Bird Proof Products

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

Pest birds have long been a nuisance to homeowners, boat owners, businesses and municipalities. The bird droppings they leave behind contain high amounts of uric acid, which can permanently stain finishes of wood and metal. They can also reduce expensive stonework to rubble. Then there are the health hazards posed by bird droppings, which can be infested with any of 60 rather unpleasant diseases. Outdoor eateries, school playgrounds, parks, and child care nurseries can be highly vulnerable to the spread of these diseases by pest birds.

Bird droppings also create slip-and-fall hazards, which can result in a costly legal liability for public and private organizations. Bird Proof Electric Track--essentially electrified track that imparts a safe, electrical jolt--can discourage pest birds from landing and nesting to eliminate many of these problems.

The nests created by pest birds can also present a costly problem. Their twigs, branches and feathers can stop up gutters and water channels. They can seize up air conditioning units and rooftop ventilators, and jam up windows and doors. Pest bird nests can cause electrical fires in electrical junction boxes and near electrical terminals.

Another major bird control problem presented by pest birds is their propensity to work through paper, plastic and sometimes even thin wood containers to get at food, fruits, grains and other packaged goods at warehouses, packing plants and delivery depots.

Bird Proof Electric Track Defined

Bird Proof Electric Track systems are tracks imbedded with an electrically conductive track that carries a mild electrical current used to prevent birds from landing. The "jolt" imparted is safe for both birds and people. Track systems can be used in a variety of locations and will deter a wide range of pest birds--including pigeons, seagulls and starlings. Bird Proof Electric Track systems install easily on virtually any flat or curved surface and are ideal for ledges, signs, rooftops, parapet walls, I-beams, and under eaves.

For those concerned with aesthetics, the tracks come in a variety of colors to blend in with any exterior décor--including terracotta, grey, stone, and black. Some manufacturers offer a low-profile product that is virtually invisible when properly installed on a ledge or sign. The best Bird Proof Tracks feature a low profile flow-through design, which keeps water from damning up on rooftops and other surfaces. When looking for a track, pick one that you can bend to fit along curved signs and ledges. And to cut down on the risk of spark damage, choose Bird Proof Track that has an anti-arcing design.

Installing Bird Proof Electric Track

It's not hard to install Bird Proof Track. Most manufacturers have designed their systems to be fairly simple and straightforward. One company lets you just unwind the amount of track you need from a rolled track and glue it down to virtually any surface. Better track products are on a totally flexible PVC base, which you can bend 360° without compromising the track's integrity.

Lightweight Bird Proof Electric Track is also available. This tends to streamline the whole installation process. In fact, super light tracks are now available that weigh just 10 pounds per100 feet. The best track systems feature waterproof connections that fit tightly together to ensure the installation is bird safe. Bird Proof Track systems are typically powered by an AC charger. Some even come with a solar charger. Whichever track system you finally decide on, it's best to install them using trained professionals who know how to work with them safely.