Bird Control for Ledges and Parapets

How to Keep Birds Off Open Exposed Ledges & Parapets

Bird Control for Ledges and Parapets

Flat open ledges will attract perching birds, while covered and protected ledges will attract nesting birds. Open exposed ledges and covered ledges require specific bird control products due to the difference in bird activity experienced in these locations. Below you will find deterrents recommended for Non-Nesting areas and Nesting areas. 

Bird Deterrents for Ledges (Non-Nesting Areas)

Open flat ledges located in high areas will entice birds to rest and roost. This means birds will perch on these high ledges to look for food and scout for potential predators. Most bird species will not attempt to nest on a ledge that is exposed to weather and potential predators. Building a nest on an uncovered area would make it easy for predatory birds to attack their young. For this reason, Bird B Gone carries a range of bird control products specifically designed to stop birds from roosting on open ledges. 

These products range from DIY friendly gel dishes to commercial grade products such as bird spikes and electric track. The following are products designed to stop birds from perching on flat open ledges. 

Note: It is important to clean away nesting materials and droppings thoroughly before installation of products. 

Products for All Sized Birds – Small, Medium & Large Birds

The products in this category deter a wide range of birds including small, medium and large. These ledge bird deterrents are great for those experiencing problems with a wide variety of species. 

Bird Jolt Flat Track

  • Works on All Sized birds, highly effective 
  • Birds receive a mild electric shock to deter from ledge
  • Low profile, available in several color options  
  • 100-ft rolls and kits
  • Direct Charger or solar charger options
  • Skill level: Installers are recommended or knowledge of electrical systems

SpectrumV Holographic Bird Repellent Gel Dishes 

  • Works on All sized birds, light to medium bird pressure areas
  • Deters birds with sight, sense and smell 
  • Only use on flat surfaces 
  • Skill Level: DIY Friendly, easy to apply gel dishes
  • Available box sizes: 12-pk, 24-pk, and 240-pk

Products for Pigeon and Seagulls

The following ledge products are made for pigeons and seagull sized birds or larger. They will not be as effective when used for small birds. 

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes 3”, 5” & 8” Widths 

  • Stops pigeon sized birds and larger from perching
  • Stainless Steel Spike carries a 10-year warranty
  • Polycarbonate Plastic Spike carries a 5-year warranty
  • Glue, Screw, or Tie down bird spikes 
  • Popular in commercial and residential applications 
  • Skill Level: DIY Friendly, easy to install quickly

Plastic Bird Spikes 3”, 5” & 7” Widths 

  • Stops pigeons and seagulls
  • Made in the US with UV stabilized polycarbonate plastic 
  • Carries a 5-year warranty against UV breakdown
  • Multiple colors available 
  • Skill Level: DIY Friendly, easy to install quickly

Bird Wire System

  • Stops pigeon and seagull sized birds
  • Low visibility, popular among architects and engineers
  • Deters birds using a nylon coated steel wire strong with stainless steel posts
  • Installation instructions and videos available 
  • Skill Level: Medium, requires precise measurements and a few accessory items 

How to Keep Birds from Nesting on Ledges

Birds look for covered and protected areas to nest under. Covered ledges provide shelter from weather and safety from predatory animals. Once the bird has nested, they will be attracted to the same areas for a few reasons. First, many bird species have homing instincts that draw them to the areas they previously have nested. Second, birds are attracted to the pheromones in their dropping and nesting materials.  This is why it is extremely important to clean bird dropping and nesting material thoroughly before installing bird control products. It is also important to understand that products made to deter birds from perching on open ledges should not be utilized in areas birds have been nesting. Nesting birds require exclusionary products that will fully screen or block the birds from attempting to nest in the covered location. These products range from Bird Slope to Bird Netting.

Heavy Duty Bird Netting

  • Most effective solution when installed properly
  • Works for all sized birds, available in mesh sizes from 3/4" to 2” 
  • Professional installations will be discrete and hardly noticeable 
  • Heavy Duty Bird Netting from Bird B Gone carries a 10 year warranty for UV breakdown
  • Skill Level: depending on the structure, professional installers are recommended

Bird Slope

  • Bird Slope creates a 45 degree angle on top of the ledge
  • Each section of Bird Slope is 4’ in length, available in boxes of 48’
  • Covers ledges with a depth of 5.5”, additional Slope Extenders will extend cover to 10.5” depths
  • Bird Slope can be cut with PVC cutting blades to fit smaller areas
  • Bird Slope should be glued down to the surface with construction grade adhesive. 
  • Skill Level: requires precise measurements and possible use of power tools to cut slope

Professional Recommendations

If you are unsure of which products to use for your ledges, please give our Bird Control Experts a call at 1-800-392-6915. Our team of experts are ready to identify the problem and help find the best possible solution for your ledge.  

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