Kit Wall Ledge

Kit Wall Ledge

Got Pest Birds? Here's How to Scare Birds Away

While bird populations in North America have dropped considerably in the past 40 years, birds tend to nest or rest on the nation's coasts where nearly half the U.S. human population lives or works. Most birds serve an important role in the ecosystem, but three species of birds in the U.S. are considered pests. Birds categorized as pests include the pigeon, the house sparrow, and the starling. As pests, they can be legally controlled with no justification other than the property owner's displeasure. Of course, there are many other reasons to scare birds away.

Besides being a nuisance and defacing homes, boats, buildings and monuments, pest birds also pose a serious health hazard. Because of their easy and far-reaching mobility, they can vector an alarming variety of serious diseases. Among these are histoplasmosis (a lung disease that can be fatal if untreated), salmonella, ornithosis (a lower or upper respiratory disease resulting in fever, chills and headache), pseudotuberculosis (causing fever and abdominal pain), and several other diseases, including West Nile Virus via

parasites (like fleas and mites) that live on their bodies or grow in their droppings.

If you want to scare birds away, it helps to know a little about the birds we regard as pests. The first of our fine-feathered friends is the pigeon. Initially introduced from Europe as pets, pigeon populations have expanded almost exponentially and are now considered by many to be pests. These birds congregate in huge numbers and contaminate public areas with their droppings. They deface both stone and metal monuments, and present a serious risk to aircraft.

Next up is the starling. An imported species not native to North America, starlings nest in roof soffits, electrical boxes, and structural crevices of buildings. Young starlings often gather in huge flocks where their droppings deface and damage structures and monuments, park benches, playgrounds and other areas.

Finally, there's the sparrow. These small birds build fancy nests in gutters, electrical boxes, roof soffits, door housings, and other man-made openings. Sparrows often create expensive problems when they clog rain gutters and downspouts. Their elaborate nests in electrical equipment can cause electrical shorts and fires.

So how to scare birds away?

For pigeons and large birds, one proven and highly effective methods is the use of Bird Spike strip. They look menacing, especially to pest birds, but they won't harm them. The spikes simply discourage birds from landing. Some bird spikes are made of rigid unbreakable polycarbonate. Others employ flexible stainless steel. Another option is the Bird Spider. The spider arms flagellate with the breeze to scare birds away. Spiders are available in a wide range of diameters to deter different bird sizes and cover wider and wider areas. They require little or no maintenance and they won’t harm birds.

One of the most economical ways to scare birds away is through the use of Bird Scare products. These flashy, twirling objects and banners use iridescent reflective foil and shiny tape to create an “Optical Distraction Zone” that discourages pest birds from landing. An unusually effective bird scare product is the inflatable balloon with lifelike reflective predator eyes. These scare-eye diverters are easily attached in areas frequented by birds. Some even feature glow-in-the-dark backsides to repel birds at night. Bird scare products can be easily set up in and around patios, vineyards, pool areas, overhangs, gazebos, boats and other troublesome areas.

A more technical approach to scare birds away involves the use of Electric Shock Bird Repellers. Ideal for pigeons, seagulls and larger birds, these repellers use electrified tracks to impart a mild electric shock when birds try to land. The pest birds are not injured; the mild “jolt” just changes their roosting habits so that they move on. The tracks are easily mounted on signs, ledges, rooftops, and flat or curved surfaces. Some manufacturers offer low profile tracks that are virtually invisible from ground level. Other manufacturers offer electric tracks with a flow-through design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops and other surfaces.

Imagine the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard and you'll get an idea of what our next category of bird scare products sounds like--at least to a bird. Known as Audio Bird Deterrents, they produce ultrasonic sounds that annoy birds. Ideal for walled-off or enclosed areas like sheds, parking garages, and overhangs, these audio devices will scare most birds away--birds like pigeons, sparrows, starlings or seagulls.

There's also a category of products that use chemicals to scare birds away. Known variously as Foggers or Misters, these bird deterrents utilize an aerosol delivery system to disperse a food-grade, non-lethal aerosol of methyl anthranilate. Approved by the EPA, this chemical irritates pest birds and deters them as they fly through it. Ideal for large areas, many systems feature multiple remote spray units that can cover areas up to one square mile. These environmentally friendly systems won't harm birds and won't affect electrical equipment.

Finally, there's the family of motorized products that work quite effectively to discourage pest birds from landing. These bird repellers utilize rotating arms to scare birds away. Ideal for parapet walls, roofs, signs, billboards, or any flat surface, some are battery powered, others use a plug-in power source. And some are even solar powered.

About the Author

Alex Kecskes is a freelance writer focusing on humane bird control methods.
Visit http://www.birdbgone.com for additional information on the products listed above.

Duke Nukem 3D 100% Walkthrough: Death Row (E1L3) [All Secrets]

Bissell Smart Details Microfiber High Reach Duster, 76N4A $19.99 Bissell's Microfiber High Reach Duster extends your reach up to 14 feet for those hard-to-reach areas, and it has a washable microfiber pad that attracts dust and dirt without chemicals. The pivoting head locks at multiple angles to clean high ledges and ceiling fans, while the handheld duster separates for regular dusting. Some assembly required....

Small Wall Mounted Corner Shelf with Brackets in Honey Oak Finish $15.85 Dimension: 10"W x 10"H Finish: Honey Oak Material: Wood Small Wall Mounted Corner Shelf with Brackets in Honey Oak Finish With its traditional design, this shelf kit is a perfect compliment to any decor. Its extra thick shelf and flush mounting brackets make it ideal for use in your home or office. Item includes 1 shelf and 2 brackets along with all necessary hardware. Solid wood construction. Gr...

12'' classic HILL white wall ledges set of 2 - $25.00 picture frames / photo frames: Display cherished photos art work and other small collectibles on fine crafted solid wood ledges from Burnes Level-Line®. Use one or more to create a gallery effect in your home. Price includes 2 versatile 12" long ledges. All mounting hardware included. Clean white finish. Level-Line™ is a revolutionary new wall decor technology that mounts your...

Window Unit Support Kit (Heavy Duty) Air Conditioner Bracket $37.42 This window air conditioner support kit makes window unit installation a snap. This particular kit can be used for 5,000 to 24,000 btu units....

12'' classic walnut wall ledges set of 2 - $25.00 picture frames / photo frames: Display cherished photos art work and other small collectibles on fine crafted solid wood ledges from Burnes Level-Line®. Use one or more to create a gallery effect in your home. Price includes 2 versatile 12" long ledges. All mounting hardware included. Deep walnut stained finish. Level-Line™ is a revolutionary new wall decor technology that mou...

Level Line walnut CASTLE HILL 10'' corner ledge - $33.00 picture frames / photo frames: Display cherished photos art work and other small collectibles on fine crafted solid white wood ledges from Level Line. CASTLE HILL in dark walnut is a terrific corner piece for mounting art or treasured objects. All mounting hardware included. White stained hardwood. Level-Line is a revolutionary new wall decor technology that mounts your pictures to the wall in ...

DreamLine Qwall-3 Acrylic Shower Backwall $434.7 DreamLine universal shower wall panels and shower base combo kit features six soap or accessory shelves and two footrest. The shower wall panels install in hours and are easy to maintain and enjoy for years to come.

DreamLine Qwall-3 Acrylic Shower Backwall $437.5 DreamLine universal shower wall panels and shower base combo kit features six soap or accessory shelves and two footrest. The shower wall panels install in hours and are easy to maintain and enjoy for years to come.

DreamLine Qwall-3 Acrylic Shower Backwall $445.9 DreamLine universal shower wall panels and shower base combo kit features six soap or accessory shelves and two footrest. The shower wall panels install in hours and are easy to maintain and enjoy for years to come.

Flow Wall 48-square-foot White Shelf Starter Set $374.99 Shelf starter kit is an ideal way to implement an effective storage systemStylish system comes with hooks, shelves and panels that cover 48 square feetFlow Wall space management system makes a great home improvement project

Richmond Pool Table Collection $2545.99 The Richmond Pool Table Collection is perfect for entertaining your family and friends. This collection encourages entertaining and includes a pool table, display wall shelf, two backless swivel stools, corner cue rack, and an Elite accessory kit.

Richmond Pool Table and Complete Game Room Collection $3736.99 The Richmond Pool Table Collection is perfect for entertaining your family and friends. This collection encourages entertaining and includes a pool table, display wall shelf, two backless swivel stools, corner cue rack, and an Elite accessory kit.

The Ledge $15.32 The Ledge

Mushroom Ledge lg $27.99 Size: 6''x12'' (Large) Features Naturalistic Mushrooms and ledge for terrariums. Create an elevated perch for reptiles and amphibians! Includes silicon adhesive for attaching to a terrarium wall.

Cbk 10109 Wall Shelf With Scrolls And Ledge $83.36 Wall shelf with scrolls and ledge 4 pegs. Origin: China. Primary Material: Pu Foam. Color/Finish: Brown. Classic design.

Mushroom Ledge sm $15.39 This item qualifies for our 50% off Inventory Sale. Discount will be automatically applied at checkout. Size: 4.5''x7'' (Small) Features Naturalistic Mushrooms and ledge for terrariums. Create an elevated perch for reptiles and amphibians! Includes silicon adhesive for attaching to a terrarium wall.

The Turquoise Ledge $16.77 The Turquoise Ledge

Cathedral Ledge $24.5 Cathedral Ledge

On Grampus Ledge $17.95 On Grampus Ledge

Out on a Ledge $16.15 Out on a Ledge

Lambs On The Ledge $16.95 Lambs On The Ledge

Cougar Ledge $31.95 Cougar Ledge

Zoo Med Labs 85062150 Zoo Med TA50 Mushroom Ledge Small $21.41 Mushroom Ledge Small approx dimension: 6 x 12 Creates a elevated perch for reptiles and amphibians Includes silicon adhesive for attaching to terrarium wall.. Naturalistic Mushroom Ledge for Terrariums. Create an elevated perch for reptiles and amphibians. includes silicon adhesive for attaching to terrarium wall

Zoo Med Labs 85062151 Zoo Med TA51 Mushroom Ledge Large $29.22 Mushroom Ledge Large approx dimension: 6 x 12 Creates a elevated perch for reptiles and amphibians Includes silicon adhesive for attaching to terrarium wall.. Naturalistic Mushroom Ledge for Terrariums. Create an elevated perch for reptiles and amphibians. includes silicon adhesive for attaching to terrarium wall

Wine Ledge - 9 Bottle Wine Rack by Oenophilia $28.49 Looking for a great way to display your wine collection? This Wine Ledge by Oenophilia is a functional and beautiful decorative accessory for your wine bottles. You won't have to search very long for your favorite bottle of wine on this simply designed metal rack. The metal sturdy construction holds 9 bottles of your favorite wines and mounts to any bare wall for stability. Each of the 9 bottle holders will cradle and display your wine in an elegant and practical way. This wine ledge has a black matte finish that will compliment most decor and will add a distinct look to any wall with its one-of-a-kind design. Features: • Unique wine display • Sturdy metal with matte finish • Holds 9 wine bottles • Mounts to wall for stability • Color: BlackSize: 38"tall x 10 1/2"wide x 4"diameter

Ledge Featherlite -40-degree Sleeping Bag $94.99 Stay warm on your next outdoor outing with a new Featherlite sleeping bag from LedgeCamping equipment features a contour adjustable hood to keep you extra toastySleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as -40 degreesBarrel locks Thermo-shield Drawstring closureThermo-collar Full-length zipper External pocket Anti-snag architecture Versatile webbing eyelets Anti-crawl zipper stops Equal depth foot box Water resistant T8 compression sack Measures 84 inches long x 32 inches wide (tapers to 20 inches wide) GTX Micro Dobby Diamond Ripstop 250T shell Softech II 210T fiber liningHibernate Extreme fillFill weighs 6 pounds Pack weight is 7.5 poundsDual wall offset union architecture

Ledge Featherlite 0-degree Sleeping Bag $45.99 Stay warm on your next outdoor outing with a new Featherlite sleeping bag from LedgeCamping equipment features a contour adjustable hood to keep you extra toastySleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 0 degreesBarrel locks Thermo-shield Drawstring closureThermo-collar Full-length zipper External pocket Anti-snag architecture Versatile webbing eyelets Anti-crawl zipper stops Equal depth foot box Water resistant T8 compression sack Measures 84 inches long x 32 inches wide (tapers to 20 inches wide) GTX Micro Dobby Diamond Ripstop 250T shell Softech II 210T fiber liningHibernate Extreme fillFill weighs 1.9 pounds Pack weight is 3.8 poundsPack size measures 16 inches long x 8 inches in diameter uncompressed (25- to 30-percent gain compressed) Dual wall offset union architecture

Wood Display Ledge - White by Knape & Vogt® $28.49 This decorative Wood Display Ledge by Knape & Vogt adds provides a well crafted setting for photos, books, candles, collectibles and other display-worthy items. The furniture quality crafted edges exhibit an understated elegance that will dress up your walls. The white paintable wood surface blends seamlessly with any decor. This easy to install wall mount shelf comes with all necessary mounting hardware.Features: • Sturdy wood construction • Beautiful white finish • Furniture quality crafted edges • Easy to install wall mount • Mounting screws includedSize: 3"tall x 24"wide x 5"deep

On the Ledge $1.99 This book is in Like New condition

Display Wall Calibrator Kit $391.99 DISPLAY WALL CALIBRATOR KIT INCLUDES SENSOR SOFTWARE

STEEL STUD WALL MOUNTING KIT $55.94 STEEL STUD WALL MOUNTING KIT