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.
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