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 deterrents 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 deterrent 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 poly 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 deterrent. 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 deterrent 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 deterrent. 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 deterrent depends on electrical conductivity to discourage pest birds from landing. Called Electric Track Bird Repellants, 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.
Moving into the higher tech category of bird deterrents, there's a the Motorized Whirly Gig device. These feature rotating arms that resemble an animated Bird Spider. Ideal for signs, billboards, parapet walls, roofs, or any flat surface. Some have batteries, others you plug in, and some run on solar power.
Another high-tech bird deterrent 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.
