by Alex A. KecskesIn 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.