Bird Proof Products

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you’re a manager or owner of an industrial or commercial building, you know the problems pest birds can cause. If you have skylights, especially the ones that are designed to open, you know that bird droppings can “freeze” them closed or open. If you have rooftop AC units and turbine rooftop ventilators, they too will freeze up with bird droppings. And if your roof has been leaking, you can probably blame bird nests, droppings and debris clogging up your rain gutters.

These bird problems can cause you all sorts of headaches and costly maintenance, something you really don’t need in these tough economic times.

Fortunately, there are ways to bird proof your industrial or commercial building. Below are just a few of the pest bird deterrents you can now employ. These devices are both humane and proven effective is discouraging pest birds from landing and/or nesting on your property.

Bird Spiders

These devices have flagellating, spindly arms that whip about in the breeze to discourage pest birds from landing on or near anywhere they are positioned. They are often placed on AC units and fixed skylights to deter a wide range of nuisance birds--including pigeons, seagulls and larger birds. They come in 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-foot designs to provide increasingly wider diameters of protection.

Bird spiders are easy to install on most any flat surface. Just make sure the “tips” of the spider’s arms reach out several inches over the outside surface(s). The arms should be able to move freely and the tips should be no more than 2 or 3 inches above the mounting surface. If you use glue to affix the spider, use the PVC adapter. When installing multiple spiders, position them 6 to 8 inches from arm-tip to arm-tip (not base to base).

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Ideal for rooftop areas and structures that seem to draw incessant flocks of pest birds, Stainless Steel Bird Spikes are a building owner/manger’s best friend. Installed properly, no bird will try to land on or near them. They can be mounted on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduits and signs--virtually any flat or curved surface.  They come in rows of spiked strips--typically 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and two-foot sections. The 8-inch spikes provide 8 to 10 inches of deterrence on a 10-inch wide ledge. You can mount them on AC units and other rooftop structures. The best stainless steel bird spikes feature a “no-nest” design with no-gap spacing to deter birds from roosting or landing.

Bird spikes are easy to install. They can be glued, nailed or screwed in place. Just remember not to leave any gaps wider than two inches between the spike strips. Pest birds are clever little buggers. For very wide ledges, be sure to use multiple rows of spikes and keep the gap between rows to two inches or smaller.

Finally, before installing bird spikes, the surface should be clean and dry. That means you’ll have to remove any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Birds are drawn to this type of debris and will regard it as “home sweet home.” You should also use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds and their droppings. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

by Alex A. Kecskes

In many instances, schools and especially universities were built without bird proofing devices. Older schools, colleges and university buildings are likely to have more architectural nooks and deep relief elements for pest birds to land and roost. There’s also the attraction of rooftop air-conditioning units, ventilation fans, and rain gutters. It’s no wonder so many institutions of learning have taken steps to get rid of birds.

Most schools and universities have all sorts of food snack areas. And regrettably, trash cans are often overflowing with discarded, half eaten food. This is an enormous draw for pest birds. There’s also the food that students leave on tables, benches, chairs and lawns. Birds will flock to lookout areas just above these “target rich” food locations. And that means nests, feathers and the dreaded mounds of bird droppings. As most health experts will tell you, bird droppings can carry serious diseases like histoplasmosis, salmonella, ornithosis, pseudotuberculosis, even West Nile Virus.  The top priority as a facilities manager in this case, would be to get rid of birds.

If you’re a facilities or maintenance manager at a school or university, you’ve probably seen what bird droppings can do to many surfaces. The acidic nature of bird droppings can severely mar and eventually destroy statues, building facades, brass or metal signage, entry monuments, rooftop ventilators and AC units. And what an expensive clean-up job it is to remove all those droppings. Trying to restore those damaged surfaces is another costly matter.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective bird control methods you can use to get rid of birds.

Bird Spikes. If they can’t land, they can’t do that much damage. That’s the reasoning behind this popular bird-proofing device used by many schools and universities. You get your choice, too. There’s the strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spike or the flexible stainless steel spike. Steel is a bit tougher and slightly more expensive, but the poly bird spikes are ok to use near cell phone antennas and other RF equipment, as they won’t interfere with RF waves. To get rid of birds around rain gutters, there's the Gutter spike, which connects easily to the lip of rain gutters. For buildings and structures plagued by large birds like gulls, you might try the Mega Spike, with its intimidating 7-inch spikes.

Bird Netting. The ultimate bird barrier and a great way to get rid of birds, bird netting physically excludes a wide range of pest birds from gathering and nesting on schools and university buildings. A product called No-Knot bird netting is very light, easy to handle and very strong. It’s made of non-conductive polypropylene, a chemically inert material that resists acids and alkalis.  It won’t absorb water, rot or mildew. For older schools and universities with partially enclosed towers and belfries, there's Bat Netting, a polyethylene 3/8-inch mesh that's stronger than most bird netting.
 
Electric Bird Repellers. Often referred to as Electric Tracks, these can be used to get rid of birds in areas where netting or spikes would detract from the architecture of a school or university building. They are ideal bird repellent for use on ledges, rooftops, and most flat or curved surfaces. They impart a harmless electric shock that “educates” birds never to return. Opt for the low-profile electrified tracks and those that feature a flow-through design to keep water from damming up around them during rain.

Bird Gels. The bird deterrent “that sticks in their craw,” Bird Gels give pest birds a most uneasy feeling with every step they take. It’s a great way to get rid of birds that always seem to land on the same place. Gels are easy to apply using a standard caulking gun, and they're safe for birds (except swallows). Gels are ideal for use on ledges, parapet walls, conduit, pipes, and most flat or curved surfaces.

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

It's an unfortunate reality that commercial building owners spend millions of dollars annually to pay for the damage caused by pest birds. For one thing, bird droppings on windows and facades can seriously detract from a structure's appearance. The acid produced by the fungi that live in bird droppings can corrode metal and erode stone. Unless building owners hire expensive cleaning crews, the damage over time gets worse and more expensive to clean or repair. Bird nests and droppings can also clog gutters and down pipes, causing rooftops to overflow with water and possibly cause entire sections of a rooftop to collapse. Pest bird nests and droppings can also clog air conditioning and heating units, severely damaging these expensive systems.

Unwelcome and Unhealthy Droppings

The bird droppings pest birds leave behind also create offensive odors and can carry any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and feral pigeons can carry bacteria causing salmonellosis. Such pigeons can even carry ornithosis, which is similar to viral pneumonia. This makes pest birds particularly unwelcome in areas where food is stored, processed or served. When bird droppings litter a sign or cover an outdoor restaurant's tables and chairs, customers will simply avoid the establishment and take their business elsewhere.

Don't Be Served with a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit

Bird droppings on walkways and entryways to commercial building can create serious slip-and-fall hazards. The only thing more slippery than wet bird poop is a banana peel. For commercial property owners, bird droppings allowed to accumulate on their premises can create a prohibitively expensive and time-consuming legal liability. 

Bird Proofing with Spikes and Spiders

Probably the most popular method of bird proofing a commercial establishment is through the use of bird spikes. Ideal for pigeons and other large birds, spikes discourage pest birds from landing. They come in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. Typically available in two-foot long strips, bird spikes are blunted so they won't harm birds, pets or people. The best spikes are made of marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that you can angle to fit curved surfaces. You can also get spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish.

To bird proof gutters against large pest birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons, you'll need the Gutter Spike. Look for spikes with adjustable clamps at the base that make them easy to install to the lip of your gutters. If you're being invaded by cormorants, turkey vultures, raptors and other large birds, opt for the Mega Spike, which has long 7” spikes.

Another popular device used to bird proof an area is the Bird Spider. These devices have long spindly spider-like arms that wave in the breeze to discourage pest birds from landing. They are ideal for use on outdoor restaurant tables before opening hours to keep pest birds from landing on tables. They can also be used on awnings and patio covers. Spiders typically come in a variety of diameters to deter a wide range of bird pests.
They may look threatening, but they are harmless to birds and people.

Nets, Slopes and Gels

Ideal for a broad range of commercial uses, including signs, warehouses, courtyards, canopies, airplane hangars and rooftops, Bird Netting has proven to be an effective bird proofing solution. Often prescribed by architects, bird netting comes in a variety of mesh sizes to deter sparrow, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and larger birds.

Another popular bird proofing device is the Bird Slope. Pest birds simply slide off these angled, slippery PVC panels whenever they attempt a landing. Ideal for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree areas frequented by birds, these slopes are easily screwed, glued or nailed to most any flat surface. They even come in a variety of colors to match a building's exterior décor.

To discourage pest birds from landing on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduit, pipes, and flat or curved surfaces, there's Bird Gel. Birds hate this goop, which is easily applied using a standard caulking gun. The gel never really dries and leaves a sticky surface that bug the heck out of pest birds.

Tracks and Tears

If your property's been inundated with pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, one effective and humane bird proof solution worth trying is the Electric Track. These nifty devices "persuade" pest birds not to land by conveying a mild electric shock to their feet. The tracks are easy to install on ledges, signs, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces. Some systems are low profile and virtually invisible from ground level. The best tracks feature a flow-through design that keeps water from damming up on rooftops. If you want the tracks to last in harsh weather, opt for corrosion-resistant tracks that resist alkali and acidic environments.

Our next bird proofing solution has been specially created to put a tear in a pest bird's eye. Known as Bird Misting systems, these deliver an ultra fine mist into an area frequently by pest birds. The mist is usually a chemical called methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that naturally occurs in concord grapes. Not to worry, it's safe for people, pets, plants and birds. This chemical has been widely used by growers and vintners for decades to deter sparrows, pigeons, starlings, crows, blackbirds and geese.  The destruction these birds cause growers is incredible--from wiping out entire vineyards to destroying crops en masse.

Misting systems are also ideal for bird proofing large industrial or commercial garages, factories, airline hangars, courtyards, landfills, parking lots, and other commercial areas.

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you own or manage a public or private fitness center or workout gym, you know that one of the main reasons your customers have selected your gym is its cleanliness. Nobody wants to workout in a gym that looks unclean. That clean look starts with the outside, with spotless signage, clean doors and walkways, and lots of clean windows. If your workout gym is like most, you'll have lots of windows and even skylights to brighten up the interior areas. This is where pest birds can cause you lots of grief.

Problem: Pest birds of all sizes and shapes can ruin the spotless clean image of your fitness center or workout gym. For starters, their droppings on windows and skylights can create quite an unsightly mess. So customers working out on stationary cycling machines, elliptical trainers, treadmills and other aerobics classes will see and smell bird droppings. This is not what they signed up for. Another problem with pest birds is that they like to nest and roost on your facility's roof and A.C. units. Which means dried bird dropping dust will be sucked into your facility. As you may know bird droppings can carry any of 60 diseases. Then there's the problem of bird debris and droppings causing a breakdown in you're A.C. units. Imagine your customers working out during the summer with no A.C.  They won't put up with that for long. Finally, if your gym has an outdoor area for pools, spas, workouts or just relaxing in the sun, pest birds are the last things you need hovering around your guests. Fortunately, you don't have to put up with pest birds if you have the right deterrent.

Solution: While there are a number of strategies you can employ to rid your facility of pest birds, some are more popular than others for commercial properties like fitness gyms. One preferred approach is to use what is known as Bird Proof Electric Flat Track. Using this low-profile, electrical track system is most effective against a variety of pest birds. The electrified tracks impart a mild electrical shock the very second any bird dares to land on it. Flat electric track is ideal for fitness gyms and similar high profile image businesses because it is virtually invisible. When installed, the electrified tracks are just 1/4-inch at their highest point. They are available in four colors--grey, stone, black and terracotta--which means they blend in perfectly with your facility's exterior facade. The best electric flat track is made from a flexible U.V.-protected PVC base that easily conforms to your facility's curved rooflines or parapet walls (the tracks can be bent a full 360 degrees without damaging them). 

Bird proof electric flat tracks are highly effective in discouraging pigeons, sparrows, gulls, starlings or crows from fitness centers and gyms. They are easy to install and are powered by an A.C. charger or solar charger. The tracks emit a very mild electric shock that will not harm birds or maintenance crews. It's just enough voltage to convince pest birds to stay away. One of the best electric flat tracks has a patented "anti-arcing" design for added safety. This track also features a tin-plated copper knitted wire mesh in a continuous “tube-in-tube” stocking design. This configuration allows for more conductivity, reliability and strength. The copper mesh resists corrosion and the alkalis and acidic environments of outdoor installations.

Keep in mind that the best defense is a good offense, so it's prudent to install the Bird Proof Electric Flat Track now, before the pest birds arrive and inundate your facility with bird droppings.

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.