Building owners and businesses spend millions of dollars annually to deal with infestations and the problems associated with pest birds. The risks associated with these pests increase year after year as bird populations continue to grow in both inner city and urban environments. The fact is, these pests are out of their natural element and without proper bird control measures, they can wreak havoc on commercial buildings and the people around them.

Perhaps the most obvious of problems are the droppings pest birds leave, which are not only unsightly, but can cause accelerated deterioration of buildings, structures and statues. Limestone is particularly susceptible, not just to a bird’s droppings, but the acid secretion produced by the fungi that live in them. Cleaning and restoring buildings so damaged can be expensive. Nests and droppings can quickly clog gutters and down pipes. Left unchecked, these bird by-products can lead to timber and structural damage, unsightly decor, and huge repair costs. Pigeons nesting around commercial air conditioning units deposit fecal matter that can get sucked into ducts, grilles and vents, damaging these expensive systems. Bird droppings that accumulate on ledges, sills and signage are unsightly and ruin the image of a business, especially an eatery. Droppings deposited on pavements, entrances and fire escapes makes them hazardous as pedestrians may slip and fall on them, creating a huge legal liability to commercial property owners. One quickly can see why bird control has become so vital to commercial building owners.

But bird control solves other problems as well. There’s the incessant and irritating noise pest birds produce whey they gather in sizeable numbers. They not only annoy maintenance workers, but can be distracting to visitors in hotels, hospitals and office complexes. Another problem is the offensive odor many birds produce—both in droppings and nesting—a particular nuisance to restaurants with outdoor service. Droppings also spoil finished products in loading bays and storage areas. They can severely stain and damage goods, ruin expensive paintwork, and mar the appearance of costly finished goods, metal panels, and stonework. Droppings can also eat into and destroy wood, paper and cardboard packaging.

Pest birds can be a health hazard, carrying and transmitting any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and Feral Pigeons can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral Pigeons carry Ornithosis, which is similar to viral pneumonia. Birds, bird droppings and their nesting materials contain insects and mites. These insects can damage property, stored foods and fabrics.

As many building owners have learned, keeping pigeons and other pest birds away from commercial buildings is not an easy thing to do. These days, proper bird control takes more than a plastic owl or two to scare away pests. What to do?

Thankfully, there are a number of effective and humane bird control products to keep pest birds off your property. Most are maintenance free and easy to install. Bird spikes, for example, are ideal for pigeons and other large birds. Some have spikes made of strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. Others have stainless steel spikes. Another useful bird control product is the bird spider. It’s ideal for awnings and patio covers. The spider arms move with the breeze, keeping pest birds from landing. Most of these deterrents are sturdy and stable, come in a variety of diameters, and install easily. They also won’t harm the birds.

Another effective bird control solution is bird netting. It’s ideal for a broad range of commercial uses, including signs, warehouses, courtyards, canopies, airplane hangars and rooftops. With its ability to control all species of birds, bird netting is often prescribed by architects. Some products in this category are U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. The webbing is usually available in a variety of mesh sizes to deter sparrow, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and larger birds.

A simple, easy-to-install bird control device that discourages bird pests from landing and nesting is the bird slope. These angled, slippery panels are ideal for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree areas where pest birds tend to nest and roost. Also simple and easy to apply are bird gels. This bird control measure creates a sticky surface that birds hate.

Finally, there are the higher –tech bird control solutions, known as electric-track systems.  Ideal for deterring all types of pest birds, these are easily mounted on ledges, signs, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces. They discourage birds from landing by conveying a mild electric shock that’s harmless to birds. They also alter a bird’s habits to nest or feed. These systems are low profile and almost invisible. Be sure to get a flow-through design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops and other surfaces. Look for corrosion-resistant products that can stand up to alkali and acidic environments.  The bottom line: bird control is good for your business.