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.

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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.

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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.

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Bird Guards…from Low-Tech to High-Tech

by Alex A. Kecskes
Pest birds can be loud, annoying, destructive, even hazardous to one's health and well-being.
But thanks to modern technology, man has come up with a number of ingenious ways to discourage these fine-feathered pests from landing, roosting and nesting on valued property. These bird guards run the gamut from low-tech flashy banners to high-tech ultrasonic systems that annoy pest birds almost as much as they annoy us.
Among the most elementary and economical is the Bird Scare deterrent. These reflective banners and balloons are usually made of metal foil or shiny tape and are animated by even the gentlest breeze. Some balloons have large predator eyes. And all work on the principle of creating an “Optical Distraction Zone.” Aside from being fairly inexpensive, these scare-eye diverters can be easily affixed to almost any point or surface pest birds tend to land. Bird scare products are perfect for boats, patios, pool areas, overhangs, gazebos, and other open areas, even vineyards and orchards.
An ever-popular bird guard for use against pigeons and large birds is the Bird Spike. These come in strips of menacing-looking spikes that effectively keep pest birds from landing. You can choose steel spiked strips or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes (the plastic bird spikes are less expensive). Ideal for use on rooftops, signs and other elevated areas, they're easy to install and won't harm birds.
For awnings, boat or patio covers, and other flat surfaces, you can't go wrong with the Bird Spider. These have spider arms that wave in the breeze. To a pest bird, the arms look like tentacles that are about to grab them, so birds avoid them. Spiders come in a number of diameters to discourage various bird sizes. Best of all, they're maintenance free and harmless to birds.
If you've ever tried to run on ice, you know the feeling a best bird gets with this bird guard. Made of angled PVC panels, Bird Slopes just won't allow birds to land--their little legs slip and slide right off. Bird slopes are perfect for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree corners where pest birds like to nest.
Another bird guard that works a bird's legs is Bird Gel. You apply it with a caulking gun, and when the gel dries, it skins over, leaving a sticky membrane that birds can't stand. Not to worry, it’s safe for birds (except swallows). Bird gels are ideal for a wide range of surfaces, including conduit, pipes, ledges, I-beams and parapet walls.
If you've got a large area to protect--like a warehouse, airplane hangar, big courtyard, or rooftop, Bird Netting makes an ideal bird guard. Mesh openings vary to deter various sizes of pest birds, including sparrows, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and other large birds. Opt for netting that's flame resistant, U.V. stabilized, and rot and waterproof. For most applications, choose non-conductive netting.
Our next bird guard depends on electrical conductivity to discourage pest birds from landing. Called Electric Track Bird Repellents, these deliver a mild electric shock that’s irritating yet harmless to birds. Ideal for pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, the electric tracks are easily mounted on signs, ledges, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces. Opt for tracks with a flow-through design to keep water from damming up on rooftops.
Another high-tech bird guard uses sounds to discourage pest birds from landing and nesting. Called Audio Bird Repellents, they emit ultrasonic sounds that mimic a bird's predator or distress calls. These are ideal for parking garages and overhangs. Whether you've got problems with pigeons, sparrows, starlings, or seagulls, these ultrasonics will keep them away.

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For Pest Bird Control, Choose Bird Proof Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

While we love to feed birds and watch them fly, pest birds can be a real pain. They eat our stored foods, peck at our orchards and vineyards and destroy our buildings and statues. They make it unsafe for restaurants to serve food outside, and they contaminate our parks and playgrounds with disease carrying droppings. Pest birds have even been known to bring down our jet aircraft. It's no wonder someone invented the Bird Proof Spike.

Surprisingly effective and easy to install, the bird proof spike has been enthusiastically received by businesses and municipalities throughout the world. No longer do property owners have to deal with the myriad problems caused by pest birds. Gone are the unsanitary bird droppings and nests that used to clog gutters, downpour spouts and AC units. No longer need boat owners worry about pest bird droppings eating into sails, sheets and canvas covers, or seizing up radar antennas. Even slip-and-fall hazards on decks and runners are things of the past, thanks to bird proof spikes.

The simple bird proof spike has been hugely successful in preventing birds from landing and roosting on ledges, parapets, cutouts, signs, beams, chimneys, security cameras, lights, and countless other areas. The blunted spikes look threatening but are actually quite innocuous to birds and people.

So what makes the bird proof spike so effective? Simple. Pest birds just can't seem to twist their wings or "landing gear" anywhere near the spikes. Because of its widespread popularity, the bird proof spike now comes in various types and sizes. For example, there's the long-lasting flexible stainless steel spike, the rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spike, and many application-specific spikes in various sizes.

Another advantage of the bird proof spike is that it has won the approval of almost every humane group around the globe--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS. Architects and building contractors like the spike as well, since it combines aesthetics with function.

Those ready to purchase and install bird proof spikes will find the following basic specs handy. First off, spikes come in a wide range of types, sizes and colors. Many manufacturers offer spike strips in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Stainless steel spike strips typically come in 1",3", 5" and 8" widths. The strips typically come in two-foot sections and can be quickly installed using glue, nails or screws, depending on the surface they will rest on. Look for bird proof spikes that have a flexible base, spikes that let you easily bend them to fit onto curved surfaces. Spikes that have a flexible base will fit on rounded signs and signal lights, ledges and wandering parapets. You can also get crush proof spikes with a non-reflective metal finish.

If you have a problem with pigeons and larger pest birds crowding on girders or I-beams, go with Stainless Steel Girder Spikes. These usually come in standard two-foot sections and 3”,5”, and 8” widths. The spikes use adjustable “C” clamps along the base, which makes them easier to install. For big birds like seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures, and raptors, you would probably be better off with the Mega Spike. These bird proof spike strips typically sport extended 7” high spikes made of marine-grade stainless steel.

To keep pest birds from clogging exterior drains and gutters, many property owners have sought relief using the Gutter Spike. These bird proof spikes are ideal for use against seagulls, crows, and pigeons. You can order these spikes in two-foot long strips for easy installation. The gutter spikes come with adjustable clamps at the base. This makes them easy to attach to the lip of a gutter. Which brings us to some important installation guidelines.

Installing bird proof spikes correctly calls for some initial prep work. First off, you'll have to clear out all nesting materials and excess bird droppings. If your installation calls for the spikes to be glued down, apply the glue generously onto the base of the spike (about 1/2-inch thick), then press the base of the spike level with the surface's edge. Don't leave any gaps between spikes (no more than two inches). When installing spikes on a wide ledge, use at least three or more rows of spikes. Be sure to close any gaps between the rows (no gaps more than two inches). Closing holes or gaps between spikes is key here, for pest birds are smart critters. When installing gutter spikes, take advantage of the clips that attach to the bottom of the spike. Remember, pest birds are fairly agile and can manage to land on the very smallest of spots.

Pest Bird Control for Amusement Parks

by Alex A. Kecskes

Amusement parks have always been at the mercy of pest birds. Without an effective bird control strategy, birds can literally take over an amusement park, create a huge expense and contribute to a number of serious health issues. They can also impact a park's attendance. All the more reason to take the problems of pest birds seriously.

While birds may be fun to feed and chase (especially, if you're a kid), bird droppings can create all sorts of problems for theme and amusement park operators. Not the least of these are the slip-and fall hazards bird droppings create--multiplied by countless daily visitors, many of them running--that fill a park's premises every day. The legal liability of a serious fall can be ruinous to a park and its reputation.

Likewise, bird droppings covering benches, chairs, awnings, tables at eateries and rest stops can also affect a park's reputation. In addition, the sight of bird droppings on amusement ride signs, seats and waiting areas will leave a negative impression on visitors. Proper bird control can change that.

Bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases, which can create health code violations and result in sick patrons. Even the sight of bird droppings near a park's outdoor eatery can influence a patron's willingness to eat there. A particularly troublesome illness caused by inhaled aerated bird droppings is a disease called histoplasmosis, which is characterized by constant flu-like symptoms.

Bird nests, feathers and droppings can also get into the mechanisms and electrical equipment of rides and attractions. This can cause breakdowns that can endanger riders and operating crews. Breakdowns can be costly in terms of maintenance and repairs, and in lost revenue due to non-operation.

Before attempting any lethal means of control, amusement park operators should contact their local wildlife management office. The other alternative is to use non-lethal bird control measures. These are effective, humane, and can save a park's reputation. Here are a few.

Public Pools & Resorts Opt for Bird Control

by Alex A. Kecskes
With the summer upon us, pool-equipped resorts and public pool facilities managers are once again preparing for the huge influx of swimmers and sunbathers. Most have learned that without effective bird control measures, their beautiful facilities will fall victim to an invasion of gulls, pigeons and other feathered pests. These birds are drawn to the easy meals brought out and often left unattended by guests. And what these pest birds leave in their wake are disease-carrying droppings in and around the pool, on tables and chairs, umbrellas, and on towels and other personal items. Not exactly great PR for the facility.

Adding to these woes, pool operators whose facilities have been invaded by pest birds must check the nitrate levels--far more than normal--to ensure bird droppings have not contaminated the pool. The last thing guests and visitors want to hear is that the pool has been shut down for several days. And the last thing facilities managers want to get is a huge bill for draining and cleaning a pool.

The temptation is to resort to bird poisons. Unfortunately, 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 most bird nests or their eggs. The only exceptions are non-native species like the House Sparrow, European starling, and the pigeon.

The smart move is to invest in some bird control measures. A few of the more effective and humane devices are outlined below.