Bird Proofing for Architects and Engineers
Whether you’re planning a hospital or hotel, an office building or retail complex, clients are increasingly expressing concern over bird defacement and damage. While the building or structure may look magnificent when completed, without effective bird proofing measures, pest birds soon invade to poop all over signs, roofs and beautiful facades.
Pigeons are probably the worst offenders, with each bird averaging about 25 pounds of droppings annually. Multiply that times several hundred birds per location and you’ve got quite a mess on your hands. Hawks and swallows may occasionally cause unexpected and unusual pest bird problems. And blackbirds and crows have certainly done their share of damage. Even woodpeckers have been known to peck unsightly holes into wood facades while digging for insects or to simply communicate with other woodpeckers. Without bird proofing, your beautiful building can lose its luster fairly quickly.
As most people know, much of the damage done by birds is caused by bird droppings. The acidity in these droppings can severely degrade most stone and metal materials, eventually reaching substrate areas to cause irreparable damage. Birds are often drawn in large flocks to the nooks, crannies and porticos of structures. They like to build nests on roof ledges, windowsills, and building projections. And they enjoy perching and pooping all over signs, statues, trusses and beams. These areas not only offer high visibility from which to observe potential food sources, but they provide shelter and protection from ground-based predators.
Architectural Bird Control
When planning a building or structure, it’s best to incorporate effective bird proofing measures in the design. Some of the most popular bird deterrent strategies include:
Bird Spikes
These ubiquitous devices are ideal for deterring large pest birds such as pigeons, seagulls and crows. Spikes work because birds simply can’t find a way to land around them. After a few unsuccessful landing attempts, pest birds move on. Bird spikes are recommended by building contractors and architects and they have been approved by almost every humane group in the world–including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS. Bird proofing with bird spikes is harmless to birds, people and pets.
Bird spikes usually come two ways: in rugged stainless steel or rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. The poly spikes are less expensive than their steel counterparts and preferred for use in areas where the electrical conductivity of steel might pose a problem. Poly bird spikes can also be used near cell phone and dish antennas. And they are ideal for use on air traffic control towers.
Some bird spikes are available with a crush-proof, non-reflective metal finish. One manufacturer makes a bird proof spike with a polycarbonate base that can be bent to fit curved surfaces. And most of your clients will like the fact that bird spikes now come in a variety of colors, including crystal clear, brick red, light grey, brown, black and tan, making this one bird proofing solution that blends in aesthetically with its surroundings.
To deter the widest range of bird species, bird spikes typically come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and two-foot sections. To deter really large birds, there’s the Mega Spike, ideal for keeping seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors from landing. The spikes are typically 7 inches high and fabricated of marine grade stainless steel to last longer.
To keep pest birds out of rain gutters, there’s the Gutter Spike. This bird-proofing device is designed to keep large pest birds (like seagulls, crows, and pigeons) from nesting and clogging gutters or drains. Gutter spikes usually come in two-foot long strips. Some have adjustable clamps at the base so they can be conveniently attached to the lip of a gutter.
Slippery Slopes
Bird Slopes are probably the most “invisible” bird-proofing device you can specify. And they’re ideal for new construction and retrofits or upgrades. These angled PVC panels work their magic by denying pest birds a place to land. Pest birds just can seem to get a solid footing on these panels, so the birds just leave for better landing zones. Sloped panels are ideal for keeping even the most stubborn birds off eaves, ledges, beams and other niches. They’re easily installed on almost any surface using nails, screws or glue. And something your client will appreciate: bird slope panels even come in different colors to blend in seamlessly with a building’s décor.
Bird Proof Netting
Another highly effective bird proofing measure, especially for large commercial buildings or structures is Bird Netting. Netting is the most basic of exclusion measures, denying birds access to areas where they may damage or deface property. Most bird netting comes in a wide range of types and mesh sizes to deter many species of birds. For big birds like pigeons or seagulls, choose a 1-1/8-inch to 2-inch mesh size. For sparrows or starlings, you might opt for a 3/4-inch mesh.
It’s important to get high quality netting that lasts. The best bird proof netting meets ISO 1806 protocols and is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof. One brand of bird proof netting can hold up under some pretty harsh temperature extremes–like 250-degree Fahrenheit or “sub-zero” temperatures. In areas where electrical conductivity or radio frequency interference can be a problem, opt for non-conductive netting.
There’s also heavy-duty netting made of high-strength polyethylene. Some manufacturers offer really tough netting that has a burst strength of up to 40 pounds. Netting like this will typically come with a long guarantee –as long as 10 years. Once again, your clients will like the fact that today’s bird proof netting comes in several different colors–including white, stone and black.
Misting Systems
Set up to spray a fine mist of methyl anthranilate, a harmless but irritating grape extract, misting systems are ideal for a wide range of both indoor and outdoor applications. These bird-proofing systems deter sparrows, pigeons, starlings, crows, blackbirds and geese. The systems are easy to install and set up, and they work well to discourage pest birds from infiltrating commercial garages, warehouse areas, airline hangars, courtyards, parking lots and many other structures.
Electric Track Systems
If your property’s been inundated with pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, one effective and humane bird proof solution worth trying is the Electric Track. These nifty devices “persuade” pest birds not to land by conveying a mild electric shock to their feet. The tracks are easy to install on ledges, signs, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces. Some systems are low profile and virtually invisible from ground level. The best tracks feature a flow-through design that keeps water from damming up on rooftops. If you want the tracks to last in harsh weather, opt for corrosion-resistant tracks that resist alkali and acidic environments.
About the Author
Alex Kecskes is a freelance writer focusing on proffesional bird control methods and products. To learn more about the products listed in this article, please visit Bird-B-Gone – the nations leading manufacturer of bird deterrents.
Will It Blend – Birds and Bikes edition….