of flame resistant polypropylene, chemically inert and highly resistant to many chemicals and temperature extremes. Good netting won’t rot, absorb water, or mildew. When buying netting, look for products that are ISO 1806 Protocol Mesh Tested and U.V. stabilized. 

For buildings that are vulnerable to pigeons, sparrows, starlings, crows and gulls, No Knot Bird Netting will keep them out. You can order this netting in a number of stock sizes and custom cuts--including 2- and 3/4-inch mesh. The netting is light, handles easily and is easy to install. Once again, if your building owner is concerned about the aesthetics of this bird control approach, the netting comes in several different colors--including white, stone and black.

If your building has a problem with bats, you could look into getting some Bat Netting. This heavy-duty netting keeps out these annoying birds without harming them. The best bat netting is U.V. protected with a 3/8-inch mesh. You can get it in different sizes too--typically 10’x10’, 25’x25’, 50’x50’, and 50'x100'.

Bird netting is easy to install and relatively maintenance free. When installing bird netting, make sure you properly seal off any openings around the edges, nooks and other areas where pest birds could work their way in.

Related articles

• How to Get Rid of Pigeons from Commercial Buildings (birdcontrolproducts.blogetery.com)
• Bird Proofing for Commercial Applications (birdcontrolproducts.blogetery.com)
• Get Rid of Birds with Bird Spikes (birdspike.wordpress.com)
• Bird Proofing for Commercial Applications (birdcontrolproducts.blog.com)
• Get Rid of Birds with Bird Deterrents (birdcontrolproducts.blogetery.com)

Bird Guards to Keep Pest Birds Away

by Fran Prisco

When pest birds are occupying your building, how do you keep them away?  Installing humane bird guards is the answer.  Birds like sparrows, starlings and pigeons are often found landing, roosting and nesting on or near office buildings in any large city.  These birds are known as pest birds because of the damage and health risks they impose.  Not only do their nesting activities cause damage to buildings, so do their droppings.  Bird droppings are acidic and can quickly erode building materials costing building owners thousands to repair.  The droppings left behind by birds can also be a health hazard; carrying any of 60 plus communicable diseases.  Bird roosts can also harbor parasites and flees that can easily invade buildings. 

Cleaning Up Bird Droppings

It is important that safety precautions are taken when cleaning up bird droppings and debris.

• During the cleanup, seal heating and cooling air ducts or shut the system down. Only authorized cleanup personnel should be present.
• Healthy individuals should do the cleanup.
• Wear a respirator that can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns.
• Wear disposable protective gloves, hat, coveralls and shoe coverings.
• Moisten the droppings with a light mist of water to keep spores from becoming airborne and keep them wet.
• Put droppings into sealed plastic garbage bags.
• When finished and while still wearing the respirator, remove protective clothing and place it in a plastic bag.
• Wash or shower.
• Check with local government agencies to verify that disposal of the waste is permissible through standard trash pickup.

Bird Control for the Roofing Industry

by Fran Prisco

Roofs have become the favorite roosting and nesting spot of pest birds in both cities and suburbs across the nation.  Each year thousands are spent to cleanup and repair the damage caused by pest birds such as pigeons, seagulls and starlings to rooftops.  It can often be quite a challenge to get rid of birds from roof areas such as the roof edge, parapet wall and rooftop A.C. Units.   The best way to get rid of birds is to use some sort of physical bird deterrent.

Before installing any bird control system it is important to do a thorough clean up of the effected area.  Be sure all of the debris and droppings left behind by the pest birds is cleaned.  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 Roofs

Bird Spikes:

When large birds like pigeons and gulls are landing and roosting on roof edges, peaks and parapet walls, the bird spike is the most affordable and effective bird deterrent.  Bird spikes come in plastic or stainless steel.   Bird spikes are easily installed using adhesive, screws or tie downs.  When installing spikes on peaked roofs, it is best to put them on the roof edges and peaks, as that is where the birds will land first before exploring the rest of the roof.

Electric Bird Tracks:

Electric bird deterrent tracks are ideal for use on roof edges and parapet walls.  The flat tracks are easy to install with adhesive and will work with all types of bird species.  The electric shock systems give birds a mild jolt when they make contact with the track, changing the birds landing and roosting behaviors.  The best electric bird deterrents are those that are low profile and will not allow water to dam around them.  Using a direct plug in charger or a solar charger charges these systems.  Once installed, the electric tracks are easy to maintain and virtually invisible.

Bird Spiders:

When large birds are landing, roosting or nesting on rooftop A.C. units or ventilation systems, the bird spider is an ideal bird deterrent to use.  The bird spider has eight “arms” that wiggle in the breeze causing birds to land in other areas.  The bird spiders come in different diameters; from 2 foot to 8 foot in size.  Screws or adhesive easily installs them.  The bird spider is an effective method to get rid of birds on rooftops.

Related articles

• Get Rid of Birds with Bird Repellents (birdrepellents.blog.com)
• Get Rid of Birds with Bird Repellents (birdrepellent.wordpress.com)
• Get Rid of Birds with Bird Spikes (birdspike.wordpress.com)
• Bird control...when you open your boat for summer (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Three Bird Deterrents to Protect Your Retail Business (birddeterrent.wordpress.com)

Bird control…when you open your boat for summer

 by Alex A. Kecskes

So you’re about to open your boat for the summer. You look up and see gulls circling, just waiting to plop a few choice deposits on your clean deck and shiny polished railings. It's bad enough you have to clean pounds of poop off your canvas covers, but now you'll have to worry about bird droppings all over your antenna and radar gear, windows and portholes, sheets and cleats. Without effective bird control measures, your boat's as vulnerable as a bait shack.

You know from experience that seagulls, cormorants, and pigeons enjoy perching on masts, spreaders and canvases. You also learned that the high concentration of uric acid-- found to be even higher in sea birds--could discolor paint, stain canvases and eventually erode steel. And who can ignore the health risks of bacteria and parasites that live and grow in bird droppings? They can carry any of 60 known diseases. Bird control is an investment that will save you time, money and a lot of aggravation.

Lucky for you, there are all sorts of effective bird control products for boats. All are easy to install and basically maintenance free. Here are just a few you might look into to protect you boat.

Bird Spiders

Ideal for use on decks, rooftops, and other flat surfaces, bird spiders have stainless steel “arms” that whip around in the breeze to keep pest birds from landing. Spiders come in various sizes--usually 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-foot diameter arm lengths to cover large areas and deter a wide variety of birds. An effective bird control device against pigeons, seagulls, and larger birds, spiders have no moving parts to wear out.

The best bird spiders have a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. One manufacturer's bird spider comes pre-assembled and ready to place or mount. Most spiders come standard with a glue-on base, so they can be glued down to most surfaces. You can also get spiders with railing mounts for easy attachment to boat rails. Other attachments include a removable sand bag base that allows spiders to be used on boat canvas and Biminis, and a variety of optional boat bases that allow the spider to be used on masts and radar units. As a bird control device, bird spiders are ideal for use in areas where large flocks of pest birds have become a particularly irksome.

Solar Powered Bird Repellers

What a novel idea: use the sun's power to whisk away pest birds. Solar powered bird repellers have long blades that whip around to discourage seagulls, pigeons, and crows from landing on your boat. Some repellers even have adjustable “arms” that cover up to 5 feet in diameter and turn continuously at 30 RPM. Better systems can store the sun's converted electrical energy and tap into it to turn the repeller's arms throughout the night or during overcast days. And yes, bird repellers are harmless to birds.

Bird Spikes

Used by boat owners and marina facilities managers around the globe. Bird spikes are highly effective bird control devices for use against pigeons, seagulls and larger birds. They can keep these pests from landing on masts, towers and other areas of a vessel. You can get them in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The spikes look like a porcupine on steroids, but they're harmless to birds and people. In fact, bird spikes have been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Stainless steel spikes typically come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths, and their non-reflective metal finish makes them virtually invisible when installed. Bird spikes even come in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.  The plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and are ideal for use on masts and radar units because there are no EM interference problems with plastic. One manufacturer even sells a no-gap spike that's easy to mount on curved surfaces.

Banners, FlashTape, Balloons

Birds of any kind don't really like to be around bright flapping things that whip around in the wind. Which is why bird scare devices are so effective when it comes to bird control on boats. They annoy and frighten many types of birds by creating an “Optical Distraction Zone.”

Take iridescent reflective foil or flash tape, for example.  It's not only inexpensive to buy but easy to attach to just about any part of your boat. String it up on masts and near radar units and birds will be too nervous to land. Another effective visual scare device, the inflatable balloon is ideal for use on masts, radar antennas and overhangs. Balloons intimidate pest birds with their lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings. Teardrop shaped scare-eye diverters are just as effective. They're easy to hang in problem areas. Some bird scare devices have iridescent foil eyes to frighten birds by day and glow-in-the-dark backsides to keep them away at night.

When installing bird scare devices, keep in mind that most birds prefer to land on the high points of a vessel, so be sure to mount these deterrents as high as possible.

Related articles

• Bird Repellents Can Reduce Your Pest Bird Expense (birdrepellent.wordpress.com)
• Opening your pool for summer? Get some Bird Control (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Public Pools & Resorts Opt for Bird Control (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Urban Areas Need Pigeon Control (pigeoncontrol.wordpress.com)

Bird Control for Flower Shops

by Alex A. Kecskes
If you own or manage a flower shop, you know it takes tender loving care to keep your flowers fresh. You also know that image is everything. Your shop must look clean and well kept at all times. After all, people who buy flowers are looking for ways to express their love and appreciation for someone else. Whether it's a wedding or birthday bouquet, or simply a very special announcement or occasion, when customers come to your shop they want to know that your flowers are fresh, clean and as beautiful as can be. These days, buying flowers is expensive and you want to do everything you can to protect your investment.

Problem: Pest birds can ruin the image of your flower shop. If you have beautiful petunia hanging baskets and flower-filled window boxes, pigeons and blue jays will attack them all spring and summer. Doves have a habit of building nests in baskets of Million Bells. Mourning Doves will leave their large messy droppings wherever they build their nests. Birds will also destroy your lovely bougainvillea plants.

Aside from the direct damage to your plants and flowers, pest birds can create an unwelcome environment for your customers. The smell of bird droppings, for example, can be a real turn off to customer looking for a wedding bouquet or tabletop arrangement.  Bird droppings can also create slippery walkways that result in dangerous slip-and-fall hazards—a huge liability should someone fall and injure themselves on your property.  Of course, just the sight of bird droppings on windows, awnings, umbrellas, doors and door handles can turn some customers away from your establishment. 

Pest birds can also cause physical damage to your flower shop. They can gather and nest on your roof, leaving nests, feathers and other debris to clog rooftop A.C. units, rain gutters and spouts. Bird droppings can eat into your signage and exterior walls to degrade and mar the finish. The last thing you need in this bad economy is repair and re-painting bills.

Solution: Bird netting and pigeon netting provide the exclusionary bird proofing you need to deny pest birds access to your flower shop. Strung across open or patio areas of your shop, Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Bird netting made from a U.V. stabilized mesh is ideal. It comes in various cuts and mesh sizes. For larger birds you'll need a 2-inch mesh; medium sized birds will require a 1 1/8-inch mesh; and smaller birds call for a 3/4-inch mesh. In most cases, netting is available in a variety of colors to blend in with color scheme of your shop. The best netting is ISO 1806 protocol mesh tested, rot-proof, and non-conductive so as not to interfere with electrical wiring or your customers' cell phone calls.

You might also consider No-Knot Bird netting--ideal for larger, horizontal applications. It's stronger than ordinary knotted polyethylene netting and 30 percent lighter. It's also less expensive to ship and easier to install than regular netting. There's no need to pull the net into shape, as you may need to do with knotted polyethylene netting. No-Knot netting comes in several mesh sizes. Use a 2-inch mesh to block out big birds like pigeons, gulls and crows, and 3/4-inch mesh to keep out sparrows and starlings.

When installing any kind of bird netting, leave no gaps, openings, wrinkles or excessive sags. Before cutting the netting, allow enough netting for perimeter fastening and overlap seams (6" min. for both). It's your flower shop. Protect it with a good bird control investment.

Related articles

• Bird Netting...an Effective, Humane Bird Deterrent (birdnet.wordpress.com)
• Bird Proofing Your Building with Bird Netting (birdproof.wordpress.com)
• Excluding Pest birds with Bird Netting (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Three Bird Deterrents to Protect Your Retail Business (birddeterrent.wordpress.com)
• Best Pigeon Control for Pest Pigeons (pigeoncontrol.wordpress.com)

Bird Guards to Control Invasive Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

Among the family of pest birds that plague our homes and businesses, one can include the bird type known as "invasive birds." Birds that fall into this category can pose a problem for wildlife, agriculture and, most alarmingly, human health. So what constitutes an invasive bird?

For starters, invasive species are not native to a particular area. Without bird guards to control them, they will threaten the local ecosystem and economy, and pose significant human health risks. It should be noted that not every non-native bird can be classified as invasive. Many of these nomads readily adapt to new and different ecosystems without threatening these habitats. Only when a species significantly impacts a new area can it be labeled as invasive. It's also worth noting that a species that may be considered invasive in one area may be entirely innocuous in a different region.

Birds that many consider invasive in North America include the European starling, house sparrow, mallard, mute swan, rock pigeon and Canada goose. These species and others who fall into the category of invasive are introduced to an "invaded area" a number of ways. One way is simply through geographic expansion, e.g., when one species crowds out another threatening the species or the ecosystem that supports it. Another way a species becomes invasive is when it is deliberately imported as in the case of early European settlers who brought over birds they liked from their native countries, or when farmers imported birds to control the threat of insects.

Regardless of how they came to an area, unless they are controlled with bird guards, invasive birds can create all sorts of problems. They compete for nesting sites and food sources, they eat crops and seeds, they carry any of 60 known diseases, and they disrupt an area's ecological predator/prey balance.

In many areas, invasive bird species are protected by wildlife conservation measures or migratory bird treaties. Before attempting any lethal means of control, property owners should contact their local wildlife management office. The other alternative is, of course, to use non-lethal bird guards. These are effective, humane, and run the gamut from simple to high tech. Let's look at a few.

Fogging Agents

A humane and highly effective bird guard, these chemical agents irritate a nerve in a bird's mucus membrane. Birds fly or walk through this chemical and they can't wait to leave. The chemical, a food-grade methyl anthranilate, is basically a non-lethal grape extract regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under FIFRA (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). Bird fogging can be used indoors or out to deter a variety of pest birds--including gulls, mallards, Canada geese, pigeons, starlings, blackbirds and cowbirds. Fogging agents should be used in the early morning or late evening when flocks are typically feeding and grouped together. These agents have been widely used to clear airport runways and tarmacs. Golf course owners often use them to clear greens and adjacent areas of grass-eating pests. And warehouse operators have used fogging agents to clear invasive birds out of open bay storage facilities, receiving docks and similar structures.

Chemical Bird Repellents

Another way to use chemicals as a pest bird guard is through the use of Chemical Bird Repellents. These chemicals are applied to the invaded area to create an uncomfortable sticky landing zone. Ideal for use on ledges, trees, fences and bushes or shrubs, the non-toxic liquid gel is equally effective for small or large pest birds. You get a lot of repellent for your money, since a one-gallon container will usually treat 120 square feet. These repellents are easily applied using a hand or pressure spray gun with a discharge pressure between 40 to 150 psi. A single application typically lasts up to six months outdoors. One bit of advice: Don't use chemical bird repellents on vertical or porous surfaces, building structures, or where birds have been nesting.

Chemical Goose Repellents

Got geese?  Here's a bird guard that will make them leave. It's called Chemical Spray Goose Repellent. It's ideal for repelling geese from parks, shorelines, golf courses, cemeteries, lawns, yards, landscaping, shrubs, or any grassy areas. When geese eat the grass, shrubs or anything green covered with this non-toxic liquid, they can't stand the taste and move on to a more palatable menu. The chemical is basically a grape extract that's safe for pets, geese and humans. These repellents are easy to apply using standard hand-held sprayers available at most garden stores. Some chemical repellents come in a liquid concentrate that you mix with water. You apply an initial application, then wait about a week, and repeat the process. Two applications will last for approximately three months. The chemical stays effective even after a rain spell or sprinkler watering. The best goose repellent is registered with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Bird Sonic Systems 

Like most living things, birds have a fear threshold. Cross it and most birds will simply take flight. This holds true for invading bird species, since they are constantly on the lookout for predators and the distress calls of their fellow feathered friends. If you happen to be a pigeons, the sound of Peregrine falcons defending their territory will make you nervous enough to leave. If you're a starling and seagull, predator hawks screeching and gulls under attack will convince you to take flight. These are the sounds emitted by Bird Sonic Systems. The have been specially designed to broadcast natural bird sounds that are not unpleasant to humans but alarm invading birds. The best sonic bird guards can be set up to emit distress and predator calls day or night. And speaker units can easily be added to significantly expand the coverage area. The best systems will continually alter the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of their sounds. This keeps invading birds from getting too accustomed to the sounds.

Related articles

• Bird Deterrents to Control Invasive Pest Birds (birddeterrent.wordpress.com)
• Bird Repellents for Better Bird Control (birdrepellent.wordpress.com)
• How to Get Rid of Geese from Destroying Yards (goosecontrol.wordpress.com)
• You Need a Pest Bird Guards (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Pest Bird Control for Amusement Parks (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)

Excluding Pest birds with Bird Netting

Birds can be considered a pest when they decide to roost or nest in areas where their feces and debris can be considered a hazard.  Each year building owners and homeowners spend countless hours and money cleaning up after and repairing the damage caused by pest birds. Not only are these problems unsightly; pest birds and their feces can spread 60 plus transmittable diseases. Safety, sanitation and health hazards caused by bird droppings can pose serious liability risks, and left untreated, can lead to accidents and lawsuits. Bird feces, bird nests and debris can also create a bad public image with tenants and patrons. Individuals, companies and government agencies are tired of cleaning up bird feces or repairing the damage that is caused by pest birds and their droppings. Instead they have decided to invest in a Bird Control Solution, which is often as simple as installing bird netting.

Bird netting is used to exclude pest birds from areas such as rooftops, warehouses, airline hangars, overhangs, eaves of homes and other enclosed areas that pest birds are to be kept out of.  Netting will provide 100% exclusion of pest birds and is a long-term bird control solution.  Bird netting comes in several different mesh sizes ranging from ¾” mesh for use with all types of birds, to 2” mesh to use when larger birds like pest pigeons and seagulls are a problem.  Netting comes in several colors as well; white, stone and black.  Black bird netting is usually preferred because of its natural U.V. protection and lack of discoloration due to dirt and dust.  When installed properly, the netting will be virtually invisible, not interfering with the architectural features of a building.

Choosing the right bird netting:

There are several types of bird netting available.  There is knotted polyethylene netting that is considered long lasting and heavy duty.  You would use this type of netting where you want a permanent solution to your bird control issues.  Heavy-duty bird netting is usually manufactured using U.V. treated twine providing long life.  Strength of these nets can be greater than 40 lbs. burst.  The nets will also have a high melting point and flame resistant.  Heavy-duty bird netting is ideal for use in warehouses, airplane hangars, canopies, overhangs and other large areas where pest birds are to be excluded.

Another type of bird netting is Polypropylene extruded plastic netting.  This is a strong plastic bird netting used to exclude pest birds from homes and gardens.  It is strong yet lightweight, easy to use and install.  Plastic bird netting is often used to protect crops and orchards from pest birds.  It is ideal to protect blueberries, fruit trees and other garden plants.  Hanging plastic bird netting from the eaves of your home can protect it from such pest birds as swallows and woodpeckers. Plastic bird netting is not a long term netting product with about one year of usage.

Bird netting comes in different mesh sizes.  Choosing the correct mesh size is important.  You do not want the birds to be able to get into the netted off area and become stuck or trapped.  For larger birds such as pigeons and seagulls you can use a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size.  For smaller birds such as sparrows and starlings use a ¾” to ½” mesh size.  When using plastic netting to protect berries and grapes, use a ¼” mesh size.

Installing bird netting:

Commercial installations for bird netting can get complicated depending on the size of the area to be protected and the material that the netting will be attached to.  Netting off the infrastructure of an airplane hangar can require thousands of square feet of netting and special equipment such as lifts and power equipment to install the net.  It is often recommended to use a professional bird control installer to get the job done correctly.  There are bird control installers throughout the country that have experience in installing bird netting in large quantities and complicated jobs.

Installations of bird netting on your home or in your garden can easily be done yourself.  For use in the garden you will cover your favorite plants with the plastic bird netting.  Draping the ¼” mesh plastic bird netting over fruit trees will protect the fruit from pest birds.  It may be necessary to hire a professional to hang bird netting from the eaves of our home, especially in multi-storied houses.

Related articles

• Excluding Pest birds with Bird Netting (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Excluding Pest Birds with Bird Netting (birdcontrolnetting.wordpress.com)
• Reduce Pest Bird Damage with Bird Netting (birdnet.wordpress.com)
• Heavy Duty Bird Netting for Your Warehouse: Effective and Humane (birdnet.wordpress.com)
• Bird Guards for Commercial Applications (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)

Bird Guards for Commercial Applications

by Alex A. Kecskes
It's an unfortunate reality that commercial building owners spend millions of dollars annually to pay for the damage caused by pest birds. For one thing, bird droppings on windows and facades can seriously detract from a structure's appearance. The acid produced by the fungi that live in bird droppings can corrode metal and erode stone. Unless building owners hire expensive cleaning crews, the damage over time gets worse and more expensive to clean or repair. Bird nests and droppings can also clog gutters and down pipes, causing rooftops to overflow with water and possibly cause entire sections of a rooftop to collapse. Pest bird nests and droppings can also clog air conditioning and heating units, severely damaging these expensive systems.

Unwelcome and Unhealthy Droppings

The bird droppings pest birds leave behind also create offensive odors and can carry any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and feral pigeons can carry bacteria causing salmonellosis. Such pigeons can even carry ornithosis, which is similar to viral pneumonia. This makes pest birds particularly unwelcome in areas where food is stored, processed or served. When bird droppings litter a sign or cover an outdoor restaurant's tables and chairs, customers will simply avoid the establishment and take their business elsewhere.

Don't Be Served with a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit

Bird droppings on walkways and entryways to commercial building can create serious slip-and-fall hazards. The only thing more slippery than wet bird poop is a banana peel. For commercial property owners, bird droppings allowed to accumulate on their premises can create a prohibitively expensive and time-consuming legal liability. 

Bird Guard Spikes and Spiders

Probably the most popular bird guard for a commercial establishment is through the use of bird spikes. Ideal for pigeons and other large birds, spikes discourage pest birds from landing. They come in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. Typically available in two-foot long strips, bird pikes are blunted so they won't harm birds, pets or people. The best spikes are made of marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that you can angle to fit curved surfaces. You can also get spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish.
To bird proof gutters against large pest birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons, you'll need Bird Guard Gutter Spikes. Look for spikes with adjustable clamps at the base that make them easy to install to the lip of your gutters. If you're being invaded by cormorants, turkey vultures, raptors and other large birds, opt for the Mega Spike, which has long 7” spikes.
Another popular device used to bird proof an area is the Bird Spider. These devices have long spindly spider-like arms that wave in the breeze to discourage pest birds from landing. They are ideal for use on outdoor restaurant tables before opening hours to keep pest birds from landing on tables. They can also be used on awnings and patio covers. Spiders typically come in a variety of diameters to deter a wide range of bird pests.
They may look threatening, but they are harmless to birds and people.

Bird Guard Nets, Slopes and Gels

Ideal for a broad range of commercial uses, including signs, warehouses, courtyards, canopies, airplane hangars and rooftops, Bird Netting has proven to be an effective bird guard solution. Often prescribed by architects, bird netting comes in a variety of mesh sizes to deter sparrow, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and larger birds.

Another popular bird proofing device is the Bird Slope. Pest birds simply slide off these angled, slippery PVC panels whenever they attempt a landing. Ideal for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree areas frequented by birds, these slopes are easily screwed, glued or nailed to most any flat surface. They even come in a variety of colors to match a building's exterior décor.

To discourage pest birds from landing on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduit, pipes, and flat or curved surfaces, there's Bird Gel. Birds hate this goop, which is easily applied using a standard caulking gun. The gel never really dries and leaves a sticky surface that bug the heck out of pest birds.

Tracks and Tears

If your property's been inundated with pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, one effective and humane bird guard solution worth trying is the Electric Track. These nifty devices "persuade" pest birds not to land by conveying a mild electric shock to their feet. The tracks are easy to install on ledges, signs, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces. Some systems are low profile and virtually invisible from ground level. The best tracks feature a flow-through design that keeps water from damming up on rooftops. If you want the tracks to last in harsh weather, opt for corrosion-resistant tracks that resist alkali and acidic environments.

Related articles

• For Pest Bird Control, Choose Bird Proof Spikes (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• How to Bird Proof Your Roof for Spring (birdproof.wordpress.com)
• Bird Spikes Keep Spring Birds Away (birdspike.wordpress.com)
• For Pest Bird Control, Choose Bird Proof Spikes (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Bird Guards...from Low-Tech to High-Tech (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)

You Need a Pest Bird Guards

by Alex A. Kecskes
Homeowners, is your patio being rained on by bird droppings? 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 guards.
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 guards.
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 guards!
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 guards ASAP.
Fortunately, for all those who have been putting up with pest birds, there are many highly effective pest bird guards 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 guards 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 guards 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 guards 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 guard 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 guard--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.
To give pest birds a shocking reception, you might try the Electric-Track bird guards currently being marketed. Birds land on these and get a mild electric shock that persuades them to move on. Ideal for small and large pest birds, some electric tracks feature a low-profile design that's barely visible from the ground. The tracks usually get their "juice" from an AC charger or solar charger.
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 guards. 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 guards have the flexibility to add more speakers that will extend the coverage range up to six acres.

Related articles

• You Need a Pest Bird Guards (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Bird Proofing for Fitness Centers and Workout Gyms (birdproof.wordpress.com)
• Bird Guards...from Low-Tech to High-Tech (birdcontrolproducts.wordpress.com)
• Bird Deterrents Say "Shoo" to Pest Birds (birddeterrent.wordpress.com)
• Bird Netting Can Save You Big Money (birdnet.wordpress.com)

Opening your pool for summer? Get some Bird Control

by Alex A. Kecskes
It's time to open your pool for the summer. If you've had problems with grackles depositing bird waste in your pool, there are bird control measures you should look into to keep your pool clean and inviting. If birds have been cleaning out their nests and dropping their waste in your pool or on your pool cover, you have a nasty problem that needs to be addressed. Then again, you may have another problem: black birds spitting in your pool and contaminating it with germs and other waste. Or, if you have an above-ground pool like many homeowners do, birds could be using your roof to perch, then dive bomb the pool.
Let's face it, if you're constantly checking the nitrate levels in your pool due to bird contamination, and you've been forced to drain half your pool to prevent contamination and algae growth, you need to look into some serious and effective bird control measures--before you declare your pool officially open.


But before you whip out your BB gun or run to the store for bird poison, keep in mind that many birds are protected by federal laws under the "Migratory Bird Act of 1918," as well as by many state laws. It's also illegal to destroy, relocate or disrupt their nests or their eggs. The only exceptions are non-native species like the House Sparrow, European starling, and the pigeon.

So before you invite your friends and relatives over for that big pool party, you'll need to look into some of the more effective bird control measures outlined below. These devices and systems have been proven to deter pest birds and they do so humanely.


Bird Sonic Systems


Most pest birds are very cautious when it comes to warning signs. Some species even delegate a "warning bird" or "lookout" whose job it is to let those around them know that it's time to flee. Sonic Bird Deterrents are aimed at these birds. These systems broadcast predator and distress calls that convince pest birds that danger is near. If you're a pigeon, for example, you'll immediately react to the sound of Peregrine falcons defending your territory. If you're a starling, predator hawks screeching and birds under attack will get your attention. These sounds won't bother people, but they are nerve wracking to birds. The best sonic bird control devices can be set up to broadcast distress and predator calls 24/7. Some systems let you add speakers to expand the coverage area if needed. Others will continually alter the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of their sounds.

Bird Spikes

As previously mentioned, if pest birds are using your roof, patio cover or awning as a perch to dive bomb your pool area, you should consider installing some Bird Spikes to deny them these perches. Ideal for use against pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, bird spikes come in either rigid, U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. (The poly spikes are slightly less expensive.)  Steel spikes typically come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths, and their non-reflective metal finish makes them virtually invisible when installed. The plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and you can use them near your dish TV antenna, since there are no EM interference problems with plastic.


Bird spikes even come in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. Spikes are easy to install, too. One manufacturer sells a no-gap spike that's easy to mount on curved surfaces. And while they look very intimidating, they're harmless to birds and people. In fact, bird spikes have been approved as a bird control measure by a number of humane groups worldwide--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Solar Powered Bird Repellers

Birds don't like things that move and whip around. That's what Solar Powered Bird Repellers do. Harmless to birds and pets, these bird control devices feature long arms that turn continuously at 30 RPM to discourage birds from landing near your pool. Ideal for seagulls, pigeons, and crows, some repellers even have adjustable “arms” to cover wider areas--up to 5 feet long. The best repellers can store the sun's converted electrical energy and tap into it at night or on overcast days to keep the arms turning.


Bird Spiders 

Easy to move around and place, Bird Spiders are designed to intimate pest birds from landing near your pool. The spider's flagellating arms wave wildly in the breeze to deter all manner of pest birds from approaching the area. Bird spiders come in several arm lengths to cover wider and wider areas. Place them anywhere birds tend to gather--roof, patio cover, awning, gazebo, etc.

Bird Scare Tie-Ons

You've probably seen these Bird Scare Deterrents at parks, marinas and other structures. They create an “Optical Distraction Zone” that keeps birds away from pools and other restricted areas. They come in various types: reflective foils that crackle in the breeze, shiny tape banners that crinkle in the wind, and balloons with huge predator eyes that bob and weave to make pest birds really feel hunted. If pest birds have invaded your pool or spa in the past, you can string these deterrents up just about anywhere to keep birds at bay. In the case of balloons, you can also fill them partially with water and let them skim the surface of the pool to make birds feel threatened. Be sure to occasionally swap out these bird deterrents from time to time to keep birds from getting used to them.

Related articles

• How to Keep Birds Out of Amusement Parks this Spring (birdspike.wordpress.com)
• Bird Spikes Can Deter Pest Birds from Commercial Buildings (birdspike.wordpress.com)
• Best Ways to Birdproof Your Property (birdproof.wordpress.com)
• Bird Repellents for Better Bird Control (birdrepellent.wordpress.com)
• The Best Bird Pest Deterrents Are Humane (birddeterrent.wordpress.com)
• Time to Bird Proof Your Property (birdproof.wordpress.com)