Bird Control for your Home and Business
A number of methods have been historically used to combat bird infestations.
Listed as follows are the general descriptions of these.
Modification.
Spiked, Coiled or
Barbed Barrier Designs. Coil systems are designed for light to
medium bird pressure of pigeons and larger birds. Spike barrier systems
range from light to heavy bird pressure of pigeons and larger birds.
Pin and Wire Systems. Also designed for light to medium bird pressure of pigeons or larger
birds.
Trapping
and Poisons.
Pre-baiting with non-lethal corn is used to lure the birds to the feeder and
then replaced with a mix of regular and treated corn. The birds digesting the
treated corn become ill and act very erratic before dying. These acts frighten
other members of the flock causing them to disperse. The Pest Control Company
supplying the poison is responsible for the disposal of the dead birds and must
be properly licensed to handle the chemicals according to state regulations. On
occasion, the public will observe the sick birds and will create adverse
publicity. Poisoning as well as trapping is not normally a permanent solution
to pigeon infestation since as one flock is dispersed or removed, another flock
may move in.
Trapping is normally performed once exclusion has been performed to remove
the current flock. It can be an on-going program that requires re-baiting or
trapping every month or quarter. Normally the feeding trays are kept out of
sight or picked up at night.
Chemical
Gels.
The gel irritates the feet of the birds causing enough discomfort for them
to abandon the treated area. Gels are not permanent, requiring many
re-applications, resulting in a build up of an undesirable base on the
structure. The initial cost is less expensive than other products, but the
needed frequent re-applications negate these initial savings.
Physical
Barriers.
Netting has been effective for excluding pigeons from specific areas. The
life of the netting depending on the location, can be up to fifteen years with
reasonable maintenance. Netting is not feasible in many areas, and may collect
blowing debris and eventually may be penetrated by the birds if the correct
species to exclude is not specified. Properly done, netting can be effective,
but will require some periodic maintenance.
Acoustical
and other "Startle" Effects.
Many devices have been introduced over the years which purport to relocate
birds but most work with the "startle effect", or the birds
instinctive reaction to a non- standard sight or sound. Unfortunately, once the
bird realizes the startle effect does not harm him, he will revert to his
habits. Even reproductions of predator sounds may only result in temporary bird
dislocation.
Electronic
Barrier Systems. Designed
for any and also heavy bird pressure.
Similar to systems used for cattle fences, placed onto roosting surfaces have
met with considerable success. These systems are more expensive to install but
offer the best program for a permanent solution. These systems are also the
most humane process of dealing with the birds. Many are equipped with solar
charged power units, eliminating the need to have an electrical outlet supplied
to the system thus being more cost effective. Maintenance is required only
periodically to check the system and for possible cleaning.
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