Birds can carry over 60 diseases that can be spread to humans through their fe­cal matter. One of particular concern is the respiratory disease histoplasmosis. It results from a fungus grown in dried bird droppings that is spread after an accumu­lation begins to dry out and becomes an airborne dust. When inhaled unknowingly by people, it enters the mucus membrane and can cause lasting tissue damage to the respiratory tract or eyes.

Droppings also harbor bacteria that can cause other debilitating diseases, like salmonella.

With disease-infested fecal matter only one issue, pigeons and geese roaming around bring up other problems; danger and liability factors can cost money and lives. In Minneapolis, the well-publicized collapse of the bridge on I-35W is fresh on everyone’s minds. Maybe that tragedy could have been prevented if the city took proper precautions when dealing with the excess pigeon droppings that helped erode the basal support structures.

And the damage doesn’t stop there. When the droppings do get into the venti­lation, whoever is in the building is then exposed to fecal matter. Once it dries the droppings become an airborne dust, cir­culating throughout the premises. Every­one in the building has now been exposed to over sixty diseases; just by inhaling what they assumed was clean and safe air.

One of these diseases, histoplasmosis, is especially harmful to those with weakened immune systems, like small children, the elderly, and those with HIV.

A common misconception in bird con­trol practices is that killing or poisoning the birds solves the problem. This is not the case. Getting rid of the current crop does not make your space less desirable to other birds. Eventually, more will come, and you will quickly find out that you have a reoccurring problem. The fi­nancial stress of too many birds flying overhead and roosting on your site can get overwhelming. But there are many effec­tive ways to prevent them from doing any serious damage to your project.

Sound devices:

Sound devices can be used in multiple places including loading docks, railroad sidings, underpasses, barns, airfields, rooftops, open lots and parks, construc­tion zones and landfills. Some devices cover up to six acres. There are two types: sonic and ultrasonic.

Good sonic devices are programmable and give off bird distress calls, creating the illusion of a predator being near. Sim­ilar to a warning, it urges birds to stay away because there is danger near. Some devices have up to eight recorded distress calls and can be timed to turn on and off at certain times. Calls differ in frequency, duration and intervals. Periods of silence can also be programmed.

Ultrasonic sound devices give off sounds beyond the human threshold of hearing capabilities. The sound is harsh but harmless, annoying the birds, along with other pests, to the point that they do not want to be in the area. Adjustable frequen­cies, warble rate and speaker sequencing will keep the birds guessing so they will not become acclimated to the noise. 

Roost inhibitors:

Netting seals off all structural openings and other havens. It is lightweight and pli­able with very little upkeep and it will not deteriorate with age or lose strength when exposed to the elements. It can be used nearly anywhere and is effective in keep­ing away pigeons, starlings, blackbirds, sparrows, gulls, larger birds and some smaller animals.

Spikes make surfaces uneven so birds cannot set up shop.

Birds avoid spikes the way humans avoid walking barefoot on glass or a bed of nails. Though they are not lethal, they are ex­tremely uncomfortable. They work very well on ledges, gutters, pipes, beams, trusses, sup­port structures, and sills. Spikes are available in stainless steel and polycarbonate.

Gels and spikes are quite similar in that they can be used in the same places and have the same effect, only the gel is basi­cally undetectable by humans. It is non­toxic and harmless to metal structures, sealed masonry and ornamental metals. Birds avoid it like humans avoid wet tar.

Visual Scares:

Visual scares run the gamut –from plas­tic coyotes, owls and alligators to mylar balloons with holographic eyes to strobe lighting. If used correctly, in conjunction with other devices, they are very effective in keeping birds and other pests and crit­ters at bay.

Taste and smell aversions:

Chemical repellants can be sprayed on anything animals like deer, squirrels and other pests like to munch on. They do not like the taste so they will stay away from the area.

One chemical in particular is especially unappealing to birds. Methyl Anthranilate is made from a constituent of Concord grapes and has been used for decades by the food and drug industry to flavor candy, gum, sodas and drugs. Birds hate the taste and smell of this and will surely stay away from any area with this scent. Most of these chemicals are water resis­tant and all of them are harmless to the environment and the animals.

Correct bird control can save your com­pany thousands, maybe even millions, of dollars in clean-up costs, labor and law­suits. Using any of these methods on their own will definitely send the birds a mes­sage, but using them in conjunction with other effective products is bound to make your site bird free for good. Addressing multiple senses is the best approach to making the birds less inclined to call your property home. ❑

Sharon Steed is a media correspondent with Bird-X, Inc., the leader in green and humane bird control since 1964. For more information, talk to one of their Xperts at 800-662-5021 or check out their website, www.bird-x.com, for more information.