Bird Control to Keep Birds Off Your Parked Car/SUV/Boat

by Alex A. Kecskes

Tired of hosing off bird droppings from your car/SUV/camper or boat? Have you run out of car soap in scrubbing off bird poop? Unless you’ve implemented effective bird control measures to keep pest birds off your vehicles and boat, these acidic droppings will eat into the paint and cause permanent damage. So you’re more or less stuck whipping out your hose and sponges every day, cleaning off those smelly droppings—droppings that can carry any of 60 known diseases.

Bird droppings damage paint when the cooling paint lacquer contracts and hardens around their deposits. When exposed to sunlight, bird droppings dry and harden. At the same time, paint lacquer heats up in sunlight, causing it to soften and expand. When the paint lacquer cools down at night, it contracts and hardens around bird droppings. Left for any length of time, the droppings will eventually etch the paint.

Some vehicle and boat owners have resorted to canvas covers. But these, too, must be cleaned often or the bird droppings will harden, weaken the fabric and cause it to rip and tear. Vehicle covers, especially boat covers, are not cheap.

Fortunately, there are a number of bird deterrents you can use to keep pest birds off your vehicles and boats parked in your driveway. The two most popular bird control measures include:

Sonic Bird Deterrents

While they may not have raebbit ears, birds have very acute hearing. They’re always on the alert for a fellow bird in distress or the threatening shriek of an approaching predator. Sonic Bird Deterrents deliver the message, broadcasting recorded distress and predator calls that make birds far too nervous to stay around your driveway. The sounds they emit resemble normal bird sounds to humans, so you don’t have to worry about neighbors complaining or your dog or car rushing for cover. The best sonic deterrents will be versatile enough to emit a number of sounds. One sonic bird deterrent currently available can generate distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. It’s basically “dial sound” and forget about pest birds. Look for sonic deterrents that feature a built-in speaker, a volume control, and one that lets you program it to turn on or off at night.

Bird Scare Deterrents

If you’re on a budget, these versatile bird deterrents will keep pest birds away from your vehicle or boat. They include inflatable balloons--covered with predator eyes—that sway in the breeze to convince pest birds there’s a big predator just aching to eat them. Scare eye diverters are similar to balloons in that they feature a big eye that spooks birds even thinking about landing on your car or boat. For best effect, you would typically hang these deterrents from your garage (for cars/SUVs), or tied to your covered boat or camper. Just make sure you move them about from time to time or birds will get wise to them.

Bird Control for Airports, How to Stop Bird Strikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Birds have cost airlines big money in aircraft damage, downtime and even downed aircraft. The statistics are staggering and point to the need for aggressive bird control measures.
During a 19-year period from 1990 to 2008, 89,727 strikes were reported to the FAA across the United States. California, Texas, Florida, and New York suffered the most bird strikes (7,442, 5,963, 5,571 and 4,732, respectively). Twenty-one other states each reported more than 1,000 bird strikes.

While other wildlife sometimes contributed to aircraft mishaps, birds were involved in 97.4 percent of the reported strikes. Most bird strikes occurred between July and October and 62 percent occurred during the day. A total of 60 percent occurred during an aircraft's landing, and 37 percent occurred during takeoff and climb. About 59 percent of the bird strikes occurred when the aircraft was at a height of 100 feet or less. Nearly 72 percent occurred at 500 feet or less and 92 percent occurred at or below 3,000 feet. Bird control measures could have prevented many of the strikes.

A total of 59,047 bird strikes did not damage the aircraft; while 5,112 aircraft suffered minor damage; 2,456 suffered substantial damage; and 24 aircraft were destroyed as a result of the strike. The aircraft components most struck by birds were the nose/radome, windshield, engine, wing/rotor, and fuselage. Aircraft engines were most frequently damaged by bird strikes.

For the 19-year period, five of the strikes resulting in seven fatalities involved unidentified species of birds. American white pelicans, Canada geese, white-tailed deer and brown-pelicans were responsible for nine fatalities. Ducks and geese caused 40 strikes, injuring 45 humans; vultures created 24 strikes, resulting in 26 injuries.

In April 2008, a Challenger 600 struck several American white pelicans at 3,000 feet during its climb from a Colorado airport. One bird penetrated the nose of the aircraft and entered the cockpit. Both engines ingested birds and one engine lost power. Fortunately, the pilot was able to return and land safely. Repair costs exceeded $2 million. Effective bird control measures might have prevented this mishap.

In December 2008, a gadwall was ingested into the #3 engine of an MD-10 at 2,700 feet during the aircraft's approach. The entire engine and cowling had to be replaced. The aircraft was out of service for over three days and repair costs exceeded $900,000.

Effective Bird Control Measures

To prevent these and other bird strike mishaps, airports need to adopt effective and humane bird control measures. The most popular are listed below:

Bird Netting

A highly effective physical barrier method of bird control, Bird Netting keeps pest birds from gathering and nesting at airport facilities. For best results, heavy-duty bird netting should be used. The best netting is made of ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric and is UV stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. Bird netting comes in various mesh sizes to deter specific bird species.

When covering an airplane hangar with bird netting, thousands of square feet of netting and special lifts and power equipment will be required. In this case, it's best to call in a professional bird control installer. Improperly installed netting will sag and droop, creating gaps that allow pest birds to enter.

Misters and Foggers

Bird misters and foggers have been widely used at airports to achieve bird control. These devices emit an ultra fine mist of methyl anthranilate--a grape extract that naturally occurs in concord grapes--to disperse and discourage pest birds from gathering around tarmacs and runways. Recognized by the FDA as a safe substance, the chemical can be used to deter a wide range of pest birds, including, sparrows, pigeons, starlings, crows, blackbirds and geese. The chemical works by irritating the trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes of birds when they fly through it. One whiff and they're gone.

Bird Slopes

Bird Slopes achieve bird control by denying pest birds a landing zone. And if they can't land, they won't stay. Birds simply slide off these angled, slippery PVC panels no matter how many times they try to "get a grip." Suitable for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree areas where pest birds tend to nest and roost, the panels install easily using glue, nails or screws. Bird slopes even come in different colors to blend in with an airport's décor.

Electric Tracks

For on-the-spot bird control, Electric Track bird repellers work quite well as a bird control measure. Mount them on ledges, rooftops, in and around airport structures and birds will disappear from those areas. They work by delivering a harmless electric shock that quickly discourages pest birds. The best electric tracks feature a low-profile flow-through design to keep water from damming up around them.

Bird Gels

This is another localized bird control measure that will keep pest birds off towers and other airport structures. Bird Gels are easy to apply using a standard caulking gun. The gel stays sticky and tacky for about six months--a surface birds hate to set foot on. Safe for birds (except swallows), gels are an ideal bird deterrent for use on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduit, pipes, and most flat or curved surfaces.

Bird Sonic Devices

Like most creatures, birds feel very uncomfortable when they hear the sounds of predators nearby. Bird Sonic devices exploit this fear to the max, broadcasting a variety of predator calls and birds in distress over a wide area. Some devices emit the sound of Peregrine falcons defending their territory (a pigeon's natural enemy). Another sonic device aimed at starlings and seagulls blasts the sounds of predator hawks screeching and gulls under attack. One versatile device emits distress and predator calls for as many as 22 types of birds. In some cases, the sounds are amplified and broadcast through special generating units, covering up to 40 acres.  These sonic units, used in open areas, are best used with other methods of bird control such as the misting devices.

Plastic bird spikes

Plastic bird spikes are a highly effective method of bird control for use around airports. The chief advantage they have over stainless steel spikes is that they are non-conductive and won't interfere with EM transmissions. This means they can be used where high frequency transmissions like radar and other flight transmissions are being generated.
Installed on air-traffic control towers, hangars and maintenance bays, plastic bird spikes won't allow pest birds to land. They are especially effective in preventing large pest birds from landing on flat or curved surfaces. Birds like pigeons, crows, gulls, vultures and raptors.

Bird Strike Statistics Courtesy of U. S. Department Of Transportation, FAA Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the U.S. 1990–2008 U. S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services.

Effective Bird Control for Town-home and Condo Owners

by Alex A. Kecskes

Chances are, if you live in the city and lack effective bird control measures, your town home or condo will have a pest bird problem. Birds love to perch, gather and roost on a balcony, patio area, awning windowsill or rooftop (if you have a top unit). They’ll peck at your screens and damage your cloth awnings and umbrellas. Bird droppings will collect on your balcony, your plants, and your balcony furniture. Before long, you’ll have a real mess on your hands. Fail to remove these droppings and any items made of cloth or plastic will deteriorate and eventually rip apart.

Yes, birds are easily frightened away, but they come back the minute you leave. So unless you stand on your balcony and wave your arms or clang pots and pans 24/7, birds will return. And they’ll return in larger flocks. Because the scent of bird droppings, nesting materials and debris will attract more birds.

So how can you keep pest birds away from your townhouse or condo? After all, you don’t own the entire building, so large-scale bird control measures may not be allowed by your homeowners association. Here are two proven effective bird deterrents you should consider:

Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

These decorative red-tailed hawk decoys are barely noticeable by humans. Yet most pest birds fear them and will quickly get the message: “a predator is just waiting you eat you.”  Result: pest birds will simply move on to someone else’s balcony. Hawks are the natural predators of most birds and they do their hunting during the day (not at night when most birds are taking a nap). When choosing a hawk decoy, it’s best to go for quality and realism. While they have little birdbrains, birds are not dummies. They can spot a cheap phony bird in a heartbeat. Also, look for decoys fabricated of heavy-duty plastic, which will allow them to stay realistic looking after several rainy seasons and hot summers. The other thing to keep in mind is to move the decoys around and reposition them every week, lest birds get used to them.

Sonic Bird Deterrents

Your average bird has supersensitive hearing. It’s to give them the earliest possible warning that danger is near. Bird control experts were aware of this fact when they developed Sonic Bird Deterrents. These devices reproduce and broadcast previously recorded distress and predator calls that create a sense of urgent alarm in birds. The sounds generated resemble normal bird sounds to humans, so you don’t have to worry about neighbors complaining.  One popular sonic bird deterrent can generate distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds, so it pretty much covers any bird problem you may encounter. The best sonic device will include a built-in speaker, a volume control and the ability to turn itself on or off at night.

3 Ways to Keep Pest Birds Off Your Front Porch

by Alex A. Kecskes

Many homes, especially in the south, have beautiful front porches. These areas are perfect for relaxing with friends and neighbors, especially in the evenings when cool breezes waft across front gardens and rustle through the trees. But unless you implement some effective bird control measures, your beautiful front porch may be covered with disease-carrying bird droppings, nests and nesting materials. You’ll also have to put up with birds zooming in on any snacks you may have placed on a table.

Without adequate bird deterrents, you’ll have birds nesting on your front roof, in alcoves of your front porch and even in your gain gutters. As pretty as some birds are and as melodious as they sound, birds can become a nuisance around your front porch.

Yes, you can shoo them away, squirt them with a hose, or even try bird poisons, but these methods are typically ineffective and inhumane. The only solution is to use proven bird deterrents. Here are three bird deterrents the pros use most often on homes like yours:

Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

As decorative as they are effective, Red-Tail Hawk Decoys have been widely used to discourage many a pest bird from specific areas around a home. Hawks, you see, hunt during the day when most pest birds are active, so using hawk decoys is a better deterrent than owl decoys, which hunt at night when most birds are asleep. Opt for the most realistic looking decoy you can find. And make sure it’s made of heavy duty plastic to stay real looking after several seasons outdoors. Finally, move the decoy around frequently to convince curious birds that the decoy is more than a dummy.

Plastic Bird Netting

To deter pest birds from specific areas of your front porch, you should use Plastic Bird Netting. This barrier bird deterrent can also be used to protect any fruit trees, bushes, and gardens around your front porch. Plastic netting usually comes in 14 x 100-foot and 14 x 200-foot rolls. Mesh sizes vary according to the specific bird you need to block out. You would  use a 1/4-inch mesh for small birds like starlings, and perhaps a 3/4-inch mesh for crows. High quality plastic bird netting is made from durable, U.V.-protected polypropylene and comes with a 1-year guarantee. It’s strong, light and virtually invisible. One manufacturer even offers handy clips for fast, easy installation.
 
Sonic Bird Deterrents

If you you have a large front  porch area, Sonic Bird Deterrents are the way to go. They broadcast bird distress and predator calls that sound like normal bird activity to humans. So they won’t annoy your pets, friends or neighbors. One highly versatile sonic system can emit distress and predator calls for as many as 22 different species of birds. It covers up to an acre and can be programmed to turn on or off at night.

3 Ways to Keep Pest Birds Off Your Front Porch

by Alex A. Kecskes

Many homes, especially in the south, have beautiful front porches. These areas are perfect for relaxing with friends and neighbors, especially in the evenings when cool breezes waft across front gardens and rustle through the trees. But unless you implement some effective bird control measures, your beautiful front porch may be covered with disease-carrying bird droppings, nests and nesting materials. You’ll also have to put up with birds zooming in on any snacks you may have placed on a table.

Without adequate bird deterrents, you’ll have birds nesting on your front roof, in alcoves of your front porch and even in your gain gutters. As pretty as some birds are and as melodious as they sound, birds can become a nuisance around your front porch.

Yes, you can shoo them away, squirt them with a hose, or even try bird poisons, but these methods are typically ineffective and inhumane. The only solution is to use proven bird deterrents. Here are three bird deterrents the pros use most often on homes like yours:

Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

As decorative as they are effective, Red-Tail Hawk Decoys have been widely used to discourage many a pest bird from specific areas around a home. Hawks, you see, hunt during the day when most pest birds are active, so using hawk decoys is a better deterrent than owl decoys, which hunt at night when most birds are asleep. Opt for the most realistic looking decoy you can find. And make sure it’s made of heavy duty plastic to stay real looking after several seasons outdoors. Finally, move the decoy around frequently to convince curious birds that the decoy is more than a dummy.

Plastic Bird Netting

To deter pest birds from specific areas of your front porch, you should use Plastic Bird Netting. This barrier bird deterrent can also be used to protect any fruit trees, bushes, and gardens around your front porch. Plastic netting usually comes in 14 x 100-foot and 14 x 200-foot rolls. Mesh sizes vary according to the specific bird you need to block out. You would  use a 1/4-inch mesh for small birds like starlings, and perhaps a 3/4-inch mesh for crows. High quality plastic bird netting is made from durable, U.V.-protected polypropylene and comes with a 1-year guarantee. It’s strong, light and virtually invisible. One manufacturer even offers handy clips for fast, easy installation.

Sonic Bird Deterrents

If you you have a large front  porch area, Sonic Bird Deterrents are the way to go. They broadcast bird distress and predator calls that sound like normal bird activity to humans. So they won’t annoy your pets, friends or neighbors. One highly versatile sonic system can emit distress and predator calls for as many as 22 different species of birds. It covers up to an acre and can be programmed to turn on or off at night.

USA Bird Control Measures for Canada Geese

by Alex A. Kecskes

Populations of Canada Geese have been on the increase over the last decade due to their protected status by both Federal and State agencies. USA bird control experts estimate there are approximately a dozen subspecies of Canada geese, ranging in size from 22 to 48 inches long and weighing from 3 pounds to 24 pounds. Regrettably, Canada geese like to graze and nest on corporate lawns and around fountains, as well as in parks and on golf course greens. These migratory birds have, of late, adopted the easy living conditions of urban environments, preferring to nest in protective vegetation.

Canada geese are highly aggressive and will run after animals and people--sometimes frightening children at parks. Trampling, defecating and eating, these geese cause considerable damage to agricultural crops, golf course lawns, reservoirs, ponds, and green belts. Geese roosting in open areas near airports have been known to create potentially dangerous bird strike collisions.

USA Bird Control Measures for Starlings and Grackles

They're small but they can be really annoying and bothersome. They're Starlings and Grackles. And to know them is to help rid your property of them. But before we get to the USA bird control methods and devices you can use to control them, here are a few facts you might find interesting.

Starlings--urbanized to survive

While starlings weren't native to America, they have adapted well to urban life and its many nesting and food sites. A dark, compact, muscular bird, starlings are unlike other blackbirds because they have a short tail and longer, slender bill. Starlings often invade an area in huge flocks--sometimes in the tens of thousands. In these massive numbers, the birds drive out other native bird species. And they leave behind quite a mess in droppings and debris.

Grackles--aggressive colonizers

Common grackles are about 12-inches long with the female being somewhat smaller. Boat-tailed and great-tailed grackles are slightly larger than the common grackle measuring about16-inches in length. Like starlings and other blackbirds, grackles are aggressive, often colonizing in massive flocks to seize control of buildings and drive out native birds.