How to Combat Bird Contamination

Bird Wires
Narrow beams, long exposed ledges, parapets, signs, beams, pipes, roof edges, and other such areas can be protected with nylon coated spring-tensioned stainless steel wire attached to stainless steel posts and tensioned using springs. These wires are most effective on pigeons, seagulls, crows, and other larger birds. They are the least visible of the ledge products and they are often used in high visibility areas where aesthetics are important. These wires need to be professionally installed and properly spaced in order for them to be effective.

Bird-Coil
Bird-coil is available in four- and five- inch diameter, stainless steel coils of wire that expand out to 25 foot lengths. The five inch diameter coils are used for larger birds such as gulls. They can be installed on long, exposed ledges, parapets, signs, beams, pipes, roof top perimeters, etc. If more than one coil is needed to cover an area, the coils should not be spaced more than one inch apart. The outer edge of a coil should project about one-quarter inch beyond the edge of a ledge. Bird coils are fairly easy to install and when properly deployed, they are simply hindrances to birds being able to land on a surface. From about 50 feet away, they are invisible to the human eye.

Electric Bird Abatement Systems
Bird shock track systems can be used on roof tops and other areas not readily accessible to people. They provide a humane intermittent shock to discourage birds from landing on areas where they are installed. These are low-profile flexible tracks that are adaptable to architectural configurations and are available in four colors. Tracks are glued to surfaces that need protection and electrical connectors allow current to flow from one track to the next. Some of these tracks have a five year warranty. Proper installation and spacing are critical to maximize effectiveness. These systems require periodic maintenance as dirt, sticks, leaves, snow, and other miscellaneous debris can negate their effectiveness.

Angle Ramps
Angle ramps are sold under various trade names, such as BirdSlide, by different manufacturers. The basic principle on which they are based is that pigeons cannot land, roost, or build nests on surfaces with a 45-degree or steeper angle. Angle ramps can be installed on ledges and beams to deny birds access to the area. Where appropriate, they are good long-term solutions to localized bird problems. They are available in different colors to match the color of a structure.

Bird Scare Devices
A number of bird scare devices are sold in the marketplace to frighten and scare off unwanted birds. These include plastic owls, bird jumpo, scare-eye balloons, scare-eyes with streamers, Mylar flash tape, rubber snakes, etc. These may look cool and cute, but none of them are effective, as pigeons in particular, quickly become habituated to them.

Long Flexible Wires
Long flexible wires are sold under various trade names such as Daddi Long Legs and Bird Spider. These are long, slender, stainless steel rods that are attached to a base and extend out four, six, or eight feet. There are plastic tips at the ends of the rods to prevent injury to birds, people, and other non-target species. These rods rotate in the wind and wave menacingly thus interfering with birds as they attempt to land. These devices are fairly inconspicuous from short distances and practically invisible from 50 feet or more. They can be used in high visibility and high profile areas such as on top of parking lot lights.

Sticky Repellents
There are several brands of non-toxic sticky repellent gels on the market that are sold as bird deterrents. These can be placed on edges and ledges to deter birds from landing there. They are gummy materials and birds simply do not like to get sticky materials on their feet. Surfaces have to be properly cleaned and prepared before gels can be applied. Dirt and debris will cover gels and eventually render them ineffective. Some gels will melt in hot weather and become hard and ineffective in cold weather.