19 May 2023 | Apex Environmental Services (UK) Ltd
3 Most Popular Architectural Bird Control Methods
Keeping birds - and the mess they bring with them - away from buildings is a crucial consideration for maintaining the visual appeal, cleanliness, and safety of any structure. Birds aren’t just a city nuisance - they can cause significant damage to buildings, pose significant health risks, and compromise the aesthetics of architectural designs - not to mention deter potential customers from engaging with your business if you’re operating a brick-and-mortar shop.
Luckily, there are a number of effective methods that you can deploy to deter birds from nesting on your property; from anti bird netting to spiking, you don’t have to tolerate the scourge of guano and the associated health risks forever! In the following article, we’re going to take a look at why bird control is so important, highlight the health risks associated with a prolonged bird presence, and delve into the pros and cons of three popular architectural bird control methods: anti-bird netting, a post and wire system, and cruelty-free spikes. Let’s get started!
Why is bird control important?
Bird control is crucial for several reasons, encompassing both health risks and visual concerns associated with birds nesting or roosting on architectural structures. Here are just a few of these:
Health risks
Birds can carry various diseases, parasites, and bacteria that pose health risks to humans. Accumulated bird droppings, feathers, and nesting materials can harbour pathogens, leading to respiratory issues and the transmission of diseases such as histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, or cryptococcosis. If you’re the owner of a residential building, keeping your tenants safe should be of utmost priority, and if you’re running a commercial business, the same goes for employees and customers.
Visual appearance
Architectural designs and the visual appeal of buildings can be significantly compromised by the presence of birds: the accumulation of bird droppings can deface facades, windows, and structures, leaving an unsightly impression that can negatively impact the perception of a property - and can even lose you customers! Effective bird control methods - combined with guano cleaning when necessary - can help any property owner maintain the cleanliness of their building, as well as preserving its architectural integrity.
Popular architectural bird control methods
So, how can you combat roosting birds, guano, and all the other problems associated with a heavy bird presence around your building? Here are 3 of the most popular solutions:
Anti-bird netting
Anti-bird netting is a widely used method for bird control, especially for larger areas or structures. It involves the installation of nets made from durable materials, such as polyethylene or nylon, to create physical barriers that prevent birds from accessing certain areas. The pros of anti-bird netting include its effectiveness in excluding birds, its versatility for various architectural elements, and its non-harmful nature towards birds.
However, some considerations include the potential visual impact of the netting, the need for proper installation and maintenance, and the possibility of birds getting entangled if not installed correctly. With the help of professional anti bird netting services, you can work around these concerns and ensure a safe and effective installation.
Post and wire system
A post and wire system is another popular architectural bird control method, which works by using thin stainless-steel wires stretched between posts to deter birds from landing or perching: the wires create an unstable surface that birds find uncomfortable, discouraging them from roosting. A couple of advantages of the post and wire system include its discreet appearance, effectiveness in deterring birds, and minimal visual impact. However, it’s important to consider the need for proper installation and tensioning of wires, regular maintenance to prevent entanglement, and the possibility of birds adapting to the wires over time.
Cruelty-free anti-bird spikes
While you may recoil at the use of the word “spikes”, modern anti-bird spikes are designed to prevent birds from landing or perching on specific architectural surfaces - without causing them any harm. These spikes are made from durable materials, such as stainless steel or polycarbonate, and come with blunted tips to prevent harming any wildlife. Anti bird spikes are typically installed in areas where birds are likely to roost, and are great for balconies, rooftops, and commercial properties.
One great thing about anti-bird spikes is their effectiveness in deterring birds, their discreet appearance when installed correctly, and their long-lasting durability. However, it’s important to ensure proper installation, regular maintenance to avoid damage to building surfaces, and compliance with local council regulations regarding bird management.
