Methods Of Bird Control: Advantages And Disadvantages - GSA

CSI Division Division 10 - Specialties Section Bird Control Last Modified

Technical Procedures Disclaimer

Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.

Read more

Rewrite

We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.

General

This standard identifies different types of bird deterrent systems available and includes a brief description of how each system is intended to work by outlining their advantages and limitations.

All of the methods described here have limited effectiveness (see advantages and limitations below) making the selection of a suitable bird deterrent system difficult. Issues of aesthetics and ethics limit the choices even further.

Important factors to consider when selecting a bird deterrent system for a particular building include the following:

• Bird species (including size, behavior and habits)
• Location of building
• Climatic conditions
• Time of year
• Time of day

Types of Bird Deterrent Systems

Anti-Roosting Wire System, “Pin and Wire” or “Trip Wire”

• Used primarily for deterring pigeons.
• Consists of a series of parallel wires supported by narrow pins and held under tension by small springs. The spacing between the wires is intended to prevent pigeons from gaining a strong foothold on ledges.
• The wires are sometimes installed at differing heights in order to come in contact with the bird’s wings, making comfortable roosting difficult.

Advantages

1. Causes minimal damage to building. The narrow stainless steel pins used for support are small enough to be drilled into the mortar joints. If and when the pins need to be removed, the holes made can be refilled with mortar, avoiding any further damages to the masonry or stone. In places where this method can not be applied directly to the building, Plexiglas may be used to provide a means of contact.
2. Can last up to 10 years
3. Environmentally safe

Limitations

1. Limited to use on ledges
2. Not effective with all species of birds (mostly an anti-pigeon method)

Plastic Netting Systems or “Chicken Wire”

• An old method developed initially for agricultural use, the netting system has been adapted for the protection of buildings.
• This system is intended to eliminate the bird control problem by exclusion, preventing birds from nesting in recessed portions of the building, in light wells, or under eaves.
• Two fibers: Polyethylene or Polypropaline are recommended to make the netting. Unlike other fibers, both of these materials withstand tension without stretching. Both fibers can hold up to 30 lbs of tension and should be installed holding at least 20 lbs to prevent sags. Sagging speeds up deterioration and makes the system more noticeable. Netting to match building colors is available and, if hung correctly, can be fairly inconspicuous. See -01-R for installation guidance.

Advantages

• Suitable for large areas
• Environmentally safe
• Effective against most species of birds
• Can last up to 15 years

Limitations

• Ineffective if there are gaps or holes in the netting. Birds can easily fly through them.
• Limited in its protection to certain portions of the building.
• Accurate installation is very difficult, time consuming and expensive
• Obscures some architectural elements

Rows of Metal Spires or “Porcupine Wire”

• A physical barrier repellent consisting of rows of needles or spikes pointing vertically upwards. These spikes are intended to make it difficult for larger birds such as pigeons to land.
• This product is generally used on horizontal surfaces such as ledges and window sills, where birds are known to roost or nest. See -02-R for installation guidance.

Advantages

• Easy to install
• Long life-span
• Environmentally safe

Limitations

• Tend to collect debris between the spikes such as bird droppings, feathers and nesting material.
• For better effectiveness persistent cleaning is required.
• Ineffective against smaller birds such as starlings whose size allows it to use the spaces in between the spikes as a nesting site.

Ultrasonics

• Marketed for hearing ranges above 20K Hz; Used to produce high frequency sounds as a means of deterring birds from roosting or nesting in certain locations (i.e. on buildings)

Advantages

• None.

Limitations

• Not effective on the hearing range of birds (which is roughly the same as humans).

Distress Signal Call Systems

• Birds naturally warn other birds of potential danger. This system intends to mimic this idea by producing sounds that will signal to surrounding birds the danger of coming near a particular building.
• Its effectiveness depends upon the type of technology. Birds can differentiate between a real distress call and a tape recording of one. One company, however, has been successful with a digitized version.
• Distress calls are best suited for use against flocking birds such as starlings which search for a winter roost. Once the designated spot has been located, the digitized distress calls are played repeatedly sometimes as long as two weeks.

Advantages

• Does not obscure the building aesthetics
• Does not impact, alter or damage the building

Limitations

• Noise pollution: The distress signals are generally very loud, thus disturbing the human inhabitants as well.
• There is a possibility of habituation towards the noise.
• The effects are temporary in that birds may return after the distress signal is turned off.

Electric Wires

• Similar to the electric fences used for livestock. They produce an unpleasant shock when touched or landed upon.

Advantages

• None.

Limitations

• Ineffective. Smaller birds such as Starlings have been known to perch on these wires.
• Difficult to maintain
• Difficult to install. In many cases, installation causes more damage to the building because of complicated anchoring and connecting devices.
• Even more difficult to remove
• Unsightly

Gel Coating Repellent

• Based on gels of polybutylene. The tactile property is intended to irritate the bird’s feet.

Advantages

None.

Limitations

• Tends to absorb airborne pollutants which cause it to harden and become ineffective.
• Have a short-term effectiveness, lasting from 18 months to 2 years.
• Removal is very difficult and sometimes damaging to buildings

“Scarecrow” Method

• Rubber snakes, glass owls and other commercial devices are placed in strategic locations around the building to frighten the birds away.

Advantages

This can be a safe and unobtrusive method of bird control.

Limitations

• This system is generally not effective, because birds are able to recognize the artificiality of these devices.
• A reaction to this system is temporary at best, if there is even a reaction at all.
• The birds eventually become habituated to these devices and may use their artificial adversaries as comfortable perches.
• The effective use of this system requires significant human involvement. These devices must be frequently and repeatedly moved from one location to another

Poisoned Food

• There are a variety of chemicals available (listed below). These chemicals are generally discretely sold to specific job locations separate from residential areas.
  Avitrol or 4-Aminopyridine: A bird distress inducing chemical. The affected birds give distress calls that scare other birds away. There is a small percentage of mortality.
• Ornitrol: A steroid based chemosterilant that has been effective under trials, but has not performed satisfactorily under field conditions. Starlicide and Strychnine: Highly toxic to birds.
• “Toxic Perches”: A solid perch containing a wick soaked in liquid toxicant-usually Fenthion.

Advantages

None.

Limitations

• Potentially dangerous to those who handle the chemicals.
• Environmentally dangerous.

Trapping

Advantages

• Though only temporary, this method is a humane means of relocating bothersome birds.

Limitations

• Offers only short-term effectiveness and requires a substantial amount of human effort.

Shooting

Advantages 

• None. 

Limitations

• Inhumane, unethical, and dangerous.

Areas for Future Research in Bird Control

Homing

Research has shown that birds use a variety of cues to locate their homes. Such cues range from using smell, sound and sight to employing abilities for detecting barometric pressure and gravitational forces.
Electromagnetics:

Studies have shown that birds are able to perceive the earth’s magnetic field. Research indicates that birds tend to fly toward the acute angle made between the earth’s magnetic field and the surface of the earth. Some research has revealed that this phenomenon may be due to a tiny magnetic crystal substance lodged between the pigeon’s skull and brain that allows the bird to detect the magnetic field.

How can electromagnetics, then, be used to influence the homing patterns of pigeons to guide them away from particular buildings?

Subsonics or low frequency sounds

According to scientists, birds can detect low frequency sounds of .06 Hz using their inner ear. To put this in perspective, humans cannot detect sounds below 10 Hz.

Is there a way of transmitting low frequency sounds at high intensity as a means of deterring birds from roosting without causing destruction to the building or disturbing humans?

The methods of pest control have been improvised over the years on the demand of the customers. One of the most common problems these days, faced by people living in homes with balconies and windows, is that of intruding birds. They want an easy and effective way to prevent these birds from scattering their droppings and feathers here and there on their balconies and windows. Installing Bird netting is one such recommended trick to repel birds or pigeons from the open spaces of your house.

Link to Gold Hongye Net

The only condition to get full advantage out of a bird net installation is that it should be properly installed. So, if you too are considering getting an anti-bird net installation in your home, here are the dos and don’ts of bird netting for your reference.

Also Read: What is the benefit of anti-bird net

Why Install Bird or Pigeon Netting on Balcony?

The ultimate benefit of an anti-bird netting installation is to keep the birds away from entering your windows and balconies. It is the most common trick chosen by many homeowners to keep birds away from flying into their windows and balconies. If installed properly, bird netting can help prevent the entrance of these unwanted flying creatures into the open spaces of your home.

Dos of Bird / Pigeon Net for Balcony Installation

For the desired results to repel birds from your windows and balconies, it is important to be aware of the dos of anti-bird netting installation:

1. Do Research Well About the Types of Bird Nettings: This goes true not just to install a bird netting but for any other installation. You must spend some time researching the different types of bird nettings available in the market. There are several types of bird nets, varying in terms of color, durability, and size of the mesh. Pick the one that meets your requirement.
2. Do Get Inside Access while Installing a Bird Net:  Pigeon net for balcony installation needs proper planning. Make sure to get inside access while installing the bird net. There should be sufficient space for you to gain access outside the net with your hand. The purpose here is to access from inside, to take care of the plants outside, or to manage something outside the net by allowing your hand to pass through an access hole.
3. Do Minimize the Tangles and Keep Things Organized: When trying to install a bird net on your balcony yourself, make sure to stay organized. Keep things in order and within reach to install the net better. Take someone’s help to hold the net to stretch it fully to the corners for a proper pigeon net installation. It would help minimize the chances of the net tangling.

Don’ts of Anti-Bird Net Installation

Having understood all about the do’s of bird netting installation, it’s time to also learn about some of the don’ts for the same:

1. Don’t Go for a Bird Net Installation on a Windy Day: Being lightweight, it’d be next to impossible to install bird nets properly on a windy day. So, avoid installing bird netting on a windy day as chances are that the net would get entangled and messy to manage for a proper fixture.
2. Don’t Consider All Bird Nettings are the Same: Secondly, do not consider that all kinds of bird nettings are the same. There are different types of net birds that are available in the market. The trick here should be to determine which type of birds try to enter your property and what type of property you want to protect from the birds.
3. Don’t Expect a Permanent Fixture of the Anti-Bird Netting: When opting for a bird net for balcony, do not have high hopes. It is a temporary solution to the problem of birds entering your open spaces. Bird netting doesn’t offer a permanent fixture as it is bound to get holes, damage, and slip from the place after some time. Regular maintenance from a bird netting service provider is the key to keeping it in place to serve its purpose.

8 Things to Keep in Mind When Installing a Bird Net in your house

Besides the above-mentioned dos and don’ts of bird netting, one must be aware of the following important things too:

1. Identify Target Areas: Walk around your property and identify areas where birds are causing problems. Look for signs of bird droppings, nesting materials, or bird activity. Common problem areas include ledges, eaves, vents, balconies, and rooflines. By pinpointing these areas, you can focus your bird netting installation efforts where they are most needed.
2. Size of the Mesh: Choosing the right size of your bird net mesh is crucial to serving its purpose. Remember that the larger the size of the mesh, the larger would be the holes in the bird net. Moreover, a mesh with larger holes is lightweight, can withstand wind pressure, and is more affordable. To prevent larger birds, go for larger mesh size.
3. Material of the Bird Net: Also pay attention to the material used in the bird net. Since the net would stay there all day long, it needs to withstand sunny, rainy, and windy days alike. For this purpose, choose a UV-protected polypropylene bird net. It will be durable and long-lasting. In short, always go for a heavy-duty bird net material for more durability.
4. Types of Bird Netting: Next, consider the type of bird netting that should serve your purpose. After all, you intend to install it with the purpose of repealing some specific types of birds that are entering and spoiling the beauty of your home. The most common types of bird nets are either in white or black color. Renowned bird netting service providers like HiCare offer pigeon nets for balconies, measuring 2×2 inches square gaps, to provide an effective pigeon menace solution. Then there is sparrow netting, measuring 1×1 inch square gaps, to repel sparrows and other smaller birds.
5. Netting Size: The size of the netting mesh determines what can pass through. Measure the smallest bird species you want to keep out and select netting with a mesh size smaller than that. For example, if you’re dealing with pigeons, select netting with a mesh size that prevents pigeons from fitting through.
6. Proper Installation: Proper installation is crucial to the effectiveness of bird netting. Ensure that the netting is taut and securely attached to the structure. Use appropriate fasteners like screws, clips, or hooks to keep the netting in place. Avoid leaving gaps or loose sections where birds might find entry points.
7. Secure Attachment: Birds can be persistent in trying to access their nesting spots. Use hardware designed for bird netting installation, such as net clips or zip ties, to securely attach the netting to the structure. This prevents birds from dislodging or pulling down the netting.
8. Regular Maintenance: Over time, bird netting can become damaged due to weather, UV exposure, or bird activity. Establish a regular maintenance schedule to inspect the netting for any tears, holes, or loose sections. Replace damaged portions promptly to maintain the integrity of the barrier.

Also Read: Solution of pigeon menace

Conclusion

Whether it is your concern about how to install bird netting on balcony or your requirement to get a bird net installed on your balcony, HiCare is happy to help you. With a presence in over 20 cities across India, HiCare offers affordable bird netting installation costs for installing HDPE or High-Density Polyethylene UV-resistant GARWARE bird nets. The bird netting service offered by HiCare comes with a full 3-year warranty. You may choose sparrow or pigeon netting to keep the respective birds away from your balconies and windows. So if you don’t want to take a chance and want a perfect bird netting installation that works, go for bird netting services from HiCare.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):

1. How do you install bird netting in a house?

Installing bird netting involves a few steps:
Measure the area: Determine the dimensions of the area you want to cover with the netting.
Choose the netting: Select a suitable bird netting material based on the type of birds you want to deter.
Secure anchor points: Install hooks, brackets, or other anchor points along the edges of the area.
Attach the netting: Gently drape the netting over the anchor points and secure it using cable ties or clips.
Ensure tension: Keep the netting taut to prevent birds from getting entangled.

2. Is pigeon netting good for a home?

Yes, pigeon netting can be an effective solution for preventing pigeons and other birds from roosting or nesting in your home. Pigeon netting is designed to be durable, UV-resistant, and a humane way to discourage birds without harming them.

3. Should I use bird netting?

Using bird netting is recommended if you're facing issues with birds nesting, roosting, or causing damage to your property. Bird netting is a humane and environmentally friendly method to deter birds and protect your home from their activities.

4. Which pigeon net is best for home?

The best pigeon net for your home depends on factors like the size of the area you need to cover, the severity of the bird problem, and your budget. Look for pigeon nets made from durable materials like nylon or polyethylene, with UV protection for longevity. Mesh size should be appropriate to prevent pigeons from passing through.

Dos And Don’ts Of Installing Bird Nets At Home