Bird Net Solves Wrigleys Pest Bird Woes
Case Study: Managing Pest Birds at Wrigley Field
For years, the Chicago Cubs shared their ballpark with unwanted guests: pest birds. Wrigley Field provided an ideal environment for birds, offering generous shelter and an abundant food source. While pigeons, seagulls, and starlings had frequented the park for some time, an increase in fan complaints regarding bird droppings in the upper deck necessitated a more effective solution.
Gary Hubbard, who has worked in Maintenance Operations at Wrigley Field for several years, noted that previous attempts to mitigate the issue—including sticky gels, owl decoys, and ultrasonic sound devices—proved largely ineffective. During games, pigeons and starlings would roost in the rafters above the upper deck, descending onto the bleachers to feed once the fans departed. To address these concerns, the maintenance department sought a permanent exclusion solution.
The Solution: Professional Bird Exclusion
The facility consulted with Bird B Gone to develop a comprehensive bird control strategy. The recommendation was the installation of Bird Net 2000, a heavy-duty, polyethylene netting designed to physically prevent birds from entering the rafter area.
The core strategy focused on environmental modification. By blocking access to the rafters, the maintenance team effectively removed the birds' primary roosting site. Without a place to roost, the birds could no longer wait for food scraps in the seating areas, successfully altering their behavior.
Results
Since the installation of the Bird Net 2000, the facility has experienced a significant reduction in bird activity. Hubbard reported that the netting resolved the vast majority of the issue, effectively keeping the upper deck free of pests. While seagulls occasionally land on the field level during games, the structural netting has successfully eliminated the persistent roosting issues that previously impacted fans.
Maintaining Professional Facilities
Wrigley Field has undergone numerous structural changes over the past decade, and ensuring the continued comfort and safety of attendees remains a priority. By integrating proactive bird-proofing into building maintenance, facility managers can protect infrastructure and enhance the overall experience for guests.
Bird B Gone is a manufacturer and distributor of professional-grade bird repellents and deterrents. We provide technical advice, training, and installation resources to help facility managers maintain bird-free environments. If you are experiencing bird-related challenges at your property, please contact our team to discuss effective, humane control measures.