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Top Five Tips for Bird Control

  • By Cory Gellerstedt
  • 10/01/08
There are ways to eliminate pest birds without harming them. Following are the five steps you should follow when addressing this problem.

1. Analyze the Problem
Before purchasing a bird control system you must first identify the problem. Start by identifying the type and number of birds causing the problem. Make a note of all the areas where the birds are landing and roosting. If the actual birds are not present at the time of inspection, look for nests and droppings on the building and below on sidewalks, awnings, signs, etc. Look for nearby water and or food sources and, if possible, eliminate them.

2. Research Available Products
Choose a reliable company that offers free technical support and installation plans. Don’t make your decision on price alone. Consider maintenance costs, the life span of the product, and installation costs when comparing price and value.

3. Consider Using a Combination of Products if Necessary
There are many different products on the market that claim to be effective bird barriers, but don't believe everything you read or hear. Spend time to research the facts. First, look for a reputable company that has a proven track record. Next, call the company and explain your problem and ask for their advice. A reliable company will offer free technical support including drawings and installation plans for your particular job. Some jobs may require one or more products to effectively repel all the birds. The most effective non-lethal bird control products for the widest variety of bird problems are “porcupine wire,” bird netting, hazing, and fogging.
•    Porcupine Wire
Porcupine wire is a generic description for mechanical barriers with spikes pointing up to repel birds. There are many different uses for this type of repellent, including building ledges, parapets, roof ridges, gutters, signs, awnings, air conditioners, rafters, shutters, and almost anywhere a bird can land. When used properly, porcupine wire is one of the most effective, versatile, and long lasting forms of bird control available.

When selecting a porcupine wire product, be aware that the stainless steel spikes, unlike plastic and composite spikes, last for over 50 years. In order to control all sizes of birds, the spikes need to be configured with many wire points close together and pointing in all directions. Some spikes are configured with larger spaces in between, and will only control large birds such as pigeons.

•    Bird Netting
If you have an open warehouse, building, or overhang where birds are getting up into the rafters and beams, bird netting is an effective and economical choice. When choosing netting, it should be strong and lightweight with openings ¾-in. square or smaller. Larger openings may not prevent smaller birds like sparrows from getting through. There are different ways of installing bird netting; some may be very simple, while others may require an experienced contractor.

•    Safe Chemical Bird Repellents Used in Foggers and Hazers
There are food-grade repellents made of methyl anthranilate, a synthetic grape flavoring agent in foods and beverages. This repellent is not harmful to humans or birds. The repellants can be used in automatic hazing machines, as well as in fogging equipment.

4. Plan the Installation Properly
Decide if you want to install the bird control products yourself or have a qualified contractor do the job. Either way, make sure that all areas have been carefully measured per manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you order the correct amount of materials.

5. Treat Droppings With Caution
Bird droppings are hazardous waste. Thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the surface is imperative in order to protect people from infection. It also discourages pest birds from following the scent back to their old roosts. Check with your local health department for proper disposal methods.

Cory Gellerstedt is employed by Nixalite of America, Inc., an authority on humane bird control. For more information, visit www.nixalite.com.

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