How to Keep Your Bird Deterrents in Good Shape Season after Season

Your investment in bird deterrent devices and structures is an investment in the health, safety and appearance of your building. It’s important to make sure you also invest a little time in keeping them in good condition.

Many factors, including weather and the persistent efforts of the bird population to defeat your best efforts, can leave your bird deterrent devices in need of some upkeep or repair. And eventually such wear and tear will affect the performance of your devices.  The good news is that with a little bit of diligence and a regular visual inspection, keeping these devices in good working order is not a big job.

Here are some examples of the various deterrents that can be used, and the type of maintenance required to keep them in good working order.

Grid System & Wires

Grid systems and wires are a very effective deterrent system that work by creating an unstable or uncomfortable landing area for birds. It is important to do periodic checks of your grid system to make sure wires and hardware haven’t failed or been damaged by birds trying to get back to their nests. Long stretches of winter weather can leave parts damaged and wires can become brittle.

Damaged/neglected Grid System

Netting

The strongest and most versatile of bird deterrent structures, bird deterrent netting can still become frayed or torn in the course of exposure to the elements and may require repair or patching.

Daddi Long Legs™

Also known as “spider wires”, these devices use stainless steel spindles that bounce and wave above structures and are effective at deterring gulls, pigeons and other larger birds. The wires and plastic sections on this deterrent can become brittle from exposure.  Also, if sandbags are used to secure the base, the sandbag fabric should be inspected for tears or fraying that can allow sand to spill out.

Spikes

Bird spikes are glued to roof and building structures and are effective at preventing birds from roosting, landing or nesting on rooftops or other architectural features. Even the strongest glues and adhesives will deteriorate over time. Re-gluing of spikes on roof ledges is often required every few years. Spikes can also become loosened or detached by window washers.

Detached rooftop spikes

Shock Track

This deterrent is attached to ledges and other surfaces and uses a harmless electric pulse to discourage perching or loafing. The adhesive used for this deterrent is also susceptible to deterioration over time. The solar panel powering this track also must be kept clean and batteries should be inspected and replaced as needed.

Eagle Eyes

Eagle Eyes deterrent systems employ a reflective spinning device that uses sunlight to mimic the flash of an approaching bird of prey. The small solar panel must be kept clean to remain effective and the battery replaced as needed.

Don’t Skip Annual Inspections of Bird Deterrent Systems Before Nesting Season

At a minimum, annual inspections should be done for any deterrent structures you are using. For best results, inspect your structures in the spring. This will let you identify any damage done by winter weather and ensures that your system is in good working order before nesting season begins.

Nesting birds are very determined and won’t waste any time looking for gaps in your defenses.

Get Expert Help with Your Bird Conflicts

At Migratory Bird Management, we can help ensure that your bird deterrent efforts are getting the job done. We have deep experience and a biologist-led team for identifying and managing whatever bird conflicts you are experiencing, including the installation of a wide variety of bird control deterrent and exclusion systems. From nesting geese in public spaces to the voracious appetites of crop-eating birds, we provide business and property owners with the strategies and tools they need to eliminate the health, safety and business risks that unaddressed bird issues can cause.

We have a wide variety of techniques, customized by species, location and season, to ensure that your bird conflicts are managed safely, effectively and humanely.

To learn more about how to keep your bird deterrent system in good working order, or to identify the right bird deterrent system for your bird issues, reach out to one of our team members today.

Contact us to learn more about bird deterrent and exclusion systems