Birds become pests through their nesting, roosting and feeding habits. Their droppings are the major concern as they can damage buildings, spoil food and generally create a health risk from the range of potential bird diseases that they carry. But their nesting habits can also introduce parasites so buildings (such as bird mites) and in significant numbers they can create noise pollution. Although bird management is primarily a concern for businesses, birds have become an increasing issue of homeowners due the damage they can cause to solar panels.
The majority of bird management issues are focused on controlling pigeons, starlings, sparrows, seagulls, swallows and Indian mynas. But the techniques and principles for managing bird problems are similar for the various species (although more restrictive for swallows as they are a native bird).
Most bird control techniques focus on excluding the birds from an area, most often through physical exclusion but sometimes through bird repellents. Culling is generally a last resort and often a permit is required.
There are a range of bird proofing products, with the most commonly used being bird netting and bird spikes. There are also electrified strip options.
There is increasing need for bird proofing for solar panels. Roosting and nesting birds damage solar panels – their dropping are very corrosive. Even if there is no lasting damage droppings and dirt on the panels reduce panel output significantly.
Bird repellents are often used in areas where physical exclusion isn’t possible. There are a range of predatory bird models, but repellent / deterrent bird devices are getting more sophisticated as generally birds become accustomed to repellents that are ever present in their environment. That said some of the newer visual repellents are proving very effecting such as the bird repellent gel and laser bird deterrents. There is also increasing research in the use of drones in bird management.
More information on birds.
Native birds can be significant pests, but they are generally protected under law. Managing native bird problems often require special permits and and the actions that can be taken are limited…
How do birds interpret sounds around them and what does this mean for pest control efforts?
Protective bird mesh is an effective product for excluding pest birds – provided it meets a certain minimum standard.
The Indian Myna has been named one of the world’s worst invasive pests – and with good reason.
Introducing the Flock Off bird management system, available in Australia from Pest IT.
The latest research from Europe suggests that developing a fully automated bird-scaring drone system may be achievable in just a few years.
An all-too familiar pest, the seagull poses both a health risk and aviation threat due to the high incidence of birdstrikes.
Bird Free Optical Gel is proving to be a popular choice for pest managers looking to protect buildings from roosting pest birds.
A nuisance to commercial property owners, house sparrow populations thankfully seem to be on the decline. But why?
The growth in residential solar power presents an ideal opportunity for pest managers to get into bird management.
Yes they’re messy but pest birds also present a very serious health risk.
Our Pest Pulse survey asked readers to tell us about their experience with bird management. How many pest managers undertake work in this sector? Find out here.
