How do I know what type of Bird Netting to install?

3/4" Bird Netting excluding from hanger rafters.

The primary purpose of bird netting is to exclude pest birds from an area while at the same time being as invisible as possible. Modern technology has allowed netting manufactures the ability to design nets that are long lasting, strong and can be made to cover small and large openings. Bird netting is used to keep a variety of pest birds out of any enclosed or semi-enclosed area. That is why it is important to select the proper bird netting to match your problem bird.

Selecting the style of Bird Netting

 

The two main styles of Bird Netting are an inexpensive lightweight plastic mesh, which is used in gardens or to help solve small homeowner bird problems. This netting should only be used for short-term bird problems, because it is not designed to hold up to the elements.  I will focus on the Bird Netting of choice for bird control professionals which is made out of polyethylene twine, that is long lasting, water resistant and nearly invisible when installed correctly. It is available in black, stone and white, with black being far and away the most popular color because it blends in with almost background including white buildings. Contrary to what most people think white netting is the most visible because it reflects light and brakes down faster from the UV rays.

Selecting the Bird Net mesh size

Black Bird Net on a white building

Pest birds including sparrows, starlings, woodpeckers, pigeons, crows, gulls come in all different shapes and sizes, so therefore you need to use a net that will exclude your problem bird. High-end bird nets are available in a variety of mesh sizes. The mesh “opening” is the area in the netting in which small birds or large birds could potentially squeeze through. The mesh squares are measured from one side of the twine to the opposite side. To exclude sparrows and all other pest birds use ¾” mesh netting.  Small 3/4” netting can be used to keep swallows out of eves, run under carports as a false ceiling or solve large bird problems in warehouses and hangers. The next size up is 1 1/8”, which keeps out Starlings and larger birds. Starling Net is commonly used to keep starlings out of little openings on roof edges and over hangs. Pigeon net or 2” netting is the most widely used bird control netting because of the high level of problems with pigeons or larger birds like gulls.  Pigeon net is used on home eves, courtyards, rooftops, carports literally any enclosed or semi-enclosed area where pigeons or larger birds are a problem. 

The largest size polyethylene mesh twine is the 4” gull net, which is used to keep large birds like gulls and geese out of ponds, rooftops etc. 

4" Bird netting over a pond

More netting blogs to follow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For specific advice, email mark@birdsgottago.com with brief description of roosting conditions.

BirdsGottaGo.com
1-855-741-3222

 

Do it yourself Bird Control Solutions for homeowners

Pigeon on side of house

Pest birds on your home can be annoying and unsightly, but luckily there are a variety of bird control products available for “Do It Yourself” homeowners. These bird deterrent products are great for people that don’t mind getting a little dirty or maybe climbing a ladder. The key to successfully solving a bird problem is figuring out what attracts the pest birds to various locations on your home or yard.  Is it food?  Is it a protected nesting spot?  Is it a great sunning location?  Once you know this information, you can choose the right bird control product to protect your home and apply it to the right location to drive the pest birds away. 

 

The following are the most common homeowner bird problems and solutions:

 

Pest Birds on Roof Peaks 

Pigeons on roof peak and side

Pigeons and gulls like to roost on the peak or high point of roofs to keep an eye out for enemies, overlook food or water, and sometimes to just sun themselves. If you are experiencing this problem, the easiest solution is to run Bird Spikes along the peak of the roof. Before installing Bird Spikes, observe the birds’ activity so you can get a feel for where they are congregating. A few rows of bird spikes may be needed to remove the area where the birds are frequenting. When installing the Bird Spikes, clean the area first to remove any dirt or bird droppings. Once the area is clean, apply adhesive to the base of the Bird Spikes and set them in place. I don’t recommend screwing down because that can damage your roof and cause water leaks. As a added deterrent mount the Attack Eagle Bird Deterrent near the roof peak edge. This will help discourage birds from landing.

Pest Birds Under Roof eves

Pigeons like to nest underneath eaves because the area protects them from the elements just like a home. If pigeons are nesting in this shaded area, the best solution is to net off the area with 2” Bird Net as this will completely block access to the area. When pigeons are nesting, they have a strong desire to remain there so you need to completely eliminate access with the bird netting to drive them off.  When installing bird net, try to angle it out a little so there is no available shade for the pigeons to roost. Try to avoid putting holes in the roof by wedging attachments under roof shingles, or gluing/bonding attachments to the surface if the surface is strong. If the pigeons are new to the area and have not started to nest, you might be successful in moving them by covering the surface with Bird Spikes. If you do this, make sure you completely cover any shaded surface area with the Bird Spikes.

Keep Birds off of Roof Edges

Bird Spikes on building

Pigeons or gulls like to also roost on the sides of homes overlooking the yard or patio. Installing Bird Spikes along the perimeter of the house can easily modify this behavior. Make sure that when you are installing the Bird Spikes, that the tip of the spike is even with or hangs a little over the edge of the building. Do not leave a gap between the side of the building and the tip of the spike – if you do birds, will try to squeeze into the space. If you have a problem with smaller birds like sparrows or starlings, Bird Gel can be applied along the edge as a short-term solution. Don't use Bird Spikes against smaller birds like sparrows or starlings as they only work against pigeons and larger pest birds. For a long-lasting and very effective solution against all size and species of pest birds, an electrified track like Bird Shock FlexTrack can be installed by a professional bird control company.

Pest Birds Striking Windows

Several bird control products are specially designed to help prevent bird window strikes; one is "Bird Alert for Windows". The Bird Alert decal has a special coating that reflects ultraviolet sunlight. This ultraviolet light is invisible to humans, but birds see it as a brilliant glow much like a stoplight. The Bird Alert decal is designed to be placed on the OUTSIDE of a window to help stop birds from striking the window. Bird Alert decals can be applied to windows of homes or businesses, including high rise office buildings.

Woodpeckers Pecking Homes

Woodpecker damaging home

When fighting  Woodpeckers, always combine taste and Audio/visual products. Do not try to save money by applying just one of these solutions because that will only lower your chances of success.  The idea is to create the feeling that there are multiple ‘threats’ in the area so the woodpecker moves on to a safer place. Ideally woodpecker problems should be solved immediately when they first show up – the longer you let them peck away at your house, the harder it will be to break their habit. To make your decision process easy, try one of the Woodpecker solution kits which combines some of the best selling products – Popular Woodpecker products include -  Woodpecker Deterrent Kit- Basic, Holographic Owl, Holographic Repel Strips and Flash tape.

A new product on the market is the highly effective  Gull-Cat Decoy Scares Birds. The Gull-Cat cat Bird Deterrent by its realistic features along with a moving head and tail. Mount on the side of the wall facing down towards the problem area or use on the deck or patio area. If you have crows in your yard, try hanging the Dead Crow Bird Scare Decoy for crows or the  Dead Gull Bird Deterrent upside side in the death position. Combine the Dead Crow Deterrent with other Crow deterrents. 

 

 Bird Chaser Bird Deterrent -want to move flocks of crows out of trees or off power lines, the ground-breaking Bird Chaser bird deterrent is a visual bird scare device that deters problem crows & starlings from unwanted areas by reflecting irregular light beams from the sun.

New woodpecker & pest bird deterrent is the Bird Free Bird Repellent Gel or BirdFire Optical Gel, which affects all pest bird species by triggering multiple sensory responses. First, the material emits a UV light to make it appear as a flame to approaching birds. Stick the pre-loaded dishes near and around the pest bird problem areas!

 

* Audio / Visual Bird Scare products are not always effective on their own, particularly where birds may be roosting rather than simply hanging out. A combination of audio / visual products should be deployed and re-located as birds react. Results vary depending on protected roosting conditions, food /water source. Overnight nesting sites typically require exclusionary products – netting, electric etc. 

Contact us at mark@birdsgottago.com with details about your bird problem and we can work with you to determine the best bird control products to deter the birds from your property.

BirdsGottaGo.com

1-855-741-3222

Learn how to install Bird Spikes & Pigeon Spikes to stop pest birds

Pigeons on ledges and roof tops

Bird Spikes are a highly effective form of bird control and easy to install. Bird Spikes are used worldwide to keep pigeons, gulls, crows and other large pest birds from landing on ledges, beams, signs, security cameras, chimneys, gutters, buildings, schools, lights, roof tops etc. As we discussed in an earlier blog, "Learn where to professionally install Bird Spikes and Pigeon Spikes"
the success of Bird Spikes depends upon the birds’ behavior and the structure’s characteristics and location.

Here are the steps for installing Bird Spikes:

1) Clean the area before installing Bird Spikes

Before installing pigeon spikes make sure that the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.  Some building might have a high build-up of bird droppings or other nesting debris. In situations where bird droppings need to be removed, Dissolve-it can be applied to the surface to help breakdown the droppings. If old Bird Gel is on the surface, use Repellant Gel Remover to loosen up the gel. We highly recommend applying a professional grade disinfectant to the area before installing the pigeon spikes. If you are experiencing a problem with “bird mites” or other pest bugs, call a professional pest control company (preferably one that is also very knowledgeable about bird control).

2) Installing Bird Spikes or Pigeon Spikes

Bird Spikes on ledges and sign letters

Bird Spikes are available in a variety of widths and lengths to be a bird deterrent on many different types of applications. The Stainless steel spike has a U.V. resistant Polycarbonate base.  It is sold in 1-foot lengths and 3 different widths: Bird Spike Narrow (2 ½”), Bird Spike Wide (4 ¼”) and Bird Spike Xtra –wide (8”). The 1-foot Bird Spike strip can be glued or screwed to a variety of surface configurations.  If gluing the bird spikes, 1 caulking tube of bird bond will cover about 35’.  If screwing in place the bird spikes have holes in the surface for an easy installation. When installing Bird Spikes make sure that the tip of the spike is either even or slightly over the edge of the ledge to prevent any bird from gaining a foothold on the outer edge.  UV Stable or Stainless Steel Zip ties can be used to install bird spikes on sprinkler pipes, small I Beams or wherever adhesive is not an option. Also available is the a low cost all Plastic Bird Spike or a all Stainless Steel Bird Spike.
Do not install Bird Spikes in the middle of the ledge where there is space left for pest birds to land on each side.  The entire ledge needs to have full coverage.  When covering ledges over 10” wide, multiple rows will be needed to prevent pigeons from landing.  If installing multiple rows, up to 2” space can be allowed from the tip of one spike to the tip of the next spike to provide full protection from pigeons landing. The polycarbonate base of the bird spike strips is also scored at regular intervals to allow it to be broken into smaller sections for use on pole tops, lights, sign letters etc.

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes have a stainless steel spike and base.

Bird Spike Install

 They are sold in 3’ sections and the same widths as the polycarbonate bird spikes narrow, wide, Xtra-wide. Stainless Steel pigeon Spikes are sometimes preferred because of the longevity of stainless steel. Another advantage to Stainless Steel Bird Spikes is that because they are available in longer lengths and this can speed up the installation time. Like plastic based Bird Spikes, the Stainless Steel bird spikes can also be glued or screwed in place. To cut into smaller sections, metal cutting snips will be needed.

3) Get creative when installing Bird Spikes.

Sometimes when you do bird control work you have to get a little creative. Because of the variety of situations and the unknown elements of a bird’s adaptive behavior, it is sometimes necessary to think outside the box.  For example, if birds are used to roosting or nesting on the ledge they will often fight to roost on the ledge even when the spikes were correctly installed. In these cases, try applying bird gel to the spikes to discourage the birds from trying to land. The pest bird will experience a slight burning from the bird gel, which will encourage them to leave the roost. Also, to increase the effectiveness of the overall job, try hanging visual bird scare control products in the area as an additional deterrent to discourage new pest birds from landing. A new bird deterrent is the Attack Eagle Bird Deterrent.

* Audio / Visual Bird Scare products are not always effective on their own, particularly against non-migratory birds like pigeons and sparrows or where birds may be roosting rather than simply hanging out. A combination of audio / visual products should be deployed and re-located as birds react. Results vary depending on protected roosting conditions, food /water source. Overnight nesting sites typically require exclusionary products – netting, electric etc. 

Contact us at mark@birdsgottago.com with details about your bird problem and we can work with you to determine the best bird control products to deter the birds from your property.

BirdsGottaGo.com

1-855-741-3222

 

 

 

 

 

I have a problem with pest birds in my backyard trees

Birds in backyard trees

Do you have a problem with birds in your backyard trees? This is not an uncommon problem. Homeowners typically experience problems with pest birds such as starlings, crows, and grackles in their trees. If so wouldn’t you love for them to find a new home?  Left unchecked birds can be obnoxiously noisy and create quite a mess. Along with that bird droppings can ruin patio furniture, adversely affect landscaping and clog and foul swimming pools. Bird droppings also cause unsanitary conditions at patios and create the potential for slip and fall accidents. 

How do you get birds out of your trees?

  

Depending upon the height of your trees and how severe the bird infestation is, there are a variety of steps you can take to move the birds away from the trees.  To tackle this problem you should use a combination of bird control products including audio, visual bird scare devices and structural bird control devices.

Structural bird products for trees

Tree Shock Bird Deterrent

 If you have access to the tree branches a new bird control product called “Tree Shock” should be installed at the primary and secondary branches. The harmless electrical shock will condition the birds to roost elsewhere. Tree Shock is a low profile electrified tubing that is effective against all species of birds. The Tree Shock System is battery operated and is easy to install. Structural bird control products are highly effective and should be your first line of defense.

Visual bird deterrents for trees

Holographic Owl

After installing Tree Shock it is important to create an unwelcoming zone for the birds by strategically placing visual products in and around the trees. When possible try to figure out the direction the birds are coming from and hang visual deterrents in the flight path.

Visual bird deterrents work on bird’s predatory fear of sudden movement and predator effigies. A variety of visual deterrents like the Holographic Owl, Holographic Repel Strips, Scare Eye Balloons, Scare Eye Octopus, Mylar Flash Tape  can be hung or tied to branches.  A new highly effective bird scare device called the Flying Falcon Bird Diverter can be flown up to 300’ in the air to deter incoming flocks. The Cat Decoy Scares Birds can be mounted on a tree branch to keep away pest birds and  Bird Free Bird Repellent Gel  can be hung from branches and appears as flames to birds.  Optical Bird Gel can be glued on to the branches. If your having a problem with crows in your trees, try hanging the Dead Crow Bird Scare Decoy upside down from the branches to help scare away the crows. Combine the crow deterrent with other bird scare devices. 

 

 Bird Chaser Bird Deterrent -want to move flocks of crows out of trees or off power lines, the ground-breaking Bird Chaser bird deterrent is a visual bird scare device that deters problem crows & starlings from unwanted areas by reflecting irregular light beams from the sun.

 

 Audio Bird Deterrents for trees

There is a wide array of audio deterrent systems. All are programmed species-specific using alarm,  distress, raptor sounds. The least expensive option is CD's programmed to deter starlings, crows, blackbirds and woodpeckers. A CD containing only raptor cries is also available. A CD player, preferably with remote speakers needs to be set up and pointed up at the branches. Large infestations require the Bird Expeller. This bird scare device will protect an acre of trees.

 Birds on houses overlooking the trees.

If the birds are also nesting or roosting on your house it is advisable to install exclusionary type structural products like Bird Spikes, Bird Shock, Bird Wire or Bird Coil. Disrupting these conditions will often encourage the birds to move away.

* Audio / Visual Bird Scare products are not always effective on their own, particularly against non-migratory birds like pigeons and sparrows or where birds may be roosting rather than simply hanging out. A combination of audio / visual products should be deployed and re-located as birds react. Results vary depending on protected roosting conditions, food /water source. Overnight nesting sites typically require exclusionary products – netting, electric etc. 

Contact us at mark@birdsgottago.com with details about your bird problem and we can work with you to determine the best bird control products to deter the birds from your property.

BirdsGottaGo.com

1-855-741-3222

Stop Woodpeckers from Damaging Utility Poles with Bird Scare Devices

Federally protected Woodpeckers have been thorns in the utility industries' back for years due to the inordinate amount of damage they cause to utility poles. This damage is not only unsightly but it creates a safety hazard for the linesmen who have to climb these weakened structures. Woodpeckers like to peck into utility poles for a variety of reasons.  A common theory is that communication poles offer a great vantage point to view the surrounding areas for available food or potential predators. Woodpeckers use utility poles for drumming - a signal to attract a mate or to establish territory. However, the primary cause of damage is to create a nesting or food storage cavity. The resulting damage is often so severe that utility workers cannot make needed repairs. Moreover, left unchecked the pole will either fall down or be so deteriorated that it would be impossible to climb.

 
Poles damaged by woodpeckers are also responsible for power failures, creating electrical power outages.

All are major problems for the utility companies which results in millions of dollars in damage and ongoing safety risks.

Failed Bird Control methods -

Over the years a number of audio & visual bird deterrents have been used unsuccessfully to control woodpeckers from damaging utility poles  - owl and snake effigy's, scare balloons, single speaker non specific audio or worse ultrasonic systems.  Birds typically do not respond to both of these systems and quickly habituate to these devices and return to their previous activities.

Prevent woodpecker damage to Utility poles

State of the art bird control visual systems are now available with increased success. The Firefly BirdFlight Diverter is currently in use worldwide to deter birds from transmission & distribution power lines, cell  & MET towers.  The Holographic Owl is considered the primary deterrent for residential use against acorn, downy and other woodpecker species. This bird control product moves in the slightest breeze and have color properties that scientifically affect avian vision.  A stationary called the Woodpecker Decoy is a life-size double-sided image of the Pileated Woodpecker has been used successfully on power poles to warn encroaching birds that the pole is ' occupied territory'.  The new Gull-Scare Cat Decoy can also be mounted facing down to scare off woodpeckers with the threat of a predator in the area.

 

New woodpecker & pest bird deterrent is the BirdFire Optical Gel, which affects all pest bird species by triggering multiple sensory responses. First, the material emits a UV light to make it appear as a flame to approaching birds. Stick the pre-loaded dishes near and around the woodpecker problem areas!

There are now non toxic repellents that have proven to be both significantly effective and environmentally friendly. The Woodpecker Paint & Stain Additive have a 25 year history for residential use. Both products would have a mitigating effect against woodpecker damage. A new Woodpecker control product is the Optical Bird Gel which is installed in dishes and can be glued around the problem area.

Contact us at mark@birdsgottago.com with details about your bird problem and we can work with you to determine the best bird control products to deter the birds from your property.

BirdsGottaGo.com

1-855-741-3222