Bird Proof Products

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds love a good game, particularly if the fans buy them snacks. Which explains why the Tigers-Mets Sunday Series Finale game in 2007 was invaded by a flock of about 50 seagulls. They made their way inside Comerica Park--mostly in the outfield--during the first inning, and about half of those stuck around for the rest of the game. Sean Casey indicated he had the same two gulls at first base during the entire game.

In 2009, dozens of ring-billed gulls invaded Wrigley Field late in a game. The invasion provided a spectacle for fans but annoyed ballpark management. Flying birds and seagulls also invaded the San Francisco Giants Ballpark, dive-bombing facilities crews after the game.

In Cleveland, seagulls have repeatedly invaded Progressive Field during major games. The gulls discovered that the ballpark is an ideal place to scavenge a free meal. Ballpark managers aren't exactly pleased to see fans toss half-eaten hot dogs, popcorn pieces and peanut shells at the gulls, inviting the pests to swoop in for a free lunch. The birds love game time and wait patiently on the field for the right time to dive into the stands and grab a discarded meal. There are often hundreds of gulls flying over the field and gathering in the outfield grass. The increase of nesting pairs in Cleveland's 'Flats' on flattop roof buildings is a major problem. The gulls ride the wind currents up the valley walls to the ballpark in search for food scraps to feed their young. Only humane solutions to deter the gulls are under consideration, since the birds are a federally protected species.

Three Strikes Against Old Bird Proofing Methods

Fireworks, propane cannon, shotguns, predator birds, and poisons may have been the bird proofing methods in Babe Ruth's day, but times have changed. Today's new breed of pest bird deterrents is far more effective and humane. They're also quite diverse, ranging from simple passive deterrents to high-tech systems that unite high technology with bird psychology.

Bird Spikes Take 'Em Out of the Ball Park

Used where birds tend to gather and nest, Bird Spikes can be a very effective bird proof deterrent. The spike strips appear deadly, but they're blunted and safe for birds, denying them the ability to land. The spikes come in long-lasting stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate models. They install easily on any flat surface or ledge. For seagulls, the Mega Spike is the one to beat. These have very large spikes--typically 7” high. For long exposure to the elements, opt for mega spikes made of marine grade stainless steel. Spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish are preferred. You can also get bird spikes with a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that can be angled to accommodate curved surfaces.

Ballparks have gutters and birds tend to nest and gather in them, causing rain water to run amok on seats and other unwanted areas. This is where the Gutter Spike comes in. Ideal for deterring large pest birds like seagulls, gutter spikes have adjustable clamps at the base so they can be easily attached to the lip of a gutter.

An Easy Slider

Bird Slopes are those angled PVC panels you see stuck in nooks and crannies of a building--a building that has very few pest birds. That's because birds just can't get a grip on the slippery surface of these panels. They try and try, and swoosh, off they go. There's no better bird proofing solution for eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches. Bird slopes are easily installed on almost any surface using nails, screws or glue.

A No-Fowl Game

Nothing discourages gulls and other pest birds like Bird Foggers and Misters. Ideal for large areas like stadiums and ballparks, these systems deliver a fine mist of food-grade methyl anthranilate to the area under siege. The chemical is harmless to birds and humans, but it bugs the heck out of birds. Stadium managers usually opt for large systems equipped with timers and multiple nozzles that allow the mist to be directed to very specific areas and time periods.

Icky, Sticky Bird Proof Solution

Bird Gels are a spot bird proofing solution for certain areas frequented by pest birds. It goes on with a caulking gun and when it dries, it leaves a sticky, icky surface (kinda like dried chewing tobacco) that birds hate to land on. Gels are ideal for use on ledges, conduit, pipes, I-beams and parapet walls.

The Popular Barrier Deterrent

Bird Netting can keep gulls away from food storage areas and concession alcoves. It comes in several net mesh sizes to deter various pest birds--including pigeons and seagulls. The best bird netting is flame resistant, U.V. stabilized, and rot- and water-proof.

Banners For Your Ballpark

Every ballpark has banners. But these discourage pest birds from coming around. They're classified as Bird Scare deterrents and include a wide range of reflective foils, shiny tape banners and balloons. They work because they effectively create an “Optical Distraction Zone” that makes birds feel uncomfortable. Some produce a crackling noise in the breeze that adds to the deterrent. The one drawback is that they need to be replaced and moved around occasionally or pest birds will get used to them and come back for those snacks they can't resist.

This Bird Proof Deterrent Scores a Home Run

Ideal for bird proofing sections of the outfield after the game (when pest birds seem to zoom in), Scarecrows deter pest birds far beyond the 7th inning stretch. The motion-activated sprinklers deliver an annoying pulse of water whenever they sense a bird flying near. They combine this hefty blast of water with the scarecrow's moving head and sprinkler sound in one unforgettable experience for birds.