Get rid of birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

Almost everyone has heard about pigeons invading parks and monuments, shedding their disease-carrying droppings on statues and contaminating ponds and playgrounds. But pigeons also pose a problem to many businesses. And perhaps the least mentioned are the many problems pest pigeons pose to gas stations.

Take your basic gas station canopy, for example. Once pigeons have claimed them and decided to nest on them, it's just a matter of time before a flock of pigeons can ruin your average $25,000.00 canopy.

Why do so many pigeons like to nest on gas canopies? Simple. They provide a great observation point for pigeons. The resourceful birds like to sit along the canopy edges and survey the area. And if you've ever seen how these canopies are built, you know that they easily provide plenty of protected nesting sites on their undersides and gutter areas.
Unless you get rid of pigeons, the flat metal roof areas will soon be covered with pigeon droppings and nests. Both will clog the canopy's drains and eat away at the canopy's paint and metal. After a rain, one can't help but notice the brown residue and offensive odor caused by collected pigeon droppings and nesting debris. This debris and unsavory odor will collect on the covered paved areas of a gas station and create and unwelcome site for customers. Worse yet, left to gather in the wet, pigeon droppings can cause dangerous slip-and-fall hazards to customers and employees. After several years, gas canopies can even become structurally degraded to cause a possible hazard for motorists and workers.

So what to do? If high gas prices aren't enough to keep motorists away, do you really need pest pigeons? Fortunately, there are several humane and highly effective ways to get rid of pigeons.

Intimidating Bird Spikes

The mother of pest bird deterrents, the Bird Spike has saved more buildings and structures from pigeons than perhaps any other deterrent. Bird Spikes get rid of pigeons because they simply can't negotiate a landing around them. The spiked strips come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate, or longer-lasting, slightly more expensive stainless steel, which you can get in a non-reflective metal finish. These days you can even get bird spikes in a full spectrum of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes are easily glued or screwed to any surface. Choose the Girder Spike for keeping pigeons off girders or I-beams (they come with adjustable “C-clamps” to fit any size girder). To keep pigeons off rain gutters, there's the Gutter Spike. The best bird spikes are blunted, safe for birds and maintenance crews and GSA approved.

Virtually Invisible Bird Slopes

Install these in the 90-degree nooks and crannies of your gas station canopy and pest pigeons will never be able to land. Bird Slopes are angled, slippery PVC panels that pigeons can't seem to get a grip on. The panels come in a variety of colors to blend in with your gas station's aesthetics. U.V.-stabilized polycarbonate panels are best as they stand up to years of inclement weather.

Wobbly Bird Wire Systems

This is a great way to get rid of pigeons. They'll wobble and shimmy off these Bird Wire Systems like Bozo on a banana peel. Pigeons, like most birds, prefer stable landing areas. And bird wire systems with their post-and-spring-wire set-ups are anything but stable. String these systems on the roofs of canopies or their undersides and forget about pigeons. The systems are easily installed, and even used on Federal and State government buildings. The best systems feature nylon coated stainless steel wire for lasting durability.

Barrier Pigeon Netting

Exclusion is the name of the game.  And Bird Netting keeps them out of the corners and recesses of your gas station canopies like few deterrents can. It gets rid of pigeons by denying them access to these areas. The best netting is made from ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. If you want the netting to last, get U.V.-stabilized, flame-resistant and rot and waterproof netting. Non-conductive netting is available for installations where electrical conductivity or radio frequency interference could cause problems--probably a good idea in gas stations. You can even get netting in several different colors--like including white, stone and black.

Stick it to 'em with Bird Gels

Like most birds, pigeons can't stand walking on these sticky gels. They get that stuck-in-flypaper feeling and can't wait to leave. Bird Gels are easy to apply using a standard caulking gun. The chemical skins over and stays sticky for up to six months.

by Alex A. Kecskes

The most common pest species are European starlings, pigeons (sometimes called rock doves), and the female and male house sparrows. The male bird usually establishes and defends the nest. After the pair builds a nest, the male continues to defend the territory while the female hatches eggs. To keep common pest birds from nesting on your property, start by removing any sources of food, water and shelter.

Before they begin nesting, pest birds will look for food sources to sustain themselves and feed their young. Natural food sources include seeds, fruits, berries and insects. Trim back or remove plants that produce edible nuts, fruits and berries. Also be wary of any food scraps spilling out of trashcans on your property. Keep lids tightly closed on cans and make sure the surrounding areas have no food scraps on the ground to entice birds.

Insect larvae living in the cracks and grooves of house siding will attract woodpeckers, and you know how much damage they can do to your property. Caulk the edges of the grooves to fill any open tunnels. Also keep in mind that a source of water is essential for birds year round. Starlings are especially attracted to water. So cover up or drain any areas of water near your property.
All birds need shelter for nesting, which varies with the season and the species of bird. Remove or block access to any alcoves, nooks or crannies that birds can use to build a nest. Trim back and thin out any trees where birds may want to build a nest.

Unfortunately, not all bird problems can be eliminated by removing the incentives of food, water and shelter. Sometimes repellants and deterrents must be used to dissuade birds from nesting. The best of these are humane and can be highly effective, especially when used in tandem.

To discourage birds from nesting on ledges and rafters, make them inaccessible by installing bird netting on the underside of the rafters. No Knot Bird Netting is ideal for most exclusion applications because it’s fabricated of flame resistant polypropylene, chemically inert, and highly resistant to many chemicals and temperature extremes. In general, good bird netting won’t rot, absorb water, or mildew. The best bird netting is ISO 1806 Protocol Mesh Tested and U.V. stabilized.

Bird netting is effective for use against pigeons, sparrows, starlings, crows and gulls. It comes in several stock sizes and custom cuts--including 2- and 3/4-inch mesh. Unlike many netting products, No Knot netting is light and easy to handle and install. It also comes in different colors--including white, stone and black to blend in with your property.

Another exclusionary method for preventing birds from nesting on ledges and rafters involves the installation of Bird Slope. Birds very quickly get the message that the super slippery angled PVC panels are too slippery to even land on, much less build a nest on. After a few tries, they simply move on to better nesting sites.

Many architects prefer bird slope panels because they can integrate them into the design of the building or structure, making them “invisible.” The panels even come in a variety of different colors to blend in with a building's color scheme. They’re easily installed on most any surface using nails, screws or glue.

To discourage pest birds from large areas, try Bird Sonics. These bird proofing devices keep birds from nesting by emitting predator and distress sounds that birds instinctively seek to avoid. Sonic bird deterrents are ideal for use against crows, starlings, swallows, gulls, woodpeckers, sparrows, grackles, cormorants and many others. One sonic system on the market blasts the sound of Peregrine falcons (a pigeon's dreaded enemy) defending their territory. Another system targets starlings and seagulls, emitting the sounds of predator hawks screeching and gulls under attack. There’s even a system that emits distress and predator calls for up to 22 types of birds. The sounds emitted by the best sonic systems sound like normal bird sounds to the human ear.

If you run a grocery store, you know about health inspectors and health codes. You also know that the last thing you need in this fragile economy is a health code violation. Most cities in the U.S. have two types of violations: critical and non-critical. Pest birds can cause a critical violation. If you want to continue to do business, you must find a way to get rid of birds that may be loitering around your store.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, critical violations could cause a food-borne illness to infect a person. Most government inspection programs are based primarily on food safety, instead of food quality.

Stores are categorized based on the food safety risk posed by any activity conducted in the store. If a store is handling easily spoiled or food subject to infection, such as raw meat or deli service, it is considered a high-risk store and inspections are conducted more frequently. Moderate risk stores include convenience stores that heat cooked foods like hot dogs or pizza. Low risk stores usually carry only pre-packaged, non-potentially hazardous foods. There are many ways to get rid of birds, which when spotted by health inspectors, may cause you to incur a health code violation.

Keep in mind that the inspection schedule for many states is once every 6 months for high-risk establishments, every 18 months for moderate risk stores, and every 24 months for low-risk stores. The reason for this is based partly on the dangers posed by pest birds.

More than 250 food borne diseases are caused by the consumption of contaminated foods. The Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 76 million cases of food borne diseases occur annually in the U.S., resulting in approximately 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. These illnesses are mostly bacterial, viral or parasitic infections consisting of a variety of symptoms.  Among the most commonly recognized food borne infections are those caused by Salmonella, E. coli, and a group of viruses called Calicivirus. So you see, it's imperative that you find a way to get rid of birds.

Since feral birds can carry many of these diseases on their body, nests and droppings, grocery store owners and managers must do all they can to remove pest birds from their premises. 

One way to exclude pest birds from selected areas of your grocery store is though the use of bird netting. This barrier method of bird control has proven quite effective as a way to get rid of birds. Netting can easily be installed around signs, canopies, and the rooftops of your store. It comes in a variety of mesh sizes to deter sparrow, starlings, pigeons, seagulls and larger birds. Bird netting also comes in several colors--white, stone and black--to match your store's color scheme. The best netting usually meets ISO 1806 protocols and will last for years. For use outside in heavy sun or inclement weather, opt for U.V.-stabilized, flame resistant netting. You can also get rot- and water-proof netting for areas that are continually damp.

Bryan Donoho   

For many people, their home is their greatest asset. It provides shelter, equity, and sense of accomplishment so it is without surprise that most people will do whatever it takes to protect the value and aesthetic properties of their home. Unfortunately, humans are not the only creatures who seek refuge in a house. Pest birds such as pigeons and sparrows find most any house to be a suitable nesting location. Once a bird begins construction on a nest, it is next to impossible to get rid of them. The solution: Solve the problem before it begins. Factors such as disease and property damage further encourage homeowners to get rid of birds to avoid any potential problems.

Birds are very simple creatures but can present some complex problems when nesting on a home. They will seek out any nook or crevice that will provide sufficient shelter. They prefer to be near a food source, so it is always good to check and see if there is any available food. If there is one, get rid of it. This includes bird feeders, trash, pet food, etc. Once birds have established a viable food source, there are very few things that will deter them. After eliminating any potential food sources, getting rid of birds will be much easier.

When attempting to get rid of birds on a home there are three basic kinds of deterrents. These include physical, visual, and sound deterrents. Each different type of deterrent has its place in keeping a home "bird free". By examining these three types of deterrents, one will have a better understanding of how to get rid of birds on a home and hopefully avoid any potential problems.

First off, physical bird deterrents are always the best way to get rid of pest birds. By completely blocking off they're nesting or perching areas, it forces them elsewhere. The most common types of physical bird deterrents are bird spikes and bird netting. Of course, there are other types of physical deterrent, however the majority of the time either netting or bird spikes will do the trick. To understand this, one must have an idea of where the most common nesting and perching areas are on a home. Beginning with the top of the house, birds will often times perch on the roof peak of the structure and the chimney. These areas are used more as a lookout post rather then a nesting area. When encountering this, it is best to install bird spikes along the edges of the roof along with the chimney area. Another option for this situation would be the application of Bird Gel. Bird Gel is applied with a caulking gun and creates a sticky surface that pest birds can't stand.

Nesting situations can be a little more difficult to contain. Once a pest bird has constructed a nest, a physical deterrent is a must. Birds are opportunistic nesters and will find just about any nook or crevice to make their own. For example, dormers are common on most houses and are one of the easiest and safest places for birds to nest. Nesting usually occurs, but is not limited, to the spring and summer months. The pest birds begin by gathering nesting material and packing it in their desired location, in this case, a dormer. If a homeowner can catch the problem at this point it will make deterring them a lot easier. Once identified, this problem can be solved by installing netting over the area where the birds are entering. Netting made of polypropylene or polyethylene are readily available and generally inexpensive. Netting is really the only way to eliminate nesting birds and can be used anywhere on a house. If installed correctly, it is virtually invisible and highly effective.

Last there are the visual and sound bird deterrents. Visual bird deterrents offer a simple yet effective solution to getting rid of birds on a house. The most common types of these include, but are not limited to hawk decoys, mylar flash tape, and flashy balloons. Birds have many natural predators, one of them being the red tail hawk which is found throughout the United States. By placing one of these hawk decoys on top of a house it causes pest birds to avoid the area all together in fear of being the hawk's next meal. The mylar flash tape is very effective when cut into one to three foot strips and placed in trees where large concentrations of birds congregate. This tape puts off a lot of flash and glitter that distorts the vision of the birds causing them to vacate the area. The balloons works in a similar fashion as the flash tape in that it has large metallic "eyes" on all sides that creates extreme discomfort among a pest bird population. These can also be place in trees, on porches, basically anywhere that can support the weight of a beach ball. As far as sound deterrents go, they are proving to be more and more effective as technology expands. These sound units emit a distress call that gives the birds the illusion that one of their own is being attacked by a predatory bird or mammal. Instinctually the pest birds flee the area. Sound units are safe, humane, and will not affect household animals.

After discussing the potential damage pest birds can cause along with solutions, it is easy to see why household bird control is growing in popularity. When it comes down to it, no person wants any animal defacing their home, especially when it comes with the risk of disease. By getting rid of pest birds, one can ensure the aesthetics and equity of their home and more importantly the safety of those living there.

Pest birds pose all kinds of problems for commercial  property owners.  They create a distraction for employees. They make noise that can turn off customers and annoy workers. And they can contaminate your property with disease-carrying droppings.

The bird invasion begins innocuously enough. One bird will act as a scout and check out the area for predators and other dangers, another may be in charge of finding food, and perhaps a third will evaluate the area for nesting possibilities. These early scouts often relay the good news to their flock, and pretty soon you've got a small-scale invasion of flying pests. To get rid of birds, you've  got to swing into action early with effective bird control measures.

As a commercial property owner,  you have to be pro-active in your mission to get rid of birds. If your establishment has anything to do with food processing or packaging, you can't bury your head in the sand and pretend the birds don't exist. Ignore them and you'll have to deal with health inspectors. Let birds go unchallenged and they will damage your sliding windows and doors, seize up skylights and turbine roof vents, and damage those expensive AC units you paid so dearly for. Bird nests can also create a fire hazard as most of them are built from excellent dry fire kindling.

There are a number of ways to get rid of birds. One of the best ways is to discourage them from landing. And the best way to do that is to use Bird Spikes.

These are typically about 2 feet in length and they deny pest birds a place to land. Ideal for larger varieties of birds, like seagulls, pigeons and vultures, the spikes effectively discourage them and they simply move on.

Since the birds are not injured by the spikes, they are essentially harmless. In fact, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommends bird control spikes for deterring pigeons. The spikes are easily mounted on ledges, walls, signage, closed circuit TV cameras, light fixtures, and even rain gutters.

In the last instance, bird debris can clog gutters to the point that rainwater backs up and overflows onto the roof. This has caused some very big problems for property owners--including leaks and, in some cases, a collapsed roof. Think of the expense in repairs and rain damaged property. Better to invest in some bird spikes to get rid of birds and save yourself a ton of grief.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Not long ago, feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square became an offense with violators being fined. In one city, pest birds had learned to associate a school's lunch bell with feeding time and would aggressively pester children for food. The fact is, "get rid of pigeons" has become the battle cry in many cities, towns and parks throughout the world. Especially as city health officials become increasingly aware of the many diseases carried by pigeon droppings.

The truth is, pigeons can create a number of serious problems. Gathering in flocks on buildings, pigeons can constitute a threat to human health and safety. The mess and droppings left by pigeons can negatively impact the appearance of a business. Often, the sheer weight of bird droppings can lead to structural collapse, particularly ceilings. It can also have a negative impact on a business's workforce. This includes the slip-and-trip hazards bird droppings leave on walkways, steps and entrances. It's no wonder more property owners seek ways to get rid of pigeons.

Clean-up costs can be prohibitively expensive. Removing nesting materials and accumulated droppings can be difficult, sometimes requiring specialists in "moon suits" to protect them from disease-carrying droppings that are aerated during removal by sand blasters. 

Through bird egg removal, birth-control pills and food deprivation, problem pigeons can be driven out of most areas in three to five years. While these methods may be humane, they are too time-consuming to appeal to most property owners and municipalities.  Fortunately, there are far more efficient and expedient ways to get rid of pigeons.
Bird Spikes…they Only Look Painful

Time and again, Bird Spikes have helped get rid of pigeons in buildings and structures around the world. The spikes work because pigeons can't negotiate a landing around them. It's just simple physics. The spiked strips come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate, or longer-lasting, slightly more expensive stainless steel. And lo and behold, bird spikes now come in a variety of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. The spikes are easily glued or screwed to any surface. You can also get a Girder Spike for keeping pigeons off girders or I-beams (they come with adjustable “C-clamps” to fit any size girder). There's also a Gutter Spike, which prevents pigeons from cluttering up rain gutters. The best bird spikes are blunted, GSA approved, and safe for birds and maintenance crews.

Bird Slopes Blend in to the Architecture

Bird Slopes are angled, slippery PVC panels that pigeons can't seem to get a solid footing on. Ideal for all those 90-degree nooks and crannies, the panels come in a variety of colors to blend in with a building's aesthetics. Better panels are made of U.V.-stabilized polycarbonate panels, since these can last longer in tough outdoor weather.

Bird Wire Systems Keep Pigeons off Balance

Pigeons hate to land on these unstable wires. They'll boogie and dance to no avail as they slip on and off trying to land. After a few seconds, they just leave. Pigeons, like most birds, prefer a solid footing. Bird wire systems with their post-and-spring-wire set-ups get rid of pigeons by denying them stability. Ideal for railings, rooftops and similar extensions where pigeons prefer to land, the systems are easily installed and frequently employed by Federal and State government buildings. The best bird wire systems feature nylon coated stainless steel wire for lasting durability.

Pigeon Netting Excludes Pigeons

Easily cut and shaped to fit in most any tight area, Bird Netting keeps pigeons out of the corners and recesses where they often roost and nest. High quality netting is made from ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric. The best netting is U.V.-stabilized, flame-resistant and rot- and water-proof. Bird netting comes in several different colors--like white, stone and black, making it an aesthetic way to get rid of pigeons.

Pigeon Scare Devices…Hang 'em High

Pigeons get nervous around things they view as a threat. And when they get nervous, they leave. This is where bird scare devices come in. They're economical, effective and humane. They're also easy to install. They include Flash Tape, which crackles in the wind, Banners that flap in the breeze, and Balloons covered with huge predator eyes that bob and weave in the air. They work best if you swap them out occasionally. After all, pigeons are among the smartest birds in the world.

Sonic Repellers Give Pigeons an Earful

Would you pitch a tent near the sound of a rattlesnake?  Or within the sound of howling wolves?  Well, pigeons aren't dummies either, which is why they won't nest or roost near the sound of peregrine falcons (a pigeon's dreaded enemy) defending their territory. The point is, threatening sounds can deter pigeons and keep them from coming back. Pest pigeons become very nervous and frightened when they hear the sounds broadcast by Sonic Repellers. Especially, if the sounds are repeated regularly.  Keep in mind these sounds are not annoying to humans, which makes them an ideal way to get rid of pigeons.

Bird Gels Give Pigeons that Fly on Flypaper Feeling

No bird likes walking on a sticky surface. It makes them feel trapped and really uncomfortable. Bird Gels are easy to apply using a standard caulking gun. The chemical skins over, but takes up to six months to dry, staying tacky all the while.

Hawk Decoys Look Real Enough to Pigeons

Use these bad boys in tandem with some of the other deterrents previously mentioned and you're sure to get rid of pigeons. These realistic looking predators will make pigeons think twice before landing. Easy to mount and display, these hawks are made of heavy duty plastic and are weather- and water-resistant. They can be hung from rafters or overhangs, or positioned strategically on building rooftops and other flat surfaces. For added stability, you can open the bottom tab of the hawk and fill it with sand.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Spring is almost upon us. And so are the pest birds. They're waiting in the wings to get at your property. They'll be on the lookout for shelter from the elements, easy access to food, and protection from predators. In the next few months, your property will look pretty appealing to these annoying pests—unless you act now to get rid of birds before they settle in and become a real problem.

As you may have painfully learned from last year's pest bird invasion, birds can cost you dearly. Not just in cleanups, but in property damage and repairs. Bird droppings as you know, can jam up rooftop ventilators, blot out solar panels and seize up air conditioners.

They can ruin the paint on your house, your car and your boat. There's no denying it, bird droppings have done more than simply deface barbeques, garden umbrellas and padded exterior chairs and lounges.

Bird droppings also carry diseases—any of 60 at last count. These can ruin your good health and make you ill just when guests arrive for the sunny days ahead.  So what to do? Get rid of birds, that's what. And the best way to do that is with some humane and effective bird deterrents. Here's just a few:

Bird Slopes--Birds slip and slide off these slippery angled panels like tomato seeds off a spoon. They fit right into all those 90-dgree nooks and crannies birds love to tuck their little nests in. The panels are easy to install on almost any surface and will deter a wide variety of pest birds. You'll want to order the best panels, and the one's to get are fabricated from U.V.-protected PVC, which makes them sun- and weather-resistant. Some manufacturers even make them in different colors--stone and grey--to blend in better with their surroundings. Getting rid of birds has never been easier.

Bird Gels--Birds land one foot on this sticky stuff and they feel like a fly on flypaper. Not to worry, they can leave anytime they want--and they do. These gels work in temperatures from 15F to 200F and usually remain tacky for up to six months outdoors. Designed to deter pest birds from virtually any horizontal surface, you apply bird gels in a zigzag pattern using a caulking gun. The gels are non-toxic and safe for humans and animals. You can use these gels to deter crows, gulls, pigeons, sparrows, starlings and many other species of birds.

Bird Spikes--These bad boys get the job done.  No bird in God's creation has ever landed on a Bird Spike. They're widely used on rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams, window ledges, signs traffic lights, wherever you need to get rid of birds. The blunted spikes are harmless, and they come in long-lasting stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. They install easily on any flat surface or ledge. Some spikes come in two-foot long strips for easier installation. One company even offers plastic bird spikes in different colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

by Alex A. Kecskes

The ancients believed that birds represented the souls of the dead, and that a bird attacking a window or trying to enter a house was thought to be the soul of a dead person coming to lead the deceased's body into the afterlife.

While a few still believe birds to be souls on the wing, most consider them to be either friends or foe, sans the mysticism. As friends they cheer us up with song. As foe, we simply want to get rid of birds, since they so often cost us time and aggravation. Their droppings can destroy rooftop ventilators, solar panels and air conditioners. They can ruin the paint on our homes and cars, cause us to slip and fall on their slick poop. And even make us seriously ill.  In the past, birds were simply killed--shot, trapped or poisoned. But today, fortune favors the kind. And we now have a variety of humane and highly effective ways to get rid of birds.
Bird Ridding Devices That Work

Bird Slopes--What a great idea. Combine bird deterrence with aesthetics and presto, no more birds. These slippery angled panels fit easily into all those 90-degree nooks and crannies birds love to nest in. Birds try to land on these panels but they just slide right off, never to gain a solid footing. The panels are easy to install on almost any surface and will successfully deter a wide variety of pest birds. The best bird slope panels are fabricated of U.V.-protected PVC to make them sun and weather resistant. And some manufacturers even make them in different colors--stone and grey--to match your building's aesthetics. Which makes panels a beautiful way to get rid of birds.

Bird Gels--If pest birds are landing on your conduit, pipes, ledges, and parapet walls, you need Transparent Bird Gel to get rid of birds. Designed to deter pest birds from virtually any horizontal surface, birds land one foot on this sticky stuff and they'll make tracks to get off. These gels work in temperatures from 15F to 200F and usually remain tacky for up to six months outdoors. Applied in a zigzag pattern using a caulking gun, these non-toxic gels are safe for humans and animals. Gels are ideal for deterring crows, gulls, pigeons, sparrows, starlings and many other species of birds.

Bird Spikes--These devices took off like iPhones for teens. Rows of spindly spikes that keep birds from landing wherever you don't want them to land, nest and roost. What's not to like? Now they're as ubiquitous as pigeons in Rome--on rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams, window ledges, signs traffic lights, the list goes on and on. The blunted spikes are a harmless way to get rid of birds. They come in long-lasting stainless steel or rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. Installation is a snap on any flat surface or ledge. Some spikes come in two-foot long strips for easier installation. One company even offers plastic bird spikes in a spectrum of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear.

Mega Spikes--To deter really large birds like gulls, cormorants, vultures and raptors, there's the Mega Spike. Its 7-inch tentacles, fabricated of marine-grade stainless steel, will convince any bird to move on. The best spikes are crush-proof with a non-reflective metal finish. Another nifty feature is a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that allows spikes to be bent around curved surfaces.

Gutter Spikes--Perfect for keeping seagulls, crows, and pigeons from nesting and clogging up rain gutters, the best Gutter Spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base that make it easy to install the spikes to the lip of a gutter.

Bird Spider--If your boat covers, awnings, or patio covers are being rained on by bird droppings, it's time you looked into a Bird Spider. Ideal for deterring pigeons, crows, gulls, cormorants or raptors, these devices will get rid of the birds that make your life so miserable. The spider's spindly arms wave constantly in the breeze to make birds feel uncomfortable. Bird spiders come in several arm lengths to scare away a wide range of pest birds.

Air Treatment Systems--Ideal for open spaces that have been invaded by pest birds, air treatment systems release a non-toxic mist, fog or scent that irritates a bird's trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes. This is one effective way to get rid of birds in airports, golf courses or parks. One commercially available system features a control unit to which you can attach up to 64 misting “drop” units. Each drop unit can cover an area of about 7,000 square feet. Better still, each unit can be set to go off simultaneously or at alternating times for more flexibility. For enclosed or semi enclosed areas (like a "big box" retail store), you may only need an "always-on” air treatment system that maintains a constant low level of “pleasant to human” scents--but is really annoying to birds.

Bird Netting--Another way to get rid of birds is to simply exclude them. And that's what Bird Netting does so well. Perfect for deterring a wide variety of pest birds from groves, vineyards, enclosed courtyards, patios and similar open or semi-open areas. Bird netting comes in various mesh sizes to exclude pigeons, sparrows, starlings and seagulls. For lasting durability, choose bird netting that has been U.V. stabilized, and is rot and waterproof. Non-conductive netting should be used where electrical conductivity or radio frequency interference might cause a problem. Netting is even available in different colors--including white, stone or black to blend in with its surroundings. The best bird proof netting meets ISO 1806 protocols.