The Right Bird Control Solutions for Your Campus

As a facilities superintendent for a college or university, you need to make sure pest birds don’t deface and damage various parts of the campus. If your educational institution is like most, it will have many older buildings with places where bird pests can perch and roost. When birds find a place they like, they’ll leave unsightly trails of bird droppings that deface signage, spires, towers, monument fascia, window ledges, and rooflines. Birds can also damage roofs, uplifting shingles to cause leaks.

Lethal means to rid your campus of pest birds are not only ineffective, but frowned upon by the environmentally conscious attitudes of most institutions. Fortunately, there are several ways to effectively and humanely deter pest birds from your campus. Here’s what the bird control experts at Bird-B-Gone recommend:

Bird Spikes for Rooflines, Lighting Fixtures

Birds love to perch on rooflines and light poles. Bird-B-Gone Bird Stainless Steel Bird Spikes won’t allow them to land. These durable bird deterrents feature rows of stainless steel spikes embedded in a UV-protected polycarbonate base. Bird spikes have been used worldwide to deter pest birds from elevated areas for many years. The spiked strips come in two-foot sections and three different widths—3-, 5- and 8-inch—to match the width of the area in need of protection. The base of each spiked strip is just 1.5 inches wide, so it can be installed on narrow surfaces using screws, tie downs or glue.

Sonic Bird Deterrents Scare Birds from Large Areas

Birds react to sounds 10 times faster than humans. Combine this with that fact that birds are always on the alert for predators (like hawks and falcons) and you have the makings of an effective bird deterrent for large areas. Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Chase Super Sonic broadcasts distress and predator calls that intimidate birds, convincing them that a threat is present. Unlike ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds birds can’t hear, the Bird Chase system is fully audible to birds, yet it won’t annoy students or faculty. The device comes with a built-in speaker that will cover up to an acre. Additional speakers can be added to extend the coverage area to a full five acres.

Bird Jolt Flat Track to Keep Pest Birds Off Signage

Ideal for signage or for areas when bird spikes would be unsuitable or impractical, Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Jolt Flat Track imparts a harmless but convincing shock to the toes of any bird brave enough to set foot on its electrified surface. The low-profile track is virtually invisible, rising just 1/4" at its highest point. Its UV-protected PVC base bends 360° and is completely waterproof. It’s the only electric bird deterrent track with a patented anti-arcing design to prevent track short outs. It’s also the only system with patented glue troughs along the base to insulate the track’s conductors.

Three Simple Things You Can Do To Keep Pest Birds Off School Buildings

If your school is like most, it has open courtyards, outdoor eating areas and overflowing garbage cans and dumpsters. Birds love to loiter around these areas and seek out any food scraps left under lunch tables and benches. And when they see an opportunity, they’ll dive in. After they’re stuffed, they’ll “let loose” some sizeable bird droppings. These droppings can end up on playgrounds, water faucets, lunch benches, tables and walkways. Besides being unsightly, bird droppings can carry any of 60 know diseases, including salmonella and ecoli. Children can also slip and fall on fresh bird droppings, a liability for any school district.

Chances are, you’ve put up with pest birds all year long. Fortunately, there are three simple things you can do to keep them away. And there’s no better time to implement these effective bird control solutions than during the holiday break. So act now while maintenance crews are on site to keep bird pests from flocking to your school.
Scare Birds Away with Repeller 360°

This simple bird control device sweeps pest birds off rooftops, AC units and other flat areas using sustainable wind power. Ideal for keeping larger birds like pigeons, crows, gulls, cormorants and raptors from landing, Bird-B-Gone’s Repeller 360°’s two long arms each have end sails covered with reflective “predator eyes.” When the arms spin in the breeze, the sweeping action and predator eyes combine to make an effective pest bird deterrent. Self-sufficient and easy to set up, the Repeller 360° needs no electrical power or wiring. It rotates continuously in the wind, covering a 6-foot diameter to harmlessly convince bird pests to move on.

Pest Birds Hate Bird Jolt Flat Track

Give pest birds a lesson they’ll never forget—a “hello” jolt of electricity when they land on your school roof, ledge or sign. Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Jolt Flat Track “educates” birds but won’t harm them. It’s like getting a shock when you touch a doorknob after walking on the carpet. The shock convinces birds to avoid any lofty areas of your school. Bird Jolt Flat Track is the #1 Specified electric track by architects and government agencies. Its patented “anti-arcing” design provides an added level of safety. It’s also crush proof and will continue to work even if stepped on by window washers or building maintenance crews.

Bird Spikes Create No-Landing Zone for Bird Pests

Whether you choose plastic or stainless steel, Bird-B-Gone Bird Spikes simply won’t allow birds to land or perch on or near them. Steel bird spikes feature rows of stainless steel spikes embedded in a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. You can also go with Plastic Bird Spikes, which come in white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear--to blend in with your school’s color scheme. Plastic spikes are made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate, which makes them tough and economical. Neither type of bird spike will harm birds or installation crews.

Three Ways to Deter Gulls from Your Property

If you live near a body of water, gulls can pose a major problem.  When they flock around rooftops, fences, canopies, your pool, spa or water feature, they can create a huge headache in droppings and noise.  If you have an RV or boat, gulls can shower it with droppings, creating a mess that will take hours to clean. You may be tempted to use lethal means like pellet guns and poisons to get rid of them, but gulls are protected by federal, state and local laws. The solution? Humane gull deterrents, like these offered by the bird control experts at Bird-B-Gone:

1. Bird Spikes Create a No-Landing Zone for Pest Gulls

Bird-B-Gone Bird Stainless Steel Bird Spikes won’t allow gulls to land on or near them. These humane, highly effective gull deterrents feature rows of stainless steel spikes embedded in a UV-protected polycarbonate base. This makes them highly durable and ideal for seaside properties. The spikes are widely used for keeping gulls off ledges, rooflines, eaves, windowsills, awnings and canopies. The spiked strips come in two-foot sections and three different widths—3-, 5- and 8-inch—to match the width of the “gull problem” area. The base of each spiked strip is just 1.5 inches wide, so it’s easily installed on narrow surfaces using screws, tie downs or glue.

2. Block Gulls Out with Heavy Duty Bird Netting

Another effective gull deterrent is heavy-duty bird netting. It simply denies gulls access to specific areas of your property. Bird-B-Gone’s Heavy Duty Bird Netting is made of strong polyethylene and offers an ideal bird barrier. This type of bird netting has proven highly successful in preventing pest gulls from entering garages, canopies and other large areas. This netting is made of a UV-resistant mesh that meets tough ISO 1806 test standards. Ideal for long-term outdoor use, this heavy-duty bird netting is rot proof, waterproof, and sub-zero stable. It comes in various sizes and custom cuts and is often recommended by architects.

3. Scare Gulls Away with Bird Chase Super Sonic

Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Chase Super Sonic broadcasts distress and predator calls that intimidate gulls, forcing them to move on. Developed with the help of ornithologists at a major university, Bird Chase Super Sonic repeats these calls every 10 minutes to ensure gulls get the message that dangerous predators are attacking. Unlike sonic devices that emit high-pitched ultrasonic noises birds can hear, the Bird Chase system is fully audible, yet won’t annoy pets or humans. The device comes with a built-in speaker that will cover up to an acre. More speakers can be added to cover up to six acres.

Bird-B-Gone is the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of bird control products, providing effective and humane solutions to a bird-free environment. The company provides advice, training and installation services for those who need help with these and other bird control measures. If you have a problem with gulls and similar large pest birds, consult with a bird control expert.

Top 2 Bird Control Devices for the Water Utilities Industry

Water utility facilities require considerable upkeep and maintenance. With municipal budgets stretched during these tough economic times, reducing the cost of maintenance is crucial. One way to do that is to cost-effectively control the pest bird problem around your facility.

Birds have a habit of nesting in the nooks and crannies of the various structures, towers, storage areas and pipes in and around a water facility. When they do, you’ll find accumulated bird droppings virtually everywhere. Left to harden, bird droppings can seize up valves, cover up gauges, and lock up bolts and covers—all of which can make routine maintenance a costly, time-consuming job.

Bird droppings can also create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards for maintenance crews tasked with climbing ladders and crossing pipes, water towers and elevated landings. Injured workers mean lost time and slipped maintenance schedules. The solution is to implement effective bird control measures to keep birds away from your facility.  Here are two bird deterrents that water facilities mangers have found particularly effective:

1. Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Proven in industrial facilities worldwide, Stainless Steel Bird Spikes provide an anti-perching, anti-roosting barrier against a variety of large pest birds—like crows, gulls and pigeons. These specially designed spiked strips keep birds off towers, valves, landings, support structures and other elevated areas. They are easily installed in multiple rows to deter birds from large, wide areas; they can be affixed to conduit, ledges, and pipes via ordinary hose clamps, Nylon ties or wire lashings; they can be mounted in any lofty area using intertwining vertical and horizontal spiked rows; and they can be placed atop posts, gangways and curved surfaces using adhesive with Nylon ties or hose clamps. The best stainless steel bird spikes are made in the USA and have their spiked pins tightly embedded in a UV-protected polycarbonate base. These high quality stainless steel spikes come in 1”, 3”, 5” and 8” widths to provide wider and wider areas of deterrence. The spiked strips come with pre-drilled holes and glue troughs to make installation fast and easy.

2. Bird Chase Super Sonic

Designed for deterring pest birds from large outdoor facilities, the Bird Chase Super Sonic System covers a full acre, broadcasting intimidating sounds birds can’t stand. Additional portable speakers can be easily attached to extend the effective range to five acres. Unlike ultrasonic systems that emit sounds birds can’t hear, the Bird Chase system broadcasts predator and distress calls within the hearing range of birds. The sounds resemble normal birdcalls so they won’t annoy your daily crews. You can program the system to turn off at night and on at daybreak when birds become most active. Another plus is that Bird Chase Super Sonic emits distress and predator calls for 22 types of birds to protect your facility from virtually any type of bird.

Sonic Bird Control Solves Subway Station Pigeon Problem

The Toronto’s Bathurst Subway Station was once home to dozens of annoying pigeons. Attracted by the scent of freshly baked goods inside, and by customers who couldn’t resist feeding them crumbs and snacks, the birds would leave droppings everywhere, including on peoples’ hats and parkas. The bird droppings not only had the potential for carrying any of 60 known diseases, but also created dangerous slip-and-fall hazards inside the station. The good news is that the pigeons have left the station, thanks to a sonic bird control device that keeps them outside on telephone poles and trees.

Using Sound to Deter Birds

The device used to successfully get rid of pigeons is known as the Bird Chase Super Sonic made by a U.S.-based company called Bird-B-Gone. An ideal all-in-one bird deterrent, the device broadcasts pre-recorded distress and predator calls of over 22 species of birds, including pigeons, crows, gulls, starlings, woodpeckers and grackles. It can be set to deter a specific bird or switched to its "general" setting to deter multiple bird species. This way, it effectively protects any venue from today’s most common bird problems. The distress and predator calls are repeated every ten minutes to keep birds away. And the device can be programmed to turn on or off at night. There’s also a volume control that allows the sound output to be adjusted—anywhere from 65-105 decibels.

Exploiting a Bird’s Natural Abilities and Fears

Birds may have small brains but they have an acute instinct to avoid even the slightest threat. The Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic fully exploits a bird’s natural alertness and sensitive hearing. A bird’s hearing range is similar to a human’s, which is why most ultrasonic bird deterrents are ineffective, since they produce sounds above a bird’s hearing range. In addition, the sounds emitted by the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic resemble normal birdcalls to the human ear, so they won’t bother pets or people.
Designed to Deter Pest Birds from Large Spaces

Scientifically designed to deter birds from large spaces, the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic is the ideal pest bird deterrent for large commercial and municipal areas. It’s ruggedly designed for outdoor use and constructed of UV-protected materials to ensure a long life outdoors. It’s a bird control solution that’s both effective and humane.

Solar Powered and Sustainable

The Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic is now available in a solar powered model. It’s more efficient during daylight and features rechargeable batteries for convenient nighttime operation. A handy LCD panel displays operating status and settings at a glance. The device comes with one internal speaker that easily covers up to an acre of property. To ensure customer satisfaction, the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic comes with a 30-day money back guarantee if unsatisfied with results. The device also comes with a 1-year manufacturers warranty on parts.

For additional advice on how to protect commercial and municipal properties from pest birds, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

Pest Birds Defacing Your Backyard? Bird Control Has Gone Solar!

If pest birds are leaving bird poop all over your patio tables, chairs, loungers and BBQ, you need some bird control. If you’re tired of hosing bird droppings off your walkways, fencing, decorative garden features and kids outdoor gym toys, it’s time for some serious, professional bird control measures. Shooing birds away with noisemakers, water hoses or other home remedies only goes so far. Birds always come back.

Bird droppings left to gather can permanently damage your patio furniture, awnings and umbrellas. These droppings also carry disease—any of 60 known diseases, including salmonella and histoplasmosis (causing respiratory problems). If you really want to address the problem of pest birds, you have to use proven bird deterrents that are both effective and humane. That’s where today’s bird control experts come in. One of the newest bird deterrents currently available is the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic.

Deters a Virtual Aviary of Birds Species

The Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic is the ideal all-in-one bird deterrent. It broadcasts the pre-recorded distress and predator calls of over 22 species of birds, including pigeons, crows, gulls, starlings, woodpeckers and grackles. You can set it to deter a specific bird or just leave it on its "general" setting to deter multiple bird species. This way, you effectively protect your backyard from today’s most common bird problems. The distress and predator calls are repeated every ten minutes to keep birds away. You can program the device to turn on or off at night. There’s also a volume control that lets you adjust the sound output intensity—anywhere from 65-105 decibels.

Birds Hear and Flee

The Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic takes full advantage of a bird’s natural alertness and sensitive hearing. A bird’s hearing range is much like a human’s, which is why some ultrasonic bird deterrents are ineffective, since they produce sounds above a bird’s hearing range. Better still, the sounds emitted by the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic are harmless and resemble normal birdcalls to the human ear, so they won’t bother pets or neighbors.

Ideal for Large Open Spaces

Scientifically designed to deter birds from large open spaces, the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic is the ideal pest bird deterrent for backyards, rooftops and spacious gardens. It’s ruggedly designed for outdoor use and constructed of UV-protected materials to make it sun and weather resistant. You can readily place it wherever pest birds flock or gather.

Solar Powered and Sustainable

The Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic is powered by sustainable solar energy. So it’s more efficient during daylight. It also includes rechargeable batteries for efficient nighttime operation. A handy LCD display panel shows you operating status and settings at a glance. The device comes with one internal speaker that easily covers up to an acre of property.

Top 4 Bird Control Devices for Hotels

If you own or operate a hotel, you know that image is key to your success. One problem many hotels have to deal with is the presence of pest birds. If your hotel is in a seaside or resort setting, pest birds can become a costly nuisance.

The problems associated with pest birds are many. For one, they leave unsightly, unhealthy droppings on signage, walkways, outdoor cabanas, tables and chairs. This can be a real turn off to guests. Bird droppings can also create slip-and-fall hazards that may injure guests. And they can carry viruses and other airborne diseases--as many as 60.  Sparrows and feral pigeons, for example, can carry bacteria causing salmonella. Finally, bird droppings create offensive odors, which can turn away potential guests and compel those already booked to leave.

The solution to the bird problem is professional bird control in the form of proven effective bird deterrents that keep birds away from your hotel and grounds. Here are four bird-proofing strategies the experts recommend:

1. Bird Spikes

Used by hotels around the world, Bird Spikes are ideal for deterring pigeons, gulls, crows, geese and other large birds. Birds simply can't land on or near these spikes. Bird Spikes come in tough, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. The best bird spikes are made of marine-grade stainless steel with a UV-protected polycarbonate base that can be bent to fit curved surfaces. The poly spikes come in a variety of colors--like crystal clear, brick red, light grey, brown, black and tan—to blend in with your hotel’s color scheme.

2. Electric Tracks

Ideal for keeping birds off signs, ledges, rooftops and other elevated areas, Electric Bird Shock Tracks are easy to install and use. Birds that land on these electrified tracks are quickly “educated” with a harmless but annoying electric shock. The best electric tracks have a low-profile design that renders them virtually invisible. These electric tracks feature a flow-through design that keeps water from damming up on rooftops. They also have a corrosion-resistant track that resists alkali and acidic environments.

3. Bird Spiders

Easy to place and move wherever pest birds like to gather--like open patios, rooftops, awnings, and even on patio tables before you open--Bird Spiders provide a visual distraction that frightens and annoys birds. The long, spider-like arms wave in the breeze, making birds feel ill at ease and eager to leave. Bird spiders come in a variety of diameters (2’, 4’, 6’ and 8’) to provide increasingly wider areas of bird deterrence.

4. Bird Chase Super Sonic

Ideal for keeping pest birds away from patio areas, gardens, pools and spas, the Bird Chase Super Sonic emits bird distress and predator calls that frighten birds away. The sounds resemble normal birdcalls and won’t annoy guests. The device emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds.

Birds Eating Your $500 Pond Fish?

You spent a ton of money on the exotic fish in your pond. Maybe you even put a dozen koi in your prized water feature. Family and friends look down and see a wonderland of beautiful fish. But one day, you went to feed your gorgeous koi only to discover that half were missing. You looked up and saw a long-beaked heron or crane on your fence. You grabbed your garden hose and blasted the evil bird, realizing your koi were being digested in the bird’s stomach.

To protect the rest of your fish, you sat in your lawn chair with the water nozzle in your hand, just waiting for the blasted bird to re-appear. After several hours, you went inside, wondering what to do. Thoughts of shooting the bird or poisoning it crossed your mind, but you soon found out that’s illegal, since herons and cranes are protected by law. Trapping the birds can get complicated, since the big birds often injure themselves trying to escape. Besides, getting rid of one bird is no guarantee others one won’t show up to take its place.

Fortunately, there is one humane and highly effective product that will keep your prized fish from being eaten by stealthy herons and cranes. It literally makes your pond bird-proof.

Introducing the Pond Defender™

This unique, innovative product finally offers a foolproof and inexpensive solution to protect expensive fish in ponds and water features. The clever device prevents koi and other prized fish from being preyed upon by skillful and determined herons and cranes.

Easy to set up and visually unobtrusive, the PondDefender™ gives your fish a safe hiding place that’s out of reach of winged predators. The 12 interlocking plastic discs float just below the surface of your pond. The visually pleasing geometric shape efficiently prevents herons and cranes from reaching your fish. You can easily arrange the discs to fit virtually any shape pond or water garden. The discs allow underwater plants to grow through their geometric openings. You can even stack two rows of Pond Defender™ discs to prevent really long-beaked birds from poking and injuring your fish. The discs are made of a UV-protected plastic (polypropylene), so they’ll not only last a long time but can easily be removed for cleaning.

Each package of Pond Defender™ includes twelve discs that are easily snapped together to form a ring around the edge of your pond. The design leaves an open center, which allows fish to be seen, yet quickly seek cover and concealment. The black discs are barely noticeable and create an effective barrier between predator birds and your fish. You can enjoy your fish without the need for netting or other visually obtrusive deterrents.

Grackles Invade Krogers, “Boom Cannon” Offer Temporary Relief

The Kroger supermarket on West 43rd Street in Houston has been invaded by thousands of noisy grackles. The big black birds have created a nuisance for the past couple of years, buzzing customers' heads, creating an ear-deafening din, and leaving unsightly droppings in their wake. The live oaks and sycamores surrounding the store’s parking lot provide an ideal perch for the birds. The store tried scaring away the annoying birds by setting off "bird cannon" on the roof, but the loud booms worked only temporarily, setting off car alarms, causing some people to call 911, and prompting police cars to roar in with sirens screaming and lights flashing.

Big birds like grackles can be a problem, especially if they’ve chosen your property to nest in. While you may be tempted to use lethal means like poisons or pellet guns, such methods are only marginally effective, as more birds will simply arrive to take their place. Here’s what today’s bird control experts recommend to solve a grackle problem:

Bird Chase Super Sonic

Ideal for discouraging all manner of birds from large open areas, the Bird Chase Super Sonic device broadcasts bird distress and predator calls every 10 to 15 minutes. You can add more speakers to cover up to five acres. And the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic can broadcast distress and predator calls for as many as 22 types of birds, so your store is protected against grackles, pigeons, crows, and many other birds. And unlike ultrasonic systems that emit sounds birds can’t hear, birds definitely respond to Bird Chase Super Sonic’s intimidating sounds.

Plastic Bird Spikes

Bird Spikes won’t allow birds to perch or roost. They’re ideal for keeping birds like grackles off rooflines, signs, parapet walls, lighting fixtures and other elevated structures. More economical than steel spikes, plastic bird spikes come in a variety of colors—including crystal clear, brick red, light grey, brown, black and tan—so they’ll blend in with your store’s color scheme. The best plastic bird spikes are made of unbreakable UV-protected polycarbonate to last for years outdoors. High quality plastic bird spikes feature a flexible base that allows them to bend around curved surfaces. These spiked strips also have pre-drilled holes or glue troughs for easy installation. The spikes come in two-foot sections and 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths to provide wider and wider areas of protection. The bases of the spiked strips are only 1.5 inches wide, which makes them easy to install on narrow surfaces.

Install bird spikes on clean surfaces

Before installing any bird spikes, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Remove any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to keep from being exposed to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds. If the area is heavily contaminated with bird droppings (wet or dry), use proper eye and respiratory protection.

Effective Critter & Bird Control for Country Homes

If you own a home in the country, you know the problems you can have with unwanted birds, small animals and critters. Scrounging through trash cans and other areas of your property, they can create quite a mess. This in turn can draw other critters. While some property owners resort to lethal means to get rid of pest birds and critters, there are non-lethal means available.  These deterrents are both effective and humane. Here are a few you might consider:

Bird-B-Gone Sonic Shield™

This specially designed pest control device frightens birds and other unwanted critters using sound and light. The Sonic Shield™  is completely self-contained and totally portable since it runs on 4 AA batteries. This means you can set it up almost anywhere you have a pest bird or critter problem. You can run the Sonic Shield™ two ways for complete 24/7 pest deterrence: there’s the daytime mode to repel pests using loud dog (a predator for most birds) and barking dog sounds; and a nighttime mode that repels pests using only flashing LED lights—recommended for areas where night noises are not allowed. The Sonic Shield™ is both safe and humane for birds and critters.

Bird Spikes

Proven effective in installations worldwide, Bird Spikes will keep large birds like crows, gulls and pigeons from perching around your home. The spiked strips are easily installed on fencing, rooflines and chimneys using glue, screws or tie-down straps. Bird spikes come in rigid UV-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. Plastic (poly) spikes are slightly less expensive and ideal for use on long fences. The best bird spikes are made in the USA and will have a flexible base that conforms to flat or curved fencing.

Transparent Bird Gel

Ideal for use on flat fencing and other extended areas where birds tend to perch, Transparent Bird Gel leaves a sticky surface birds won’t want to set foot on. The best bird gels remain sticky for up to 6 months after being applied. Bird gels have shown their effectiveness in deterring a wide range of pest birds—including  pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls and starlings. Be sure to clean off nesting materials and droppings before you apply these gels. Birds are naturally attracted to the scent of nests and droppings and will regard the area as non-threatening and habitable.

Bird Chase Super Sonic

Ideally suited for large acreages found around country homes and estates, Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Chase Super Sonic will keep birds from gathering around “problem areas” of your property. This scientifically designed device emits a series of pre-recorded distress and predator calls that birds consider their natural enemy (e.g., falcons and hawks). If your property is being invaded by several bird species, the Bird Chase Super Sonic emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. So you’re covered for a full range of winged critters.

Rain Gutters Clogged by Bird Nests? Time for Bird Control.

‘Tis the rainy season. And that means water on your roof will have to go somewhere. Hopefully, it’s quickly guided off your roof and into rain gutters. But if your rain gutters are clogged by bird nests, feathers and other bird debris, you’ll have problems. Rainwater will back up in your gutters and seep under your roofing tiles. If that happens, it could create a roof leak and costly roofing repair bills—the last thing you need right now.

Without proper bird control, your rain gutters and ultimately your roof will be at the mercy of pest birds. It doesn’t matter if you have a wood, tile, metal or asphalt shingle roof. Fail to install effective bird deterrents in your rain gutters and you could have water going in all sorts of unwanted places when it rains.

What to do?  First off, if your rain gutters are already clogged by bird nests, clear them out (unless, of course, the nests belong to a protected species of birds, in which case, you’ll have to wait till all the eggs have hatched and the little ones have left). Next, install some professional and humane bird deterrents to keep birds out of your rain gutters. Here are two bird deterrents that bird control experts use:
 
Stainless Steel Gutter Bird Spikes

Recommended by the pros to keep pest birds out of your rain gutters, Stainless Steel Gutter Bird Spikes have been widely used by homeowners. These anti-perching, anti-roosting spiked strips simply won’t allow even large birds (like crows and gulls) to land on your gutters or drains. Gutter spikes come in 2-foot long sections, are 4 inches wide, and sold in two quantities--6 feet and 50 feet. They are easy to install because each section is equipped with clamps along the base that attach directly to the lip of your gutter. The clamps are thumbscrew adjustable and will fit any size gutter. Once installed, the spikes are virtually invisible. The best gutter bird spikes will come with a 10-year guarantee.

Sonic Bird Deterrents

Most birds will not nest in areas where they perceive danger. And since birds are acutely sensitive to sounds of predators, it only makes sense that any deterrent capable of generating distress and predator calls would keep birds away from your home. Sonic Bird Deterrents do just that. They broadcast a series of pre-recorded distress and predator calls that resemble a bird’s natural enemy (like hawks and falcons). If your rain gutter is attracting several bird species of birds, opt for the Bird Chase Super Sonic. It’s extremely versatile, as it can broadcast distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. It’s also fully programmable, so you can turn it on or off at night. And not to worry, the sounds emitted are natural bird sounds, so your pets and neighbors won’t be annoyed by this device.

Florida Homeowners Besieged by 50 Vultures

Florida homeowners Dave and Judy Harting were recently inundated by a flock of federally protected vultures. When the Hartings moved into their home last year, they were joined by nearly 50 vultures, who settled on their roof, deck and backyard.

The besieged homeowners were aware of the vultures in the neighborhood and were advised that the birds would leave as soon as the house was occupied. Too bad no one told the vultures. Now the Hartings have to deal with smelly vulture droppings and scratched cars (these big birds have big claws).  After trying a number of bird guards, the Hartings are at their wits end. Lethal means can’t be used against the birds since black vultures are protected by state and federal laws.

If your home is plagued by large birds like vultures, it’s time you get serious about bird control. Keep in mind that, like most wild birds, vultures—who feast on carrion (dead animals)—can carry any of 60 known diseases. Instead of simple noisemakers and water hoses, you should consider implementing some professionally recommended pest bird deterrents. Consider the following:

Scarecrows 

To get rid of turkey vultures and other large birds from your backyard, trying installing a Scarecrow. The second a big bird enters a scarecrow’s “area of protection,” a motion-activated sprinkler blasts it with a harmless but persuasive burst of water. Scarecrows connect to any standard garden hose and will guard a 1,200-square-foot area (or a 35-foot by 45-foot wide swath). Both the Scarecrow’s sensitivity and effective radius can be easily adjusted to the size and shape of your yard.

Mega Bird Spikes

Designed to keep larger birds like vultures away from specific areas of roofs, patio covers and other elevated areas of your home, Bird Spikes are harmless to any birds and pets who may wander on your roof or patio cover. Bird spikes come in rigid unbreakable polycarbonate (plastic) or durable stainless steel. They typically come in two-foot long strips for easy installation. You can also get the Mega Spike, which has long 7-inch spikes--ideal for keeping vultures off fences and ledges. Mega bird spikes are usually made of marine-grade stainless steel to endure tough outdoor weather.

Balloons  and Diverters

Used in conjunction with the two bird guards listed above, Visual Bird Deterrents include Reflective Bird Diverters and Predator Eye Balloons. Diverters are tear-drop shaped panels that feature a big predator eye to intimidate birds. They are typically hung in various lengths and spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. Predator Eye Balloons are beach-ball size deterrents emblazoned with large predator eyes. The best predator eye balloons are made of a weather-resistant vinyl plastic and feature a top eyelet that allows them to be easily hung in high visibility areas around your home. For best results, be sure to move these visual bird deterrents around often to convince vultures that they constitute a “live” threat.

 

The Right Way to Scare Birds Away

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds have pooped all over your new statue. They've covered your sign with "dried mayo," and someone has threatened to sue you for slipping on bird poop as they entered your property. You've had it with the invasion of these fine-feathered "friends." You're ready to stick your head out of your window and yell, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

Relax. There are many ways to scare birds away. And keep them away. Without resorting to poisons or firearms. They run the gamut from economical to high-tech. Most can be used in any location or circumstance. Best of all, they're humane and effective in discouraging a wide range of pest birds from landing, pooping and nesting on your property.

Since the economy is in a downturn, we'll start with the simplest, most economical bird guard--the Bird Scare Products. These "shoo" birds away by capitalizing on their fear of shiny things that jostle in the wind. They include iridescent reflective foil or flash tape, scare balloons, banners and the like that serve to create an “Optical Distraction Zone” for most pest birds. Some bird scare balloon chasers have giant eyes that look predatory and threatening. All are easy to install and won't harm birds. They're ideal for gazebos, overhangs, patios, vineyards, parks, pool and spa areas, boat docks and other open areas.

The Bird Diverter, uses scare-eye images to deter pest birds. Like the chaser, they're simple to install and surprisingly effective. Some bird diverters serve double duty, with iridescent foil eyes to scare birds by day and glow-in-the-dark on the flip side to shoo them away when it gets dark.

Last but not least are the higher tech solutions, bird deterrents that scare birds using sound.

When it comes to sound, today's sound bird deterrents can be quite effective. Some audio bird guards create shrill predator and bird distress calls to scare birds away. Others just produce annoying sounds that drive birds away. All are ideal for enclosed areas like parking garages, sheds and overhangs to deter a wide range of pest birds, including sparrows, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and larger birds.

So, if you're troubled by pest birds, you don't have to take it any more!

Birds Destroying Your Roof? Time for Serious Bird Control

As a homeowner, you should know that birds can seriously damage your roof. It doesn’t matter if you have a wood, tile, metal or asphalt shingle roof. Without effective bird control measures to deter them, Birds can peck and claw under roofing tiles in search of insects, leaving gaps that can cause leaks.

Besides damage from pecking and ripping, the acid in bird droppings can eat into tar-based roofing materials to degrade your roof. Bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials can also clog attic ventilation turbines, block skylights, and reduce the efficiency of solar panels. This debris can even clog gutters, causing rainwater to seep under roofing tiles to create leaks. Finally, feathers, small twigs and dried droppings can be extremely flammable, especially in windy areas. Bird droppings can erode electrical wiring. And one spark is all it takes to start a rooftop fire.

Let’s face it, as a homeowner, roof leaks and expensive roof repairs are the last things you need in this economy. Fortunately, there are some very effective bird proofing devices you can get that will keep birds off your roof. Here are three recommended by bird control experts:

Sweep them off with the Repeller 360

Powered by the wind, the Repeller 360° has two "sails" mounted at both ends of a 6' stainless steel arm. These sails feature reflective bird predator eyes. Spun by the wind, the arms rotate 360° to continually discourage any bird who may land on your roof.

Create a No-Perch Zone with Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Easy to install on rooflines and rooftop areas, Stainless Steel Bird Spikes have been used by homeowners for years worldwide. These anti-perching, anti-roosting spiked strips simply won’t allow even large birds (like crows and gulls) to land on your roof. The highest quality spikes are made of stainless steel pins embedded in a UV-protected polycarbonate base. These are USA made and come with 10-year guarantee. The spikes are available in four different widths--1”, 3”, 5” and 8”—to protect wider and wider roof-top areas, yet each can be securely affixed to a 1.5”  narrow base. Look for bird spikes that have a glue trough and pre-drilled mounting holes for quick, easy installation.

Scare them away with Sonic Bird Deterrents

Birds are alert to the sounds of impending danger. And Sonic Bird Deterrents create those sounds, discouraging birds from making your house their home. These clever devices broadcast a series of pre-recorded distress and predator calls that resemble a bird’s natural enemy. If your roof is attracting several bird species, get the Bird Chase Super Sonic. It’s extremely versatile, emitting distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. You can even program it to turn on or off at night. The sounds emitted are natural bird sounds, so your pets and neighbors can rest easy.

Bird Control to Keep Birds Out of Rain Gutters

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you’re wondering why your rain gutters are becoming increasingly clogged  and your roof is beginning to leak, it might be because you have bird nests in your gutters. You see, when rain gutters are blocked, rain water will overflow under roofing tiles and shingles, and eventually cause leaks. Roof leaks can be expensive to repair, so an ounce of prevention is easily worth a pound of cure. Unless you install effective bird control measures to keep birds out of your rain gutters, you’ll continue to have gutter and roofing problems.

The thing is, once pest birds of any kind decide to roost and build their nests in your rain gutters, their scent (bird droppings, feathers, dead insects, etc) will draw other birds. And so it goes until your gutters are completely blocked and overflowing whenever it rains. These nests can also breed disease, for birds can carry and/or transmit any of 60 known diseases—including Histoplasmosis and West Nile Virus.  If your rain gutters pass over your bedroom window, you’ll also have to deal with the noise of nesting birds every morning.

The solution, of course, is to implement an effective pest bird deterrent to keep birds out of your gutters. And the best time to install bird proofing measures is before birds arrive. One proven way to keep birds out of your gutters is to install Gutter Spikes. These specialy engineering devices are ideal for preventing large birds from occupying your gutters.

The best gutter bird spikes have adjustable “C” clamps at the base, which makes them easy to mount to the lip of any size gutter. The spikes are sold in 6-foot and 50-foot packs, and they come in 2-foot long sections, each 4-inches wide. Properly attached, these spikes prevent pest birds from negotiating a landing in the gutter. Birds will simply move on to more hospitable landing zones. The rugged stainless steel spikes are virtually invisible and will offer years of pest bird protection.

Before installing bird spikes, be sure to clean out your gutters. Remove any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. To be on the safe side, use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to the airborne diseases carried by birds. It’s also a good ideal to use eye and respiratory protection if your gutters are heavily packed with nests and bird droppings.

To install gutter spikes, use the three aluminum “C” clamps attached to the base of each two-foot section. Adjust each clamp with a thumb screw. Loosen the screw, fit the clamp over the lip of the gutter, then tighten the screw to hold each strip in place.

If you’re concerned about these spikes harming birds, don’t be. The best bird spikes are blunted at the tips and won’t harm birds or pets. They’ve been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Residential Bird Control…Keeping Your Home Pest-Bird Free

When it comes to pest birds invading your property, it’s important to nip your bird problem in the bud. The longer you allow them to loiter and gather, the harder (and more expensive) it will be to get rid of them. Without effective bird control to deter them, birds will be attracted to the scent of their bird droppings and will consider your property a safe haven.

If you’ve got birds nesting under eaves, sitting above your entryway, roosting on window sills, in the attic, or even sitting on a fence or roofline, you’ll need some serious bird control. Remember, migrating birds will return in the spring to nest, and geese will come back to graze on your prized lawn and garden areas. Eventually, you’ll get tired of cleaning your BBQ, patio table and chairs, pool and spa.

What you need is proven effective and humane bird control measures. Here's what the pros recommend:

Bird Netting

Ideal for protecting virtually any area of your home—like gardens, bushes, eaves and other structures--Garden Bird Netting is a lightweight mesh made from a durable, UV-protected polypropylene. It’s strong, lightweight, and blends in with its surroundings. It comes in two roll sizes: 14' x 100' and 14' x 200', and it can easily be cut to the size you need. You can also choose from three different "mesh" sizes--1/4" mesh, 1/2" mesh and 3/4" mesh—depending on the size of the bird you wish to block out. Garden bird netting clips are available to streamline installation.

Plastic Bird Spikes

Scientifically designed to prevent birds from perching and roosting on rooflines and parapet walls, Plastic Bird Spikes are among the most effective and humane bird deterrents you can get. They come in a wide range of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear--to blend in with your home’s color scheme. Plastic spikes are the least expensive bird spike available. They’re tough and durable, and they’re fabricated from a rigid UV-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate.

Sonic Bird Control

Highly effective in deterring birds from open areas, Sound Bird Control devices emit distress and predator calls that make birds too uncomfortable to stay. The sounds these devices emit resemble normal bird calls, so they won’t bother you, your pets or neighbors. One sonic device is so versatile that it can re-create distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. It protects one full acre, includes a volume control and can be programmed to turn on or off at night.

Visual Bird Deterrents

Easy to install and inexpensive to use, Visual Bird Deterrents include Flash Tape, Reflective Banners, Scare Eye Diverters and Bird Scare Balloons. All are wind powered  to bob,weave and rattle, which frightens birds. They should be hung in plain view around gardens and pools, and “swapped around” to convince pest birds that they are a live threat.

Bird Control to Get Rid of Birds from Pools and Spas.

Geese, ducks, pigeons, sparrows and other birds often use pools and spas for drinking, pruning and cooling off.  But bird droppings in and around pool areas are unsanitary and can pose a health hazard.  Birds can carry any of 60 known diseases.

Germs in bird droppings can infect humans. Duck and goose droppings, for example, may contain germs such as E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, or Cryptosporidium ("Crypto" for short). While chlorine will normally kill most germs in bird droppings, the germ Crypto is protected by a tough outer shell. This shell allows it to survive for days even in a chlorinated pool.

There’s also the slip-and-fall hazards wet bird droppings can create.  Children running around pools can easily fall and injure themselves.  Bird droppings on lounge chairs and towels can be equally unsettling.

This brings up the daily maintenance required when pest birds have invaded your pool or spa area.  There’s the constant cleaning  and monitoring of water content, the daily hosing off of deck chairs, tables and walkways—with pest birds, this process never ends.
Getting rid of pest birds can be a challenge.  In the US, most birds, including ducks and geese, are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as by some state and local laws. This rules out lethal or harmful bird deterrents such as poisons, pellet guns or damaging or moving nests.

Here are some suggestions to keep pest birds away form your pool and spa area:

Scarecrows 

A natural around pools and spas, Scarecrows employ a motion-activated sensor to detect any bird entering a pre-set radius of protection. Once activated, birds get doused with a spray of water. Scarecrows connect easily to any standard garden hose and will protect a 1,200 square feet area (or a 35-foot by 45-foot wide swath). You can easily adjust the sensitivity and blast radius to you specific needs. And one 9-volt battery powers the entire device.

Sonic Bird Deterrents

Birds are always on the alert for predators. Sonic Bird Deterrents exploit this fact, emitting pre-recorded distress and predator calls that prompt birds to leave.  If your pool or spa areas is being invaded by a swarm of mixed bird species, consider getting the Bird Chase Super Sonic. It’s ideal for most common pest birds, including pigeons, crows and gulls. In fact, it emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds.

Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

These look decorative and they work to scare most birds away. Red-Tail Hawk Decoys make the perfect companion bird deterrent for the two listed above.  Just make sure you get the most realistic looking decoy available.  The best hawk decoys are made of heavy duty plastic and will last for many seasons outdoors. The only thing you have to remember about hawk decoys is to re-position them from time to time.

Using Bird Guards and Bird Barriers to Bird Proof Your Property

by Alex A. Kecskes

No matter how you feel about birds, when they invade your property en masse, they can be a real nuisance. Consider the damage just a few bids can do to your gutters, rooftop AC units, skylights, air vents and solar panels. Over time, their acidic droppings eat into these areas and devices, which can be very costly to repair or replace. Bird droppings left on your car, van, boat or RV can ruin the finish, especially if you wait too long to wash off the droppings.

There’s also the problem of bird nests and nesting debris, which can cause fires when they are built too close to any electrical device, exterior wiring or light fixture.

Finally, if you fancy eating outdoors, there’s the problem of diseases that pest birds carry—they can transmit any of 60 known diseases. Unless you control pest birds with bird guards or bird barriers, they will land on tables, chairs, BBQs awnings, pool ledges and spa areas. And every time they do, there’s the potential for them to drop a disease carrying “load.”  

The solution, of course, is to install bird guards and bird barriers on your property. Two of the most popular bird control devices that fall into these categories are Bird Spikes and Bird Netting.

Bird Spikes Won’t Let ‘em Land

Whether you get stainless steel spikes or plastic, these deterrents are humane and highly effective.  Both are easy to install and essentially maintenance free. The plastic bird spikes cost a bit less and come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and two-foot spike strips. A single row of bird spikes usually covers a 7-inch wide area. The best plastic spikes have a flexible base that adapts to curved surfaces. Each spiked strip comes pre-drilled with holes along the base. The strips can also glued in place by using a glue trough at the base of each spike strip. Concerned about how bird spikes will look on your property? Not to worry. They now come in a full range of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear. Custom colors are also available.

Create a Bird-Proof Barrier with Bird Netting

Bird Netting creates a barrier that blocks out most pest birds. It can keep everything from sparrows to pigeons from invading the nooks and crannies of your property. What’s more, like bird spikes, netting is a humane bird deterrent that won’t harm birds.

For bird netting that lasts, opt for Heavy-Duty polyethylene Bird Netting. It’s made from a U.V. stabilized mesh and comes in various sizes and custom cuts. The key here is to choose the right mesh size for the pest bird you’re having problems with. The three most popular mesh sizes include 2-inch mesh, 1 1/8-inch mesh, and 3/4-inch mesh.

The most rugged netting is ISO 1806 protocol mesh tested, flame resistant and rot- and waterproof. This durable netting consists of 6 monofilaments, each12/1000s of an inch thick. The monofilaments are twisted together to create a tough twine with 160-200 twists per meter.  This high quality bird proof netting is frequently specified by architects.

To get the most deterrent effect out of bird netting, you must install it properly. Before installing Heavy Duty Bird Netting, thoroughly clean the area of bird droppings, nesting materials, loose rust, peeling paint or other debris. Improperly installed netting will sag or droop, leaving gaps that birds can work through. The one thing to remember here is that pest birds can be very resourceful when it comes to sneaking through netting. For best results in large installations, cables should be set up around the area and the net should then be attached to this cable.

Say Hello to Commercial Bird Control and Good-Bye to Bird Droppings

Businesses have a lot to lose when it comes to pest birds. A long roofline, parapet wall or ledge can quickly draw dozens of birds. And once they take hold and start to nest, you’ll have an ever-increasing flock to deal with. The solution is to implement some effective commercial bird control.  While you may not like the idea of investing in such protective measures during these hard economic times, the cost of not keeping birds away will be far greater—in cleanups, repairs and even lost business.

In terms of cleanups, you’ll have to remove unsightly bird droppings from your store entrance, signage, windows and doors. That means your staff will be wasting time doing cleanups instead of other vital business functions. Wait too long and cleanups will become a daily job.

In term of repairs, birds can cause considerable damage to your electrical signage, lighting systems, security cameras and rooftop AC units. They can even clog your rain gutters, causing eventual roof damage. Without effective commercial bird control, you’ll have to pay for this damage sooner or later.

In terms of lost business, nothing ruins your image faster than bird droppings on your signage, windows, awnings, doors and walkways. So if you don’t clean these off—a costly, time-consuming chore—you’ll lose customers.  And that’s the last thing you need in this tough economy.

The good news is that professional bird control companies know exactly what you’re facing. And they’ve developed entire lines of commercial bird control products to help you get rid of pest birds.  These include:

Bird Spikes. Available in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel, bird spikes won’t allow birds to land. They’re easy to install using nails, screws or glue, and they won’t harm birds.

No Knot Bird Netting. To block pest birds from gathering around AC units, signage, eaves, canopies and other areas. This netting is light, handles easily, and is made of flame resistant polypropylene. When buying bird netting, look for brands that are ISO 1806 Protocol mesh tested and UV stabilized.

Bird Slope. These angled, slippery PVC panels won’t allow birds to land. Look for slope panels that are UV protected and sun- and weather-resistant. The panels come in stone and grey to blend in with most architectural styles.
Bird Sonics. These emit predator and distress sounds that discourage birds from nesting and roosting. One bird control sonic system emits distress and predator calls for up to 22 types of birds. The calls resemble normal bird sounds to the human ear and won’t irritate pets or annoy people. 

Electric Tracks. Ideal for use on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, eaves and signs, these electrified tracks impart a harmless shock to birds’ toes so they’ll move on.  The best tracks have a low-profile design and measure just 1/4-inch at their highest point. Another feature to look for: a flow-thru design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops.

Food Facilities Require Diligent Bird Control

The food industry is normally concerned with controlling insect and rodent pets inside their packaging facility. Food naturally attracts these pests and the industry is strictly regulated as to what chemicals can safely be used inside these facilities. Taking a stroll outside the plant to check for possible infestation of pest birds is also imperative. Birds like pigeons tend to gather on large open rooftops, perching along edges and overhangs. Overlooking bird control for the exterior of a food plant can be very bad for business.

In most states, the Department of Health checks for proper implementation of bird control methods on industrial structures. When birds are damaging the outside of the structure or destroying grass and plants surrounding the structure, this can earn the plant a failing grade. If pest birds are not kept under strict control, their feces can compromise food safety and sanitation, not to mention the company’s reputation.

Pigeon droppings that are allowed to build up on rooftops can begin to eat through the protective materials, causing roof leaks or even complete collapse. This threatens the physical safety of the building occupants. Bird feces that become dry can spread disease through airborne particles containing crytococcus or histoplasmosis, two fungi that are commonly found in pigeon waste. If the fungi are airborne, they can cause flu-like symptoms in humans who ingest or inhale the nasty agents. Birds that hang out along the ledge overlooking a food facility’s dock area can create health issues when their dropping are found on packaging goods or transport equipment, forklifts, truck ramps, or dock landings. Bird control techniques can be easily installed to keep food plant workers safe and healthy.

Factory rooftops can best be protected using a combination of bird spikes and bird spider bird deterrents. The bird spikes are strips of stainless steel or plastic strips that hold vertical strands of steel of plastic fibers in place. The strands come in three, five and eight-inch width that fit most typical building ledges. The bird spikes are sun and weatherproof and designed to take the heat or cold without deforming or cracking. They can be glued, screwed or tied securely in place, and are effective immediately upon installation. The spikes create an unstable, no-landing zone around the perimeter of the roof. 

Typically factory roofs are flat and very large. The most common flat rooftop visual and physical bird deterrent may be the constant motion bird spider.  A simple concept, this bird control tool plays to a feathered flier’s sense of safety. Pigeons and other pest birds require solid, still, and predictable areas for landing and gathering.  If they feel threatened or uncomfortable, they may land temporarily, but they won’t stay.  The stainless steel tentacles of the bird spider arch out from a PVC base, held in place with bolts or sandbags. The air moves these strands to and fro, creating an atmosphere of constant movement and uncertainly for any birds that may land.