Bird Control Needed to Protect National Historic Landmarks

Across the country, thousands of National Historic Landmarks—including historic buildings, monuments, structures, and sites—receive official recognition from the United States government for their exceptional historical significance. The National Park Service recognizes roughly 80,000 historic properties worthy of preservation, with states like California hosting 142 landmarks and Massachusetts boasting 186 (including 57 in Boston alone). Implementing professional bird control is vital at these treasured sites to shield fragile architecture from destructive bird droppings, ensuring monuments and restored structures are preserved for future generations.

Architectural Vulnerabilities and the Threat of Uric Acid

Historic buildings frequently feature ornate, highly intricate architectural designs. While visitors find these historical details fascinating, pest birds view them as ideal shelters. Birds constantly seek hidden architectural nooks, crannies, and cornices to escape the elements and conceal themselves from predators. Unfortunately, bird droppings contain high concentrations of uric acid, a corrosive substance that permanently stains or eats through stone, brick, wood, and metal exterior surfaces. While millions of dollars are spent annually cleaning bird waste from commercial properties, the cost of repairing or restoring degraded historical architecture is immeasurably higher.

Low-Profile Protection for Historic Sites

Safeguarding restored historic buildings requires safe, humane bird control methods that preserve both the structural integrity and the aesthetic beauty of the architecture. When historic preservation work is already underway, it presents the ideal window to install a comprehensive bird control strategy, as scaffolding and professional crews are already on-site.

Any bird control system selected for historic landmarks must be exceptionally discreet. The Bird Jolt Flat Track is an ideal low-profile solution. Measuring only 1/4 inch high, this flexible electric track system mounts cleanly along rooflines, parapets, and ledges. When a pest bird lands on the track, it delivers a mild, harmless electrostatic jolt that conditions the bird to stay away permanently. Featuring patented anti-arcing engineering and an integrated glue trough design, Bird Jolt Flat Track is the safest and most effective electric track available, remaining virtually unnoticeable from the ground.

Spikes and Acoustic Deterrents

Alternatively, bird spikes can be installed on flat or curved architectural surfaces. Durable plastic bird spikes can be glued, screwed, or tied down, and are manufactured in a variety of colors to match stone or masonry aesthetics. When installed correctly, professional bird spikes are virtually invisible from the ground.

If physical hardware cannot be attached to delicate historic masonry, acoustic deterrents offer a viable alternative. Advanced solar sound systems broadcast natural distress and predator calls that frighten birds away, covering up to an acre (or up to five acres with additional expansion speakers). Because every historic property presents unique challenges, consulting with a bird control specialist is essential to select the appropriate bird control product for your specific landmark.

Bird B Gone is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of commercial and historical bird control products, offering humane, professional-grade exclusion systems. For expert product advice, historical property evaluations, or installation support, contact Bird B Gone at 800-392-6915.