Many apartment complexes draw sparrow infestations before construction is completed. Some construction methods even permit movement of ectoparasites into these apartments. Shopping centers and drive-in restaurants are vulnerable to sparrow infestations due to ceiling construction with corrugated metal sections or stamped beams, which leave openings throughout enclosed parts of a roof. Air-conditioning equipment, electrical boxes, open light fixtures, and wall or ceiling signs also provide nesting areas for pest birds. Decorative concrete block is often used as a "fence" to hide air-conditioning systems. These blocks create ideal pest bird nesting habitats. Getting rid of pest birds is an important part of overall building maintenance.
Fluorescent fixtures and I-beams in open-walled structures create prefabricated ledges for bird nests. This is a condition found in many open-walled drive-in restaurants--where there's always an abundance of food scraps to feast on. Many birds, in fact, will dive onto tables to pick up food and leave disease-carrying droppings behind.
Thankfully, there are a number of effective and humane bird control products to keep pest birds off private and public property. Most are maintenance free and easy to install.
Take Bird Spikes, for example. Fabricated out of strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel, they prevent large pest birds like pigeons from landing. One manufacturer offers them in a rainbow of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear--to blend in with a structure's aesthetics.
To get rid of pest birds on awnings and patio covers, there's the Bird Spider. Its arms move with the breeze, keeping birds from landing. Spiders are portable and can be easily moved from location to location to address troublesome areas. They come in a variety of diameters and are harmless to birds.
To permanently "lock out" pest birds, there's Bird Netting. Netting comes in a variety of mesh sizes to exclude all manner of flying pests. It works remarkably well in many commercial applications, including signs, warehouses, courtyards, canopies, airplane hangars and rooftops. Bird netting comes in a variety of colors and is frequently prescribed by architects. Look for netting that's U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. It will last longer.
Architects also like Bird Slopes. These angled, slippery PVC panels blend in beautifully with most building designs and come in two colors--stone or grey. Birds attempting to land on them simply slip and slide right off. Bird slopes are ideal for getting rid of birds on eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree areas where pest birds tend to nest and roost.
One bird control measure birds really hate is Bird Gel. You apply it with a caulking gun on most any surface and it leaves a sticky, tacky surface that yanks at their footsies--kind of like a really powerful Post-it Note. Gels are safe for birds (except swallows) and people. One application lasts up to six months.
Another highly persuasive way to get rid of birds is the Electric-Track Systems. These discourage birds from landing by giving them a healthy non-lethal jolt of current. The devices communicate a lasting message to pest birds that the area is off limits. Some electric tracks are low profile and almost invisible, which helps maintain a structure's aesthetic appeal. The best electric tracks feature 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.
For the environmentally conscious, there's the Solar Bird Repeller. Its continuously rotating arms keep large pest birds like gulls, pigeons, and crows, cormorants and vultures from landing. The two adjustable arms, rotating continuously at 30 RPMs, cover up to five feet in diameter. An energy efficient solar panel powers a heavy duty, brushless motor. These devices can even store the sun's energy during the day to keep turning all night. The cool thing about Solar Bird Repellers is that they are totally portable, and can be placed virtually anywhere to deter pest birds.
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