Bird Repellent Products

Homeowners can take rest in the fact that they do not have to re-create how to keep birds away from home.  It has already been done.  Nor do you need to sit outside with a b-b-gun and shoot at the birds in the trees.  In the past, desperate people have used the b-b-guns.  They have also used shiny household items to distract the birds and try and scare them away, and beat on pots and pans to get them moving away.

There are devices now specifically used for bird control in the home.  Reputable bird control companies will help you guide your way through what is needed for your specific issues. 

It is not a matter of how to keep birds away from the home; it is the matter of why.  Pest birds only do what comes instinctual to them, which is finding a safe area away from their predators to roost and nest, and also the natural need to eat and poop.   Birds do not care if their eating disrupts and disturbs the home in any way such as making a mess of the trash in open trashcans.  They are also known to eat dog and cat food.  Bird poop is another story.  Not only is it unsightly and messy, but it can be dangerous.  The fresh poop whether it is on the grass or patio cement floor can be very slippery.  There are many incidents each year of slip and fall accidents from fresh bird poop.  If it is allowed to accumulate and dry up, it can also harbor many different types of fungus that can be transmitted to humans causing upper respiratory diseases.  Nesting is the natural action before breeding.

Bird deterrents on the market consist of bird garden netting, goose repellents, woodpecker repellents, bird spikes, and many more bird control products.  Whatever difficulty you encounter with the pest bird, there is absolute bird control for the problem. 

Do not re-create the wheel.  Take time to research the best bird control company that will work with you to determine your needs.

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.

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.

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.

Springtime rolls around every year.  This means as seasons change, the birds begin to arrive chirping in our yards.  Not only do they chirp, but also they look for mates, build nests, raise their young and then fly into the winter until springtime rolls around again.

Canada Geese start the process in early springtime.  In North American, geese are becoming increasingly more common.  With all the beautiful lawns, parks, and large backyards, geese are seen as a nuisance, goose control is essential, especially if there is a water source nearby.  Geese build their nests on the ground out of twigs, bark and grass, and they tend to flock back to the location where they were born.

Before they arrive back is the time to implement goose control.  Goose control can consist of a combination of visual deterrents and sounds deterrents.  Both of these forms of goose control will not harm the bird in any way just scare them away.  It is also necessary to change up the deterrents from time to time so that the nuisance geese do not get too use to any particular product.

Predator eye balloons and diverters are visual goose deterrent that can be placed around the property.  The predator eye balloon frightens the geese and other pest birds away with its shiny reflective surface as well as the design that looks like a predator’s eye.  The movement and the design get rid of geese by making them fly away in fear.

Bird diverters do the same thing but they are a different shape.  Bird diverters are a little more un-assuming bird control product, but gets the job done.  The design on the side is, again, a mock predator eye that frightens and gets rid of geese, making it a goose repellent.

Sound goose deterrents work well in very large places.  The sound deterrent units are programmed to play goose distress calls and predator calls every few minutes to alert the geese of danger.  When the geese hear the warnings, their natural instincts tell them to flee the area. Geese deterrents work well, especially the sound goose deterrents.

Springtime will arrive, but the geese will leave.

“Going green.”   You often hear this talked about.  People want to create a better world for themselves and future generations.  A few simple changes in lifestyle and anyone can make the move to greener living.   

For some, reducing the carbon dioxide emission by switching from passenger cars to buses, bicycles and trains is doing their part.  Gardeners add compost material which adds beneficial nutrients to the garden soil which improves the ability to retain water and it acts as a soil insulator.  

Use of bamboo products is considered greener because it promotes the reforestation and expansion of bamboo, which consume airborne carbon dioxide at a higher rate than other trees.

Then there are more mainstream ways to be greener such as recycling, CFL light bulb usage, and the switch to solar energy.

Bird control products that get rid of the woodpeckers and other pest birds around the home can also be considered green.  They are safe and humane for the bird and the homeowner and family.

Products such as plastic bird spikes are made of 100% post-industrial plastic materials.  Discarded scrap plastic is ground up and reformed into pellets, which then creates a strong eco-friendly bird repellent spike.  The plastic bird spikes can be applied to canopies, under eaves, fence lines, ledges, rooftops.  Installed on any flat or curved surface will keep the area bird free.  They especially prevent the bigger pest birds such as the pigeons, crows and seagulls from landing on the area that the spikes are installed.  They can be applied easily and quickly with either adhesives or screws, or tied into place.  Plastic bird spikes also come in a variety of colors to match the structures around the home.  When installed correctly, they are virtually invisible.  But, this type of bird spike is always green.

You don’t have to be a big company or a diehard environmentalist to make a change in the world.  Everyone can make a move towards greener living and a healthier world.

Do you have fruit trees in your backyard that are getting ready to bear fruit this coming spring and summer?  Are you afraid the pest birds are going to eat the “not so ripe” fruit and leave you with nothing?  This is a real fear for a lot of backyard gardeners.  

This time of year is for new growth and new adventures.  It is a time when celebrations start occurring outside.  It is definitely the time to get the backyard in order, so that the outdoor events will run smoothly, seemly and clean.

Hosing off the patio furniture and bringing out the cushions is one way to start preparing.  Cleaning the cement is another.  Proper installation of bird control products is a must.  This will ensure that the area remains clean throughout the summer.  

Bird control products that are properly installed will keep the birds from roosting and nesting and pooping on your property.  Bird droppings can be very unsightly.  But along with unsightly, the new droppings are slippery and can result in slip and fall accidents.  The older accumulated droppings can harbor fungus, parasites and diseases that can be transmitted to humans.  Avoiding both of these problems is just a matter of applying bird control methods in the yard.

Visual bird deterrents are an excellent choice to use along with physical or sound deterrents.  Visual deterrents such as flash tape, scare balloon and scare eye diverters will frighten the birds away.  The way they get rid of the birds is by their unique design.  They have shiny reflective surfaces that create a visual distraction zone.  The flash tape also makes a crackling sound when it moves in the breeze.  Birds are very susceptible to sound disturbances.

Pairing the visual bird deterrents with a sound bird deterrent is extremely successful in repelling the birds from the property.  Sonic devises are available that play distress and predator calls at intervals.  The broadcasted calls alert the birds in the area to stay away.  

Using both the sound and visual deterrents, and occasionally moving around the visual deterrents will keep the property bird free all season long.

If you are planning a spring garden in your backyard, you are most likely looking at a more eco-friendly “green” garden.   A backyard buzzing with life and activity is a way to do your bit in promoting a healthy planet.  Organic gardening does not have to be difficulty.  Gardening is meant to be enjoyable and is a way to relax with a little bit of healthy exercise in the open air. 

Growing some of your own produce is also extremely rewarding.  Like anything that is done in nature, there are problems that can arise.  Pest birds can still be a nuisance and destroy your hours of labor in a short period of time.  But with preparation and right timing, even bird control measures can be “green.” 

When planning out the garden, it is also wise to plan out how to keep the pest birds away.  Clean and humane bird control should be a priority.  Bird control products that do not harm the bird, plants, household animals or people are desirable. Safe and humane bird control for gardens consists of bird spikes, bird spiders and solar bird repellers. 

The Bird Spike Solution

Plastic bird spikes are a humane physical bird deterrent that helps keep birds away.  Don’t let the word “spike” fool you into thinking it can injure the bird or the person installing the plastic bird spikes.  It is not the spike itself that keeps the pest bird from the area, but the amount of them.  The larger pest bird, such as the pigeon and crow cannot land where the plastic bird spikes are installed because they do not like the uneven surface and cannot comfortably stay there or fluff and expand their feathers.  They are made for outdoor endurance.  The bird spikes are U.V. protected and will not be affected by extreme temperatures of hot or cold.  Once they are correctly installed, which can be as easy as gluing them down, they are virtually invisible and will not take away from any aesthetic appeal from the home.  They also come in various colors to help with invisibility aspect of the bird spikes.  They also come in varying widths so that they can be easily installed on different size ledges, rooftops, fence lines, canopies and even under the eaves of the home.  Under the eaves is especially important to protect.  This is where the pest birds like to hide away from their predators and where they are likely to build nests.  Protecting this area before the nests are built is crucial.  It is illegal to remove nests once they are inhabited. 

The Bird Spider Solution

The bird spider is what the name implies.  A spider has many legs, and the bird spider does also.  The bird spider acts as a physical deterrent as well as a visual bird deterrent.   The bird spider’s “arms” move and bounce with the breeze. The diameter of the “arms” are from 2 foot up to 8 foot depending on the area you are placing the bird spider deterrent.  If placed on the roof top or skylight, the larger arms would be better protection.  If placed on top of a table near the patio or pool and hot tub, a smaller “arm” would work.  The spacing of the “arms” prevents the larger pest birds from landing, which is the physical deterrent in action.  The movement of the “arms” in the breeze is the visual deterrent which creates an uncomfortable area for the birds scaring them away.    The bird spider’s “arms” are very thin, stainless steel that stem from a round PVC base.  It is very unassuming and will not be distracting to people, only the pest birds.  Bird spiders are often seen on boats and docks.  There is a special base made for boats which makes the bird spider quite adaptable to different environments.

The Solar Bird Repeller Solution

The solar bird repeller is similar to the bird spider in that the repeller has an “arm”.  The “arm” in this case is a 5’ telescoping “arm” that is mounted on the repeller base and continuously spins.  The birds are frightened by the constant movement and will want to avoid any area where the bird repeller is in action.   Again, you will see this often on docks and boats, but is ideal also for roofs, A.C. units, skylights and chimney caps.  Again, the top of the roof and the ledges are where the bird is going to give itself that “bird’s eye view” to determine the vicinity for food.  Keep them off the high areas around the home, and you’ll keep them out of your yard all together.  The solar bird repeller has an on/off switch and can be working all evening long.  Once the solar aspect of the bird repeller is charged fully, it will operate during the dark times which are when the birds will try to hide away from their predators.  With bird control measures in place, they will be forced to find another location.

Believe it or not, protecting all these areas of the home will protect your whole yard, especially the treasured garden.   Birds want to find roosting and nesting areas close to their food source.  If they are forced to find alternative housing options, they will be forced to find a different food source as well.   Safe and humane bird control solutions are another way to ward off the pest bird and help maintain a “green” garden.  Be a successful backyard gardener and show off that green thumb. 




 

By Carolyn Griffin

During the past few decades, golf has gained in popularity as a recreational pastime and as a passion. Golf courses comprise a variety of habitats. All areas of the golf course are a habitat—even tees, greens and fairways. When pest birds, such as geese, inhabit golf course properties, many golf course facilities make the mistake that non-intervention is the best option; however, intervention and management is the preferred bird control method. Over the past ten years, one of the main challenges for golf course owners is being environmentally sensitive. 

The geese population has increased in urban and suburban areas in recent years, and they are often considered pests. Geese feed by grazing in fields and large lawns, and they are often seen in flight moving in pairs or in flocks, often in a “V” formation. Their habitat is found anywhere near lakes, rivers, ponds, or other small or large bodies of water, such as those found in golf course communities.

With a life expectancy of 25 years, geese spend most of the day foraging for food, which is primarily obtained by grazing. They like short grasslands next to a body of water and prefer fertilized grass for feeding. This is what attracts them to golf courses, playgrounds, and other well-maintained lawns.

Goose control products that will deter geese from inhabiting golf courses and other grassy areas include goose repellents and super sonics. 

The goose repellent is applied to grass areas where geese have become a nuisance. You can treat grass areas where geese graze. Geese cannot stand the ingredient (grape extract, methyl anthrantitate), yet the product is safe for pets and humans. The extract irritates the goose’s trigeminal nerve and mucous membrane when a goose eats the product. Because geese do not like this sensation, they will leave the treated area.

The repellent is beneficial as it keeps property clear of pest geese and their droppings. This low cost, effective, and successful goose control solution works when geese eat the distasteful treated grass, thus impelling them to leave the area. The goose repellent is simple, easy to apply, and rain and water resistant. Finally, the product is safe and non-toxic: it will not harm humans, ducks, geese, or other animals.

The goose sonic scares pest geese with loud sounds such as distress and predator calls. The bird sonic is species specific as it allows you to choose the pest bird you are trying to eradicate. With a controllable volume, this product covers between one-six acres, is sun and weather resistant, and works day or night. You simply program the unit for your pest bird.  The specific goose sonic keeps pest geese off your property, and it comes with two free satellite speakers. Finally, the cost effective and affordable goose control sonic is the lowest cost sonic system on the market.

The goose repellent and the goose sonic are two humane and simple methods to keep your golf course free of nuisance geese and their droppings. The benefits are two-fold: you can make your golf customers happy as they can play on a sanitary course which means greater profits for you as you will increase your profits from repeat customers.  Thus, "Golfing Without Geese" by using goose control products translates into satisfied customers.