subject: Bird Control - A Sign Of The Times For The Sign Industry [print this page] Perhaps more than most businesses, purveyors of signs offer their customers more choices than ever: Buy or lease, neon, metal, or plastic, composite, flashing, alternating, computer controlled, LED, the list goes on and on. Regrettably what's often not included is bird control--ways to protect signs from the ravages of pest birds. This is something sign customers consider after the sign goes up and the birds move in. And it adds considerably to the overall cost customers pay for sign maintenance, year after year. Covered with bird droppings and nesting debris, their once beautiful sign becomes unsightly, reflecting negatively on the image of their company.
Most signage offers birds an ideal nesting area and an elevated perch free of natural predators. It's no wonder birds will nest in signage nooks and crannies for years, gathering droppings, feathers and nesting debris. This not only creates an unsightly mess, but it can be very destructive. The acid in bird droppings will eat into and destroy plastic, metal and electrical signs and wiring. Worse yet, bird droppings and nesting materials have been known to cause fires in some signs. Effective bird control can prevent these hazards.
Consider too, the hazards bird droppings cause when they are allowed to collect on entryways to a business. Customers can track these droppings inside, droppings that can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and feral pigeons, for example, can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral pigeons carry Ornithosis, similar to viral pneumonia. Bird droppings also can cause sign maintenance crews to slip and fall, creating a costly legal liability.
Having sold and installed their sign, companies will turn to you for guidance on how to keep their sign looking like new. Instead of turning that part of the business to a maintenance company, you can now be the "expert" they will consult to help them with their bird control issues. Here are just a few bird proofing solutions you'll be able to offer to keep birds off a sign.
Bird Spikes
Among the most effective bird control devices available today to help with bird problems, Bird Spikes deny pest birds a place to land, so birds just move on. Ideal for use against pigeons, seagulls and similar large birds, they're easily installed using glue or screws. Bird spikes come in either rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; the plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and cost slightly less than their steel counterparts. You can get bird spikes in a non-reflective metal finish or a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. One manufacturer even sells a no-gap spike that's easy to mount on curved surfaces. Yes, the spikes look intimidating, but they're blunted at the tips, so they won't harm birds or maintenance crews. They have even been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).
Bird Netting
Another way to deny pest birds access is through the use of Bird Netting, which comes in a variety of cuts, mesh sizes and colors to suit various needs. To deter large birds like pigeons or seagulls, for example, there's a 1-1/8-inch to 2-inch mesh size; for sparrows or starlings, you'd be better off with 3/4-inch mesh netting. The best netting meets ISO 1806 protocols, is U.V.-stabilized, and flame resistant. For damp rainy areas, there's rot- and water-proof netting. To match a building's exterior dcor, or to simply be less visually intrusive, you can now get bird netting in several colors--including white, stone and black. Some manufacturers offer resilient, knotted polyethylene bird repellent netting; others offer super strong netting with a 40-pound burst strength.
Electric-Tracks
Making signs really uncomfortable for birds of any species are Electric Tracks. The second they land on these electrified strips, they "make tracks" to leave in a big hurry. Ideal for deterring pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, electric-tracks are easily mounted on any flat or curved sign. The jolt imparted by these tracks won't harm birds, but it will permanently alter their habit to nest or feed on the sign. One currently available low-profile electric track is virtually invisible from the ground. Some tracks feature a flow-through design to prevent water from damming up around them. The best electric tracks are corrosion-resistant and will stand up to alkali and acidic environments.
Sonic Bird Deterrents
An effective bird control system that broadcasts bird predator and distress calls, Sonic Bird Deterrents won't annoy people, but will strike fear in the hearts of pest birds. To keep pigeons away, for example, one sonic system broadcasts the sound of Peregrine falcons (the nemesis of enemy of pigeons) defending their territory. Another system emits hawk screeches to deter starlings and seagulls. Perhaps the most versatile system currently on the market emits distress and predator calls for as many as 22 types of birds. The calls are repeated about once every few minutes.
