Bird Proof Products

By Alex A. Kecskes

In the heart of Sweetwater, Texas, the central courtyard of Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital had a real bird problem--grackles. The beautiful 70’ X 70’ open courtyard is adorned with a green lawn, flowers, trees and a picturesque winding sidewalk. Patients enjoyed strolling through the courtyard, and hospital staff often gathered outside to take a break from their busy schedules. While hospital administrators hoped the courtyard would attract pretty songbirds, grackles invaded the area by the hundreds from the surrounding farmland. The noisy birds created quite a mess. The need for bird repellents was becoming obvious.

The hospital’s Plant Operations Manager was surprised at the number or birds and the awful smell of droppings, which the groundskeeper had to clean up every morning. The bird droppings also became a health hazard, since patients often came out in slippers and tracked in the disease-ridden bird waste back into their rooms. To make matters worse, the mounds of grackle feathers were beginning to interfere with the hospital’s air conditioning system. Something had to be done to get rid of birds.

First was to remove the bird feeders in the courtyard, but the grackles just kept coming. They tried balloons, rubber snakes, and plastic owls, but those bird deterrents didn’t work. So they finally called in a professional bird control company who recommended a Sonic Bird Repeller. They mounted two speakers on the roof, about 15 feet up, and 40 feet apart. They pointed the speakers toward the courtyard and “turned on the music.” With the windows closed, it sounded like a crow outside. To the grackles, it sounded like imminent danger--distress and predator calls that convinced the annoying grackles that they would be hunted and attacked unless they fled. And flee they did, never to return. In no time at all, the beautiful courtyard was clean and tidy, restored to its natural outdoor fragrance. 

Many hospitals and medical centers like the one in Rolling Plains have had to deal with pest bird infestations. Hospital administrators have learned that effective bird control is a necessary part of hospital operations. With today’s tight operating budgets, administrators don’t want to face high maintenance and cleanup costs precipitated by pest bird infestations.

Grackles, pigeons, starlings and sparrows will be drawn to the many nooks and crannies of a hospital's courtyards, break areas, lunch and snack areas and of course, its signs, rooftops and even windowsills. When these areas are covered with droppings, they pose a health hazard, since the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites in droppings and nesting materials have been known to carry any of 60 diseases--including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, and toxoplasmosis, even the West Nile virus. The resulting clean-up and maintenance costs in dealing with these droppings can be prohibitive. Excessive bird droppings on walkways and entry points can also cause dangerous slip-and-fall hazards--a huge legal liability for any institution.

Today, bird control measures run the gamut and are surprisingly effective. These include various bird deterrents, bird repellents, and bird barriers used by institutions across the country. In addition to Sonic Bird Repellents mentioned above, you might consider using the following to get rid of birds:

Bird Spikes. Ideal for preventing larger birds from landing on rooftops, ledges and other areas, bird spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and two-foot sections. The blunted spikes won't harm birds or maintenance crews, and you can get either stainless steel or rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. The poly spikes can be used around cell phone antennas and other RF antenna systems. If you have problems with birds clogging your rain gutters, look into the Gutter Spike, which comes in two-foot long strips. They present an effective bird barrier.

Bird Netting. Hospitals and health care centers have long used bird netting to physically exclude pest birds out of specific areas. Bird netting comes in various types and mesh sizes. For large birds like pigeons or seagulls, use a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size. For sparrows or starlings, opt for a 3/4" mesh net. Better bird netting usually meets ISO 1806 protocols, is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof. Also note that netting now comes in various colors to blend in better with its surroundings.

By Alex A. Kecskes

If you own a corporate office building, you know that corporate leasing is down due to this bad economy.  Your main goal this year is to fill that building with leasing businesses. You can't afford to carry a half empty building. One thing you must do is make sure your office building always looks clean, and that things like A.C. systems and lighting systems are working properly. Bird proofing your building now can save you from all sorts of problems down the line.

Problem: You know from bitter experience that pest birds can create a number of problems for your building maintenance team. For one thing, bird droppings splattered all over your building's façade and glass windows can quickly ruin your building's image.  And image is key when clients come looking for office space.  Over time, bird droppings and nesting materials can ruin expensive A.C. units, blocking vents, freezing up fans, and clogging ducts. Bird droppings can also eat into the electrical wiring on rooftops and around signage, causing electrical shorts and possibly even a fire. Bird droppings can also block lighting and security cameras. And they can create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards on walkways and entrances that could pose a legal liability. All in all, pest birds are most unwelcome to your property. The sooner you implement an effective bird proofing strategy, the better.

Solution: One of the most effective ways to bird proof office buildings is through the use of Bird Spikes. Pest birds like to gather on rooftops and parapet walls. They like the advantage of a high perch where they observe the goings on. They also like to build their nests around your building's A.C. units and other rooftop structures. Bird spikes deny birds--especially large birds like crows, pigeons and gulls--a place to land.

Bird spikes are easily installed on most any roofline, parapet wall, roof structure or A.C. unit. They come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. Stainless steel spikes are available in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to accommodate various bird species. The less expensive plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Bird spikes have blunted tips so they won't harm birds and maintenance crews.

Properly installed, bird spikes are barely visible on your rood. They come in a non-reflective metal finish and a variety of colors, including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

Like all bird deterrents, it's best to install bird spikes before birds arrive for spring. Take this preventive bird-proofing step and you won't have to hire expensive cleaning and maintenance crews to keep your office building looking sharp and working at peak efficiency.

by Alex A. Kecskes

As a professional roofer, you’ve learned to recognize the signs of bird damage: If you’re dealing with an asphalt shingle roof, it’s the tell-tale nearly circular shapes of granule loss from bird droppings. The damage is usually found under antennas, trees, or similar raised perches where birds can conveniently “drop their loads.” And one thing you know is that the deterioration of the asphalt coating on a shingle can usually be traced to the acid in bird droppings.

If you’re dealing with a wood roof, bird droppings will, over time, leave the shingles brittle, causing them to crack. Tile roofs, on the other hand, can also be damaged by birds, who often build their nests under tiles, causing them to become loose or dislodged. Tile roofs, often installed for their beauty, can get pretty ugly when covered with bird droppings.

The point being, that birds can cost property owners hundreds, even thousands of dollars in roof damage. Over time, bird nests, droppings and other debris can cause irreparable damage. Roofs damage by birds can leak and even collapse. It’s only logical, therefore, that as a professional roofer, you should consider adding bird proofing to your roofing services. Property owners who spend thousands and tens of thousands of dollars on a new roof will be eager to protect their investment with the professional roofing products you can install for a fraction of that cost.

Without effective bird proofing measures, roofs are vulnerable. Pigeons, starlings and sparrows will often build their nests under roofing shingles and tiles, causing water to rise and leak into the subroof and below. This can cause rotting and extensive damage. Bird nests built near AC units, solar panels or other rooftop electrical equipment can also become a fire hazard. When you add the fact that pest birds can also damage roof-mounted air conditioning equipment, attic ventilation turbines, skylights, solar panels, and solar water heaters, most properly owners will be most receptive to the idea of effective bird control. 

Here are just two examples of effective bird proofing devices currently on the market:

Bird Spikes. Used worldwide to bird proof roofs and structures for decades, Bird Spikes are among the most effective bird control devices ever devised. The spiked strips make it impossible for pest birds to land on or near them. Blunted and safe for birds, pets and work crews, the spikes come in durable stainless steel or stiff, unbreakable polycarbonate. For properties near the sea or other large body of water, there's the Mega Spike, which features intimidating 7-inch spikes to deter seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors. To keep pest birds out of rain gutters, there's the Gutter Spike, which can be equipped with adjustable clamps at the base that attach easily to the lip of a gutter.

The marine-grade stainless steel bird spikes are extremely durable. You can also get crush-proof, non-reflective spikes with a metal finish that blend in nicely on most roofs. If your customers are concerned about how the spikes might look, the spikes now come in several colors--including crystal clear, brick red, light grey, brown, black and tan. Plastic spikes are ideal for use in areas where steel spikes might cause signal interference problems (roofs with cell-phone antennas, dish antennas and air traffic control towers). Bird spikes with a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base are recommended in harsh weather.

Bird Slopes. For the truly aesthetically conscious property owner, these angled PVC panels blend right into the building or commercial structure. The panels present a super smooth surface that has birds scrambling like Keystone Cops to get a solid footing. But they never do and slip off every time. Birds soon give up and move on. Bird slopes are ideal for bird-proofing eaves, ledges, and many other nooks and crannies. The angled panels are easy to install on almost any flat surface using nails, screws or glue. They also come in several colors to match a property's exterior décor.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Bird netting and pigeon netting are widely used on buildings throughout the world. Netting is an exclusionary bird proofing strategy that physically denies access to virtually all pest birds.

One of the best is netting is Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Bird Netting. It's made from a U.V. stabilized mesh and comes in various stock sizes and custom cuts. Usually, a structure is prone to attract a certain kind of bird, so the netting you will want to use will depend on the bird to be excluded from your building. Larger birds will require a 2-inch mesh; medium sized birds will be stopped by a 1 1/8-inch mesh; and smaller birds will be denied by a 3/4-inch mesh. In most cases, netting is available in a variety of colors to blend in with the fascia of the building and not detract from its aesthetics.

You'll want to get netting that stands up to harsh weather. The best netting is ISO 1806 protocol mesh tested. It's flame resistant, rot-proof, and non-conductive so as not to interfere with electrical wiring or cell phone, dish and other antenna systems.

Another effective type of netting is called No-Knot Bird netting. It's roughly 70 percent stronger than conventional knotted polyethylene netting and it's also 30 percent lighter. No-Knot netting also has a higher melting point than knotted polyethylene netting. Overall, this type of netting is less expensive to ship and easier to install than regular netting. You also don't need to pull the net into shape, as is often the case with knotted polyethylene netting. Finally, this type of netting is best suited for larger, horizontal applications.

As with other netting, No-Knot netting comes in various mesh sizes. There's a 2-inch mesh to block out larger birds like pigeons, gulls and crows, and 3/4-inch mesh to stop smaller birds like sparrows and starlings.

The best No-Knot Bird Netting comes with a 10-year guarantee. It's made of a multi-strand polypropylene fiber that's highly resistant to heat and many chemicals. Netting like this is usually meets ISO 1806 Protocols. It will not rot, absorb water, or mildew. The netting contains U.V. inhibitors to withstand high temperatures to 338F.

Before installing any bird netting, clean the area thoroughly and make sure that it's free of nesting materials, bird droppings, feathers, peeling paint or other debris.

There are a number of ways to effectively install bird netting. The main thing to remember is to leave no gaps, openings, wrinkles or excessive sag in the netting. When installing the netting with a tensioned cable system, make sure the cables are properly installed and able to support the netting. Most bird netting can be cut to the size and shape using a good pair of scissors. Before cutting the netting, make sure to allow extra netting for perimeter fastening and overlap seams (6" min. for both). Finally, be sure you cut a larger piece of netting than what's needed for the job.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds nesting on your roof can do a lot of damage. And with spring just around the corner, you'd better be prepared with an effective bird-proofing strategy.

Whether you have a wood, tile or asphalt shingle roof, birds can cost you hundreds, even thousands in roof damage. In a surprisingly short time, bird nests, droppings and other debris can severely weaken a roof's effectiveness, causing it to leak and possibly even collapse. Imagine the water damage if that were to happen. The time to bird proof is now, before the spring brings flocks of pest birds to nest on your roof. After all, it's your home.  Shouldn't you do what you can to protect your investment?

Unless you live in a concrete bunker, the average roof is vulnerable to all types of birds. That's because most roofs offer birds an attractive place to nest and roost. Roofs also provide a safe perch from which to look for worms. In fact, many roofs offer birds a smorgasbord of insect snacks. When birds dig into your roof for insects, their beaks peck away at shingles and rafters. All this digging creates increasingly wider gaps where water can seep in during rain. Even if you have a stone or metal tile roof, birds often build their nests under these tiles, which can cause damage and leaks. Without effective bird proofing measures, roofs are vulnerable to pest birds and the problems they create.

Incidentally, the acids in bird waste can destroy tar-based roofing materials and damage roof-mounted air conditioning equipment, attic ventilation turbines, skylights, solar panels, and solar water heaters. You need to protect your roof with a bird proofing strategy before pest birds arrive in the spring. Otherwise, it's hello birds, good-bye money.

One highly regarded bird-proofing device is the tried and true Bird Spike. These spiked strips are blunted and safe for birds and pets; yet they're scientifically designed to deny birds a place to land. Bird spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. Marine grade stainless steel spikes will last longer. And crush-proof, non-reflective spikes with a metal finish will blend in nicely on most types of roofs. You can even get bird spikes in several colors--including crystal clear, brick red, light grey, brown, black and tan. Plastic spikes can be used around dish antennas, since they don't interfere with TV signals. Bird spikes with a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base are recommended in inclement weather.

If your home is near an ocean or lake, there's the Mega Bird Spike, which boasts long 7-inch spikes to deter seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors. To keep pest birds out of rain gutters, there's the Gutter Spike, which typically comes with adjustable clamps at the base that attach easily to the lip of a gutter.

by Alex A. Kecskes

It happened in Norway. Policewoman Jorun Lyngstad was just riding her bike through the woods when Europe's biggest game bird, a wood grouse, rammed her from the side and sent her flying through the air. With her foot stuck in one of the pedals, Lyngstad had to use her bike as a shield as she tried to fight off the aggressive bird, which repeatedly came at her. The policewoman finally pinned the bird's head underneath the bike's front wheel. Once released, the bird fled back into the woods. Lyngstad suffered only minor scratches and a big bruise in her side where the wood grouse rammed her. This is not surprising, since a wood grouse can be up to three feet tall and weigh close to nine pounds. Lyngstad, who was wearing a bright yellow vest at the time, said she couldn't understand what provoked the bird to attack her.

While most of us don't have to worry about 9-pound birds knocking us off our bikes, smaller pest birds can knock us for a loop when it comes to property damage. Thousands of homeowners, boat owners, facilities managers and municipalities have suffered the ravages of pest birds. The nests, the droppings and the destruction and diseases they carry cost Americans millions annually. Many people have decided to fight back by bird proofing their property.
Modern Bird Proofing Methods

Today's bird proofing solutions combine technology with some good old-fashioned bird psychology to deter pest birds. The new breed of pest bird deterrents covers a wide spectrum of applications and bird types and sizes.

Yikes, it's Bird Spikes

First, and perhaps the most popular bird-proofing device is the highly effective Bird Spike. These spiked strips may look threatening to birds, but the blunted spikes are safe for birds, people and pets. It's not hard to imagine how they work: birds simply can't land on or near them. The spiked strips come with long-lasting stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes. Installation is fast and easy on virtually any flat surface or ledge.

There are several types of spikes for differing applications. The Mega Spike, for example, is considered the Godzilla of bird spikes. Its long spikes--typically 7” high--will persuade most seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures, raptors and other large birds to move on.  Mega spikes made of marine-grade stainless steel will last longer. Try to get spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish. The best bird proof spikes have a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that you can angle to fit curved surfaces.

Want to keep pest birds and nests out of your rain gutters? Try the Gutter Spike. They work quite well in discouraging large pest birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons from gutters. Like most bird spikes, gutter spikes usually come in two-foot long strips. The best come with adjustable clamps at the base for easy installation to the lip of a gutter.

Birds Hate Spiders Too

People aren't fond of spiders, and birds aren't fond of one particular spider--the Bird Spider. Birds hate the spindly arms of this novel bird proof device. The arms wave threateningly in the wind to scare birds away. You've probably seen these spiders on restaurant tables, canvas boat covers, awnings, patios and other flat surfaces. Bird spiders are available in a variety of arm lengths to scare away a wide range of bird species.

Pest Birds Slip on this Slope

If they can't land, they can't nest. That's how Bird Slopes bird proof so many properties. These unassuming, slippery PVC panels fit just about anywhere and prevent pest birds from getting a grip. After several landing attempts, birds abandon the area and head for better landing zones. The angled panels are ideal for use on eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches. They're easy to install on almost any surface and will deter a wide range of pest birds.

Bird Proofing with Nets

Pretty simple, really. If pest birds can't get in, they can't damage anything. Bird Netting has been used for years to bird proof large areas--like groves, vineyards, enclosed courtyards and patios. Depending on the type of bird you want to keep out, net mesh sizes vary top deter pigeons, sparrows, starlings and seagulls. The best bird netting is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant, and rot- and water-proof.

Things that Bob and Weave in the Wind

Birds don't like things that bob and weave in the breeze. That's the theory behind Bird Scare deterrents. These include reflective foils, shiny tape banners and balloons. Some balloons feature a giant eye, which adds to the fright factor. By creating an “Optical Distraction Zone,” these simple devices shoo birds away. Some of these deterrents combine a visual distraction with a crackling sound. Balloons can also be used in swimming pools and other water areas to float on the surface and frighten pest birds away.  

by Alex A. Kecskes

You've put up with pest birds long enough. You've watched as they destroyed your property's façade, clogged your costly AC units, jammed your gutters, and damaged your rooftop electrical equipment. If you own an eatery--especially an outdoor one--pest birds not only scared away customers, but the health inspector reminded you that birds carry up to 60 known diseases, many of them serious. And then there was that maintenance worker who sued you after he slipped and fell on bird poop. You're still writing checks for that one. All in all, pest birds have cost you a pretty penny. Now it's time to get serious about bird control. Time to bird proof your property. Before pest birds "take you to the cleaners."

Where to start? There are so many solutions out there. These devices and systems have been developed by professionals who have studied birds and know how to deter them in a humane manner. Simple to install and easy to use, all are effective in discouraging pest birds from landing on your property.

Perhaps the simplest and most basic device to bird proof your property is through the use of Reflective Foil or Flash Tape. This iridescent red foil tape has been widely used to scare pest birds away from outdoor areas. The tape crinkles and flashes in the breeze, creating an Optical Distraction Zone that confuses and frightens birds so they stay away. Flash tape is ideal for trees, grape vines, cherry trees, vegetable gardens, potted plants, balconies, gazebos, overhangs, boats and patios.

Akin to the flash tape, the Blow-up Balloon is another effective bird-scare device. The balloon is typically imprinted with huge predator eyes that scare birds. The balloon can be used for small and large birds, including geese, ducks, and woodpeckers. Your typical bird scare balloon is about 16 inches in diameter. The best balloons are made from a U.V.- and weather-resistant vinyl. They're ideal for use in fruit trees, pools, patio covers, pool areas, gazebos, and boats. For pools, you can fill one-quarter of the balloon with water and let it skim the surface with the predator eyes facing up.
Capitalizing on the motion of spindly arms to deter pest birds, another device to birdproof your property is the Bird Spider. The spider's stainless steel “arms” bob and weave in the breeze, creating a visual distraction zone. Ideal for boats, light posts, AC units, signs, docks, and any other areas where pest birds tend to congregate. These are typically available in 2’, 4’ 6' and 8’ diameters to cover large areas and deal with various bird types--including pigeons, seagulls, cormorants and crows. Spiders are easy to install and have no moving parts. The best spiders have a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base.

Still another bird scare device is the more sophisticated Scarecrow. This motion-activated sprinkler sprays a stream of water each time it senses a bird's motion. The combined effect of water spray, the Scarecrow's moving head and the sprinkler sound--all work to effectively birdproof an area. Birds soon get the idea that the area guarded by the scarecrow is to be avoided. Scarecrows are ideal for keeping pest birds out of gardens, backyards, pools/spas and other open spaces.

No list of bird proofing devices would be complete without mentioning the ever-popular Bird Spike. These come in strips of menacing-looking spikes that keep pest birds from landing. Bird spikes are ideal way to keep pest birds from landing on roof peaks, window ledges, I-beams parapet walls, awnings, canopies, signs and gutters. Some manufacturers give you the option of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or stronger, more durable stainless steel spikes. While they may look they would impale a bird, the blunted spikes are actually harmless, as birds just refuse to land on or near them. Spike strips usually come in 3”, 5” and 8” widths. Their non-reflective metal finish makes them barely noticeable. If you have a curved surface you want to protect, one manufacturer makes a no-gap spike that bends for easy installation.

The next bird proof deterrent doesn't look threatening or even move. It just exploits the physics of bird toes and gravity. Known as Bird Slopes, these clever devices--composed of angled PVC panels--simply deny birds the ability to land or perch. Bird slopes have been proven effective against swallows, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and many other types of birds. They are easily installed in ledges, eaves, beams and other 90-degree areas where pest birds often gather. The best panels are formed from U.V. protected PVC for lasting sun and weather protection.

A simple, but effective way to bird proof large areas is Bird Netting. Typical mesh sizes include in 3/4", 1-1/8" and 2" to exclude a wide range of birds and bird sizes. Netting is most often used to protect fruit trees, crops, and vineyards. Choose heavy-duty netting to prevent pest birds from getting into aircraft hangars, large garages, factories, and warehouses. For netting that lasts, opt for U.V.-stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof material.

To bird proof horizontal surfaces, try Bird Gel. You apply it with a caulking gun in a zigzag pattern and when it dries, it leaves an icky surface birds hate to land on. The chemical is non-toxic to both humans and birds. Recommended for conduit, pipes, ledges, I-beams, and parapet walls, these gels dry clear. The best gels work through a wide range of temperatures--from 15F to 200F. For best effect, apply the gel every six months.

Wish you could just zap those pest birds?  You can with Electric-Tracks. Birds land on these and get a harmless electric jolt that "persuades" them to leave. Easily installed on flat or curved surfaces, the better tracks feature a flow-thru design to prevent water from collecting around them.

Growers and vintners love the next category of bird deterrents. Called Misters, they birdproof large areas by releasing a super fine mist of methyl anthranilate into a bird's flight path. The chemical is a harmless grape extract. The systems come in a variety of dispersion systems to deter pigeons, starlings, sparrows, crows, geese and blackbirds.