Bird Proof Products

Winter is here and it’s time to winterize your home. This is typically when you seal all the cracks between wood and stucco, wood window casings, etc.  It’s also the time when you need to check your rain gutters and spouts, and when you check around chimney areas and vents. It’s also the time when you should be thinking about bird proofing your home. Bird, after all will be looking to settle in for the winter and if your home isn’t protected with bird deterrents, they’ll gravitate to your home and you know what that means: nests, feathers and bird droppings.  Nests in your rain gutters, patio covers, gazebos and all those nooks and crannies in your home’s exterior. 

The good news is, you can prevent birds from flocking around your home by implementing an effective and humane bird control strategy. Here are several bird deterrents that you should consider installing when winterizing your home:

Sonic Bird Deterrents

You can blast air horns and set off firecrackers to scare birds away. But they’ll come back as soon as you go backing the house. Sound Bird Deterrents have been proven effective because they emit distress and predator sounds that frighten birds. The best sonic deterrents will emit sounds that birds can hear (unlike ultrasonic deterrents which emit sounds birds can’t hear).  If you had crows, starlings, swallows, gulls, woodpeckers, sparrows, grackles, cormorants last year, you might want to consider using the sonic system many have turned to: it emits distress and predator calls for as many as 22 types of birds. By the way, sonic bird deterrents only create sounds that resemble normal birdcalls, so they won’t annoy your neighbors and pets.

Balloons and Banners

Easy to install and quite effective in deterring birds from your home and backyard, Banners, Flash Tape and Balloons make pest birds feel too uncomfortable to stay. These deterrents rattle and reflect sunlight as they twist and flap in the breeze. Balloons have the added advantage of large, predator eyes that spook birds, making them think a large predator is eyeballing them. For best results, these visual bird deterrents should be moved around occasionally to keep the threat looking alive and real.

Bird Spiders

Easy to place on rooftops, patio covers and other elevated areas, Bird Spiders boast long spindly arms that prevent birds from landing. Spiders come in 2-, 4- and 8-foot diameter arm lengths to protect increasingly wider areas. A variety of mounting bases allow for easy positioning on most flat areas.

Bird Slope™

Angled, slippery PVC panels, Bird Slope deterrents are easy to install in all those 90-degree nooks and crannies where birds tend to nest. The panels come in a variety of colors to blend in with your home’s aesthetics. The best panels are made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate to last longer in tough outdoor weather.

by Alex A. Kecskes

In “A Moveable Feast,” Hemingway describes how he would wait for the gendarme at the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris to leave for a break or a glass of wine, then seize a pigeon for his next meal. While this is certainly one way to get rid of pest birds, there are far more humane and efficient ways to achieve the same result.

Pest birds cause millions of dollars in property damage every year. Their nests, droppings and the diseases they carry have become a major concern for homeowners, boat owners, facilities managers and municipalities worldwide. The solution? Bird proofing. Today's new generation of bird proofing systems covers all manner of bird types and sizes. Many are surprisingly economical and easy to install. Most combine a little bird psychology with common sense. And all have been proven effective in deterring pest birds from their assigned venues.

Spiders to the Rescue

No, not the kind that eats aphids, these spiders are multi-legged and man made. Called Bird Spiders, their spindly arms wave threateningly in the breeze to scare birds away. As a bird proof device, spiders are ideal for use on restaurant tables, canvas boat covers, awnings, patios and other flat surfaces. What's more, bird spiders come in various arm lengths to shoo away a range of bird types.

Spikes Spell Relief for Pest Bird Sufferers

Anyone who has ever had pest birds nest in their rain gutters knows the problems they can cause. Water dams up, gets under shingles and suddenly, you've got an expensive roof repair bill. Enter the Gutter Spike. These spiked strips are the ideal way to bird proof gutters against large pest birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons. The spikes usually come in two-foot long strips and the spikes are blunted so they won't harm birds, pets or people. Look for spikes with adjustable clamps at the base that facilitate easy installation to the lip of your gutter.

Also available are Mega Bird Spikes, which boast long 7” spikes. These are an ideal way to bird proof against cormorants, turkey vultures, raptors and other large birds. Try to get spikes made of marine-grade stainless steel as the will typically last longer. You can also get spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish (which makes them blend in to their surroundings). The best spikes feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that you can angle to fit curved surfaces. In general, most spiked strips come with either durable stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes.

Inclined to be Effective

Bird Slopes are slippery PVC panels that prevent pest birds from getting a grip whenever they try to land. And if they can't land, they won't stay. The angled panels are ideal for use on eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches. They can be nailed, glued or screwed to a wide range of surfaces. They even come in a wide range of colors to maintain a building's aesthetics.

All's well with this Gel

Bird Gel is the icky, sticky stuff that bugs the heck of pest birds. This bird proof solution was designed to deter a wide range of birds. Gels are ideal for use on conduit, pipes, ledges, I-beams and parapet walls. You apply this goop with a caulking gun and it never really dries—it just skins over. You'll need to reapply the gel after about six months for best effect.

Neutralize with Nets

Bird Netting is an ideal way to bird proof large areas--like groves, vineyards, enclosed courtyards and patios. And you can get net mesh sizes to deter a wide range of pest birds--including pigeons, sparrows, starlings and seagulls. For demanding outdoor applications, opt for netting that's U.V. stabilized, flame resistant, and rot- and water-proof.

Sounds Like a Real Bird Proof Solution

Audio Bird Repellents create a variety of predator and distress calls that convince pest birds to take flight pronto. Sonic repellents have been used with considerable success to deter pigeons, sparrows, starlings, and seagulls other types of birds.

Shocking Deterrent

Electric Track Bird Repellants are popular because they are humane and effective. They zap virtually any bird that happens to land on their electrified tracks. Ideal for pigeons, seagulls and larger birds. Opt for tracks that feature a flow-through design that won't allow water to pool around them to damage surrounding areas.

by Alex A. Kecskes

In most states, food distribution centers must have a comprehensive, verifiable pest control program or risk being cited by health inspectors. Any evidence of pest infestation--like bird feathers--in a food distribution warehouse is a violation of the FD&C Act of 1938. Legal concerns aside, studies estimate that pest activity typically results in a 5% to 10% loss of stored food products. Can your distribution center sustain such losses in these tough economic times?

Another bird problem created by pest birds is one of danger to employees. Birds can be a distraction to forklift and skip-loader operators when moving heavy loads near ceilings. Bird droppings can also create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards on smooth concrete floors. Finally, bird droppings can pose a significant health hazard, since they can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases--including salmonellosis and ornithosis.

Pest birds can be pretty clever when it comes to concealing themselves in food distribution centers. They can hide and build nests in the lofty areas near skylights and roof support beams. They can also seek shelter in walls and behind electrical boxes and light fixtures.

When night rolls around and your distribution center is quiet and dark with only a single night watchmen to walk the floor, pest birds come alive and eat through packaged foods, stored grains and other consumable inventory. This not only results in food loss but a constant clean-up expense.

As you undoubtedly know, pest birds are reluctant to leave once they’ve settled in. They like the security, the protection from the elements, and the steady food supply your distribution center offers them.

So how do you get rid of birds? There are a number of effective and humane bird proofing strategies you can employ to solve your pest bird problem. Here are some of the most popular:

Heavy-Duty Netting. Ideal for denying bird access in large commercial areas, the best netting is constructed of high-strength polyethylene to last for many years. This netting is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof. One supplier offers bird netting that has a burst strength of up to 40 pounds and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures--from 250-degree Fahrenheit to "sub-zero."  Better still, today’s bird netting comes in a variety of types and mesh sizes to exclude many different birds species. Larger birds like pigeons or seagulls can be blocked out using a 1-1/8-inch to 2-inch mesh size. If your facility is plagued by smaller birds like sparrows or starlings, a 3/4-inch mesh size will suffice.

Mist Capture Bird Netting. If your distribution center only has a few pest birds that like to fly around at night, you might look into getting Mist Capture Bird Netting. Pest birds will not see this netting and fly into it. Once captured, they can be removed and released outside. The best netting in this category is fabricated of strong, UV-stabilized lightweight fiber. It typically comes in four sizes--7’x10’, 10’x20’, 10’x30’ and 10’x40’. The netting is effective for use against pigeons, grackles, starlings, swallows, gulls and sparrows. 

Air Treatment Systems. Effective for bird proofing large enclosed areas, Air Treatment Systems generate an invisible dry vapor of methylanthranilate, a grape extract that irritates birds’ trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes through entry in the eyes, nose or mouth. One manufacturer offers a system with a unique nozzle design that expels a super fine 5-micron particle size mist, which leaves no residue. Treated areas simply smell fresh and clean and have no grape smell. This advanced “always-on” air treatment system maintains a constant low-level scent to repel pest birds. It can be programmed for daily hours of operation and duty cycles. Best of all, the system needs no separate compressor for operation. Depending on the size of your distribution center, you can get air treatment systems that cover 50,000 to 150,000 cubic feet. The best air treatment systems are fully compliant with US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace inhalation safety standards.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds have, for years, taken their toll on homes and boats. Pigeons, seagulls, crows and all manner of pest birds have invaded private property to wreak havoc, destroy and devalue our prized possessions.

Homeowners have had to put up with damage to roofs, gutters and air conditioning units. Any homeowner who has ever had to clean nests and debris out of a gutter knows it's not a pleasant task. Neither is cleaning bird droppings off a solar panel or dish antenna something to look forward to. Any air conditioning repair person will tell you that bird droppings can stop and stall even the most expensive air conditioner.

Boat owners have long had to deal with pest gulls and other annoying birds. Sails and sail boat covers splattered with bird droppings are no fun to clean. In some cases, if the bird droppings aren't removed, the damage to canvas covers can be permanent, causing them to rip and tatter. Damage can be equally serious and permanent to sonar, radar and radio antennas and their motors and mountings. This gear is not cheap to repair or replace. And what boat owner hasn't been obligated to apologize for bird droppings on a deck, step or side runner after a guest has slipped and taken a bad fall. Not to mention the legal liability of such an accident.

Bird Proofing Devices and Solutions

Advances in bird proofing technology have resulted in some very effective and humane pest bird deterrents. These run the gamut from high tech to low cost. Most are easy to install and maintain. 

Bird Spikes Keep 'Em from Landing

A widely used bird deterrent, Bird Spikes are popular among property owners, boat owners and municipalities. The spiked strips look like they would impale whatever comes near them. Not to worry. The blunted spikes are safe for birds, pets and humans. Bird spikes have an uncanny ability to dissuade pest birds from landing. The spikes come in durable stainless steel or stiff, unbreakable polycarbonate. For seagulls, there's a spike called the Mega Spike. So named because it sports some very big spikes--typically 7” high. The best mega spikes are made of marine grade stainless steel. Other spikes come with a crush-proof, non-reflective metal finish. Spikes with a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base will last longer. You can even get angled spikes to accommodate curved surfaces.

Most buildings today have rain gutters where birds tend to gather and nest. When water backs up, it seeps under roofing tiles and shingles, which can lead to expensive roof repairs. Enter the Gutter Spike. It's the ideal way to bird proof against pest birds that love to gather in rain gutters. The spikes have adjustable clamps at the base so they can be easily attached to the lip of a gutter.

Slippery Slope

Simple, humane and highly effective, Bird Slopes are basically just angled PVC panels that won't allow pest birds to get a solid footing when they try to land. It's the ideal bird-proofing device for eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches. Bird slopes are easily installed on almost any surface using nails, screws or glue. They are virtually maintenance free. And they come in a number of different colors to match your exterior décor.

Gone with the Goo

Birds hate to land on sticky surfaces (like we hate to get gum on our shoes). Bird Gel is the bird proof solution that really annoys most birds. The stuff pumps onto any surface with a standard caulking gun, and when it dries, it stays sticky for a long time--about six months. Pest birds land on it and it tugs at their little feet, step after annoying step, until they can't wait to leave.  Gels are ideal for use on ledges, conduit, pipes, I-beams and parapet walls.

The Net Difference

Barrier deterrents have long been an effective and humane bird proofing solution. One of the best barrier deterrents is Bird Netting. It comes in several net mesh sizes to deter various types and sizes of pest birds. The best bird netting is flame resistant, U.V. stabilized, and rot- and water-proof.

Create an "Optical Distraction Zone”

Bird Scare deterrents have a long and successful history as effective bird proofing devices. These simple reflective foils, shiny tape banners and balloons work because they create a zone of optical distraction that birds just don't like to be around. Some produce a snapping noise in the breeze that adds to the distraction factor. One note about bird scare deterrents: They need to be moved around and replaced every so often or pest birds will get used to them.

In a Class by Itself

Considered the king of bird scare devices, Scarecrows are the ultimate bird-proofing weapons. Humane and highly effective, these innovative devices deter pest birds using a clever blend of technology and bird psychology. Basically a motion-activated sprinkler, Scarecrows deliver a sudden blast of water spray whenever they sense a bird flying or walking near them. Best of all, they combine this sudden water blast with the Scarecrow's moving head and sprinkler sound, which is something pest birds will never forget.
 

By Kathy Fritsch

Baby proofing the home keeps your baby free from harm, but bird proofing the home keeps you and your home free from the harm a pest bird can do.  Summertime is the ideal season to take action.  It is warm and sunny and the perfect time to be outside doing simple and inexpensive home improvement projects.  Installing bird deterrents should be at the top of your things to do list.  This is the time of year where birds are searching for that comfortable location to start building their nests and hatching their offspring.  There are effective products that will bird proof your home so the birds do not choose it as their nesting site.  Although the idea of baby birds may seem delightful, the damage to you and your property from pest birds and their nests can be quite detrimental.

A very important reason to bird proof your home is to keep your family healthy.  Nesting birds accumulate a build-up of viruses, bacteria and fungal matter in their droppings.  The best way to eliminate this problem is to stop the nesting before it begins.  Inspect your home closely.  Determine areas that may be susceptible to nesting that are close to where your family congregates.  One area that is sure to get summertime and often year round usage is your patio. The patio cover is a great place to mount a solar bird repeller.  The repeller can be mounted on either flat or angled surfaces in a matter of minutes.  It scares the pest birds away from the area by the continual movement of the 2.5’ telescoping rods which have iridescent red foil flash tape at the ends.  The constant sweeping movement does not harm the birds in anyway, but distracts them from making your patio their summer home.  The red foil flash tape also scares the birds away from the area when it is simply tied to the patio, or a nearby tree, creating the perfect optical distraction zone.

Another common area for birds to nest around your home is under the eaves, near your front entry way or in your rain gutters.  You want to avoid carrying any droppings from your shoes into your home, or breathing in the fungal spores that can be released from the nest.  A very simple and economical way to keep the eaves free of birds is the use of either a bird slope or a transparent bird gel.  Both make an extremely uncomfortable landing spot for the bird.  The bird slope creates a “slippery slope” that birds cannot land on.  It is easily installed and can be painted to match the exterior of your home.  A transparent bird gel creates a very sticky surface which birds hate.  The gel is virtually invisible and is non-toxic to people and birds.

Making the rain gutters undesirable for landing and nesting is as simple as installing gutter bird spikes. After clearing out any debris from the gutters, just connect the spikes by using the attached clips and check one more thing off your to do list. Taking these precautions early on will save you time in the long run.  Cleaning up the area after a pest bird has made his home would be much more labor intensive.  Cleaning and repairing the physical damage to your home from the uric acid released from bird droppings can be a more expensive project.  Even though pest birds can be hazardous to us, we want to not be half hazard in our humane “good riddance” of them.  Always choose humane bird deterrent products like those available at Absolute Bird Control.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Bird proofing government buildings, parks, military bases, and aircraft hangars has been a problem for quite some time.

At the dawn of aviation, the Wright brothers recorded a bird strike that interfered with their early flights. More recently, Hanscom Field in Bedford Massachusetts had roughly 5,000 starlings roosting in their hangar. Clinton Air Force Base in Oklahoma had six hangars with 200-300 house sparrows in each hangar. Lockbourne Air Base in Ohio had 2,000 to 3,000 house sparrows between three hangars with an additional 2,000-3,000 starlings. Wright-Patterson Field had pigeons in their propeller testing area. Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan suffered from a sparrow invasion. The list goes on and on. Pest birds, it seems, love to hang out in hangers.

Birds entering various openings within aircraft hangars, roost in the I-beams high inside these structures. The Air Force says that the accumulation of droppings, feathers, and other matter poses a big problem. Bird droppings, accumulating on the aluminum skin of airplanes, can corrode the metal and eventually weaken the structure itself. Another concern is that if droppings, feathers, and other matter get into the engines, critically important parts must be cleaned as they could stall an engine during flight. Cleaning an aircraft engine is very expensive and time consuming.

So how does one bird proof these aviation areas? In the past, bird proofing aircraft and the facilities that housed and repaired them was a hit or miss proposition. Toxicants like strychnine-treated grain were used to inhumanely eliminate pest birds—particularly pigeons. Pellet guns were also used. As was high-pressure air or water to discourage roosting.

Today, bird-proofing methods vary from scaring devices, repellents and screening to mists and sonic systems. To bird proof large areas, bird netting creates an impenetrable barrier for most birds. Some heavy-duty bird netting is made of polyethylene fabric and is UV stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. Netting comes in various mesh sizes to deter a wide range of birds. To seal out small openings, there's copper mesh cloth. Available  in rolls, it's easily stuffed into cracks or holes to let air circulate but keep birds out.

Ideal for hangers, bird-misting systems are both humane and effective. These bird proofing systems work by releasing an ultra fine mist that pest birds can't see and prefer not to be around. The mist typically employs a chemical called methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that naturally occurs in concord grapes. The extract has been widely used for decades to deter a wide variety of pest birds including, sparrows, pigeons, starlings, crows, blackbirds and geese.  Yet it's safe for people, pets, plants and birds.
 
Another useful bird proofing method is the electric-track bird repeller. Ideal for ledges, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces, these low-profile electrified tracks deliver a non-lethal electric shock that discourages birds from landing or feeding. Some manufacturers offer a flow-through design to keep water from damming up on rooftops and other surfaces.

Bird proofing measures--bird netting, bird repellents, bird spikes and electric shock systems--can be found on our nation's Capitol and White House, as well as on major civil and military facilities worldwide. Bird spikes are ideal for pigeons and other large birds. Some bird spikes are made of strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate, others have stainless steel spikes. A cousin to the bird spike is the bird spider. The spider arms wave with the breeze, keeping wild birds from landing. Most come in a variety of diameters and install easily. And although they appear menacing, spikes and spiders won't harm birds.
 
Many government buildings tend to be older with established pest bird populations. Failure to bird proof these buildings and offices can lead to a number of problems. The acid secretion produced by the fungi that live in bird droppings can discolor paint and other surfaces. Pest bird nests and droppings can get sucked into ducts, grilles and vents, blocking air conditioning and heating units. In these tough times with governments under the budget knife, cleaning and restoring buildings damaged by pest birds is one expense many governments can do without.

The bird slope is a simple solution ideal for many government buildings. Suitable for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree areas where pest birds tend to nest and roost, the angled, slippery PVC panels cause pest birds to simply slide off when they try to land. For an even easier-to-install solution, there's bird gel. Birds hate this stuff because it creates a sticky surface that birds find very annoying to land in. It's safe for birds (except swallows) and a great way to keep birds from landing on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduit, pipes, and most flat or curved surfaces.

At public parks, benches, playground equipment, statues, entry monuments and other structures can be rendered unsightly and eventually ruined by pest birds. There's also the health hazard pest birds pose to park visitors. Children placing their hands on bird droppings left on park bench armrests or playground equipment can be at risk, since many fail to wash their hands before snacking at the park. These droppings have been known to carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and Feral Pigeons can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral Pigeons carry Ornithosis--similar to viral pneumonia. If that's not bad enough, birds, bird droppings and their nesting fodder contain insects and mites, which can cause even more damage.

One effective and inexpensive way to bird proof parks is through the use of visual deterrents. Iridescent reflective foil or flash tape can be easily strung around lampposts and turned into pennants. Inflatable balloons are another economical visual scare device. Their lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings drive birds away by creating an “Optical Distraction Zone.”

Keep our country beautiful and safe, and do it humanely by bird proofing.

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.