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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.