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Proofing Your Building Against Birds

Sometimes nesting or roosting birds can cause problems for the occupants of buildings. Killing or physically removing the birds is not an effective way of dealing with the problem as new birds will move into preferred sites within a very short space of time.

Bird nesting/roosting can cause a number of problems from noise, disease, insect infestations or damage to the stonework due to the droppings.  There are many reasons where the presence of birds on buildings would require to be discouraged.  For a long term solution there are a number of techniques which can be used.  None of the systems are inexpensive, however, as a long term solution they will help you avoid more expensive repairs or cleaning.  

Problem bird areas are divided into three categories:-

  1. High pressure areas (H) - these are areas where birds habitually nest
  2. Medium pressure areas (M) - these are areas where birds habitually roost
  3. Low pressure areas (L)- these are areas there birds habitually perch.
1. Netting (H,M,L)

Bird netting Complete
Netting is the only solution where birds are nesting and may be the preferred solution where this would be the least intrusive and easiest to install system.  The netting is clipped to a stainless steel or galvanised straining wire which is attached to the building.  The net is of a black matt stable polymer which is knotted rather than heat sealed meaning that it will stay in good condition for many years.  The building may require to be drilled into to fix the
Netting Access
straining wire, however, this would only be the case if there was no alternative and only after consultation with the building owner or any other interested parties.

Netting requires very little maintenance once installed, however, it is recommended that a maintenance contract should be taken where the net can be cleaned, checked and any defects remedied if and when they occur.

2. Bird Spikes (M,L)

Bird Spikes
Spikes are useful but only for birds roosting on ledges.  If they are nesting they will not provide any protection.  These areas are known as medium pressure areas.  The spikes themselves are not designed to cause any harm to the birds but are only to stop them landing and roosting.  They are fixed to the building using a dedicated adhesive which will not cause damage to the building.

Spikes may be of thin metal wires or of plastic.

3.  Optical Gel (M,L)

Optical gel
This a relatively new method and utilises the optical properties of a gel preparation to reflect certain wavelengths of light which the birds associate with fire.  It has been used very successfully to deter roosting birds from train stations, underground car parks and similar areas where the gel can be applied.  It is supplied in pre measured doses in small low profile containers which are stuck to the affected surfaces.  Because of the low profile of the trays is is a very non-invasive way of discouraging birds from perching or roosting.