Need a Loading Dock Bird Deterrent? Consider Bird Netting.

If you operate a loading dock or warehouse, you know the problems pest birds can create. These problems seem all the worse if you load and unload food products. Birds are drawn to the scent of food and will fly into your loading dock or warehouse. Unless deterred by effective bird control measures, pest birds will roost and nest in the lofty spaces in your loading dock and warehouse. Once inside, they’ll continually distract workers who operate forklifts and other equipment. The birds can also contaminate packaged and stored food products. Their droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases like salmonella. Bird droppings can even create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards for your workers.

If you’ve tried pellet guns and bird poisons to get rid of these bird pests, or simply made some loud noises to scare birds, you’ve probably come to the conclusion that these methods are largely ineffective. What you need are some professional level bird control measures that get the job done.  Here’s what the bird control experts at Bird-B-Gone recommend:

No-Knot Bird Netting Blocks Out Bird Pests

This high strength barrier deterrent denies pest birds access to your loading dock, warehouse or any other exposed areas where birds often sneak in. The low-profile, 3/4-inch mesh netting blocks out all manner of birds—including sparrows, pigeons, gulls, starlings and crows. Available in several stock sizes and custom cuts, No-Knot Bird Netting is surprisingly light, yet it has a break-strength of 50 pounds. The non-conductive netting is made of a flame resistant, multi-strand polypropylene fiber, which resists the damaging effects of many industrial chemicals. No-Knot bird netting is ISO 1806 Protocol Mesh tested and will not rot, absorb water, or mildew. Impregnated with UV inhibitors, the netting can withstand years of direct sunlight and wide temperature swings without degrading. It comes with a full 10-year guarantee. Easy to handle, No-Knot Bird Netting is virtually invisible when installed. Bird-B-Gone recommends that prior to installing the netting, all surfaces should be free of bird droppings, nesting materials, loose rust, peeling paint and other debris.

Birds Already in Your Warehouse? Get the Super Talon!

A heavy-duty hand-held net launcher, Bird-B-Gone’s Super Talon Ultra Net Launcher captures bird pests quickly, efficiently and humanely for later release. Instead of wasting time chasing birds with a broom, the Super Talon fires a two-inch mesh net up to 60 feet to snare even the most elusive bird. Ideal for catching all types of birds like sparrows and wrens, the Super Talon has proven its worth worldwide by animal control agencies and research scientists, including the USDA, US Fish & Wildlife and APHIS. The Super Talon Kit comes complete with 10 air cartridges, multiple bird capture net launchers, accessories, and a carrying case.

Top 3 Bird Control Devices for Car and RV Sellers

If you own or manager a car or RV sales lot, you need to keep your overhead to an absolute minimum. One big expense is keeping your cars clean—and that means no bird droppings on roofs, windows and doors. Besides being unsightly, bird droppings can damage your cars or RVs—clogging up AC vents and awning controls, and jamming up doors and windows. Your maintenance crew can be working day and night to keep your RVs clean and safe from bird damage. Washing off bird droppings takes time. And repairing bird damaged cars or RVs costs you money. These are expenses you don’t need right now.

The solution is to implement some effective bird controls, proven bird deterrents that will keep your maintenance staff working on other much-needed projects and jobs. Here are three bird control devices the experts recommend:

1. Bird Scare Visual Deterrents

You may already have banners and balloons tethered to your RVs. But adding professionally designed Visual Scare Bird Deterrents will keep pest birds away. Choose Flash Tape and Reflective Banners, which are specially designed to snap in the breeze and reflect sunlight to intimidate birds. Or get Scare Eye Diverters and Bird Scare Balloons, which feature large mock eyes to convince birds a huge predator is eyeing them for their next meal. All are easy to hang just about anywhere, and they can be moved around wherever pest birds have become a problem.

2. Bird Chase Super Sonic

Designed for deterring pest birds from large outdoor areas like car lots, the Bird Chase Super Sonic System covers a full acre with intimidating sounds birds hate to hear. Additional portable speakers are easily added to extend the effective range to a full five acres. Unlike ultrasonic systems that send out signals birds can’t hear, the Bird Chase Super Sonic broadcasts predator and distress calls within the hearing range of birds. The sounds resemble normal bird calls so they won’t annoy your customers. You can program the system to turn off at night and on in the morning when birds become most active. The Bird Chase Super Sonic emits distress and predator calls for 22 types of birds, so your car lot is protected against virtually any type of bird.

3. Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

Pest birds are keenly aware of their natural predators. Some birds will actually post “lookouts” to warn their flock of imminent danger. Red Tail Hawk Decoys exploit this fear, which is why they are so effective in deterring pest birds. Hawks hunt during the day when most pest birds are active, so hawk decoys are better than owl decoys. These decoys work best when they’re realistic looking and moved about frequently. Birds are clever little critters and won’t be fooled by poorly made imitations or those left in once place for too long. Your decoy should also be well made (heavy duty plastic) to last for years in sun and rain.

Crows Attack Police in Seattle

As recently reported in The Huffington Post Green, crows have been attacking Seattle-area police in the parking lot of an Everett Police Department precinct station.

The aggressive black birds have been swooping down and dive-bombing officers on their way to and from their cars. One officer who was attacked by a crow, noted that the birds were behaving like velociraptors. In an effort to scatter the crows, officers turned on their sirens to frighten them. Not only did this strategy of bird control fail, the crows “decorated” police cars with droppings.

A wildlife department biologist noted that the crows are merely protecting baby crows that were ejected out of their nests and learning to fly. It’s a known fact among bird experts that crows are highly intelligent, so much so that the birds can actually recognize the individual features of people. Crows have also been known to hold grudges. So it stands to reason that if these crows perceive police officers as threatening to their young, they will attack them—or anyone else wearing a similar uniform.

Clearly, what the Everett Police Department precinct station needs to do is implement an effective bird control strategy. Fortunately, there are a number of effective and humane bird control deterrents currently on the market. Here’s what the pros recommend:

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Large birds like crows simply can’t get their wings around Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. The spiked strips are easy to install and can be glued down, nailed or screwed onto most any surface. They come in a variety of widths --1”, 3”, 5” and 8” --to match the area you want protect. The best stainless steel bird spikes are made in the USA and will have their spikes securely embedded in UV-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. Approved by the US Humane Society and PICAS, the spikes are blunted at the tips and won't injure crows or installation crews.

Bird Chase Super Sonic

Easy to place on precint buildings, garages, and similar open areas, the Bird Chase Super Sonic exploits a crow’s alertness to sound threats. The device continually broadcasts pre-recorded bird distress and predator calls. These sounds resemble natural bird sounds, so humans won't be bothered by them. Because of the socail nature of crows, they will hear the distress and predator calls and send the message along that there is a threat, and the birds will flee the area.  The quality-constructed device is weather resistant and designed for outdoor use. It's easily programmed for day or night operation.

Bird Jolt Flat Track

A low-profile, electrical bird deterrent track system, Bird Jolt Flat Track imparts a mile electric shock to the feet of crows (or any bird for that matter). Birds are quickly “instructed” to avoid the surface and will move on. The shock produced is harmless to crows, yet it creates an inhospitable area to the birds. Flat Track is made in the USA and comes in six colors to match the surface onto which it is installed. The track can be easily glued down to most surfaces.

How to Choose Visual Bird Deterrents for Your Home

by Alex A. Kecskes

As a homeowner, you’ve no doubt had your run-ins with pest birds. Maybe it was geese trampling your garden and frightening your kids and pets. Or perhaps woodpeckers gave you grief, turning your nice new siding into Swiss cheese. Or swallows leaving those ugly mud nests under your eaves—the eaves you had to repaint last year because the mud nests ate into the paint. Then again, you could have been troubled by pigeons pooping all over your new patio set and BBQ—they left a disease carrying, smelly mess you had to clean up almost every week. 
No matter what the bird, your bird problem called for time and money to be spent. Time you should have spent with your family.  And money you could have used for a thousand other things.

If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t have a lot of money to spend in these tough economic times. You can’t afford to hire a pest control company to completely bird proof your home. Which means, you’ve got to find an economical way to get rid of pest birds, or at least keep them away from your home. After all, pest birds can do a lot of damage to your home.  Their nests and feathers can clog your expensive  AC unit (and you know how expensive repairs on that can be). Bird droppings can also cover you solar panels, which can drastically reduce their efficiency. And bird nests can stop up your rain gutters, causing water to overflow and your roof to leak (more expense).

The solution? Visual Bird Deterrents.

Fortunately, today’s bird control companies offer a variety of products in this category that are both humane and effective in keeping pest birds away from your home. Here are some simple guidelines in choosing the right Visual Bird Deterrent:
Flash Tape, Banners, Diverters & Balloons

These catch a pest bird’s eye and make him feel uncomfortable enough to leave. Flash Tape and Banners reflect sunlight and snap in the breeze. Scare Eye Diverters and Bird Scare Balloons feature large predator eyes to frighten pest birds. These visual bird deterrents area  inexpensive and attach easily to any elevated  point around your home or patio.

Hawk Decoys

Hawks are feared by most birds. They hunt during the day when birds are active. Hawk decoys can be very effective for both small and large pest birds. The goal here is to get the
most realistic looking decoys you can afford. Look for a sturdy, quality decoy made of durable plastic that’s designed to stay realistic looking after hot summers and winter rains. When using hawk decoys, place them in high visibility areas in plain sight of pest birds.

When using any visual bird deterrent,  be sure to move them around once a week to make birds believe they represent a real threat.

Finally, Bird Deterrents Worth Crowing About

by Alex A. Kecskes

Some homes just attract the wrong kinds of birds. If your home is beginning to draw flocks of crows, it’s time you got some bird deterrents worth crowing about. In other words, you need effective, humane bird deterrents that will get rid of those black birds once and for all.

Crows are not dummies. They live in close communities and work together to defend their territories. Working in teams, they’ll use “spotters” as lookouts to warn the flock of impending danger. These birds are omnivorous scavengers that will devour virtually anything, including discarded food in and around garbage cans. Without effective bird control, they’ll hop on patio table and feast on your outdoor BBQ dinner. 

If no food is immediately accessible, crows have been known to tear up lawns looking for grubs. If you have this problem, treat your lawn for grubs to keep the crows from doing any more damage. Removing the source of food is one way to discourage crows, but the sure fire way to get rid of crows is to use the bird control devices today's professionals use. Here are three suggestions:

Crows Dislike Spikes

Bird Spikes have been used for years to deter all manner of birds. And they can  be particularly effective against crows. The reason is simple: crows just can’t seem to negotiate a landing on or near them. Bird spikes come in long-lasting stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. They also come in several colors to blend in with their surroundings. The spiked strips are virtually maintenance free. The best bird spikes come with predrilled holes and glue troughs for fast, easy installation on patio covers and rooftops.

Crows Hate Spiders

Bird Spiders have long spindly legs that flagellate in the breeze to whip crows away. Place one or two on your patio covers, near your solar panels, or other elevated flat surfaces, and crows will think twice before landing anywhere near them. Bird spiders come in several arm lengths to accommodate a specific problem area.

Scarecrows  Scare  Crows

Employing the latest in bird sensing technology, these advanced devices spring to life the second a crow enters their radius of protection.  Crows who dare to invade this protected space get hit with a blast of water and startling sprinkler sound. It’s enough to scare the pants off any bird. Using these devices is an ideal and very humane way of discouraging crows from gardens, backyards, pools, spas and many outdoor areas.

Balloons Bug Crows

Crows are nervous creatures. Predator Eye Balloons work on a crow’s fear of predators. The balloons sport a large eye, and will bob and weave in the breeze to make crows really uneasy—too uneasy to hang around. Best of all, these balloons are relatively inexpensive. And you can hang them just about anywhere. Just remember to move them around occasionally so crows don’t get too used to them.

Effective Bird Control for Waterfront Homes

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a waterfront home, you’ve no doubt had to deal with gulls, cormorants or pelicans on your property. Without effective bird control measures to deter them, these birds can create a number of costly problems. Not the least of which is the build-up of bird droppings everywhere.

Gull droppings on your roof, for example, are so acidic they can permanently damage roofing tiles. Cormorants like to build nests in lofty places, like chimneys, which can be dangerous to both bird and resident. Sometimes, gulls will bring muscles on your deck or rooftop and break them apart before eating. This can create a smelly mess, damage your roof and mar your deck.

Seaside pest birds can wreak havoc with your outdoor furniture. Canvas awnings and umbrellas can become so covered with droppings that they will degrade the material to the point of tearing. Droppings on the sides of your home, deck or boathouse can require expensive removal and re-painting.

So what can you do to protect your home from pest birds? Install some effective, humane bird deterrents. Here are few of the most popular for seaside homes:

Marine Grade Bird Spikes

These won’t allow birds to land or perch. The best bird spikes are made of flexible, marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. The spikes are easy to install on rooftops, decks, light posts or other lofty areas birds often choose to land. The spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to cover areas up to 8 inches wide. For larger birds—like cormorants—you’ll need the Mega Spike, which protects landing areas with 7-inch long spikes. To keep pest birds out of your rain gutters, Gutter Spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base. Bird spikes are blunted at the tips and are approved safe by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Visual Bird Deterrents

Often called Bird Scare Deterrents, these include Flash Tape and Reflective Banners than can be easily hung on decks, patio covers, and landing areas. They “spook” birds by crackling in the breeze and reflecting sunlight. Working on the same principle are Scare Eye Diverters, which sway and bob in the breeze. These teardrop shaped plastic panels feature large predator eyes to frighten birds. Finally, there are the Bird Scare Balloons, which also feature large predator eyes to keep pest birds thinking twice about landing. These visual bird deterrents can be effective, but you must move them around from time to time to convince birds they are a real threat.

Sonic Bird Control

These devices emit bird distress and predator calls that resemble normal bird sounds to humans. They make birds far too uncomfortable to stay. One popular sonic bird control unit can emit distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. Its built-in speaker covers up to one acre. The unit can be programmed to turn on or off at night, and you can even adjust the volume.

How to Use and Install Electric Track

by Alex A. Kecskes

One of the most popular pest bird deterrents currently on the market is the Electric Track. These easy-to-install systems were designed for homeowners, property managers and facilities managers who want to effectively bird proof their property.

Ideal for deterring pigeons, sparrows, gulls, starlings, crows and many types of birds, Electric tracks impart a very convincing but innocuous electric jolt that birds will long remember. The tracks are highly efficient in keeping pest birds off ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams, eaves and signs. The best electric tracks feature a low-profile design and measure just 1/4-inch at their highest point. These tracks are available in four colors--grey, stone, black and terracotta--to blend in naturally with their surroundings.

Top bird control experts recommended using electric tracks that feature a flow-thru design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops. The best electric tracks incorporate a tin-plated copper-knitted wire mesh in a continuous “tube-in-tube” stocking design. This allows for greater conductivity, strength and reliability. The copper mesh is also resistant to corrosion and highly resistant to alkalis and acidic environments.

Before installing electric track, you must heed these Warnings:

• Do not install electric track in areas where it may come in contact with people.  
• Do not use electric track bird control systems in and around gas stations, or in any area where there is even a remote possibility of contact with flammable liquids, vapors or fumes.

Electric tracks can be easily installed on most any flat or curved surface. Before installing any bird deterrents, the surface should be clean and entirely dry. Thoroughly remove bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. (Birds are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.”) Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

Installing a bird control electric track system requires some basic electrical knowledge.  Determine whether you’ll need a Direct Wire, Solar Charger or Super Charger Direct as follows:

Solar Charger covers up to 300 linear feet of track and lead wire  (make sure you have a southern exposure for this one). 

Direct Charger covers up to 500 linear feet of track and lead wire. This type of charger must be protected from the elements and placed in a waterproof box.

Super Charger Direct covers up to 2,000 linear feet of track and lead wire e.  This type of charger must be enclosed in a waterproof box.

Measure the width of area to be covered to calculate number of track rows you’ll need as follows:

For single-sided ledges or surfaces that have a back wall or window:
For 1” to 4” wide area, use1 row of track.
For 5” to 8” wide area, use 2 rows of track. 
For 9” to 12” wide area, use 3 rows of track. 

For double-sided ledges or surfaces like parapet walls, run a row on each side of the surface as close to the edges as possible.   
For 1” to 6” wide area, use 1 row of track on each side. 
For 7” to 15” wide area, use 2 rows of track on each side. 
For 16” to 28” wide area, use 3 rows of track on each side.

Bird control electric track typically comes in 100-foot kits. The track is packed in a box that lets you play out the track as you install it. Use polyurethane adhesive to secure the track to the mounting surface. Apply adhesive to the entire underside of the track to ensure a secure bond. Be sure to allow the adhesive to cure thoroughly during installation. The adhesive must be completely dry (cured) before the track system will be effective.

The Best Bird Pest Deterrents Are Humane

by Alex A. Kecskes

It's no surprise that pest birds have become a nagging nuisance. The bird droppings, the nests, the noise---it's enough to drive you crazy. Add to that the maintenance and cleanup costs and you have a crying need for some serious pest bird deterrents. What homeowners, boat owners, facilities managers and municipalities have discovered is that they can fight back. And they don't have to use dangerous, harmful or ineffective methods to rid themselves of pest birds.

Today's professional bird control experts have come up with a number of highly effective bird pest deterrents that can be used against a wide range of bird pests. Some are high tech and some are low tech. We'll start with the most simple devices.

Consisting of reflective foils, tape banners and balloons, Bird Scare deterrents create an “Optical Distraction Zone” that birds would rather not go near. Some banners and tape produce a crinkling noise in the breeze that alarms pest birds. Balloons have the added threat of large predator eyes imprinted on them, which adds to the scare factor. These devices work to discourage a wide range of birds. They are easily installed and need only be refreshed from time to time so birds won't get bored.

One manufacturer has developed the king of bird scare devices. Called the Scarecrow, this pest bird deterrent employs a motion-activated sprinkler to blast a burst of water whenever it senses an approaching bird. Ideal for gardens, backyards, pools/spas and other outdoor areas, the ingenious device combines water spray, the caricature of a moving bird's head and a sudden sprinkler sound to scare pest birds.

Next up is the king of bird pest deterrents--the Bird Spike. No matter how smart or skilled, no bird alive can negotiate a landing around these threatening looking spikes. The blunted spikes attach to most any flat surface and are harmless to birds and people. Some manufacturers offer spikes in various colors and, when installed correctly, are unnoticeable from anyone looking up from the ground. The spikes are available in durable stainless steel or stiff, unbreakable polycarbonate. As a bird pest deterrent, spikes can't be beat.

Some manufacturers offer a number of different types and sizes of bird spikes, each designed to deter a specific set of bird species and pest bird nuisance. For example, there's the Mega Spike, which has spikes that are typically 7” high to ward off large pest birds, such as seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors. The best mega spikes are made of marine grade stainless steel for lasting durability. When evaluating this deterrent, opt for spikes that are crush proof with a non-reflective metal finish. And if you can, go with a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that allows you to angle the spike to fit curved surfaces.

If you're looking for a pest bird deterrent that keeps birds out of rain gutters, there's the Gutter Spike. These are ideal for large pest birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons. The best gutter spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base to allow you to attach them to the lip of a gutter.
Birds hate spindly arms that threaten to grab them. That's the theory behind the Bird Spider. This bird pest deterrent is ideal for keeping pest birds away from outdoor eateries. awnings, canvas covers, patios and other flat areas. To whisk away birds of different sizes, spiders come with varying arm lengths.

A simple truth about all birds is that if they can't land, they won't stay. Our next pest bird deterrent exploits this truth. Unobtrusive to a fault, there's nothing threatening about the Bird Slope, yet no matter how many times they try and how skilled the bird, they just can't get a solid footing on these angled PVC panels. Ideal for eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches, bird slopes are easy to install on almost any surface.

Birds won't even try to land anywhere near our next bird pest deterrent--Bird Foggers and Misters. Once birds fly through the irritating mist dispensed by these systems, they can't wait to get the heck out of the area. The chemical--food-grade methyl anthranilate--is essentially a grape extract that's harmless to birds and humans. The more sophisticated fog/mist systems are equipped with timers and multiple nozzles that let you direct the mist to very specific sites in varying spray times and durations.

Our next bird pest deterrent presents birds with an icky, sticky landing zone. And birds hate that. Called Bird Gel, the stuff has proven its worth on a wide range of pest birds. It goes on any surface, is practically invisible and stays sticky for a full six months. Gels are an ideal deterrent and will keep all manner of pest birds off ledges, conduit, pipes, I-beams and parapet walls.

Sometimes only a physical bird barrier will keep pest birds from your property. And there's no better barrier than Bird Netting. Effective and humane, this bird pest deterrent has been widely used to keep birds out of groves, vineyards, enclosed courtyards and patios. You can get various net mesh sizes to deter any number of pest birds--from pigeons and sparrows to starlings and seagulls. You can also get bird netting that is flame resistant, U.V. stabilized, and rot- and water-proof. If you're going to put up netting for the long haul, these superior attributes are recommended.

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Three Bird Deterrents to Protect Your Retail Business

by Alex A. Kecskes

In these tough economic times, you have to do whatever you can to protect your business. And that means limiting repair and maintenance costs to your structure and its systems. It also means keeping your business clean and attractive-looking for customers. If the exterior of our building is covered with bird droppings, you have to spend money to keep windows, doors and entryways clean.  If you're A.C. systems, rooftop ventilators, skylights and gutter systems are damaged or clogged by bird droppings, feathers and other bird debris, it's money down the drain.

Aside from being a nuisance, pest birds can cause you all sorts of problems. But there is something you can do now to keep birds from calling your place of business their home. It's called Bird Control.  Here are three bird control measures you can implement that will save you a lot of time and money.

Bird Wires. These simple post-and-wire systems can be strung up just about anywhere—on rooftops, along parapet walls, over signs and windows. When birds try to land on bird wires, they shimmy and wobble and soon leave. These wires are also ideal for keeping birds off ledges, handrails and similar areas. And they are easy to install on most surfaces. They are also safe and humane, and have been approved even for use on Federal and State government structures. The best bird wire systems use nylon coated stainless steel wire to last longer in punishing weather. Bird wires are an affordable, low profile, low visibility solution to deter pigeons, crows, gulls and many other pest birds. While recommended for large pest birds, bird wire systems should not be used in areas where birds have been nesting.

Transparent Bird Gel. If your rooflines, ledges, open beams and other areas are covered with bird droppings and you're tired of the smell, you can use this gel to keep them off these areas. Bird gel works equally well on signs, conduit, pipes and other problem areas. The reason it works is because birds hate to step on the sticky surface. After a few steps they leave. The bird gel can be used in temperatures from 15F to 200F and it usually lasts up to 6 months outdoors. It's easily applied using a caulking gun. Spread it on problem areas to keep pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls, starlings and many other pest birds from nesting and roosting. The gel is non-toxic to birds and maintenance crews. Best of all, the gel is practically invisible.

Bird Spikes. Seems everyone has been using these spikes to keep birds from landing on their retail establishments.  And who can blame them?  They work.  Birds try to land on or near them and they soon give up and move on. Bird spikes are among the most effective bird deterrents ever devised and are ideal for all manner of pest birds—including pigeons, seagulls and similar large birds. They're easily installed and come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; the plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. The plastic bird spikes can be used near cell phone antennas and TV dishes, since they won't interfere with RF energy. Today's bird spikes also come in a non-reflective metal finish and a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes won't harm birds or maintenance crews. They have been approved by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

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Bird Deterrents…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 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.

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How to Prevent Birds From Landing on Rooftops

By Alex A. Kecskes

In recent months, the Villa Del Arroyo mobile home park on the east end of Moorpark, CA has been invaded by birds. In a scene right out of the movie “The Birds,” thousands of crows have descended on the roofs of the park’s mobile homes.

Residents are rudely awaked every day at 6 a.m. to the incessant caws of the noisy black birds. At night, more waves of crows move in, creating quite a din and leaving pounds of droppings on roofs. Some of the birds pick off roof tiles, which residents claim, have caused their roofs to leak. Many residents avoid walking their dogs while the crows are visiting. The numbers seem to swell in the winter and then drop off near the beginning of the breeding season, usually in March. Getting them off rooftops has been a challenge, as they leave when frightened only to return later.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep birds from landing on rooftops. Here are some of the most effective and popular bird deterrents.

Bird Spikes. If you’re a bird, you’ll flap and weave and circle around these spikes, but you’ll never be able to land. The spiked strips have been keeping birds off rooftops, ledges and parapet walls for years. They’re easy to install using glue, nails or screws. And they come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or high strength, durable stainless steel. The poly spikes cost a bit less and are a good choice around TV dish antennas or cell phone aerials, as they won’t interfere with RF transmissions. These spikes also come in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear to blend in better with the shade of roof. When installing bird spikes, place them on roof crowns, parapet walls and ledges where birds tend to land.

Bird Gels. A popular and highly effective bird proofing solution, Bird Gels create a sticky, unpleasant surface for birds to land on. Birds take a few steps and it’s off they go to more accommodating landing sites. Gels are easy to apply using a standard caulking gun. Use a zig-zag pattern on the surface--ledge, parapet wall, conduit, or pipe--and re-apply every 6 months or so. Gels, by the way, are safe for birds (except swallows). They are effective against small and large birds, including pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls and starlings. The substance maintains its sticky constitution in a wide temperature range—from 15F – 200F.

Bird Spiders. These devices are ideal for keeping pest birds off specific roof areas—like A.C. units, skylights, vents and the like. They are compact and easy to move from location to location.  The wildly flailing arms that bob and weave in the breeze make birds very nervous, so they simply move on. Bird spiders come in various sizes--including 2-, 4- and 8-foot diameter arm lengths to create ever widening diameters of protection. The devices are highly effective against a wide variety of pest birds, including gulls, pigeons, cormorants and raptors. The best bird spiders feature a glue-on base, which allows them to be easily attached to most surfaces. Some spiders come with a removable sand bag base that makes them easy to position where pest birds tend to gather. The best bird spiders have a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base for lasting durability in tough outdoor weather.

Bird Sonics. A highly effective bird proofing device, particularly for larger rooftop areas, Bird Sonic Systems broadcast predator and distress calls to frighten birds away. The sounds alarm pest birds, but are not unpleasant to humans or pets. One of the best sonic systems currently available will broadcast distress and predator calls for as many as 22 different types of birds. It will broadcast sounds for about 2 minutes, remain silent for 10 minutes, then play for another 2 minutes, alternating this way to keep pest bird on their toes. These bird deterrents can be programmed to emit distress and predator calls day and night—or to shut off and come on and specific times. Some systems will continually alter the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of their sounds for maximum effect.

For best results, bird proofing devices can be used in tandem with other pest bird deterrents. Before you install these or other deterrents, clean the roof thoroughly of bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Birds are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.” Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

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How to Install Bird Deterrents

by Alex A. Kecskes

Homeowners, property managers and facilities managers are increasingly turning to bird deterrents to bird proof their homes and buildings. While these scientifically designed devices do a great job in achieving bird control, they must be properly installed for best effect.
For example, when installing Bird Spikes, there are certain guidelines one must follow. First off, you should know that these spiked strips can be used in enclosed or exposed areas and in Light to Heavy Bird Pressure environments. Heavy pressure=lots of birds nesting or roosting at the site; Light Pressure=just a few birds stopping during the day. In addition, bird spikes are generally ideal for deterring larger birds--like pigeons and seagulls. They can be installed on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduits and signs--on flat or curved surfaces.
Stainless steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and two-foot sections. The 3-inch spikes will provide 2 to 4 inches of coverage on a 5-inch wide ledge; the 5-inch spikes will cover 5 to 7-inches on a 7-inch wide ledge; and the 8-inch spikes will cover 8 to 10 inches on a 10-inch wide ledge.

If you want your bird spikes to blend in with their surroundings or you need to install spikes near dish TV antennas or around cell phone antennas, you should consider rigid plastic bird spikes. They’re made of a U.V.-resistant, unbreakable polycarbonate material and they come in seven different colors, as well as 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and two-foot sections. The 3-inch spikes will provide 1 to 5 inches of coverage on a 5-inch wide ledge; the 5-inch spikes will cover 5 to 7-inches on a 7-inch wide ledge; and the 7-inch spikes will cover 6 to 9 inches on a 9-inch wide ledge.

Bird spikes can be glued, screwed or tied down to most any surface. Be sure to use construction-grade adhesives in the glue trough. And use the offset pre-drilled holes for screws or glue. If you need smaller pieces, use the breakaway notches. The spikes should protect the surface, leaving no more than a 1-inch gap on either side. To install bird spikes on pipes and conduits, use a 1-inch spike to cover 1 to 2 inches and use common hose clamps, nylon ties or wire lashings.

Another popular bird proofing measure called Ultra Net also requires proper installation to function as an effective deterrent. Ideal for keeping pest birds from eaves, barns, balconies, garages and sheds, this lightweight plastic mesh is designed for temporary use.
Ultra Net comes in various bulk sizes and three different mesh openings--3/4-, 1/2- and 1/4-inch--to deter, pigeons, swallows, crows, gulls and sparrows. For smaller birds, use the 1/2- and 1/4-inch netting.

When bird proofing fruit trees, vegetable gardens, blueberry bushes and grape vines, suspend the netting above these plants. For trees, measure the circumference of the tree and cut at least one extra foot.  Secure the netting with twine, zip ties, or hog rings.
For blueberry bushes and grape vines, suspend the netting over the bush or vine and leave at least 6 inches of clearance. This keeps birds a safe distance away from your fruit when they land on the netting.  Another way to install netting is to suspend it using poles positioned around the bush or vine.

To bird proof vegetable gardens, wrap each plant in netting or suspend the netting around the entire garden area to create a bird barrier. To keep pest birds away from eaves and open spaces, install netting using clips or staples.

Before installing any bird deterrents, the surface should be clean and dry. Thoroughly remove bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Birds are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.” Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

For additional advice on how to properly install bird deterrents, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

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Get Rid of Birds with Bird Deterrents

by Fran Prisco
Every year thousands of dollars are spent by building owners, homeowners and property managers cleaning up after birds.  Birds become a problem when they decide to land, roost and nest on our buildings and homes, leaving behind debris, damage and droppings.  Not only do pest birds leave an unsightly mess, it can also be a health hazard.  Birds such as pigeons and gulls can carry any of 60 plus transmittable diseases in their droppings.  Bird droppings are also acidic and can quickly eat away at building materials and paint.
Building owners and homeowners alike have found that the best way to get rid of birds is to install some sort of bird deterrent system.  Choosing the correct bird control product for any bird problems depends on what type of bird is a problem, where they are a problem and what they are doing.  Once you have answered these questions, you can choose the proper bird deterrent to do the job.
Before installing any type of bird deterrent, it is important to do a thorough cleanup. It is best to power wash or spray bird droppings down and remove them while wet.  Dried bird droppings can cause dust which when breathed in may carry any of 60 plus communicable diseases.   Bird Droppings are also acidic and can quickly erode building and roofing materials, not to mention that they are a safety hazard on sidewalks, causing slip and fall accidents.

Bird Deterrents for Gas Station and Convenience Store Canopies

Pigeons can become a very costly nuisance for gas station owners, especially for owners who have gas stations with fast food stores attached to them. Without bird deterrents to dissuade them, pigeons will settle in and nest on the canopies and overhangs of these properties. It only takes a few years for a flock of pigeons to completely clog the gutters of these structures with their nests. And it doesn't take long for the metal (which, in most cases is lightweight) to succumb to the acid in pigeon droppings. The droppings eat away the paint, exposing the metal to the elements, which can cause extensive rust damage.

When gutters become clogged, they are increasingly less effective. And when it rains, the added water weight on a canopy's roof is about twice the dry weight. Before you know it, your expensive canopy, overhang or guttering will need to be replaced. If you ignore the problem for too long, a canopy could collapse. Imagine the liability if there are customers underneath.

In the absence of bird deterrents to control pigeons, canopies and overhangs make an ideal place for these birds to gather. They're generally safe from predators and, if the gas station has a convenience store attached that sells any kind of food, pigeons will swoop down for a meal.  Most gas station trashcans are overflowing with leftover food scraps. Some gas station convenience stores even have small tables and chairs for customers to eat a burger, fries or hot dog. And kids eating there often leave scraps on these tables, which means more food for pigeons to get fat, poop and breed.

A popular and highly effective commercial bird deterrent is Bird Netting. Properly installed, pigeon netting presents an impenetrable barrier for pigeons. For commercial structures, heavy-duty bird netting is ideal. It can take the weight and wear that flocks of pigeons dish out. Heavy duty bird netting is most often prescribed by architects. For maximum effectiveness as a bird deterrent, look for bird netting made of ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. This netting is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The netting should be draped over rooftops, nooks and crannies to prevent pigeons from reaching nesting areas. For best results, bird netting should be installed before pigeons gather in large flocks.

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Three Bird Deterrents to Protect Your Retail Business

by Alex A. Kecskes
In these tough economic times, you have to do whatever you can to protect your business. And that means limiting repair and maintenance costs to your structure and its systems. It also means keeping your business clean and attractive-looking for customers. If the exterior of our building is covered with bird droppings, you have to spend money to keep windows, doors and entryways clean.  If you're A.C. systems, rooftop ventilators, skylights and gutter systems are damaged or clogged by bird droppings, feathers and other bird debris, it's money down the drain.

Aside from being a nuisance, pest birds can cause you all sorts of problems. But there is something you can do now to keep birds from calling your place of business their home. It's called Bird Control.  Here are three bird control measures you can implement that will save you a lot of time and money.

Bird Deterrents Say "Shoo" to Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes
We have a love-hate relationship with our fine-feathered friends. Poets love them. Property managers can do without them. Like anything in this world, too many birds can be a real problem. Suddenly, what was endearing becomes a pest. One that's noisy, messy and damaging to almost everything it lands on. The solution? Bird deterrents.

In days of old, this meant culling by birdshot, trained predator –like hawks, or poisons. Today, thanks to environmentalists, there are far more humane ways of discouraging pest birds. These bird deterrents have come just in time. For today, pest birds have so many more places to perch, nest and wreak havoc.
It's no surprise to many that the damage pest birds cause cost businesses and municipalities millions annually. Their droppings contain highly concentrated uric acid, which can alter the color of painted surfaces, permanently stain wood and, over time, erode even metal and stone. Many a stone façade or gleaming bronze statue has been reduced to pitted or crumbling rubble thanks to bird droppings. And many have been saved from this fate by bird deterrents.

Then there are the health hazards that bird droppings create. Bacteria and parasites that live and grow in bird droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. Needless to say, keeping bird droppings away from outdoor eateries, parks and public playgrounds, schools and day-care centers can be a crucial first step in preventing the spread of some very serious diseases. Once again, bird deterrents can help keep pest birds at bay and shoo them away.

Thanks to some inventive people, today's bird deterrents are both humane and effective. They run the gamut from high tech to simple and economical. Most can be used in any situation or location and provide relief from a wide range of pest birds. 
One bird deterrent that has been proven effective is the bird gel. Applied like calk from a calking gun, gels create a sticky surface that birds simply can't stand; yet they're safe for birds (except swallows) and people. Gels are ideally suited for I-beams, parapet walls, ledges, conduit, pipes, and flat or curved surfaces where pest birds like to gather.





Another simple bird deterrent is the Bird Spike strip. Ideal for pigeons and other large birds, they require no maintenance and are easy to install. Some have
stainless steel bird spikes that look menacing but are harmless to birds. Others feature spikes of rigid unbreakable polycarbonate--ideal for areas where electrical conductivity prohibits the use of steel spikes. Bird spikes are particularly useful for rooftops, commercial signs, billboards, and other open areas. Another simple bird deterrent is the Bird Spider. Ideal for boat canvas covers, biminis, radar antennas and other areas, the spider arms come in a variety of diameters and undulate with the breeze, discouraging a wide range of larger pest birds such as pigeons and gulls from landing.

For courtyards, canopies, signs, warehouses, airplane hangars and rooftops, there's Bird Netting. This highly effective bird deterrent discourages many species of birds from landing. Heavy-duty bird netting is most often prescribed by architects. Some brands have ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric that's U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. For many applications, non-conductive webbing is preferred. Netting is usually available in 3/4", 1-1/8" and 2" mesh sizes to deter sparrows, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and larger birds.

Finally, an entire family of higher-tech bird deterrents. Included here are the electric-track bird deterrent products. These are ideal for deterring all types of pest birds. Easily mounted on ledges, signs, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces, they utilize an electrified track to impart a mild electric shock to discourage pest birds from landing. Once shocked, birds are convinced that the area is definitely not bird friendly, thus altering a bird’s habits to land and nest there. Some low-profile systems are almost invisible. Others feature a flow-through design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops and other surfaces. Opt for marine grade Monel knitted wire, if you can. It's stronger than steel, and highly resistant to corrosion, alkali and acidic environments. The knitted designs have a single strand of higher gauge wire and a tube-within-a-tube design that allows for greater conductivity and enhanced strength.
So there you have it. While there's no shortage of pest birds today, there's also no shortage of bird deterrents to shoo them away.

Installing Bird Deterrents for SpringCan Save You a Lot of Expense and Grief

Spring can be a time of flowering gardens, backyard barbeques and pool parties with friends and relatives. Unfortunately, Spring also draws some unwelcome guests—pest birds. Unless you've implemented bird deterrents before they arrive, these winged pests will undoubtedly make themselves at home in your backyard, patio, and garden .  They'll build nests and leave unsightly droppings in your freshly cleaned pool and spa. Birds will also leave their little deposits on your sparkling barbeque, shade umbrellas, walkways and garden ornaments.


The key to keeping pest birds away before they flock to your property in Spring is preparation in the form of effective pest bird deterrents. But which should you choose?  A few suggestions:

Bird Spikes. Ideal for awnings, patio covers and rooflines, these tried and true bird deterrents keep pest birds from landing. If you're on a tight budget, opt for the rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate bird spikes. If you want them to last practically forever, go with the flexible stainless steel spikes. No matter which you choose, bird spikes come in a variety of sizes, are easy to install and won’t harm birds. They work quite well in discouraging all manner of pest birds, keeping them off of pipes, chimneys, cutouts, and light fixtures. When installing them, make sure you cover the area tightly to prevent birds from sneaking around them. That means closing off corners and all open sides of a ledge.

Bird Netting. This physical barrier deterrent keeps pest birds away from courtyards, patio covers, and rooftops. The best heavy-duty bird netting is most often prescribed by architects. Its ISO 1806 mesh-test polyethylene fabric is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The sub-zero stable, non-conductive webbing comes in 3/4-inch, 1-1/8-inch and 2-inch mesh sizes to deter all manner of pest birds. Bird netting should be positioned over window recesses, balconies or even whole rooftops to prevent birds from gaining a foothold in nesting areas.

Bird Slopes. These angled, slippery PVC panels deny pest birds a stable place to land. No matter how hard they try, their little legs will just "squirrel cage" endlessly until they finally give up and move on. Perfect for ledges, eaves, beams and other 90-degree nooks and crannies, bird slopes present an unobtrusive bird-proofing method that blends into the architecture of a home or building. The panels come in several colors and can be easily painted to match any home’s décor. When installing bid slope panels on wide ledges, the panel's flat base glues to any clean surface. For narrow ledges, the fins can be trimmed down. The best bird slope panels are made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate.

Keep in mind that all of these bird deterrents should be installed before pest birds arrive in the Spring. If you're not ready for the birds, they'll move right in.

Bird Deterrents to Control Invasive Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

Among the family of pest birds that plague our homes and businesses, one can include the bird type known as "invasive birds." Birds that fall into this category can pose a problem for wildlife, agriculture and, most alarmingly, human health. So what constitutes an invasive bird?

For starters, invasive species are not native to a particular area. Without bird deterrents to control them, they will threaten the local ecosystem and economy, and pose significant human health risks. It should be noted that not every non-native bird can be classified as invasive. Many of these nomads readily adapt to new and different ecosystems without threatening these habitats. Only when a species significantly impacts a new area can it be labeled as invasive. It's also worth noting that a species that may be considered invasive in one area may be entirely innocuous in a different region.

Birds that many consider invasive in North America include the European starling, house sparrow, mallard, mute swan, rock pigeon and Canada goose. These species and others who fall into the category of invasive are introduced to an "invaded area" a number of ways. One way is simply through geographic expansion, e.g., when one species crowds out another threatening the species or the ecosystem that supports it. Another way a species becomes invasive is when it is deliberately imported as in the case of early European settlers who brought over birds they liked from their native countries, or when farmers imported birds to control the threat of insects.

Regardless of how they came to an area, unless they are controlled with bird deterrents, invasive birds can create all sorts of problems. They compete for nesting sites and food sources, they eat crops and seeds, they carry any of 60 known diseases, and they disrupt an area's ecological predator/prey balance.

In many areas, invasive bird species are protected by wildlife conservation measures or migratory bird treaties. Before attempting any lethal means of control, property owners should contact their local wildlife management office. The other alternative is, of course, to use non-lethal bird deterrents. These are effective, humane, and run the gamut from simple to high tech. Let's look at a few.