There are huge risks associated with pest birds on buildings and ledges. Bird droppings are acidic and can cause structural damage by eating through paint, some roofing materials and fabrics resulting in massive spending on restoration and/or complete replacement. Health hazards associated with pest birds pooping on and around buildings are serious since birds carry a multitude of diseases that are easily spread when droppings dry and form a dust that is sucked through AC units and then inhaled. And of course legal issues arise when slip and fall incidents occur on your premises due to messy bird droppings. 

How do you get rid of birds on your buildings and ledges? Bird Spikes! Bird•B•Gone has top class bird spikes that will keep birds away. Bird spikes come in polycarbonate (plastic) or stainless steel and are the ultimate solution to getting rid of birds on buildings and ledges. The bird spikes are durable, effective and long lasting with a five year guaranty on the polycarbonate bird spikes and a 10 year guarantee on the stainless steel bird spikes. Bird•B•Gone’s patented technology on its stainless steel bird spikes make them superior to any spike on the market. Bird spikes are available in a variety of sizes (and colors in the plastic bird spikes) to suit your bird control needs.

Installing bird spikes will save your company time and money by ensuring birds stay off of your buildings and ledges. Installation is easy as bird spikes can either be glued down with polyurethane adhesive or nailed down. Bird•B•Gone also offers a free training class to guide installers through the process and if you don’t have your own installation crew, Bird•B•Gone can connect you with professional installers in your area.

Our online bird spike comparison chart or our team of specialists will help you determine which bird spikes are best for your bird problem.

Keep pest birds away from your ledges!

We proudly make all of our bird spikes in the USA.

Recent claims that infrasounds  can successfully deter birds from airports and other areas require further testing and verification.  Ornithologists have known for decades that pigeons, and perhaps other birds, can detect infrasounds—low frequency sounds below 20 Hertz that are produced by severe weather, earthquakes, lightning, and explosions.  There has even been some speculation that pigeons and other birds might use these sounds—such as the very low sound of continental winds moving over mountain ranges, or waves crashing on distant seashores—as an aid in navigation.  However, there is little if any evidence so far that infrasounds would be any more likely to repel birds than audible sounds.  In fact, testing published so far has not shown infrasound to be effective at deterring nuisance birds.  So if there is new evidence to the contrary, that would be noteworthy.  However, before widespread adoption of infrasound as an effective sound bird deterrent, we need to know a lot more about:

a) which birds are able to detect infrasounds

b) how they respond to infrasounds in their environment

c) how various birds respond to infrasounds generated in attempts to deter them from situations involving human/bird conflict

A sign for pharmaceutical compounding company NECC, a producer of the steroid methylprednisolone acetate, is seen in Framingham, Massachusetts. (Image credit: Jessica Rinaldi, Reuters)

(Reuters) – U.S. health inspectors found bugs, a flying bird and other unsterile conditions at Ameridose LLC, an affiliate of the Massachusetts compounding pharmacy at the heart of the deadly meningitis outbreak.

Westborough, Massachusetts-based Ameridose was closed on October 10 to allow state and federal investigators to inspect its facilities. On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the results of its investigation.

The agency’s report details a list of quality control failures at Ameridose, including a failure to test the potency of its products, a failure to properly classify patient complaints and the use of “vague, canned language” when describing negative patient reactions to its drugs.

The company, an affiliate of the New England Compounding Center, said it is in the process of preparing a full response to the FDA.

“Ameridose’s history shows clearly that we have not had any instance of contaminated products over the course of the past six years, which covers the manufacture and shipment of 70 million units of product,” the company said in a statement. “Ameridose is committed to addressing all observations in order to enhance our existing systems.”

The investigation of Ameridose follows the closure of the NECC, which distributed thousands of vials of a steroid linked to an outbreak of fungal meningitis that has hit 19 states and claimed 32 lives.

Inspectors found that Ameridose failed to investigate customer complaints related to drug potency, under-filled products and syringe volumes. It also failed to classify “patient response” complaints as “adverse events.”

Several such complains referred to the drug oxytocin, used to induce labor in childbirth. One referred to “fetal distress and hyper stimulated uterus.” Another customer called to report an increase in post-partum hemorrhaging. Another reported that a patient had shortness of breath and that “the throat was closing.”

A complaint related to the painkiller fentanyl noted that the patient was “oversedated” and “unresponsive.” Another patient given the blood-thinner heparin experienced a “life-threatening” negative reaction.

Inspectors said buildings used to make, process, pack and hold the drugs were not maintained in a good state of repair. The firm failed to perform a microbiological assessment after “penetrating leaks” were found in a building and water dripping above the clean room.

“During the inspection we observed totes placed in the location of the penetrating leaks containing water,” the inspection report noted. “There is no documented evidence that the leaks were permanently corrected.”

Walls were cracked, corroded and covered with what appeared to be adhesive material in a room where sterile drugs are prepared, the report noted.

Equipment and utensils were not cleaned or sanitized at appropriate intervals to prevent contamination that could alter the safety, identity, quality or purity of the drugs, according to the report.

Certain metal surfaces “were observed to contain what appeared to be brownish structures, atypical in shape,” the report noted.

Moreover, the buildings used “are not free of infestation by rodents, birds, insects and other vermin,” the report said.

Specifically, insects were located in an area where finished sterile product is packaged and stored. The insects were also located within three to 10 feet of the controlled area where sterile products are manufactured.

At least one bird was observed flying in an area where sterile finished product is packaged and stored.

On Friday, Ameridose, which has the same owners as NECC, said it would lay off about 90 percent of its work force. About 650 employees at Ameridose will be affected, as well as 140 employees at Medical Sales Management, a company that provides sales, technology and human resources support to Ameridose.

HANNIBAL MO. — The Hannibal City Council thought it had addressed a problem with pigeons.

Now it is being forced to address pigeon activism.

A large flock of pigeons roost atop the steeple of the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Hannibal, Mo. The City of Hannibal is looking for solutions to control the pigeons. (Image credit: H-W Photo/Phil Carlson)

Councilmen unanimously voted Oct. 16 to accept a bid from Reliable Pest Solutions to handle the local pigeon population with poisoned feed. Garry Allen, general manager of Reliable, estimated 500 pigeons live in Hannibal, and this surplus of birds causes a danger to the community’s property and health.

Since that vote, People for Ethnical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has sent a letter asking for the city to cancel the plan, and news sources nationwide have picked up on the story. The negative press has caused Reliable and another local company, Big River Pest Control, to withdraw their estimates from the project.

“If Hannibal officials have decided that poisoning is the best way to control the pigeon population, they simply haven’t done their homework,” PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch said in a press release. “It’s unconscionable that the city would subject birds to agony and its own citizens to the spectacle of having to watch birds convulse in the streets when humane, proven and cost-effective measures are readily available.”

PETA Senior Cruelty Caseworker Kristin Simon said the organization had received several emails expressing concerns for the pigeons and the community. Her letter to Hannibal Mayor Roy Hark states that the poison, Avitol, would impair the birds’ the nervous systems. After consumption, the pigeons suffer from disorientation, which leads to erratic flight and eventual death.

“Everyone has a big concern and a right to a big concern with such dangerous (chemical),” Simon said.

Since the media explosion, Allen has fielded dozens of phone calls regarding the poisoning method. Councilman Mike Dobson, who supported the method during the Oct. 16 city council meeting, has answered several calls as well, but the complaints he’s heard have come from outside Hannibal.

“I haven’t had one phone call with a local person against it,” he said.

The $3,560 bid from Reliable Pest Solutions would have required the city to gain access to local businesses and place poisoned feed on the top of buildings for the pigeons to eat. The poison would then have killed a small amount of the birds and startled the rest out of the city.

Allen said this method had been successful with local business owners in the past several years.

“The problem with it is that we didn’t keep it up,” Allen said. “You just can’t do it once and walk away.”

Pigeons, starlings and sparrows are the only three birds classified as pests. Because of birds’ habits and flocking tendencies, exterminators may diminish the population just as they would handle a surplus cockroaches or ants. Allen said pest control companies use poisons in some situations, but the products are not used carelessly.

“It doesn’t make sense for a responsible company to do something irresponsible,” he said. “You don’t make money.”

Dobson supported the poison method because he has seen it work firsthand for a company in Quincy. While Avitrol may shock the pigeon population out of Hannibal, Simon feared the poison could harm domestic animals as well as other birds and wildlife. Allen said only 10 percent of the feed would be poisoned. Dobson reasoned a 100-pound dog would have to eat a minimum of 15 pigeons before the poison in the feed would cause the dog to be sick.

“If I was in the business of killing people’s pets, then you don’t have a business,” Allen said.

The city now must pursue another solution. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had submitted a $6,700 bid for a pellet gun program, which would also involve pigeon mortality.

Dobson also has been in contact with a horse whisperer for pigeons. Horse whisperers adopt training and handling techniques for horses that are kinder and gentler than traditional methods. This person has offered to come speak with the birds at no cost to the city.

Simon recommended installing anti-roosting products such as bird spikes, slides and coils. She also suggested implementing statues of natural predators, creating a wildlife feeding prohibition, keeping garbage tightly contained and avoiding artificial sources of standing water.

Allen also had presented the city with a birth control plan for the pigeons. The process involves providing sterilizing feed to the population and then letting them die off naturally without being able to reproduce. This process requires more money to pay for continuous feeding. It also happens gradually, rather than in a couple weeks’ time.

During the Oct. 16 meeting, Dobson stressed nuisance and dangers pigeons cause to a city. Pigeon feces, which is acidic, wears away at roofs and damages cars, and it also can cause health-related issues.

Marion County Health Department Administrator Jean McBride declined to comment about potential health hazards pigeons might have on the community.

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website, pigeon droppings pose a small health risk. Humans may contract histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and psittacosis by inhaling particles from pigeon droppings. Cleaning pigeon droppings does not pose a serious health risk to most people, but avoiding direct contact with the droppings is recommended. People cleaning feces off a car or a windowsill should wear disposable gloves and washable clothing.

Allen said the pigeons have taken to Hannibal for its architecture and river access, explaining that they look for structures to sit on and ways to obtain food.

“It’s all about habitat, and they found a place they like,” he said.

Hark anticipates a solution would be discussed at the Nov. 6 council meeting.

“We’re still looking at what we can do, but we haven’t made a decision,” Hark said.

Southern California Radio Host Calls for Much Needed Bird Control Action

This problem can be easily fixed with the following bird deterrents from Bird-B-Gone:

Pigeon Traps

• A “live" bird trap that captures pest birds for later release or relocation

Bird Chase Super Sonic 

• A bird sound system that is ideal for keeping birds out of open, outdoor spaces

Bird Spikes 

• Spikes used to humanely prevent birds from landing on unwanted surfaces

Bird Net

• A U.V. stabilized polyethylene mesh that keeps birds from entering unwanted areas, especially where people eat.

Bird Jolt Flat Track

• Electric track system that produces a mild electrical shock when birds land on its surface, conditioning them to stay away from the area

Bird Spider

• Made of stainless steel arms attached to a U.V. protected polycarbonate base that prevent birds from landing

The above bird problem can happen anywhere – the key is to have access to the proper bird control products to rectify the situation and ensure the birds do not return and the patrons remain happy and healthy.

Southern California Radio Host Calls for Much Needed Bird Control Action

This problem can be easily fixed with the following bird deterrents from Bird-B-Gone:

Pigeon Traps

• A “live" bird trap that captures pest birds for later release or relocation

Bird Chase Super Sonic 

• A bird sound system that is ideal for keeping birds out of open, outdoor spaces

Bird Spikes 

• Spikes used to humanely prevent birds from landing on unwanted surfaces

Bird Net

• A U.V. stabilized polyethylene mesh that keeps birds from entering unwanted areas, especially where people eat.

Bird Jolt Flat Track

• Electric track system that produces a mild electrical shock when birds land on its surface, conditioning them to stay away from the area

Bird Spider

• Made of stainless steel arms attached to a U.V. protected polycarbonate base that prevent birds from landing

The above bird problem can happen anywhere – the key is to have access to the proper bird control products to rectify the situation and ensure the birds do not return and the patrons remain happy and healthy.

The geese return to NIU every year. One goose, known as Boris, after having settled near the Chick Evans Field House, would chase, bite and squawk at all passersby. The geese also cause dangerous traffic situations. The large birds routinely take over crosswalks, stopping buses, cars and motorcycles, causing near collisions. Nesting on residence hall roofs, taking up sidewalks and crosswalks, these geese have literally taken over the campus.

Canada geese are big--they can weigh up to 24 lbs.—and also quite aggressive, chasing students and pets with an annoying “honking” noise. In flight, geese can reach speeds up to 50 mph, so they can injure people who don’t duck out of their way. Since they are territorial birds, they will protect their nest and eggs from a human or pet.

Goose droppings can carry diseases, including histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis and giardia. The parasite larvae crawl onto the skin and burrow under it, creating a red itchy rash.

To keep geese off campus, you’ll need some serious goose deterrents. Banging pots, shooting BB guns and leaving poisons are ineffective and dangerous. Fortunately, there are several deterrents that are both humane and effective.

Super Sonic Goose Deterrent

Broadcasting pre-recorded goose distress calls to deter geese from outdoor areas, Super Sonic Goose Deterrents feature a built-in speaker that covers up to an acre of land. These sounds are repeated every ten minutes to warn geese of impending danger. When geese hear these calls, their natural instinct is to leave the area. You can add more speakers to cover larger areas. The best sonic deterrents can be programmed to shut off automatically at night. Incidentally, ultrasonic deterrent devices are ineffective, since geese can’t hear these high frequency sounds.

Goose Repellent

Geese love to nibble on shrubs and lawns. Goose Repellent makes grass areas and shrubs inedible to geese. The liquid repellent is non toxic and safe to use around people and pets. It uses a non-toxic grape extract (Methyl Anthranilate) that irritates a goose’s trigeminal nerves and mucous membranes. One gallon of Goose Repellent covers approximately 16,000 square feet and lasts three months. It can be applied with any simple hand held sprayer.

Scarecrows

These motion-activated sprinklers hit geese with a “Hello” but harmless blast of water whenever the birds wander into their radius of protection. The combination of water spray, startling sound and realistic looking bird head convince even the most stubborn geese to disperse and avoid the area. Scarecrows are easily connected to any garden hose, and their sensitivity and blast radius are easily adjusted to suit the specific venue. Scarecrows typically cover an area of about 1,200 square feet (35-foot by 45-foot wide). And you can get up to 1,000 "firings" on a single 9-volt battery.      

One victim noted that the gull attacks can quickly go from bad to worse. He indicated that more gulls seem to be on the attack every year—and that this is his fourth year in dealing with the aggressive gulls. He recounted how the big gulls swoop down on his head followed by half a dozen others that dive-bomb him. He described the situation as very distressing, but noted that at least he now has a helmet to protect his head and face.

Unless discouraged by bird control measures, large birds like gulls will gather and roost around buildings and structures near bodies of water. In seaside towns worldwide, seagull attacks have been on the rise. The gulls can pose quite a problems for people working near gull nests. The large birds can easily reach speeds of up to 25 mph and rake heads with their sharp claws. Large gulls like the abundant herring gull have 4.5-foot wingspans and weigh over 2 pounds, which is why they can inflict some pretty nasty injuries.

Fortunately, workers around or near bodies of water don't have to put up with gulls and the problems they bring. Today, there are many effective and humane bird deterrent measures one can turn to. Here are just a few:

Bird Spikes—Perfect deterring large pest birds like gulls, Bird Spikes have proven themselves time and again. The spiked strips are blunted and safe for birds, yet they will not allow the birds to land. They are available in stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. For really large birds, invest in the Mega Spike, which features huge 7-inch spikes.

Bird Slopes—The bird control device, you’ll never notice, bird slopes blend in with your architecture, creating a slippery surface birds will simply slide off of. Ideal for eaves, ledges, beams and other similar niches gulls often use to roost and nest. The panels are easily installed using nails, screws or glue.

Bird Foggers and Misters—If you already have flocks of gulls that won’t budge, Foggers and Misters deliver a fine mist of food-grade methyl anthranilate to the infested area. This grape extract irritates gulls, yet is harmless to gulls and humans.

Bird Scare Deterrents—Easy to install just about anywhere, these bird deterrents consist of foils, shiny tape banners and balloons that crackle in the breeze and reflect flashes of sunlight to make gulls too nervous to stay. Balloons have the added intimidation of a giant predator eye.

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.

Finally, the Cumberland County Department of Health revealed that the strange bird deaths were caused by the application of a granular pesticide known as Avitrol Double Strength Corn Chops. The pesticide is approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency to control blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles and starlings. Nearby Ingraldi Farms had been using the pesticide to control the crop damage done by invading flocks of birds.

This problem could have been avoided had Ingraldi Farms used bird deterrent products that are safe, humane and effective. These taste deterrent products will not harm birds. Here are two examples of products that will deter birds without harming them:

Avian Control

This taste-aversion bird repellent won’t harm birds and prevents them from grazing and feeding in unwanted areas. Avian control is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use on a variety of crops to prevent foraging birds from damaging them. It uses natural extracts that, when sprayed on crops, makes them inedible to birds. Avian Control can be also used  for deterring birds from large open spaces—like golf courses, parks, athletic fields, airports, vineyards and other areas where birds tend to graze and congregate. The repellent uses a unique patent pending formula that irritates the birds' mucous membranes. Crops, grass and shrubs quickly lose their appeal as a food source, prompting birds to leave for more hospitable areas. Sold by the gallon, Avian control can be broadcast by either fog or spray. When used as a fogger, it uses just 12-16 ounces per acre. It lasts up to three times longer than other bird deterrents. As a liquid concentrate, Avian control is easily mixed with water. For best results, you should repeat the application in two weeks.

Migrate Goose Repellent

An equally effective taste-aversion goose repellent, Migrate is a non-toxic liquid goose repellent that makes grass and shrubs inedible and unpalatable to geese. The active ingredient in Migrate is a grape extract known as Methyl Anthranilate. The extract irritates birds' trigeminal nerves and mucous membranes, which causes birds to leave for better tasting meals. This goose repellent is sold by the gallon and each gallon covers about 16,000 square feet. The repellent lasts about three months outdoors and won't wash off with rain or water. And yes, it’s safe to use around people and pets.

For additional advice on how to deter pest birds effectively and humanely, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

Bridge pigeons' days are numbered 

Article Shared From: The Otago Daily Times / NZ

Written By: Sarah Marquet

Pigeon poo is threatening the Alexandra bridge across the Clutha River, so the birds have to go.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) senior asset manager John Jarvis said the bridge's structural steel was being corroded and, while it was not an immediate safety risk, action was needed to reduce the 400-strong flock of resident pigeons so damaged areas could be repaired.

The corrosion mostly affected the surface, but there were also some cases of pitting.

The need to clean the walkway over the bridge had increased significantly in recent times and that was a health and safety issue.

"At the moment, the priority is to clean it up. It's a horrible job; health-wise it is very dangerous.

"Until we clean it out, we can't get a good idea of the damage but the longer we put it off, the more it will cost.

"There are lots of little nooks and crannies and that's where they have been roosting over the years and dropping excrement," Mr Jarvis said.

The agency had settled on a plan of attack, which will use an anaesthetic-laced bait, after consultation the Central Otago District Council, Department of Conservation, Otago Regional Council, SPCA, and the New Zealand Forest and Bird Society.

From next week, agency contractors will begin to lay non-laced bait. Then anaesthetic-laced bait would be offered, which would make the birds drowsy, allowing the contractors to catch them and humanely kill them.

Mr Jarvis said they were confident other birds would not get caught up in the culling but if they did, there were people on site who would be able to "bring them back to life".

Though the agency, at the request of the SPCA, was advising pet owners in the area to keep their animals away from the bait, Mr Jarvis said he was confident there would be no problem.

He said it was a "tried and true" method that had been tested at other places around Central Otago, including the Victoria Bridge in the Kawarau Gorge and a couple of other bridges in Maniototo.

It is hoped the operation to kill all the pigeons will take between five and seven days. It is expected to cost just under $4000.

sarah.marquet@odt.co.nz

Bird-B-Gone University is a FREE training course designed to teach the basics of bird control. 

If you’re looking to expand your business by adding bird control, or just want to develop your bird control knowledge, this is an excellent opportunity for you!

Bird-B-Gone is the leading manufacturer of professional grade bird deterrents. We pride ourselves on our level of commitment to customer service and provide superior training and support.

Those who attend receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply to become a Bird-B-Gone Authorized Installer. Attendees who work in California will receive credits towards their branch II SPCB license.

• Free training manual for future reference
• Bird control products basics for success
• How to market and make a profit in bird control
• Choosing the right product
• How to install products/ hands on training
• Quoting bird jobs
• How to hang bird netting
• How to avoid problems / troubleshooting

Learn from the worlds leading manufacturer of bird control products!

Classes fill up quickly, contact Chris Fields today at 1-800-392-6915 or email chris@birdbgone.com to reserve your seat! 

Architects, Engineers and Installers rest assured knowing Bird-B-Gone's high quality professional grade bird control products are manufactured in the USA and carry industry leading guarantees. Our products have proven success and are built for commercial and industrial use. One of our motto's is "no gimmicks, just products that work".

You can contact our on staff Architectural expert, Jeff Watts, directly with any questions and read about Jeff's involvement with the AEC industry for the past 10 years.

Mission Viejo, CA

Bird-B-Gone supplies the commercial, industrial and residential market with effective, humane bird deterrents manufactured in the USA.

In 1992, Bird-B-Gone started in the home of owners Bruce and Julie Donoho with little more than a school desk, a phone and a fax machine. Today, they supply the world with professional grade bird control products in nearly every major city across the globe.

The Bird-B-Gone Family

The Donoho's lived their version of the American Dream. While bird deterrents had been on the market for some time, Bruce, having experience in the injection molding industry, saw a gap that needed to be filled. He invented the world's first all plastic one-mold bird spike. Though there have been a few revisions, the end result has been a staple in the bird and pest control industry since. The design and price have stayed the same for nearly 15 years. From their home base in Mission Viejo, CA, Bird-B-Gone now employees over 100 people and proudly manufactures their own products in the USA at their manufacturing facility in Southern California.

Bird-B-Gone has continued to be a leading innovator in the field of bird control. The company currently holds 18 patents with 21 patents pending and is continually looking to meet the needs of their clients. Bird-B-Gone incorporates new technologies with tried and true methods to develop the most effective bird deterrents available.

It's not just innovation and determination that has set Bird-B-Gone apart; it's also their philosophy on business itself. The company's motto is "It's more than just bird control products... its faith family and friends" and Bird-B-Gone has followed this motto as a way to conduct business and impact customers and the world.

Owner Bruce Donoho in Liberia

In 2009, Bird-B-Gone partnered with Children of the Nations, a non-profit organization that provides holistic care to orphaned and destitute children across the globe. A portion of all Bird-B-Gone sales goes directly to support their efforts. Since the partnership began, Bird-B-Gone's contributions have helped build orphanages in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Owner Bruce Donoho, now a Children of the Nations Board member, has traveled to Africa twice in the last few years to meet with organizers and help oversee operations.

Bird-B-Gone prides themselves on the personal relationships they build with customers. "We have our customers to thank. They have taken us to this point. Sounds simple, but we wouldn't be here without them" says Bruce on the milestone. They look forward to serving their customers and new clients for another twenty years and beyond.

About: Bird-B-Gone is dedicated to providing customers with the latest advancements in the bird control industry. New technologies are combined with tried and true methods to develop the most effective bird deterrents available. At Bird-B-Gone our expertise, training and customer service set us apart. Our products carry the longest industry guarantees, and are proudly made in the United States. We have a team of Bird Control Experts that can help solve virtually any pest bird problem.

Kai Beech and Cecilio Padilla FOX40 News
6:38 p.m. PDT, June 10, 2012

RIO VISTA—

With the Red Flag Warning still in effect for most of the valley, officials have been warning the public about how quickly a fire can start.

In a field near Rio Vista Sunday afternoon, all it took was a bird strike against a power line to spark a fire. With wind still being a factor, the fire was able to quickly spread 7 acres.

“There’s no fire guards out here and the thing could have run and run, but it was close to town and were able to get to it right away,” said Dan Schindler, assistant chief of the Montezuma Fire District.

No structures were in danger. Officials urge people to put fire guards up and cultivate defensible space to help prevent a fire from damaging their property.

Read more: http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-bird-strike-against-power-line-sparks-7-acre-fire-20120610,0,1972356.story#ixzz1xV2Jtnyi

Written By: Eric Haftel June 5, 2012

Jeffrey R. Pocaro, an attorney representing a Green Brook resident who lives in the Mountainview at Green Brook Complex, came to the the Green Brook Township Committee on Monday looking for help.

After pointing out a spelling error in the township’s property managment code, Pocaro then asked for an amendment to it to address an issue he said is causing a problem at the complex: pigeons.

“I…ask you to add mold and feces as items that the code can require a homeowner to clean up,” Pocaro said. He charged that a ”pigeon clan” is “taking over the buildings.”

“There’s about 100 of them. It started out 10 years ago with about five-six,” Pocaro said. “When you go around the complex when the sun comes up, they fly in like a flock of geese and they start taking over the buildings.”

He then explained that they are beginning to harm the buildings with their non-stop pecking.

“They are deteriorating our roof,” Pocaro told the board adamently.

Pocaro explained that there is a solution to his probem, and asked for the committee’s help.

“An application was made to the Board of Health to get a certification…that the pigeon clan at Mountainview is a health hazard,” Pocaro explained to the board. “If we were to get that certification, under federal law, we could start killing the pigeons off.”

Mayor Searfoss, who is the liason to the Board of Health, said he didn’t recall hearing about the issue.

“This ‘pigeon clan’ is news to me,” Mayor Searfoss told Pocaro. “I didn’t know that we had a roving gang of pigeons in Green Brook, to be perfectly honest, and I don’t think that I’m gonna give permission to somebody to start shooting pigeons up on the hill.”

Pocaro responded by saying that, “they do it another way,” but it was to no avail.

Both the mayor and the township attorney said that it was a private issue that needed to be taken up with the development’s homeowner’s association.

Pocaro questioned why there even was a building maintenance code.

When committee members reiterated that it was a private matter, Pocaro threatened to include them in a possible lawsuit against the homeowner’s association.

“You’re pushing me to include the building department and the township in the lawsuit,” Pocaro told the board, while looking directly at Township Attorney Bill Willard. “If you’re not gonna enforce the property maintenance code, you’re gonna have a problem with the Superior Court judge, and me.”

Willard did not respond lightly to the threat.

“I’ll put you on notice right now that that would be frivolous claim if you file it,” he said.

Pocaro simply responded by saying, “we’ll see.”

This article was edited to correct the name of the township attorney.

Treehugger.com

Stephen Messenger
Technology / Gadgets
May 31, 2012

Although pigeons nowadays are largely regarded as grubby urban pests, bumblers for bread crumbs, and unwelcome statuary redecorators — in the not-too-distant past, their service to mankind was much loftier indeed. Not only were these hardy birds used to swiftly carry important messages and materials across great distances, for a brief stint at the turn of the last century, an elite group of camera-wielding pigeons also became early pioneers of a then burgeoning field: aerial photography.

In 1903, a German pharmacist named Julius Neubronner started employing carrier pigeons to receive and fulfill emergency prescriptions from a hospital in the region. One day, after a bird of his mysteriously returned after being lost a month late, Julius began to devise a way to track their flights.

Shortly after, the avid tinkerer and amateur photographer developed a lightweight, timer camera rig that his pigeons could wear in flight to snap rare aerial photos, the likes of which, at the time, could only be captured via balloons or kites.

It didn’t take long before that charmingly inventive pigeon photography found application in less amusing arenas. During the both World Wars, various militaries experimented in the using camera-strapped pigeons on reconnaissance missions, though it’s unclear how helpful these photographs actually were.

In the years following, interest in pigeon photography persisted. According to some reports, still mostly classified, the CIA attached battery operated cameras to the birds even as late as the 1970s.

Via BoingBoing

Bird Spikes, they were invented in the 1940′s and have since become a staple tool in bird control. While they’re not quite a household name or known product, many professionals have familiarized themselves with the concept. And though there have been several advancements in bird deterrents since, such as automatic remote hazing units and electric track systems, Bird Spikes still play an important role in deterring birds. It’s a simple product with very effective results, as long as they are used for what they are designed for.

Bird Spikes are a physical bird deterrent used to prevent birds from landing in unwanted areas. The Spikes are not sharp, and not designed to harm birds. They simply create an uneven landing space that large birds cannot land on. Bird-B-Gone is the only bird control company that manufactures their bird spikes in the USA, ensuring they meet the highest standard of quality in the industry.

Bird Spikes, just like any other wildlife, pest or bird control product are designed for specific situations and species. Birds are smart and adaptable -  finding the right product that fits your scenario is key in successful pest bird exclusion. The species of bird, the area they are causing a problem and whether or not the birds are nesting will dictate whether they are a viable option. In other words, Bird Spikes are not 100% effective everywhere they are installed, there are many pest bird scenarios that require a completely different solution.

The misuse of Bird Spikes and false advertising claims, have unfortunately begun to give Bird Spikes a bad name. Disillusionment usually arises bird spikes are installed for small birds or a nesting situation, or  a lower grade, cheaper version was chosen to cut costs. Not all Bird Spikes are built the same. In fact some models are surprising flimsy. But that fact remains, Bird Spikes are an effective solution – they are easy to install, low cost and when built right, can last for many years. (Bird-B-Gone spikes carry 5 year and 10 year guarantees)

So when and where are the correct scenarios to choose Bird Spikes to deter birds? Bird Spikes are designed for birds pigeon sized or larger. Smaller birds can usually get footing in between the spikes – if they are persistent about landing in a particular spot, the spikes will not deter them. So it’s important to note that Bird Spikes are typically only effective for large bird species – birds pigeon sized or larger. Secondly, Bird Spikes are not recommended for use where birds have been nesting. Determined birds that have worked hard to establish their nesting site are not so easy to deter. Even large birds such as pigeons have been known at times to drop nesting materials over spikes in efforts to keep their desired spot. Lastly, if you have a large area to cover, Bird Spikes may not be the most economic solution. For instance, if you have a large warehouse with hundreds to thousands of feet of I-beams or overhead ledges that birds are landing on, although bird spikes may be effective, they may not be the best choice for your money. Bird Netting should be considered.

Bird Spikes, pigeon spikes, spike strips, whatever you know them as, remain an effective bird control tool and a smart choice when the setting is right..To learn more about bird spikes or other commercial bird deterrents, visit us at http://www.birdbgone.com, call 1-800-392-6915 or email nobirds@birdbgone.com

Marketing – for some business owners and operators this can be a frightening term. With all of the new platforms (and more popping up every day) it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you  are already looking at a full plate.

Adding bird control services is a lucrative way to bring in some extra revenue for Pest or Wildlife Control businesses and other service companies. But how do you get the word out that you do “bird work“? Today, marketing is all about being creative, resourceful, and original – and its easier (and cheaper) than you’d think.  Thanks to the internet, there are many free avenues to help let people know that you can help solve a bird problem – too. You can also still rely on some conventional marketing strategies. With a little foresight and planing, you can start your bird control marketing campaign today.

Lets take a look at the three components we listed above:

• Creativity – How can you get your business noticed? What will grab customers attention? Where can you reach new clients? Be creative! Look beyond the traditional yellow page ads and truck decals. Try participating in local community events, sponsorship opportunities and other ways you can get your business involved – and seen in the community.
• Resourcefulness – So you don’t have the biggest budget for marketing. That’s just fine! Today there are many free marketing resources online such as free directory listings on major websites, blogs, and social media pages. In the book, “How to win friends and influence people”, Dale Carnegie explains that showing genuine interest in those whom you are looking to attract, is a winning idea for getting noticed. Start a Facebook or twitter page and interact with your customers.
• Originality -It’s easy to copy someone else’s marketing message, or something thats been done over and over, but how does that get you noticed? Stand out from the crowd, craft your own image, ideas and company personality. Originality can go a long way. Look at the Bird-B-Gone logo for instance, it’s regarded as many things including poignant and whimsical – but most of all – It’s memorable.

The newly updated Bird-B-Gone website has a resource center that offers some direct suggestions and ideas for marketing your bird control services. Click HERE to learn more about getting the word out. It’s just one of the many free resources Bird-B-Gone offers. If you are a Pest or Wildlife control operator looking to be trained on the basics of bird control, try Bird-B-Gone University – our free training course. Call us at 1-800-392-6915 or email nobirds@birdbgone.com to learn more!

Bird Control?  Why should we care about pest birds?  It seems the latest issue concerning property management and building maintenance companies is Pest Birds.  Every year millions of dollars are spent cleaning up after and repairing the damage caused by pest birds such as pigeons, sea gulls, crows and other urban birds.  Not only are these problems unsightly, but also pest birds and their feces can spread 60 plus transmittable diseases.  Safety, sanitation and health hazards caused by bird droppings can pose serious liability risks, and left untreated, can lead to accidents and lawsuits.  Bird feces, bird nests and debris can also create a bad public image with tenants and patrons.

Pest birds such as pigeons, gulls, starlings, sparrows and swallows can cause thousands of dollars of damage a year to buildings, industrial facilities, equipment and machinery. Building owners and managers are tired of spending thousands of dollars a year cleaning up bird feces or repairing the damage that is caused by the birds and their droppings. Integrated Bird Control Solutions are being used to keep pest birds off of these buildings. An Integrated Solution is one that may use several types of bird control products to eliminate the problem birds and their mess.

Recent Integrated Bird Control Project:

A recent project at United Regional Health Care in Wichita Falls used an Integrated Bird Control System to get rid of pest pigeons from a 14 story, million square foot building.  For buildings of this size one product will not always work:

• There where window ledges and parapet walls that where nesting and roosting areas for pigeons.  On these sites they used an electric track system to get rid of the pigeons.  These systems give the birds a mild jolt when they come into contact with the track.  The birds will leave the area for a more suitable one.
• There where large balconies that bird netting was used to exclude the pigeons from
• On the building ledges a bird slope system was installed to keep the birds from landing.  This type of system creates a slope on the ledge that makes it impossible for the birds to land.  It can be painted to match existing building colors.

They had been struggling with pigeons for years, and now they are nowhere to be found.  The money saved in cleanup costs and damage repairs is well worth the investment in bird control products.  Most building managers find that they make up the cost within the first year of installation.

Commercial Bird Control is becoming a big business in the United States.  Companies all over the country are specializing in bird exclusion installations.  Other companies such as pest control, maintenance, window cleaning and roofing companies are adding bird control to their offerings.  A custom integrated bird control program, once installed can save companies millions in clean up and maintenance dollars each year.  It will also enhance their public image, clean buildings make a much better impression on customers and patrons than do feces covered ones.

For more information on Bird Control products, exclusion methods and installers in your area contact Bird-B-Gone, Inc. at (800) 392-6915 or by email at: nobirds@birdbgone.com.

———————————

Why bird Control? A look at the problems birds can cause in commercial, industrial and residential settings

Birds can become a nuisance when they chose roost or nest in unwanted areas. Birds, bird droppings and nesting materials can negatively impact our surroundings by creating health and safety risks, or detract from buildings architectural features.  Installing bird control products is a humane way to deter birds from landing, roosting or nesting.

Here are some of the main reasons why bird control is import: (From the Bird-B-Gone website)

• Birds, bird droppings and nesting materials carry transmittable diseases and ectoparasites.
• Bird droppings are highly acidic and can stain and corrode building materials.
• Birds can contaminate food production and inventory when they nest in warehouses.
• Regular cleanup of bird droppings can cost businesses thousands of dollars every year.
• Bird nests can clog drains and pose a fire risk near lighting or other features.
• Bird droppings can be a liability by creating a slip and fall risk.

The longer birds are allowed to nest or roost in an unwanted area; the harder it will be to get them to leave. It’s important to take a proactive approach when dealing with pest birds. In the long run, it can save you time and money.

Written By: Talia Ralph

Pigeons‘ brains appear to contain “GPS neurons” that help them navigate, according to a new study published in Science journal.

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas have discovered a group of 53 cells in the birds’ brains that respond to the direction and strength of the Earth’s magnetic field, BBC News reported.

Le-Qing Wu and David Dickman, the study’s lead researchers, found that the neurons “buzz” at different levels depending on how strong the magnetic field is and which direction it’s pointing in, Discover Magazine’s blog reported. 

More from GlobalPost: Pigeons can do math

“It is still unknown what exactly acts as a receptor within the bird; however, in our current study we are able to show how neurons in the pigeon’s brain encode magnetic field direction and intensity,” Dickman told blog TG Daily. “This is how we believe birds know their position on the surface of the Earth.”

The scientists worked with seven awake pigeons, and used a Tesla coil to cancel out the effects of Earth’s magnetic field on the birds, Popular Science explained. They put the pigeons in a dark room to eliminate the effects of light polarization, which are commonly thought to help animals navigate magnetically. The researchers also stabilized the birds’ heads to prevent them from relying on inner-ear cues for direction, according to Popular Science.

The researchers then created magnetic fields of their own, altering their strength and direction, and recorded the pigeons’ individual neuron activity in an area that connects the brain and spine, and helps with birds’ balance, according to Discover.

The scientists found 53 neurons that fire at different strengths depending on how strong the magnetic fields around them are; the birds were found to be most sensitive to the range of intensity that the Earth produces naturally, according to Discover.

However, researchers have hypotheses that navigational neurons are not the only directional mechanisms pigeons use; they are also looking into features in the birds’ ears, eyes and beaks that may help the animals find their way, Slate reported.

Henrik Mouritsen of the University of Oldenburg in Germany has received the study’s results with skepticism, according to BBC News.

“[Magnetism-sensitive neurons] must be in the brain in several places… and maybe Dr. Dickman has found them, “Mouritsen told BBC. “If he has, it’s a very, very important finding, but only time will tell. There have been lots of claims of something similar to this, and so far every one has turned out to not be independently reproducible.”

The study hasn’t revealed how pigeons sense the magnetic fields in the first place, TG Daily reported, though Dickman believes that an as yet-undiscovered magnetoreceptive cell in the animal’s ear could be responsible, he told Discover.

“Maybe there are two or even three

Article shared from: PCT Magazine

Bird Whisperer

Features – Bird Control

Bird-B-Gone Ornithologist Rob Fergus has spent a lifetime understanding our “feathered friends” and he’s more than happy to share his insights with the industry.

PCT Magazine | April 30, 2012 |

Editor’s Note: Bobby Corrigan is considered the industry’s foremost “rodentologist” but when it comes to understanding the biology and behavior of birds that honor may go to Dr. Rob Fergus, an ornithologist with Bird-B-Gone, Mission Viejo, Calif. PCT magazine recently interviewed Fergus, who has a Ph.D. in urban bird conservation from the University of Texas, about the challenges of managing bird populations in urban settings, as well as the science of ornithology.

In layman’s terms, how would you describe what an ornithologist does on a daily basis?

A. An ornithologist is anyone who is involved with the scientific study of birds, which can cover anything from their DNA, anatomy and behavior to their ecology and distribution. Some ornithologists study birds or their genes in a lab, while others study free-flying birds in the wild. Academic ornithologists also spend a lot of time teaching university courses on birds, biology or ecology. Most of us do a little of all of this, so on any given day I will be out in the field observing bird behavior, corresponding with other researchers, as well as preparing or teaching university courses. My work with Bird-B-Gone involves field work studying nuisance bird behavior, as well as researching potential bird control solutions, and consulting on commercial and residential bird nuisance problems across the United States and around the world.
How did you first become interested in birds?

A. I always loved animals as a kid growing up in (western) Oregon. In middle school, one of my science teachers took a group of us on a week-long bird watching trip to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on the other side of the state. This opened up a whole new world to me and I was hooked! I started searching out and learning about all the birds in my area, and while most people are content to keep something like this as a hobby, after college I decided to follow my bliss and make it my profession.
Where are the centers of excellence for ornithology in North America?

A. Most ornithologists teach at universities scattered across the country, and there may be just one or two at any given university. Cornell has brought dozens of ornithologists together in their Lab of Ornithology, making it unique. Many other ornithologists work in private industry, especially in environmental consulting firms reviewing new wind energy projects, other developments, and bird hazard situations including airports.
Why did you decide to join Bird-B-Gone?

A. When I started working with Bird-B-Gone, I had already spent over 15 years studying urban birds and working with bird conservation non-profits. Working with a leading bird control company is an exciting way for me to continue addressing the many human/bird conflicts that come up in our modern technological society.
How have you applied your knowledge/skills for the benefit of PMPs offering bird control services?

A. I spent most of my life studying birds, so I often know how specific birds think and respond to their environment. No two birds and no two bird control situations are going to be the same, but my experience and insights usually allow me to determine what factors are contributing to any given human/bird conflict and what can be done to resolve it. Through the “Ask an Expert” feature on the Bird-B-Gone website I’m available to consult on any given bird problem and have provided guidance and assistance to PMPs as well as private citizens all over the world.
What factors are driving the growth of the bird control market in North America?

A. There are two questions here. What factors are leading people to have conflicts with birds, and what factors are leading those people to become consumers of bird control products? Human/bird conflicts are increasing because of demographic, economic and cultural factors — there are more people all the time, and as our societies become more urbanized, we create urban habitats where pest birds thrive, and people become less tolerant of birds and especially their droppings. Whereas in the past, a farmer or someone with a bird problem might just resort to waging an armed battle with the offending birds, urbanites in modern societies do not usually have that option. The threat of bird-related diseases is getting a lot of press lately and that will certainly contribute to an increase in bird work. There are more than 60 known diseases carried by birds and customers want to take preventive action. This is leading to more bird jobs, especially in places like hospitals and offices where health is a top priority.
What are the most common mistakes PMPs make when entering the bird control market?

A. There is no such thing as a generic bird. Each species of bird has its unique habits and biology, a unique way of interacting with its environment. That means there can be no one-size-fits-all solutions and often no simple once-and-for-all-time solutions either. PMPs aren’t like plumbers who can go out and just apply a technical fix to a problem. They are in the education and service industry that requires great people and educational skills, and not just technical proficiency. Since it often takes time and ongoing efforts to solve a bird conflict issue, PMPs need to develop relationships with their customers so that they can work together on an ongoing basis to solve their bird conflicts. That said, misunderstandings or lack of information frequently lead to overestimating or underestimating job bids. If there is any question at all, PMPs would be advised to reach out for help from researchers or product specialists, such as Bird-B-Gone. One final mistake —sometimes new PMPs take on big jobs before they have a lot of experience, so they should make sure not to bite off more than they can chew.

“Bird poo tower could prove research goldmine”

Article Shared From: CBS News

Written By: Max Paris, Environment Unit, CBC News

Written By: Meredith Walako / Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

Bird Deterrents are designed to humanely deter birds from landing or nesting in unwanted areas. However, improper installation or misuse of products can lead to undesirable results that can potentially harm birds while also not being effective at deterring them in the first place.

Not every product works for every bird problem and certain products require care and planning to be successful. This is why it’s important to hire or consult a professional when dealing with a pest bird problem on your home or property.

From the installers perspective, improper installation can be a liability. Bad press, lawsuits and more can ensure if birds or humans are negatively impacted due to improper usage or installation.

Avoid claims that a product will work “100%” of the time. Most seasoned bird control professionals know there is nothing further from the truth. Choosing the correct product depends on the type of bird, the area its posing a problem and whether the birds are nesting or not. Other times, one type of product may not be enough – integrated solutions – using multiple products in conjunction with each other may work best for difficult bird problems.

There have been some recent news articles that have highlighted the negative impact of using bird deterrents improperly. Here are just a few with examples of what could have / should have been done in the first place.

Examples of Bird Net Installation Gone Wrong:

Actor fights for pigeons trapped in building net  – Times of India

Bird Netting was installed over building vents before birds were allowed to escape. The installation company should have done their due diligence of humanely releasing the birds before the installation. Live Bird Traps, Capture Netting and other devices can be used to ensure trapped birds have the opportunity to leave the area. Bird Scape is a product offered by Bird-B-Gone that is installed in Bird Netting to allow any birds behind the net to escape the installation. The humane cone like feature allows birds to fly out of enclosed areas, but not back in.

Pigeon netting meant to curb droppings turns into bird deathtrap at Bronx courthouse – NY Daily News

Here Birds were getting behind a Bird Net Installation through holes and tears in the actual netting. This can be the result of using inferior low grade nets or lack of proper upkeep and maintenance. Choosing inexpensive bird netting that is not designed for long term outdoor use can lead to fast deterioration. Instead, choose Heavy Duty Bird Netting like Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Net 2000. Bird Net 2000 black mesh is UV protected and comes with an industry leading 10 year guarantee. If the holes are created by routine building maintenance activities such as window washing, regular check ups and up keep of the netting should be added to a recurring maintenance checklist.

Another popular bird control product commonly misused and applied is Bird Gel:

Pigeon repellent gel severely hurting other birds in Utah – The Utah Standard Examiner

The article details bird gel getting stuck in bird feathers, trapping and harming birds. Bird Gel is the type of product that applies to few situations. For one, Bird Gel should NEVER be applied on anything but a horizontal surface. If applied to curved or vertical surface it can get into bird feathers making it hard or impossible to achieve flight. With enough gel installed on a vertical surface, it can actually trap birds to sides of buildings. Secondly, Bird Gel is only designed for Pigeons and Starlings – bird gel should never be used for protected bird species, small birds, or where birds have been nesting.

The best bet is to consult with a Bird Control Professional to help you choose or install the best product.

Experienced installers and bird control specialists know what factors to consider when planning a successful bird exclusion.

At Bird-B-Gone, we offer the most in-depth support and training in the industry. We partner with our customers to consult in all aspects of bird control.

Free training and support

Bird-B-Gone offers free training, marketing materials and support. This includes Bird-B-Gone University – an all day course that teaches the basics of bird control and qualifies customers to become a Bird-B-Gone Authorized installer.

We won’t just leave you Hanging.

Our goal is not to just sell products, but rather to help our customers avoid costly mistakes and create predictable success. We want our customers to feel confident they have the knowledge and support needed to successfully tackle any bird job that comes their way.

Call us today whether you are specifying bird control on a job, are an installer and need help with choosing the right product or proper installation, or are handling you bird control problem in house and need advice. You can reach us at 1-800-392-6915 or email nobirds@birdbgone.com

Article Shared From: TriValleyCentral.com

Written By: Melissa St. Aude

“It’s a major problem,” Roorda said. “And it’s getting worse. The mess they leave behind is sickening.”

Roorda is not alone. Throughout Mission Royale, flocks of problem pigeons have settled in.

A nonmigratory bird, urban pigeons are a common problem, especially in the Southwest, but some Mission Royale residents estimate the number of birds living in their community numbers in the thousands.

“When I get up at 5 a.m., I see them on the roofs. When they all fly off at the same time, the sky turns black,” said resident Richard Condray.

Another resident said he sees the birds lined up on the peaks of houses when he takes his morning walks.

“One morning, I counted 200 birds on just one street,” he said.

It is easy to understand why the pigeons enjoy life in Mission Royale. The locale provides the birds with easy access to water from the community’s ponds, plenty to snack on at nearby dairies and the shopping mall, and hundreds of sun-warmed tile roofs on which to build a nest.

But some residents say that the large pigeon population is more than a nuisance, it’s a health concern.

Health concern

“We are a [age] 55 and over community,” said Elroy Bessler. “These birds carry human diseases. It’s a huge issue.”

He worries about the frail and elderly people in the community who are exposed to the bird droppings, nest debris, maggots and other issues associated with birds.

Pigeons can carry germs that make people and pets sick.

The most common illnesses associated with pigeons are the fungal diseases histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Humans become exposed to the disease-causing fungi by breathing in dust from dried bird droppings that become airborne when pigeon nests are disturbed, according to the health agency.

Pigeons can also carry viruses and bacterial infections including some that are transmitted by mosquitoes, according to the CDC.

Some residents have hired professional pigeon control companies to remove birds and nests from their homes and install pigeon deterrents such as wiring, nets or spikes, but some say that nothing works.

Property damage

“They always come back,” said Nancy Urias.

Urias has lived in Mission Royale for six years and said it wasn’t until this year that dozens of birds began nesting on her roof and it quickly became bothersome.

“The smell was the first thing I noticed — the smell and the noise,” she said. “The droppings get everywhere.”

Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, which can destroy painted surfaces.

“The droppings have ruined the patio furniture and even the screen door,” Urias said.

Condray also has paid a professional to remove birds and clean his roof.

“It’s not an expense I expected when I moved here,” he said. “The birds weren’t a problem until a few years ago.”

Some residents have advocated poisoning the birds, while others are opposed to that method, saying that pets in the area may inadvertently become sick by eating a poisoned bird.

“It’s one thing to worry about the pet population, but we should worry more about the human population and the diseases they’re exposed to by these birds,” Bessler said.

Attracting flies

In addition to the health issues related to the bird droppings, residents like Roorda worry about secondary germ transmissions from the flies, maggots, mosquitoes and other insects that quickly take up residence in or around the bird debris, then find their way into the homes.

“When we first moved here, we didn’t see too many flies,” Roorda said. “Now, my house always has flies in it.”

Unlike many other birds, urban pigeons do not migrate and they are not native to Arizona. Experts believe the bird was introduced to the area by Europeans who used pigeons as a food source and as messengers.

As they are not considered wildlife, people are free to hunt them year-round, according to a spokesman for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

There are also no rules prohibiting disposing of the birds, relocating them or poisoning them.

Dove dilemma

However, urban pigeons are closely related to doves. The two species often live in close proximity to one another and consume the same food. While it is legal to poison an urban pigeon, regulations prohibit poisoning doves or hunting them out of season, according to Arizona Game and Fish.

Band-tail pigeons, which often resemble urban pigeons, are a native species and hunting them out of season or poisoning them is also prohibited.

To avoid inadvertently poisoning a dove or other bird, residents should contact a licensed professional for help controlling problem pigeon populations, the spokesman for Game and Fish said.

Residents on their own

Some of the Mission Royale residents have looked to the city for help in controlling the birds and contacted Casa Grande Deputy City Manager Larry Rains.

“I have spoken with several homeowners from the community and have seen the pictures of the damage that is being caused by the birds,” Rains said.

He said pigeons are a common problem throughout the area.

“While maybe not to the extent that it appears to be in Mission Royale, it is an issue that many homeowners within the region deal with,” Rains said.

But he said homeowners throughout the community are ultimately the ones responsible for controlling pests on their property, including pigeons.

In most cases, unless individual community association guidelines state otherwise, homeowners are under no obligation to remove birds from their property.

“There is nothing in the code that requires homeowners to eradicate or control the birds, nor are there any penalties if they don’t,” Rains said.

Linda Russo, the manager for Mission Royale, said she understands that residents are concerned about the birds as she has personally fielded complaints from homeowners. In Mission Royale, homeowners are expected to control bird populations on their own property while the homeowners association is working to minimize the bird count in the common areas, Russo said.

“We’re doing what we can in the common areas and we’re working with the golf course,” she said.

What’s being done

The community association has hired a bird trapper to humanely trap and relocate the birds from some of the community’s common areas and as a result, Russo expects the number of pigeons to soon decrease.

“But pigeons will always be with us. We can minimize the populations but we can’t completely eliminate them,” she said.

Roorda said he is frustrated that so far, nothing has helped to deter the birds from nesting on his or other roofs throughout the community. But, he said, he will keep trying to rid at least his home of the birds.

“I love being here,” he said. “I am not going to be shoved out by pigeons, maggots and flies.”

GOT PIGEON PROBLEMS? Because urban pigeons are not a protected species there are no regulations prohibiting hunting them year-round or poisoning them, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. But the agency cautions against poisoning pigeons because doves and other protected species may inadvertently consume the poison. In Casa Grande, city code prohibits shooting anything within city limits with any firearm, BB gun, air gun, pellet gun, dart gun, slingshot, gas-operated gun or any similar gun or instrument.

Written by: Alex Kecskes

Recent studies have shown that every year, thousands of protected migratory birds die in tailings or detention ponds used for industrial waste or filtering. Tailing ponds may contain bitumen, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, naphthenic acids, brine, heavy metals, and ammonia—substances that are harmful, even fatal to birds.

The problem arises when birds mistake these ponds for fresh water. Without effective bird control measures to keep birds out of these ponds, the birds are doomed to suffer illness or even die. Most government agencies require companies to implement a comprehensive bird deterrent system if they plan to operate these types of ponds.

In one instance, at least 230 ducks had to be euthanized after landing on a Syncrude tailings pond in Alberta. The ducks had come in contact with bitumen floating on the surface. Waterfowl deterrent systems, including air cannons, flare guns and air horns proved ineffective in preventing the ducks from landing on the tailings pond.

The installation of pond netting not only protects birds, but also prevents the hefty fines associated with migratory bird deaths. One U.S. copper company charged with the deaths of migratory birds at an Arizona mine was ordered to pay a $15,000 fine, donate $10,000 to support the work of bird rehabilitators, and fund an $80,000 effort to enhance migratory bird habitat.

Several years ago, Syncrude was ordered to pay $3 million in fines after 1,600 dead or dying ducks were found in a tailings pond. This was the steepest environmental penalty ever levied against a company in Alberta’s history.

Fortunately, a leading manufacturer of effective, humane bird deterrents now offers a solution to this problem: Heavy Duty Pond Netting. Properly installed, pond netting presents a physical barrier that prevents migratory birds from landing in toxic tailing ponds or other water collection sites. The netting is stretched over these areas to prevent bird deaths.

Heavy Duty Pond Netting is made from a durable, UV stabilized Dupont® knotted mesh nylon and meant for prolonged use in harsh chemical environments. The netting comes in large stock sizes and custom cuts. It’s available in several mesh sizes–from 3/4-inch to 4-inch–to exclude a variety of large and medium sized migrating birds.

To streamline the proper installation of industrial pond netting, experts recommend the use of perimeter cable and accompanying mounting hardware.  One leading bird control company offers an extensive line of bird netting hardware, which includes turnbuckles, hog rings, accessories, tools, cable crimps and perimeter cable. For best deterrent results, the cable should be set up around the area to be netted off. This ensures that there are no gaps for birds to sneak through, and that the netting stays taut and does not slouch. Once installed, the netting is virtually invisible and maintenance free.

For additional advice on how to properly install Heavy Duty Pond Netting, consult an expert like the Bird Control Engineers at Bird-B-Gone.

Considerations:

Bird-B-Gone Owner Bruce Donoho says “The build up of bird droppings and nesting materials can pose a health risk for building tenants, especially if found near ventilation systems. Bird droppings can corrode building materials and machinery, ruin stored product and cost a business thousand of dollars every year for clean-up.”

• Is your maintenance department spending time and money cleaning bird droppings on a regular basis?
• Are exterior signs or awnings being damaged by bird droppings?
• Are rooftop birds soiling machinery or equipment or are nesting materials clogging drainage systems?
• Do you have birds landing or roosting in warehouse or loading dock areas?
• Are building tenants complaining about an existing bird problem?
• Have customers complained about bird droppings in a retail setting?

Checklist:

First:

Visit the affected area to gather some basic information to help determine your next course of action. Is this an easy fix or more involved than expected?

• Figure out where the birds are and what they are doing.
• If it’s a simple problem, you may be able to resolve the bird problem in house.
• More difficult situations may require outside help. Call Bird-B-Gone for an Authorized Installer (1-800-392-6915).
• Do you currently work with a pest control company? If so, they may be able to help with the pest bird problem.

Second:

• Consider your resources. Once you’ve assessed the bird problem, decide whether this is something you can resolve in house or not.
• Smaller affected areas can often be treated easily, but large scale bird problems, especially where birds have been nesting, may require a professional.
• Contact a bird control company such as Bird-B-Gone, Inc. Bird-B-Gone can help you choose the right product or put you in contact with a professional bird deterrent installer in your area.

Bird Control Articles:

• So your building has birds
• Bird proofing an integral Part of Building Maintenance
• Bird Spikes can deter birds from commercial buildings
• Bird control in and around food processing plants
• Bird Control is an investment

Bird Control Resources for Facility Managers:

Visit the Bird-B-Gone website or the following links to find additional information on bird behavior, choosing the right products, product installation guides, and more:

• Bird deterrent installation instructions
• Architectural Specs, CAD Details, BIM Drawings
• Identifying birds and bird behavior
• Free Catalog of Bird Control Products
• Ask the Expert – Send your bird question to our on staff Ornithologist