Birds can cause a variety of issues when they take up residence in or around homes, buildings, and agricultural fields. Their droppings can damage property, spread disease, and contaminate food crops. Birds also build nests that block gutters and vents while their noises disturb people. For these reasons, it is often necessary to humanely discourage birds from settling in areas where they are unwanted. There are several effective bird prevention methods that can be used.
Why Do Birds Need to Be Prevented or Repelled?
There are a few main reasons birds may need to be repelled or prevented from inhabiting an area:
Health and Safety Risks
Bird droppings can expose people to over 60 transmissible diseases through inhalation or handling infected feces. Diseases carried by bird droppings include:
– Histoplasmosis: A respiratory infection that can be fatal in immunocompromised individuals. It is caused by a fungus that grows in dried bird and bat droppings.
– Cryptococcosis: A fungal disease that attacks the brain and lungs. It is also found in bird droppings, especially pigeons.
– Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in humans. Birds carry this bacteria in their intestines and spread it through droppings.
– Campylobacteriosis: Another bacterial infection that leads to diarrhea, cramping, fever, and vomiting. Campylobacter bacteria are found in bird intestinal tracts.
– Psittacosis: Also known as parrot fever, this bacterial disease causes flu-like symptoms. It is spread to humans through inhaling dust from bird droppings or respiratory secretions.
Proper sanitation and handling of bird fecal matter is crucial to avoid contracting these diseases. But limiting birds in an area reduces the risk of exposure.
Property Damage
Bird droppings are highly acidic and can damage a variety of materials. The accumulation of droppings on:
– Metal surfaces leads to corrosion and rust.
– Paint finishes can permanently etch the surface.
– Wood causes staining and decay.
– Concrete slowly erodes the material over time.
Nests built in rain gutters or vent pipes also impede proper water drainage, which can then damage a building’s structure.
Contamination of Food Crops
Birds feeding on vineyards, orchards, grain silos and other agricultural areas can contaminate and damage crops. Their droppings spread bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella onto fruits, grains and vegetables. Birds also peck and eat crops, causing direct losses for farmers. Certain flocks can decimate crops extremely quickly. For example, starlings travel in large flocks and just one group can devour up to one ton of grapes a day in a vineyard.
Noise Issues
Some species of birds, especially pigeons and starlings, gather in very large flocks. Their cooing and squabbling can create quite noisy nuisance issues. Their sounds disrupt business operations, residential areas and sleep. Noise levels from some avian pests have been recorded at up to 80 decibels (comparable to a barking dog).
General Bird Prevention Methods
There are several approaches that can be combined to effectively keep birds away from an area:
Bird Spikes and Netting
Installing bird spikes and netting prevents birds from being able to roost or nest on a structure. Bird spikes consist of groupings of stainless steel or sturdy plastic prongs or strips. The spikes are spaced close enough that birds cannot land comfortably on the surface between them. Pigeon spikes placed on building ledges, roof peaks, signs and monuments make the surface inhospitable for roosting or nesting.
Netting is also effective for excluding birds from large areas. Durable netting with a 1-2 inch mesh can be installed to prevent access to rooftops, courtyards, balconies, and more. Properly mounted netting will not sag over time and continues repelling birds.
Reflective Scare Tape
Birds are startled by reflective surfaces that distort their view. Special reflective bird scare tape can be tied in strands along crop rows, vineyards, and anywhere else birds are unwanted. The flashing silver surface frightens them away. For best results, the tape should be installed in a crisscross pattern and moved occasionally so birds do not become accustomed to it.
Sound and Light Devices
Sonic bird repellents use predator and distress alarm calls to frighten birds away. Devices are mounted out of sight and broadcast species-specific distress sounds that alarm birds and signal danger, driving them away. Similar ultrasonic devices emit high frequency sounds only birds can hear which disturbs them.
Strobe lights, rotating lights, and laser projectors can also repel problematic bird species that congregate at night like European starlings. The disorienting lights scatter their roosts. Models with randomized patterns work best so birds cannot become used to the lights.
Chemical Bird Repellents
Non-toxic chemical repellents formulated to bother birds’ senses of taste and smell can be applied to areas where birds are unwanted. Derived from grape skins, garlic, spices and other natural substances, these liquid products create a chemical barrier on treated surfaces. As birds taste and smell the strong scents and flavors, they are deterred from landing and roosting. Reapplication is needed after rain or periodically as the chemicals gradually dissipate. Chemical options can be used on signs, rooftops, window sills, trusses, and beams.
Bird Prevention Methods for Specific Areas
In addition to general bird deterrents, there are control methods tailored for particular problem bird locations:
Airports
Birds pose a significant hazard to aircraft, especially flocking birds like European starlings and gulls. Collisions between birds and planes are a major danger and have caused deadly crashes in the past. Airports use:
– Falconry programs – Falcons are flown over runways and open areas to chase birds away.
– Pyrotechnics – Launchers or guns firing explosive shells that produce loud bangs and flashes to frighten birds. Used to clear birds before aircraft takeoffs and landings.
– Long range acoustical devices – Highly directional loud speakers broadcasting bird distress calls over open areas and approach paths. The speakers can target birds up to one mile away.
– Radar surveillance – Radar systems integrated with computer software reliably detect and track bird flocks approaching the airport so the birds can be dispersed.
Agricultural Fields
Frightening devices are deployed around actively growing crops to repel foraging birds:
– Propane cannons – Periodic explosions produced by igniting propane gas in an open cannon chamber. The cannons are rotated around fields to startle birds with the random loud blasts.
– Bird scare balloons – Large, reflective helium balloons tethered above fields. Their unpredictable bouncing in the wind scares away birds.
– Predator kites or effigies – Kites or models shaped like hawks and other predators of pest bird species. Their presence mimics a threat and makes birds wary of the area.
Warehouses and Manufacturing Plants
Pigeons, sparrows, swallows and starlings often enter facilities through open bay doors and seek nesting spots inside on ledges and rafters. Effective warehouse bird control includes:
– Blocking small bird entry points – Installing fine mesh screens or plastic sheeting at potential access gaps.
– Bird netting – Draping netting over ceiling rafters and along shelves. Netted areas become unusable for nesting and roosting.
– Bird spikes and slope modification – Deterring perching on shelves, conduit, signs and other flat surfaces by installing spikes or angling surfaces so birds cannot land.
– Hangar doors – Rapid close doors that shut forcefully if triggered by a bird flying through, preventing additional birds from entering.
Historic Buildings and Monuments
Pigeons in particular deface stone and brick structures with large amounts of corrosive droppings. Gentler bird deterrents are needed to humanely discourage them while preserving historic architecture:
– Bird wire – Stainless steel wire strands strung in inconspicuous patterns where birds roost. The thin wires are uncomfortable for them to land on.
– Bird gel and foam – Non-toxic sticky gels and rigid foams are applied to surfaces where pigeons frequently perch. The gels and foams make it impossible for them to settle.
– Live traps – Pigeons or larger problem birds are caught in humane live traps then relocated to areas away from the site.
Bird Repellent Products
There are many commercial bird repellent products designed for specific applications:
Roost Inhibitors
– Stainless steel bird spikes in panels, strips or coil form
– Porcupine wire – Stainless steel spikes on flexible plastic strips
– Bird Slope – Low profile ridged plastic panels set at an angle birds cannot grip
– Bird Shock Flex Track – Electric tracks that deliver a mild shock
Nesting Deterrents
– Netting – Knotted polyethylene, nylon, or stainless steel mesh netting in various sizes
– Bird wire – Thin stainless steel wire strands installed in custom patterns
Optical Repellents
– Predator eyes – Decals with stylized threatening eyes to deter birds
– Reflective tape – Silver mirror finish flashing tape to startle birds
– Scare-eye balloons – White balloons with black circles resembling menacing eyes
Sonic Devices
– Electronic speakers – Programmable to broadcast recorded distress calls
– Ultrasonic generators – Produce high frequency output only birds can hear
– Sonic spikes – Combined plastic bird spikes and ultrasonic emitters
Chemical Repellents
– Gel formulations – Clear sticky pastes make surfaces uncomfortable to land on
– Liquid applications – Spray-on solutions with irritating smells and tastes
Choosing Effective Bird Control Methods
Here are some key factors to ensure you select successful bird prevention techniques:
– **Identify Problem Species** – Determine exactly which birds you need to deter. Solutions can then be tailored to frighten target species based on their behavior and biology.
– **Deny Access** – Block birds’ entry points into enclosed structures. Use techniques like netting and pipe seals to close off potential bird access gaps.
– **Make Roosting Uncomfortable** – Install anti-perching devices like wire, spikes, sloped panels and gels to prevent birds from settling on architectural features.
– **Use Multiple Strategies** – Combine different scare techniques including sounds, lights, reflective deterrents and falconry. Varying control methods increases effectiveness.
– **Continue Monitoring** – Check areas regularly after installation to identify any persistent problem spots. Enhance deterrents as needed until desired results are achieved.
– **Modify Habitats** – Reduce food, water and shelter sources that attract birds to sites. This could include sealing trash bins, removing dense vegetation and cleaning up feeding spots.
Conclusion
Controlling pest bird populations is essential for protecting property, agriculture, and human health and safety. Modern bird deterrent methods provide humane and effective options to discourage unwanted birds from becoming established. An integrated bird management plan using several techniques tailored for the site and bird species optimizes results. With proactive prevention measures, areas can be cleared of problem birds and kept protected from new infestations. Some persistence and adaptation of control tactics may be required to successfully evict habituated birds from a location. But continuous monitoring along with denying food, water, shelter and roosting access will lead to long term reduction of bird issues.