How to Determine the Type of Bird Problem you Have
BirdLife International now recognizes 10,426 species of birds worldwide. With so many types of birds and so many diverse venues, it can be a challenge to determine the exact bird problem plaguing a site or venue. The bird control experts at Bird B Gone offer some helpful hints to narrow things down.
General Bird Type
Your approach to bird control and the various deterrents/repellents you eventually chose will depend on the type of bird you wish to exclude. Geese will denude lawns and trample plants; woodpeckers will destroy siding; swallows will leave mud nests; smaller birds like grackles and starlings will attack fruit trees; and gulls and pigeons will create large, unhealthy concentrations of droppings.
Look Up, Look Down
Always look up for the congregation of birds and look down for the mess they leave behind. A good time of day to evaluate your bird problem is dusk (roosting time) or early morning. This will give you an idea of the Bird Pressure you have. Bird Pressure defines the level of commitment birds have to various locations where they nest, roost, eat and spend time. You need to understand bird behavior and their attachment to a site or venue in order to determine the most effective way to get them to leave and prevent them from returning. Here’s a breakdown of Bird Pressure:
• Heavy Bird Pressure: This level indicates a very high level of commitment. It usually refers to locations where birds find protection from the elements. It may be where they were born and have established nests; a place they consider home. Birds will not be easily deterred from heavy pressure areas.
• Medium Bird Pressure: These locations do not hold the same commitment as those where birds nest or roost. But, because these areas might provide a place to rest or might be a source of food, birds are committed to spending time and returning to these locations.
• Light Bird Pressure: This level of commitment is low. If the location is convenient and unobstructed birds may enjoy a time of loafing. But it will not hold the same importance as the places where they roost, nest or eat.
Cleaning and Site/Area Considerations
It’s also important to note the type of site, area and surface you will be treating, as this will determine the range of bird control options to consider. You will need to determine the amount of “bird debris” present and the degree of clean-up required. In many cases, you or your cleanup crew will need to don PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to do the job safely. In pigeon control, for example, bird nests, droppings and debris can contain any of 60 known diseases—like West Nile Encephalitis and Histoplasmosis.
Seek Expert Assistance
If you’re unsure about which type of bird problem you have or the product best suited for your specific situation, Bird B Gone has over 80 years of combined experience in the field of bird control. We can help you with product selection, installation and cleanup. Just call us at (888) 570-0360 for a catalog, pricing, or product samples or email us at nobirds@birdbgone.com. We also work with a network of authorized installers, call today for a trained bird control professional in your area.