Bird Deterrents

Boating is one of those seasonal sports that people get excited about.  Fishing trips with the guys, family outings on the weekends, and out of town visitors in summer are fun reasons to take the boat out. 

Getting the boat ready for the season includes maintenance checks such as checking the safety gear, fuel systems and fluid levels.  Annual maintenance checks help get the boat out quicker and ensure safety on the seas.

Bird proofing the boat should be on the maintenance checklist.  There are different types of bird control products that can keep the boat free from nesting materials and bird feces. 

A solar-powered bird deterrent uses motion to scare away pest birds such as seagulls, crows and pigeons.  A solar repeller is a unit that has a base that can be mounted to the boat on either a flat surface or an angled one.  They are very easy to install.  There are two metal “arms” that screw right into the top of the repeller cone base.  The arms extend 2.5’.  The solar power causes continuous motion that prevents the bird from landing.  It does not injure the bird, just scares them away.

Another scare tactic to use is a visual bird deterrent such as a reflective bird diverter.  The scare diverter can be hung on the railings and especially the high areas of the boat where the birds like to perch.  The diverters have a “mock” predator eye design on the side.  To humans it is just a nice design, but it scares the bird away.  They also are made using a reflective material that irritates the bird’s visual senses. 

There are also balloons that work the same way and have a similar design.  The balloons are the size of an average beach ball.  Flash tape does not have the design, but the tape is made of Mylar and is a shimmery red.    Like the other visual diverters, the movement of the shiny flash tape annoys the bird.

The low cost and quick installation of these products will ensure a long season of bird free boating.

It is time to get ready before the swallow returns to their nests.  Swallows that are allowed to build their mud nests on the home will permanently stain the structure.  Swallows are very territorial, so if you had them last year, you will surely have them again.  If you know they are close by and have invaded areas near you, it would be wise to guard against them nesting on your property.

The mud nests are not the only mess they make.  The droppings that the birds leave down the side of the home are not a pleasant site.  Bird droppings are also very destructive.  They are highly acidic and can corrode all different types of surfaces and structures such as paint, wood, canvas and even metals.

Not only are they damaging, but the nesting materials and the droppings are dangerous to humans.  They harbor bacteria, parasites and fungal agents.  The nests are also often infested with insects.

Bird control needs to be in effect before the nests are inhabited.  Swallow nests are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 that states that it is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy nests, eggs or the babies.  There are swallow bird deterrents that are safe an humane for the bird and the homeowner.

Bird slopes are a very effective bird control to use at home.  Bird slopes is a physical bird deterrent that blocks the birds from nesting.  Bird slopes are made of PVC material.  This material is very slippery which makes it difficult for the bird to land or nest.  They can be applied under the eaves of the home where it is most likely that the swallow and other birds will try to nest.  Bird slopes can also be applied to ledges, I-beams and windowsills or any 90-degree area where the birds roost and nest.

The slopes are easy to install.  The base of the slope is 2 ¾” wide, and can be simply glued down with an outdoor polyurethane adhesive.  There are end caps that can be glued into place at the end of each slope that prevents the birds from getting behind the slope itself.

In this day and age you do not expect to hear stories about business men in suits throwing stones and trying to kill birds at lunch time.  But that is exactly what happened recently on Norfolk Street in Lynn Town Centre , UK.

It seems like this act would be a scene in a movie, not real life.  But real life it is.  It shows the frustration of the town because of the increasing pigeon population.  This problem is causing an increased mess for shopkeepers and homeowners.

Number one problem that keeps birds coming to roost on the property is because it is where there is an adequate amount of food and creates the most convenient food source for the bird.

In West Norfolk they are discussing options to get rid of the pigeons.  One way is a hawk-shaped kite.  There are many pigeon control products that will work much better than a kite, and are much more predictable.

Bird spikes are one form of physical bird deterrents that will block the bird from landing.  They can be applied to rooftops, ledges, eaves and canopies; bird spikes can protect any flat or curved surface.  They work by creating a surface where the birds will not land.  The spikes have a blunt surface, so even if the bird attempts to land, it will not puncture and harm the bird.  The bird spikes simply create an uneven area that the birds will stay away from.

Pigeons respond to visual disturbances.  Bird diverters can be hung in trees and on the sides of homes and businesses, eaves and overhangs.  What makes them a bird deterrent is the shiny reflective surface and the design on the side.  The shininess of the material used and the design that the bird sees as a predator’s eye, work together to appeal to the bird’s visual sense.  It frightens them away.

Scaring and blocking the pigeon from an area are the only two means to get rid of the pigeon when there is an infestation.  It is important to apply products that will bar them and scare them away from an area before it gets out of hand, like in the UK.

Getting rid of the pest birds at home, or anywhere for that matter, does not have to be dangerous and hurtful for the birds or the homeowners.  Birds are survivors.  They have natural instincts that keep them safe.  They hide from their predators.  They fly away when scared.  They find food to eat and survive.  The backyard garden is the ideal source of food for the scrounging bird. 

Bird barriers will protect against woodpecker house damage as well as protecting the garden from being stripped of its ripe fruit and vegetables.  Garden bird netting is a very low profile and highly effective way of blocking the bird from the garden area.  It is made for outdoor use, as it is U.V. protected.  It is light weight yet is made of a durable polypropylene.  There are mesh sizes from ½” to ¾”.  It is usually sold in two different roles sizes, 14’ x 100’ and 14’ x 200’.  It can easily be cut down to any size that is needed for a particular area.

Suspending the bird net over the vines and berry bushes will protect berry bushes or grape vines.  Having the netting suspended above 6 inches will prevent the birds from sitting on the netting and eating the fruit beyond the mesh.   Suspending the bird netting over the plants can also protect the entire vegetable garden.

Fruit trees can be wrapped with bird netting.  This will stop the birds from roosting in the tree branches.  You simply measure the circumference of the tree and cut accordingly, adding at least one extra foot.  The netting is then tied to the tree using twine or zip ties.  Hog rings can also be used to secure the netting.

It is always recommended to use another form of bird control along with a physical bird deterrent such as garden netting.  Birds could get use to one type of product, and find away around it.  But if you use a visual deterrent with the netting, it keeps the birds flying on bye.  Visual distractions are very annoying to the bird and they will want to leave the area.

The right choice of bird repellents is environmentally friendly, safe and humane, and cost effective.  The whole idea of repelling birds from your backyard is to do this as easily as possible.  Harming the bird does not have to be an option.  Often times you see in movies or on the news people shooting birds with a b-b-gun, which is not even legal.  Most migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treat Act that states that it is illegal to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill or sell birds listed as migratory birds.

Migratory birds on the list include the Barn and Cliff Swallow, Downy Woodpeckers, sparrow, crow and Canada Geese, this just about sums up the birds that cause the most havoc in backyards across the nation.  It is not that these birds are not liked, especially the woodpecker.  It is a beautiful bird.  What most people do not realize is the woodpecker house damage that can be done if the woodpecker is left unchecked.  There are, however, goose repellents, woodpecker control and bird repellents that get rid of woodpeckers and the rest of the migratory birds.
 

To choose the right bird repellent, you must first determine the culprit, and then the location they are roosting and nesting. Is the garden being eaten before you have a chance to pick the ripe berries and vegetables?  Is the fruit trees infested with roosting birds?  Garden netting would be the choice.  Garden netting blocks the birds from reaching the fruit.  Garden netting can even help block areas including the eaves of the home, rooftops, balconies and garages.  Woodpecker netting would help save the side of the home from woodpecker house damage.
 

If you have a large backyard, and if there is any kind of water source, the Canada Geese might find your location quite easily.  The goose repellent can be a sonic sound device that broadcasts the distress and predator calls through speakers around the yard.  This will get rid of geese and keep them away.
 

Adding scare tactics alongside the netting and sound bird deterrents is a good idea.  This will keep the birds, any birds, from getting use to one particular bird control product.

Your home and business needs bird control.  Especially in springtime when the birds start becoming very active. Breeding, nesting and new food sources are what the birds are looking for. 

The reason you want to keep the pest birds off your property is because pest birds can do a lot of damage.  Birds that roost and nest in the tops of trees, the eaves of your home, rooftops and patio coverings leave behind lots of droppings.  This fecal matter carries over 60 different types of viral, fungal and bacterial diseases.  Humans can catch these diseases and many of them cause respiratory ailments.  Not only is the fecal matter unhealthy, but also it can be very destructive.  Bird droppings are also very acidic.  They can corrode wood, concrete, paint and even metals.  Once the damage is done, the cost of clean up and repair is quite costly.  It is important to put into place bird control products before the birds become a problem, and this means before spring is in full bloom.

Physical bird deterrents are products that block the birds from landing on the surface.  Bird spikes are a type of physical bird deterrent.  Garden netting is another type of physical bird deterrent that blocks the bird when it is installed.

Plastic bird spikes can be applied to any flat or curved surface.  Canopies, under eaves, fence lines, rooftops and ledges are a few places where bird spikes would be advantageous.  Bird spikes work by creating an uneven surface where the birds cannot land.  The great thing about plastic bird spikes is they come in a variety of colors. They can blend in with many surroundings.  When applied correctly, they are virtually invisible from the ground.

Garden bird netting is perfect for the garden, hence the name.  But bird netting also is successful at deterring the pest bird when used in garages, balconies and barns, any place that needs the bird to be blocked.  Garden netting is easy to apply.  It is lightweight, yet strong.  It is suggested that the netting be suspended over plants so birds cannot peck through the meshing.

Both of these physical bird deterrents will block the bird from invading your territory at home.

Woodpeckers are a very familiar group of birds.  The ability to peck and drum into trees in search of food or excavate nest cavities is well known.  They prefer partially dead trees for nesting sites, but they will readily peck holes in wood structures in search of insects beneath the surface.  This includes the side of your home.

Woodpeckers also have characteristic calls.  They use their rhythmic pecking sequences to make their presence known.  The rhythmic drumming establishes their territory and also attracts and signals their mates.  Woodpeckers breed in spring, commonly laying 3 to 6 eggs.  Incubation is very short, lasting only 11 to 14 days.

If you live in an area that is known to have woodpeckers, it is best that you protect your property at the beginning of spring, or even a little before.  Woodpecker house damage is likely to occur especially if your home has a wood exterior or in suburbs near wooded areas or in rural wood settings.  You could have as many as six to eight birds drumming on your home during a season if you have not protected the home with some type of woodpecker repellent.

Bird Control can consist of a physical deterrent that would block the woodpecker from being able to drum and also objects that would frighten the bird away.  A combination of both is often suggested. 

There are woodpecker kits that contain bird control products such as visual bird deterrents to frighten the woodpecker away.  Scare balloons and flash tape are included in the kit.  They can be hung on the side of the home, or any building.  They are ideal for under eaves and can be easily hung in any tree as well.  When the woodpecker sees this visual distraction, they become confused and frightened, and will want to avoid the area.  Woodpecker bird netting along side the visual deterrents would bar the woodpecker from drumming on the side of the building.

The objective is to get rid of woodpeckers not to harm them.  Woodpeckers are classified as migratory and are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Woodpecker bird control is the best option. Bird netting and visual deterrents will do the trick.

Spring is a popular time of year.  Physical outdoor activities resume after hibernation, for animals and humans.  Rain and snow is a distant memory and the world around you is blossoming and becoming colorful again.

Another sign that spring is here is the migration of the birds.  It feels like flocks of birds appear overnight.  The sounds can be delightful after a dark winter, but do not let this fool you.  Their twittering is different than ours, but then, again, maybe it’s not.  Their twittering means looking for food, a mate, and shelter.  If you are a backyard gardener, beware.  Do not let this migratory birds ruin the production of the garden.  To ensure a fruitful garden, include bird netting as your bird exclusion plan.

Garden bird netting will protect your fruit trees, berry bushes and any other plants that produce anything you do not want the pest bird to ruin.  Garden netting is a simply physical bird deterrent that will create a barrier between the bird and your precious garden.

Garden netting is light weight and easy to handle and install.  It is suggested to suspend the garden netting over the plants by at least 6 inches.  Place poles around the sides of the area and attach the netting to the poles.  They can be attached using a staple gun, net clips or hooks.  Plants can also be individually wrapped with the garden netting as well.   Protecting the fruit trees is easy also.  You simply measure the circumference of the tree, and then cut an extra foot larger.  The netting is then secured to the tree with twine, zip ties or hog rings.

Pairing a physical bird deterrent with another type of bird control is suggested.  A simple Mylar flash tape streaming from trees and the netting would create the perfect visual distraction to go along with the garden netting.  Diverters in trees work well too.  They scare the birds away with their unique predator eye designs.

Do not let the pest bird be in control of your space.  Take control with bird control products that will keep them away all season long.
 

It is always a challenge living in harmony with the elements.  This includes the landscapes around us.  The creatures that forage on the ground and the coyotes that comes down into urban areas for food.  Birds can either live among us harmoniously or be considered a pest bird.  Many people try to attract the humming birds into their yards with bird baths and feeders.  And then sometimes the migratory pest birds flock to the yards and homes and create messes and spread bacteria and disease.

The Why of Bird Control

One reason for using bird control at home is to protect against the messes and damage the pest bird leaves behind.  If they are permitted to nest and roost in the eaves of your home, in your trees or on the rooftops and patio coverings, the destruction they leave behind will be costly to your health as well as your bank account.  Over time, their droppings will create a very harmful environment that includes over 60 different types of viral, fungal and bacterial diseases. Their feces will also corrode building materials.   Bird droppings are extremely acidic and can corrode wood, steel, concrete and paint to name a few.

The How of Bird Control

First you will want to recognize the areas of concern around your home. Do you have a patio cover with only slats as protection?  Are there ledges and eaves near the doors and windows where the birds might easily nest?   If the answer is yes, there are many techniques to get rid of the birds.

Physical bird deterrents, such as bird spikes, work by not allowing the birds to land on flat surfaces such as rooftops, ledges or fence posts.  Visual deterrents create an optical illusion that scares the pest birds away from the area. They would be ideal to put around your patio covering so the birds cannot land and leave its droppings all over your patio furniture.  

When applied properly both types of bird control, physical bird deterrents and visual bird deterrents, will be virtually invisible as bird control.

Large backyards are wonderful.  They are ideal for entertaining, and ideal for pool parties, if there is a pool in your yard.  Gardens can be planted.  Fruit trees can be planted.  The space is limitless with ideas of landscapes.

What are also limitless are areas where the pest bird will take over.  Birds are motivated by the natural instincts to eat, roost and nest.  Birds will look for out of the way areas to hide from their predators.  Nook and crannies up on the rooftop are ideal for pest birds to hide, or build their nests.  Eaves of the home are also an ideal location to hide away.

Certain locations will need physical bird deterrents along with sound deterrents.  Bird netting or bird slopes can be placed under the eaves to block the bird from nesting.  Bird spikes can be placed on rooftops and fences to block the bird from landing on the area.  Bird netting can be used for garden plants and fruit trees. 

Sound deterrents, however, have the capability of covering from 1-acre to 5 acres.  A single sonic unit with the speaker covers 1-acre.  Additional speakers can be added to the one unit to cover 5-acres. 

How the sound bird deterrent works is by broadcasting distress and predator calls through the speakers.  The units are programmed with over 22 types of birds, from pigeons and crows, to starlings and even woodpeckers.  The units can be set to play a specific birdcall, and there is also a general setting that will cover a multitude of bird species.

The sound deterrents are made for outdoor use.  They are of a rigid construction, U.V. protected which makes them sun and weather resistant. They are simple to use.  There is an easily read LCD display panel that shows the status and user settings at all times.  It plugs into a regular 110v outlet.

Using a sound deterrent along with another type of bird control is recommended.  This way the pest bird does not get use to any one particular bird control product.

Keeping your backyard bird free is simple.

Have you gone out to your backyard to find the pest birds swimming in your pool?  If they are swimming in your pool, you can be sure they do not get out of the pool when they have to go to the bathroom.

Protecting your pool from pest birds is as important as protecting your home structures and vegetation.  Birds are messy.  It is just their nature.

Being proactive and determining the needs of the home before the pest birds come back in spring will save you lots of dollars.  Bird control is inexpensive and is easy to install.  It is also very safe and humane for the installer (you), and for the bird itself.

Protecting the backyard pool means looking up and seeing the areas where the pest bird is roosting and looking down at the nice blue pond.  Usually this is the rooftops, tree branches and patio covers.  Protecting these areas will help get rid of geese and other pest birds and keep them away from the pool area.

Physical bird deterrents such as bird spikes can be easily installed on the rooftop ledges and patio coverings.  The bird spikes make it very uncomfortable for the bird to land on the area.  When birds perch, they like to ruffle their feathers.  Bird spikes do not allow them to do this, so they will fly on by to another location where they can stretch out their wings.

Visual bird deterrents can be used in trees to get rid of woodpeckers and other birds that like to roost in the protected branches and leaves.  Special bird diverters made specifically to frighten birds away can be hung on the branches.  They look decorative to humans, but the birds think the design on the side of the diverter is a predator’s eye.  Their natural instinct to flee will make them do just that. 

Scare balloons that successfully get rid of geese and other birds from the pool are the same size as an average beach ball.  When filled slightly with water, they float around the pool and keep the birds away.

Covered areas around the home such as the eaves, canopies and awnings are the ideal areas for the pest birds to make themselves at home.  Not only do they make themselves at home, but they also invite their friends and family along. 

Birds of a feather flock together.  The reason birds flock together is for survival.  Birds do not engage in any type of behavior that does not bring them a benefit for survival in some way. 

Birds flock while foraging.  This allows them to take advantage of the same food supply.  Eating in a group gives birds the opportunity to find food that one bird has already located.  Sometimes foraging flocks even consist of mixed species that feed on similar foods.

There are even mating flocks.  The males show off in an attempt to attract a mate. There are flocks that communally nest and roost.  This is the flock to worry about at home.  Protecting the areas that they flock to and nest.  The eaves, canopies and awnings offer protection from the weather elements and predators.

Bird deterrents include bird exclusion products for nesting birds.  Bird netting is a type of bird deterrent that will block out the ability for the bird to roost and nest.

There are different kinds of bird netting.  The netting to use for the eave area is lightweight garden netting.  Although it is lightweight, it is very durable and long lasting.  There are three different mesh sizes to choose from depending on the type of bird, the smaller the bird, the smaller the mesh size.  There is even netting that will get rid of woodpeckers.

Bird spikes when placed correctly will also not allow the birds to land, which means no perching, roosting or nesting.  Plastic bird spikes can be placed on any flat or curved surface of the eaves, canopy or awning.  They can be glued down or screwed into place.  They come in a variety of colors to match the material they are being placed on. 

When bird deterrents are installed correctly, they are virtually invisible to all, except the birds.

Birds in the garden are good for consuming insects and such.  The problem is they also gobble up the fruits and vegetables, or peck at them making them very unattractive for the table or often times entirely inedible.  

When beginning the garden planning and planting, bird control needs to be a prime issue.  There are different combinations of methods to choose from.  Some backyard gardeners use only visual deterrents, changing them up occasionally so the bird does not get use to the one form of bird control.  Others use a combination of products including visual bird deterrents and sound deterrents.  Or sound deterrents and physical deterrents.  There are any options and combinations to choose from.

Visual Deterrents

When using visual bird deterrents, variation and surprise are vital.  Birds can sometimes acclimate rather quickly to scare tactics.  Moving and relocating them from time to time adds to the success of the products.  

Flash tape, scare balloons and reflective diverters are types of visual deterrents.  The flash tape is an iridescent red that moves in the breeze and also makes a crinkling sound.  Scare balloons and diverters both have a design that resembles a predator’s eye to the pest bird.  The material is also shiny and reflective which irritates the bird’s sense of sight.  Fear and annoyance gets rid of the bird.

Sound Deterrents

Sonic bird control devices are highly effective.  The devices broadcast programmable threatening records of distress calls and predator cries, telling the birds within range to steer clear of the area.  Most people would not even recognize that what they are hearing is a sonic device in use.  There are volume controls and interval timing of the calls.  You can select a particular bird species or choose the general setting that plays a variety of species’ calls.

Even with this type of strategy, variation is the key.  Program a variety of sounds and duration and intervals to prevent the birds from acclimating to the sound.

Whether your backyard garden area is large or small, a combination of methods and occasional changes to these methods is recommended.

Your home and other buildings on land is not the only location that the pest bird will migrate to.  Pest birds such as the seagull spot a boat, and will easily make it their home.  Boat owners are in constant battle with the feathered mate.  Bird control for use on the boat is essential to keep the birds from damaging the deck and canvas on the boat.

The action of bird roosting or perching on the boat rigging, or other projecting parts of the boat, in itself, is harmless.  It is the bird droppings that damage the deck and any other materials on the boat.  Bird waste is very acidic and can eat through paint, wood, canvas and even metals.  It is also messy and very nasty to look at.  Bird waste is also very slippery, and on a boat you do not want to add any additional slippery areas for the sake of the passengers.

Bird deterrents on your boat will keep your boat healthy and hazardous free.  A successful way to control this problem consists of using visual bird deterrents.  This method is a visual distraction to the bird that frightens the bird away.  Flash tape is a very simple example of a type of visual bird deterrent.  Flash tape is made of Mylar tape and is a red iridescent color.  The shiny reflective tape moves with the breeze.  The shiny reflective surface not only scares the bird, but the flash tape also makes a crackling sound that is an irritant to the bird.  Irritated enough for them to fly away and find a more comfortable place to habitat.

A bird spider is a physical bird deterrent that also scares the bird away.  At any harbor, you will see them softly bouncing on boats.  The bird spider has a base which can be mounted to the boat, or it can be a sandbag base for more portability.  From the base extend spider like arms that move in the breeze. The movement of the spindly arms is what frightens the bird away.

For best results, use both bird control products in tandem.

Many people have the same problems with their windowsills and ledges.  They have birds roosting and nesting and the bird droppings keep accumulating.  Major cities have this same major problem.  

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference states that surveys of municipalities across the country indicated that pigeons were the most widespread aerial nuisances in urban areas.  Other nuisance birds noted were blackbirds, starlings, house sparrows, woodpeckers, crows, geese and gulls.

It was also stated that the most conspicuous problem pigeons cause is the tremendous amount of feces these pest birds process.  Not only is the accumulation of feces odoriferous, slippery and unsightly, but they pose a health risk as well.  Diseases such as salmonellosis, crptococcus, ornithosis, and histoplasmosis organisms are often found in the fecal matter.  The acidic composition of the feces also is extremely acidic and will erode metals, stonework, as well as paint, wood, and canvas materials.

The way to permanently deter birds from a business or home is to alter the bird’s environment.  Roosting and nesting niches like the windowsills and ledges need to be altered in a way that will make it impossible for the birds to make themselves at home.

Bird spikes, especially plastic bird spikes, are an ideal method of bird control.   It does not matter if the ledge is 3” or 7”.  The spikes come in different width sizes.  They can be applied to a curved surface as well as the flat surface.  Bird spikes eliminate the safe and comfortable spot that the pest bird prefers.  Bird spikes are safe and humane.  They are easy to install, and are virtually invisible from the ground.  Plastic bird spikes come in a variety of colors, which adds to the invisibility factor.  

Another very low profile way to deter the birds from windowsills and ledges is the use of a sticky transparent bird get.   The birds dislike the sticky sensation on their feet, and they will not land on the area.  It is applied with a caulking gun and lasts up to six months.

No more roosting and nests, and no more mess.

Bird deterrents work.

Lakeside properties and any large grassy yards near a big water source are going to be prone to geese and duck attacks.  One of the problems with this is that the geese and ducks like to graze on your property.  This means destroying your grass.  Not only are they going to eat the seeds and grass, but they are going to leave behind an unsightly mess, with the yard being besieged with bird droppings.

Canada geese are mostly likely going to be the culprit.  Goose droppings can be quite hazardous to people’s health.  Just walking past the feces is most likely safe for healthy people.  But in the yard, without goose control, where children play, or others may sit on the grass, for the elderly, children, or those with weak immune systems, they will be quite susceptible to the dangers of the droppings.

The droppings usually contain the parasites cryptosporidium, giardia, coliform, and campylobacter.  Symptoms when you come in contact with these parasites can be watery diarrhea, dehydration, stomach cramps and pain, and fever and nausea.  In 1993 there was a Cryptosporidium outbreak from contaminated City water in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where 400,000 people became ill and 100 died.

It’s important to use bird control to protect your yard against the geese to keep the family and visitors from suffering the effects of the geese feces.  There are both liquid goose repellents that can be applied to the lawn, and there are sound deterrents that will scare the geese away.

Liquid goose repellent is a non-toxic substance that irritates the bird’s trigeminal nerves and mucous membranes.  They do not like the sensation and will avoid the area that is treated with the repellent.  The goose repellent is made of Methyl Anthranilate.  It is simply grape extract.  It is safe for humans and domestic animals, but will cause the geese and other pest birds to stay off the lawn.  It is waterproof and will stay active for 3 months, even during the rains.

A sonic goose deterrent is a programmable unit that plays geese distress calls and predator calls. The geese will hear the warning and their natural instinct to flee the area causes them to leave.

Pigeons are interesting birds.  There are many fun facts about the pigeon, from where they originated to their incredible memory.  Did you know that pigeons were considered a war hero at one time?  In both the first and second World Wars the pigeon saved thousands of lives.  They carried messages across enemy lines.  They were carried on ships and then released with details of the location of the ship if it came under attack.  Many people today still have pigeons as pets, and the race them across the country.

Pigeons can also be pest birds when they invade your home.  Pigeons frequently roost and build nests in the eaves of the home and other buildings on the property such as the garage or barn.  The problem with this is it leads to a buildup of bird droppings.  Not only are the droppings unsightly, but they are unhealthy to be around, especially those who may have immune disorders.  Bird feces are not only full of parasites, and bugs, but there are also three human diseases that are known to be associated with pigeon droppings: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis.  Bird control products can stop the birds from nesting and roosting on your home.

Plastic bird spikes are an excellent form of bird control for the pigeon, especially for use at the home.  The bird spikes come in a variety of colors and can match the paint of your home, which will help with the invisibility factor.  They are very safe and humane for the bird.  The bird spikes simply prevent the larger pest bird, such as the pigeon, to land on the unwanted area.  They will not land on the spikes, and the bird will simply fly away and try and find another spot to land.

Bird spikes can also be applied to window sills, beams, fence lines, rooftops and just about any flat or curved surface where the bird may land. They are made for outdoor use.  They are made of a U.V. protected, sun and weather proof plastic.

They are very easy to install.

With spring in the air and summer around the corner, boating activities are being planned.   Boat owners are thinking about getting their vessels ready for the water, taking them out of storage and putting it in the boat slip for easy access.

There are safety checks and inspection lists to make sure that the boat is safe and ready to go out.  Engine checks, life vest counts, oil changes, canvas covers and the decks need to be cleaned, and an overall look at the boat to make sure no pests are living on board.  

The pests include the pest bird.  If there have not been an bird deterrents on board, there will most likely be bird feces and nesting materials left behind.  If there is pest bird material left behind, the cleaning is going to be much more extensive than anticipated.  

A broad-spectrum hospital grade cleaner will be needed to disinfect, clean and deodorize the surfaces that the bird droppings have soiled.  Once cleaned, bird deterrents will definitely need to be installed so that in the future when the birds return, they will not be able to make themselves at home again.

A visual and physical bird deterrent is what is required to get rid of the pest birds.  On docks and marina’s worldwide are bird repellers, some solar and some that strictly work with the wind.  Where there is water, especially the ocean, there is a breeze.  The repeller has spider like arms that come in 2’, 4’, 6’ and 8’.  The stainless steel “arms’ stem from a round PVC base that can be mounted on the railing or attached to a flat surface with glue or a sand bag base.  How it works is the spindly arms sway and bounce in the wind.  The movement creates a visual disturbance that frightens the birds away from the area.

The solar repeller works in the same way as the movement of the “arms” frightens the birds away.  The solar-powered bird repeller as 2.5-foot arms that spin continuously, even at night, using the solar power.

Both types of boat bird control will keep the boat bird free.

Starlings, House Sparrows and pigeons are “bad” birds in many people’s eyes.  The U.S. government even recognizes that these birds can mean trouble.  These are the only species of birds that can be killed without a hunting permit.

Before you get out your guns, there are safe and humane ways to get rid of the birds from your backyard trees.  The woodpecker is another species of bird that although we can appreciate its uniqueness, will not only cause damage to the trees but woodpecker house damage is at risk.  If there are fruit trees in the backyard, pest birds will cause substantial damage by feeding on ripening fruit.

The most effective way to reduce bird damage to backyard trees is bird netting.  Bird netting will prevent access to the ripening fruit by placing the plastic bird netting over the tree.  It is best if you use a frame that holds the netting away from the tree by about 6 inches so the bird does not sit on the mesh and still have access to the fruit.  Bird netting is a highly desirable method for many situations.  It is efficient and the netting can be reused many times.  It is very cost effective.

Visual bird deterrents are an excellent pairing with the bird netting.  Not only are you blocking the birds but also with a visual deterrent you are now frightening them away.  It is still a safe and humane form of bird control.  Flash tape can be hung in the trees.  The tape is iridescent red.  When the sun reflects off the tape it creates a visual distraction zone.  It also makes a crinkling noise when it blows in the breeze.

Besides bird netting, using a visual deterrent that also scares the birds away doubles the success of keeping the birds away.  It is also highly recommended.  Birds have good memories and they recognize routine and can remember what bird deterrent is where after awhile.  Movement and change will keep the birds on the edge of their fear.

 

Barn Swallows are often spotted under the eaves or inside of sheds and barns and other structures.  They can be found across most of North America.  If there is mud and an open window, you are inviting them to make their mud nests on your property.

As fun as it may be to watch the swallows in their natural habitat, these so called “natural” nests will permanently stain the structure they are built on.  The accumulation of bird feces is something else that will appear.  The fun is taken away when you have to deal with the mess.

How to keep birds away from home is as easy as installing bird control products.  Installing bird control such as a physical bird deterrent will block the swallow from building their nests.  Hanging lines of clear mono-filament strips is a physical bird deterrent that will block the bird and protect the wall under the eave or overhand.  This is a product specially made to deter the swallow.  The strips are sold as a kit and contain sections of the strips that are 3” wide by 11” long.  Each strip has an adhesive backing and can be easily attached to the structure.  There are also pre-drilled holes so the strips can also be nailed into place.  From the ground, the clear mono-filament sections are virtually invisible.

Another type of bird deterrent is a bird slope.  The slope can be installed under the eaves as well as on ledges, I-beams and window sills.  It will protect against the swallow as well as other pest birds.  The bird slope is made of PVC which is slanted.  This design creates a slippery slope that the birds will not be able to land on. They are sold in kits as well which contain 2 foot long sections of slope, cap ends and a tube of industrial strength glue.  There is 4 feet per box of slope.

Habitat modification using these types of bird control products will keep the pest swallows away.  Remember to install the products prior to the season, before the nests start forming.