Complete Guide to Bird Deterrents
Birds are beautiful, fascinating and sociable creatures. They can be a huge nuisance. Birds can be a nuisance, cause damage to your landscape or buildings, and create messes.
There are many bird deterrents you can use to keep unwanted avian guests away. This guide will explain the various bird repellent options and how to use them in order to protect your property. We’ll also look at Bird Barrier’s industry-leading products.
Bird Exclusion![Eagle Kits Scare Birds](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20199'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Bird exclusion is used when you want to keep the birds away from a building, a yard or other specific area. Bird exclusion products are designed to prevent nesting on the underside of roofs, ceilings, or ledges that have a protective wall behind them.
Bird Exclusion Deterrents are suitable:
- Roof protection
- Lake Protection
- Parking Lot Protection
Bird Barrier Products for Bird Exclusion
StealthNet
StealthNet, a durable and strong bird netting system, attaches directly to the cable system. This is a great way to control birds in any semi-enclosed or enclosed area, opening or configuration. It prevents birds from entering commercial buildings, loading Docks, Bridges and other structures.
- Installation Level of Difficulty: Involved
BirdSlide
BirdSlide was designed specifically for “ledge and edges” protection. It creates an incredibly slippery surface which prevents birds from landing. They simply cannot get a hold of it, so they just slide off! BirdSlide can be used to exclude birds from eaves and horizontal surfaces such as angle irons, i-beams and other horizontal surfaces which are butted up against a vertical wall.
- Installation Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Optical Gel
Bird Barrier’s flagship multi-sensory bird repellent, Optical Gel, is a multi-sensory gel that uses sight, smell and touch to deter birds. The gel uses sight, touch, and smell to encourage bird exclusion.
Optical Gel is available in circular-shaped dishes. The dishes are designed to scare away birds because they look like smoke or fire. The dishes also have a citronella-and peppermint-oil smell that birds can’t tolerate (even though the scent is pleasant for humans). Unwelcome bird will also avoid the gel because of its stickiness if they do touch it.
- Installation Level: Easy
Bird Deterrents on Ledges![Bird Proofing Spikes](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20200'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ledge deterrents are designed to use physical characteristics that discourage birds from perching or landing in certain areas, and leaving behind a mess.
Ledge Deterrents are suitable:
- Ledges
- Roof peaks
- Window sills
- Beams
- Pipes
- Parapet Caps
Ledge Deterrent Products
Bird Barrier offers ledge deterrents in a variety of strengths.
BirdSlide
BirdSlide was designed specifically for “ledge and edges” protection. It creates an incredibly slippery surface which prevents birds from landing. They simply cannot get a hold of it, so they just slide off! BirdSlide can be used to exclude birds from eaves and horizontal surfaces such as angle irons, I beams, or other horizontal surfaces which are butted up against a vertical wall.
- Installation Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Bird-Shock Flex-Track
Bird Barrier’s low profile electrified track is available in 50-foot lengths. This is a great solution for surfaces where complete exclusion and low visibility are desired. These electronic bird repellents can be curved up and down, or from side to side to conform to any architectural configuration. Electric tracks are designed to scare away birds by giving them an electric shock that is not harmful.
- Installation Level of Difficulty: Involved
Optical Gel
Bird Barrier’s flagship multi-sensory bird repellent, Optical Gel, is a multi-sensory gel that uses sight, smell and touch to deter birds. The gel uses sight, touch, and smell to encourage bird exclusion.
Optical gel is available in circle-shaped magnetic dishes. The dishes are a deterrent to birds because they look like smoke or fire. The dishes also have a citronella-and peppermint-oil smell that birds can’t tolerate (even though the scent is pleasant for humans). Unwelcome bird will also avoid the gel because of its stickiness if they do touch it.
- Installation Level: Easy
Dura Spike and bird-Flite
Dura-Spike spikes for birds are made of 100% stainless steel, while Bird-Flite spikes have a stainless steel base with a polycarbonate spike. Both bird spikes are able to bend in a gentle curve or a dramatic one to fit the layout of the structure.
One of the factors that differentiates the two options is the difference in type of material in contact with the surface. Workability and portability are also important factors. Bird-Flite can be shortened into shorter lengths, while Dura Spike can be stacked to make it easier to transport up ladders or to the job site.
These spikes work for birds up to pigeon size and bigger. These products should not be used in areas where birds nest.
- Installation Level: Easy
TowerGuard![Guide to Bird Deterrents](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20225'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Bird Barrier’s TowerGuard works well to repel large birds such as vultures and hawks. It is a physical barrier and visual deterrent. TowerGuard is not a good option for birds looking for an easy and safe perch. The treated area of the structure is too small to allow for a safe landing.
TowerGuard can be easily removed by maintenance workers to perform any necessary work on antennas or railings. The product is then reattached. TowerGuard’s plastic material is the same as that used by telecommunications firms for outdoor boxes. This means it can withstand UV degradation over a period of time, even years.
- Installation Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Birdwire
This spring-tensioned system of wires is designed to create an unsteady landing area for pest bird. This is a great solution for low-visibility applications. The GSA has approved its use on historic buildings.
- Installation Level of Difficulty: Involved
Bird-Coil
Bird Barrier’s Bird-Coil is an effective solution to reduce perching in treated areas. It is a great fit for exposed, long, narrow ledges and can be easily adapted to many architectural features. It also “disappears”, when viewed at a distance of more than 20 feet, which makes it a great choice for applications that demand an aesthetic approach.
- Installation Level: Easy
Bird Deterrents for Flat Surfaces
Bird deterrents are required for flat surfaces because they present unique challenges.
Flat surface deterrents can be used for:
- Commercial flat roofs with large sizes
- AC Equipment
- Other types with horizontally flat surfaces
Bird Deterrent Products for Flat Surfaces
Daddi Long Legs
Daddi Long legs bird deterrents are designed in a way that prevents pigeons and gulls from landing on open areas or places where it is difficult to protect them. The plastic tips of the waving rods also prevent injuries to humans or birds. Daddi Long Legs is also ideal for applications that require high visibility, such as promenades and parking lots.
- Installation Level: Easy
Gridwire
Gridwire, or Fluorescent GridTwine is an electrical system that is excellent for repelling birds. It can be suspended horizontally and vertically to discourage large aquatic birds. Gridwire is perfect for flat commercial roofs.
- Intermediate Installation Difficulty
Eagle Eye
Eagle Eye’s rotating pyramid reflects sunlight to safely scare away birds. The light spectrum causes birds to be disoriented in flight, causing them deviate and fly in another direction. Eagle Eye’s rotating platforms can be powered either by an electric motor onboard or by solar and wind power.
- Intermediate Installation Difficulty
Visual Deterrents
Visual bird deterrents alone are not always effective and should only be used as a short-term solution. They are a good complement to other bird repelling methods. Visual deterrents can be used in certain situations to keep pest birds away from your property. Bird scaring devices can make pest birds such as pigeons and crows uncomfortable enough to fly away. If you are installing an antenna, mounting an eagle nearby will usually help bird proof your antenna.
Visual deterrents can be used for:
- All Types of Applications
- Pest Birds that are easily scared or have not settled in the area
Bird Barrier Products for Visual Repellents
Bird Barrier has a variety of bird repellents that are 100% visible. These products can work on their own. They can be used in conjunction with any other techniques to deter birds. Bird Barrier offers a wide range of visual deterrents, from scare eye balls to holographic repel strip.
Bird Barrier’s visual repellents include:
- Intimidator for woodpeckers
- The Scared and Screech Owls
- Scare Eye Balloons
- Fly Away Lasers
- Goose Guard Kits
- Holographic Repel Strips
- Holographic Guardian Owls
- Octopus Figures
- Flash Tape
Bird Barrier’s visual repellents are perfect for implementing a scare tactic, or a comprehensive strategy.
- Installation Level of Difficulty: Vary
Audio Deterrents
Audio deterrents are designed to drive birds away by matching the disruptive noises with their behavior. Audio bird deterrents are divided into two main categories: alarm/distress sounds and frightening noises. Alarm calls warn pest birds of danger and urge them to flee the area. Loud and unexpected sounds can be used as a second audio deterrent to scare away birds or irritate the birds enough for them to move.
To be effective, these devices must be timed to match the behavior of birds. The birds will not be able to tell that the sound is not in sync with their behavior if the device is not timed accordingly.
Audio deterrents can be used for:
- All Types of Applications
Bird Barrier Products for Audio Deterrents
Bird Barrier’s audio deterrent products include:
- BirdXPeller Pro
- Extreme Ultrasonic System
- Zon Scare Gun
These audio deterrents can be matched to the species of pest birds. You can also program them to sound at certain times in order to get the best results.
- Installation Level of Difficulty: Vary
Taste Deterrents
Combining non-toxic taste repellents with audio and video products can be an effective solution to repel birds, particularly when they are combined. If birds are ruining your crops or ruining the landscape of your home, you can use EPA-registered chemical repellents to deter them from approaching. They will not harm birds or upset humans or animals.
The following products are suitable as taste deterrents:
- All Types of Applications
Bird Barrier Products for Taste Deterrents
Bird Barrier’s product line for taste deterrents includes:
- Avian Control Bird Repellent
- Avian Fog Force TR
- Fog Force TR Dispenser
Bird Barrier’s Avian Control Bird Repellent is made with food-grade ingredients, which means that it will not harm pest birds, humans or other animals. It also won’t damage the area treated. Along with other taste-deterrents this is effective against foraging bird species such as geese and pigeons.
- Installation Level: N/A
Capture
It is sometimes necessary to capture birds that are causing problems before removing them permanently from your property. Bird capture products are a safe and humane way to trap pest birds without causing any harm to protected bird species.
Capture Products are suitable for:
- All Types of Applications
- Protected and non-protected bird
Bird Barrier Products to Capture Birds
Mist Net Kits
Bird Barrier’s mist nets are fine-mesh meshes that are easy to install and remove. Mist Net Kits include all the necessary equipment for setting up the capture net. You can also do this with minimum time and effort. These pieces of hardware consist of an angled magnetic, rubber-coated tacks, a locking coupling, telescoping rods, and flexible fiberglass chase pole.
- Installation Level: Easy
Sparrow Traps
You can use these bird traps to reduce bird populations before installing bird deterrents. The captured birds can also be fed and housed, or released at a later date. It takes time and effort to successfully trap sparrows or other birds. It is important to select the right site for trapping. You may have to make several trips before you catch one of your targets. If you are installing an antenna and need to keep sparrows away, this is an easy one.
- Installation Level: Easy
Specialty Deterrents
You can choose from a wide range of bird deterrents, including those that are specifically designed for certain applications. They include several categories, such as:
- Trees
- Gutters
- Solar panels
- Dryer vents
Use bait to control the reproduction rate of the treated birds.
Specialty Bird Deterrents
Tree-Shock
The Tree-Shock system is a visually appealing way to protect trees. The “training shock” is delivered when a bird’s feet touch the positive or negative-charged wiring. This encourages birds to stay away.
- Installation Level of Difficulty: Involved
Gutter-Point
Bird Barrier’s Gutter Point product is designed to attach to the inside lip on rain gutters. The thin stainless steel spikes protruding upward from the plastic base of this product keep pigeons, and other large birds, away from gutters.
- Installation Level: Easy
Solar Panel Protection
Birds can get stuck under solar panels, which is a messy situation. Bird Barrier has developed an innovative system that uses plastic clips and mesh netting to prevent birds from getting underneath solar arrays. This protects the roof, wiring and equipment.
- Installation Level of Difficulty: Easy
OvoControl
This bait is both effective and humane. It is particularly effective in managing large pigeon flocks. The birds are not harmed, but their eggs will not hatch. OvoControl can be used in large areas such as refineries, power stations, paper mills and airports. It is also suitable for parks, campuses, malls and food processing plants.
- Installation Level: Easy
Bird Barriers for All Your Bird Deterrent Needs
Bird Barrier offers a variety of highly effective, customized bird deterrents. Our solutions have helped customers solve their avian problems. Visit our product pages for more information on our bird deterrents or contact our friendly team for assistance.