Bird presence can pose problems for property owners, ranging from unsightly droppings and noise to potential damage and health concerns. Effective methods to deter birds from residential and commercial areas focus on exclusion and harmless deterrence. Since many bird species are protected by law, control methods must be safe and humane. Successful bird management often involves a combination of techniques that discourage birds from landing or nesting without causing injury.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion Methods
Physical barriers are dependable solutions for preventing birds from accessing specific perching or nesting sites. These methods physically block entry or make landing impossible, providing a long-term resolution. Bird netting is highly effective, creating a structural barrier, typically made from durable polyethylene or nylon.
When choosing netting, the mesh size must be appropriate for the target species. A 50mm mesh suits larger birds like pigeons, while a 19mm mesh is necessary for smaller species such as sparrows and starlings. Installation requires setting up perimeter tension wires to ensure the net is pulled tautly and secured without gaps.
For smaller linear areas like ledges, bird spikes serve as a simple, highly visible deterrent that prevents perching by creating an uneven surface. Spikes are most effective for larger species like pigeons and gulls, as they make the area unusable for landing without causing harm.
To install spikes correctly, the surface must first be cleaned to ensure proper adhesion. The spike strips should be secured with an adhesive or screws, ensuring the tips overhang the outer edge of the ledge. For deeper ledges, multiple parallel rows of spikes should be installed to maintain full coverage.
Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Methods relying on sight and sound can scare birds away by creating an environment that feels threatening or unstable. Reflective deterrents, such as holographic tapes or discs, use the birds’ excellent vision. These devices flutter in the wind, creating erratic movement and flashing light that signals danger.
Since many diurnal bird species perceive ultraviolet light, the flashing reflections are particularly unsettling. Holographic flash tape is a cost-effective option, working through visual disturbance and a crinkling sound made by the wind. Tapes should be suspended in areas with good airflow and sunlight.
Auditory deterrents, like bio-acoustic devices, broadcast distress calls or predator sounds to trigger a natural fear response. These sonic methods are often used over large open areas, but their effectiveness can diminish as birds become accustomed to the sounds.
Ultrasonic devices, which emit high-frequency sound, are generally not recommended for bird control. Studies show that most pest bird species have a lower upper limit of hearing, often around 5 kHz, making higher frequency ultrasonic sounds ineffective.
Habitat Modification and Removal of Attractants
Addressing the underlying reasons why birds are drawn to a location provides a foundational, long-term solution. Birds primarily seek food, water, and safe places to nest, so eliminating these attractants makes the area less desirable. Securing outdoor garbage cans and promptly removing fallen fruit reduces food scavenging opportunities.
Standing water sources, such as bird baths or clogged gutters, should be removed or drained regularly, as these provide easy hydration. Eliminating potential nesting sites before the breeding season is a proactive measure. This involves sealing building vents, capping unused chimneys, and pruning dense vegetation or climbing vines.
Humane and Legal Considerations
When implementing any bird control strategy, it is imperative to adhere to legal and ethical standards. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a federal law that protects nearly all native bird species, making it illegal to harm the birds, their eggs, nests, or any parts of the bird without a specific permit.
The common exceptions to the MBTA are the feral pigeon, the European starling, and the house sparrow, which are non-native species. A central tenet of the MBTA is that an active nest, one containing eggs or dependent young, cannot be disturbed or removed under most circumstances.
Physical deterrents like netting and spikes are best installed before nesting season begins to prevent issues entirely. If an active nest is discovered, property owners must wait until the young have fledged and the nest is completely inactive before removal.
Consulting with local wildlife authorities or licensed professionals is highly recommended before attempting to manage an active nest. State and local regulations can vary, and violations can result in substantial fines.