Bird Deterrents

It can be an unwelcome site.  Walking up to your favorite tucked away coffee joint and seeing the sign that says, “Beware of Nesting Birds – High Activity - May Fly Low and Near You”.  For many, the coffee house is the first sign of civilization that is seen in the morning.  First words uttered of the day for many is, “Grande Latte, non-fat, extra shot”.  Last thing needed is the morning coffee ritual interrupted by birds flying in front of you and startling you before you have had your morning coffee! 

Nest building takes time and requires demanding activity of the bird.  Nests provide concealment from predators, shelter from rain, support and insulation.  The nesting habits of each species have evolved over time and are matched to the climate, size, habitat and amount of threat by predators.  Many coffee houses place themselves in little nooks in strip malls where there is a lot of greenery.  This enhances a relaxing environment for people to sit comfortably and enjoy their coffee in a nice tranquil surrounding.  For the birds, it gives them what they want as well which is a quiet little nook to build their nests.  Birds will become angry and quite active when they think their nests are at risk.

For coffee joint owners it is important to watch for early bird activity and to be proactive in setting up bird control before nesting happens.  Once there are nests with eggs, it is illegal to remove them.  The bird nests are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.  Birds are smart.  If the coffee joint has been bird proofed they will find another little nook or cranny elsewhere to start their nesting process. 

There are many options for protecting the outdoor dining area.  First look for the possible roosting areas that birds will flock to.  This is an area where the bird temporarily sleeps and rests and the place they perch and wait for someone to drop a piece of bagel on the ground.  If the building has eaves, canopies and awnings this is one typical place they will roost and perch.  These areas can be protected with bird spikes or even a simple bird gel.

Bird spikes create an uneven landing surface that the birds will not like.  Bird spikes can be placed on flat or curved surfaces.  They can be easily screwed into place or glued down or even tied down.  Bird spikes come in varying widths to accommodate just about any space requirement.  As opposed to stainless steel bird spikes, plastic bird spikes come in many colors to give that extra invisibility factor.  Bird spikes, however, when installed properly, are virtually invisible.  Patrons will not even know they are there. 

Instead of bird spikes, or in unison with bird spikes, transparent bird gel is another option to look at. Transparent bird gel is a non-toxic, sticky substance that creates a very sticky sensation on the bird’s feet and they will not want to be where the gel is placed.  Much like the aftermath of a soda spilled in the movie theater, it is just uncomfortable to be stepping in it. Bird gel is a quick fix.  It can be applied on the surface quick and easily, similar to how a caulking gun works.  It is effective for many weather conditions from 15 degrees to 200 degrees F.  Once applied, it lasts up to 6 months.

Once all the roosting and perching spots are protected, it would not hurt to protect the shrubs and trees that may be right outside the door and over the eating areas.  A type of visual scare tactic would be very practical for this type of location.  The pest birds are perching and roosting looking around for the perfect nesting area.  The visual scare diverter would keep the birds away for good.  The shiny reflective surface of the bird diverter along with the mock predator eye imprinted on the side is what gets rid of the pest bird and keeps the bird away.    Both the shiny surface and the mock predator eye design work together to appeal to the bird’s visual senses.  The bird diverters are not invisible but may just add a decorative touch to the shrubbery.  The design is only about the size of a large pomegranate, so they are not distracting at all.  Only to the birds!

There are more reasons coffee house owners will want to keep the pest birds away.  More importantly than scaring a patron before they have had their coffee, are the hazards that the pest bird’s droppings contain.  Birds and their droppings, especially when they are allowed to accumulate, are riddled with diseases.  Over 60 different transmittable diseases have been recorded.  Many of the diseases are airborne when the droppings dry and are disturbed.  This can happen when simply sweeping the dried white hazardous material away.  The diseases are carried airborne and the spores can get into the nasal passages where the diseases then develop within the body.  New bird droppings are equally as dangerous but in a different way.  Many slip and fall accidents have been documented due to the fresh, wet and slippery bird droppings on the ground.   Every business owner cringes at the thought about the liability and costs of such an incident happening. 

One last reason to get rid of pest birds and keep them away is the damage the bird droppings can cause to the building itself.  Bird droppings are very acidic and can corrode just about any type of surface, including cement, canvas, wood and paint.  Millions of dollars is spent each year repairing and replacing the damage that the pest birds cause.  Implementing a couple of low cost bird proofing products around the coffee joint will ensure a peaceful experience to the customers and peace of mind to the business owner and managers.