What is a birding solution?

Birds can cause havoc for a business, but what can be done about them? The following blog looks at the solutions Rentokil can offer for a birding problem.

People are often surprised when we tell them that certain species of birds are considered pests. Not all birds, of course, but certainly there are some – such as pigeons, gulls, sparrows and starlings – which are defined as pests because of the problems they cause.

These birds are able to thrive in urban areas. They’ve adapted to the nesting and roosting sites in the ledges, sills, roofs and gutters of buildings and the ready sources of food provided by human food supply activities in the vicinity. They can exploit gaps in the roof, walls, and open or broken doors and windows for entry and take shelter in spaces such as under roofs.

Birds and hygiene

Most of the problems that pest birds cause are related to hygiene. The droppings from pigeons, gulls, starlings, and sparrows are the primary way that birds spread disease. Bird droppings basically act like a giant sponge for pathogens and while this doesn’t prove harmful in small doses, the build-up of bird faeces over time can result in an increased risk of exposure.

In addition, feathers – particularly feathers from birds living in urban environments – can play host to a range of parasites, bacteria and viruses.

Bird infestations in South Africa

Across the country, the most common pest birds are rock pigeons, sparrows, starlings, seagulls, and feral pigeons. And KZN and JHB the India Myna is also particularly problematic.  (Did you know that seagulls are found as far inland as the mine dumps of Gauteng?)

All of these birds have the potential to cause hygiene and contamination problems for businesses

Birding solutions from Rentokil

The best way to prevent pest birds and limit their potential to spread disease and damage property is to employ the services of a professional company which has experience in bird control.

Implementing birding solutions usually involves working at heights, and should only be offered by companies with the expertise and specialist equipment to work safely at heights. 

So what does a birding solution entail?

A birding solution is any combination of bird control methods employed to keep a premise free from pest birds. Rentokil has a range of birding solutions available – from bird spikes and netting to bird scaring devices and proofing of entry points – all of which can effectively deter and prevent pest birds from infesting your business. 

Some of the elements of the birding solution that may be suggested are:

1. Bird spikes or bird points:

Using bird point (also referred to as “bird spikes”) can offer an immediate and effective solution to rid an area of pest birds.  The solution consists of stainless steel springs and wires, which are tightly fixed between stainless steel pillars.

Points can be fitted to most outside surfaces, preventing problems associated with birds landing on ledges and leaving unsightly, hazardous droppings. It’s discreet, effective and barely visible, in addition to being one of the more cost-effective methods of bird control.  Bird spikes don’t harm pest birds or disrupt your business, but they will not work on smaller birds.

2. Bird netting:

Bird nets are designed to provide 100% exclusion of birds. They aim to eliminate birds from roosting and nesting in popular areas which can provide a “home” for a large number of birds.

Netting provides an Immediate solution, as birds are forced to move on to another location, preventing the damage they were causing to your property.  Nets offer long-term value bird control without harming the birds and can be customised to your property’s specifications.

3. Bird proofing:

Egg and nest removal prevents adult birds from raising their young on-site, reducing flock size and thus encouraging birds to move on. Where a group of birds are involved, trapping birds from the top of the social order will disrupt the flock organisation.  Bird nest removal – in some cases – can be very difficult, making professional services crucial for effective management.

4. Optical bird scaring devices:

Optical bird-scaring devices work by reflecting light beams. Ultraviolet and infrared light is reflected back to the bird, imitating the presence of a predator bird. Birds are disorientated and irritated by reflected light beams, causing them to deviate and fly in another direction.

Optical scaring devices are only suitable for sites with specific weather conditions and work best in direct sunlight. They can be powered by solar energy to offer effective bird control for your property. This discreet method of managing bird problems is completely harmless to pest birds.

Bird prevention specialists

As each premise is unique, our experts will assess each specific case to offer a tailor-made birding solution for the environment, the bird species, and their breeding cycles before recommending an appropriate birding solution which may be made up of some or all of the elements listed above. 

Contact the experts at Rentokil today to find out more about how we can help keep pest birds out of your business.