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).