Thinking Through Bird Exclusion Work

With the current increase in demand for non-lethal bird management programs, various bird exclusion products offer attractive business opportunities to pest management control professionals. And when done correctly, bird exclusion work can be very profitable. However, when a bird exclusion job is done haphazardly, the results can be worse than had nothing been done at all. Additionally, poorly implemented jobs often necessitate the expensive removal of the bird exclusion devices at a later time.

This month, we address a few of the critical key concepts for conducting bird exclusion programs. These are compiled from experienced professionals, my own observations and from manufacturers and distributors who sell, teach and have supervised many different types of bird exclusion programs, specifically Bruce Donoho of Bird-B-Gone Inc. and Cameron Riddell of Bird Barrier. I’ve interacted with these two specialists regularly throughout the past several years and have learned much from their seminars on bird work.

ANALYZE EACH SITUATION. No two jobs are alike even though they may involve the same bird pest. Many variables can affect a specific product, the amount of time to install the product and the outcome. Often, the largest variable is the variations in building construction and architecture. Allocate time on the front end of the job to analyze the building and the possible restrictions and complications to the exclusion program you are considering. Match the right devices to the bird. Spikes, for example, are more effective against pigeons than sparrows. Netting and repellent gels are more appropriate for heavy sparrow pressure.

Match program to bird pressure. Low bird pressure involving a few birds might require only a minimal amount of materials and labor. Heavy bird pressure or strong roost loyalty often involves various combinations of netting, gels, spikes, wires or other materials, as well as complete coverage of all potential loafing and roosting surfaces. Underestimating bird pressure is one of the most common mistakes made in bird exclusion work.

Deny all footholds. Perhaps the golden "on-the-job rule" to keep in mind when performing bird exclusion work is to "deny all footholds" via thorough coverage of all surfaces. You cannot give the birds an inch. Pigeons and sparrows are able to gain footholds using small spaces on buildings. For example, the projected area of spikes should extend beyond the target surface by one-half inch. Ledge denial devices must also cover the entire length of target ledges.

Intertwine spikes. When using spike products to eliminate high pigeon pressure on ledges, Donoho recommends intertwining the spikes by installing one set of the spikes along the horizontal surface of the ledges and other spikes along the back wall area perpendicular to the horizontal spikes. This creates an impossible spike barrier.

AVOID GAPS IN NETTING. Netting programs must be complete and not create any gaps. When using netting against sparrows, all gaps must be eliminated down to three-fourths of an inch. Sparrows are amazingly adept at locating and squeezing behind openings which appear insignificant to us standing on the ground looking up. If gaps larger than three-fourths of an inch are available between any perimeter edge area of the netting and the support cables, sparrows are quick to take advantage of this space. To ensure such gaps do not occur, always check and recheck the guidelines for the proper spacing of support attachments for the particular net you are using.

PRICING CORRECTLY. Pest professionals new to bird exclusion work often make the common mistake of underbidding the job by underestimating both the man hours required and the tenacity of birds. Because there are several variables, accurate pricing can sometimes be one of the most difficult aspects of bird management work. For many jobs, experienced professionals calculate the time they think it will take and then add up to 50 percent to cover for inevitable difficulties. If you are inexperienced in quoting bird exclusion jobs, start with small jobs, and call the manufacturer or your local distributor, as well as fellow professionals for advice.

DON'T OVERLOOK CLEANUP. Removing the bird excrement, carcasses and feathers is part of a complete bird exclusion program. Few building owners would accept looking at bird excrement around their new exclusion devices. Additionally, experienced professionals have remarked that buildings with bird excrement ("white wash") from previous infestations seem more vulnerable to new bird infestations. Perhaps this excrement transmits to new bird flocks the visual message of a good roost site.

Dr. William B. Jackson, a noted bird (and rodent) expert from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, commented to me that while it’s possible for the white wash to serve as a visual cue to flocks seeking favorable roosting sites, formal scientific data to support this hypothesis is lacking.

Above All Else: Safety First. Most exclusion work requires climbing ladders and working in tight, narrow spaces. Don’t think about performing exclusion work if you are not thoroughly trained in all aspects of ladder work and all other appropriate safety programs for working with heights.

CONCLUSION. More than other pest management operations, bird exclusion work demands thoughtful and thorough workmanship. The word underestimation can serve as a "one-word guide" for bird exclusion work. Don’t underestimate the labor, the scope, the birds, the price or the safety efforts required.

When many experienced professionals reflect back on their first bird job, they all seem to agree they found themselves lamenting, "There was more to this than I thought." A good lesson to keep in mind when heading out for your first — or next — bird exclusion job.