Best Pest Bird Deterrents

Best Pest Bird Deterrents

by

Alex Kecskes

Pest birds are far more than a nuisance. They cost homeowners, boat owners and businesses millions every year. Roofs are damaged, paint and wood are ruined, canvas covers are permanently stained, and building facades are left unsightly and corroded.

Bird droppings also create significant health hazards. They carry up to 60 known diseases that can infect children using playground equipment, customers eating at outdoor restaurants, and children playing in schools. One begins to see the need for bird deterrents in preventing all sorts of problems.

These days, it takes more than shouting and waving your hands to discourage birds from laying claim to an area. Today’s bird deterrents run the gamut from simple to complex. All have achieved a level of success in discouraging pest birds from landing and nesting.

A good place to start when discussing bird deterrents is the simple flash tape. This is basically a bird scare device made of iridescent material that shimmers and shines in the sunlight. Birds see this and they get disoriented and confused. The tape also creates a metallic crackling sound as it flagellates in the wind, which birds would rather avoid when they’re trying to land. Flash tape can be used indoors or out and is ideal for use in warehouses, docks, farms, barns, sheds, storage areas, carports parking lots, homes, boats and boat docks, virtually any area where pest birds tend to gather.

Another device that’s quite effective as a bird deterrent is the Bird Scare Balloon. Emblazoned with lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings, the balloons are roughly 16 diameter when inflated and are about the size of a standard beach ball. They scare birds away, convincing them that a huge predator has already laid claim to the area. Made from a U.V. and weather resistant vinyl, the balloons are ideal for use in fruit trees, patio covers, gazebos, boats, and building overhangs. To keep birds, geese and ducks away from pools, one need only fill these balloons one-fourth full of water, and the rest with air. The balloons will float around the pool with predator eyes and shiny reflective surfaces constantly in motion to keep birds away.

For those who wish to keep pigeons and starlings from a specific horizontal surface, there’s the bird deterrent known as Transparent Bird Gel. Ideal for ledges, rooflines, beams, signs, conduit, pipes and other problem areas, birds hate the sticky stuff on their little toes and will look for a less irritating landing spot. The sticky gel works in temperatures from 15F to 200F and usually lasts up to 6 months outdoors. Applied in a zigzag pattern using a caulking gun, the toxic gel is safe for humans and animals.

The next bird deterrent has gained widespread popularity and is surprisingly effective. Known as the Bird Spike strip, it has kept pigeons and other large birds at bay by preventing them from landing. Buyers have a choice of flexible stainless steel spikes or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes. Ideal for ledges, windowsills, rooftops, commercial signs, billboards, parapet walls, I-beams, and other open areas, the spikes are harmless to birds and will not cut or injure the installer. They come in two-foot sections and are easily installed with screws or adhesive. With their non-reflective metal finish, the spikes are virtually invisible from the ground.

For pure simplicity in bird deterrents, there’s the Bird Slope. Birds just can’t get a grip on these angled, slippery PVC panels and they just slide off. After a few tries, they’re off to better landing zones. Bird slopes are easily installed on ledges, eaves, beams and other areas. U.V. protected and sun and weather resistant, the panels provide anti-perching, anti-roosting protection against all types of birds, including swallows, starlings, pigeons and seagulls. Mounted upside down with special mounting clips, the panels can also be used to create a slippery area that keeps swallows from attaching mud nests to a corner. Some panels have a “snap-on” extender, allowing them to adapt more readily to wider ledges and coverage areas.

Bird Netting has proven to be another effective pest bird deterrent. This highly effective deterrent discourages many species of birds from landing. You can get heavy duty bird netting made of high strength polyethylene. It will keep pest birds from entering such areas as air hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, eaves and canopies. Some bird netting is made from a U.V.-resistant mesh for lasting durability. Available in various sizes, and custom cuts, the netting should be installed properly to prevent sagging and gaps that may allow pest birds access.

Next up, the Electric-Track bird deterrents. They use an electrified track to impart a mild electric shock that convinces pest birds that landing here is a no-no. Effective for small and large pest birds, electric track systems are low-profile and barely visible. The systems are usually powered by an AC charger or solar charger. One manufacturer uses copper knitted wire mesh in a continuous tube- in-tube stocking design. This allows for greater conductivity, strength and reliability. The copper mesh is resistant to corrosion and highly resistant to alkali and acidic environments.

Lastly, we have the audio bird deterrents. Designed to deter pest birds from large open areas, these system emit distress and predator calls for as many as 22 types of birds. The sounds are repeated every few minutes to convince birds that danger is here or on its way. These are ideal for deterring pigeons, crows, starlings, swallows, gulls, woodpeckers, sparrows, grackles, cormorants and many other birds. Sonic systems are recommended for backyards, courtyards, gardens, pool areas, patios, gazebos, parks, golf courses and rooftops. Some systems allow you to add more speakers to extend the range for coverage up to six acres.

Bird-B-Gone, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of bird deterrents and is dedicated to helping solve pest bird problems. To learn more please visit www.birdbgone.com

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Best Pest Bird Deterrents