Bird Control Methods: Top Bird Deterrents

Finding the right bird control methods is a key part of property management. Whether you are managing a large residential property, such as a block of flats, to a commercial property, such as a transport hub or warehouse, you need to find ways to stop birds from landing and nesting in the area.

Under the The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, wild birds are protected and it is illegal to deliberately harm birds, kill them or damage their nests.

Still, birds can be a nightmare for many businesses, especially those in the transport, property management, industrial, agricultural, hospitality and food services industries. Birds can cause serious damage to your property and act as a health hazard, as bird droppings can transmit many diseases to humans and other animals, including wildlife, pets and livestock. For airports, train stations, bus depots and other transport hubs, as well as construction sites, birds can disrupt operations and cause major delays that can be expensive.

At Countrywide Pest Control, our team of bird proofing experts use a range of solutions, including visual deterrents and physical barriers, combined with our extensive understanding of bird behaviour, to deter birds. Keep reading to find out about the best bird repellent solutions on the market currently and how we use them to protect properties across Newbury, Berkshire and beyond.

Common Nuisance Bird Species Found In The UK

There are over 640 different bird species in the UK, but most of them don’t come near to heavily inhabited areas and avoid humans.

The two species that are commonly considered as pest birds are pigeons and seagulls. Pigeons are found in both urban areas and rural regions, and can be destructive and incredibly brave around humans.

Gulls are large birds that are often found near the coast. They can be destructive and are known to even steal food from humans in some cases.

Other birds that can be a nuisance include sparrows, starlings, crows and others. Whatever species you’re dealing with at your site, you need bird control methods that will humanely and effectively deter birds.

Common Bird Deterrents

There are many different bird deterrents on the market, but some are more effective than others. Here are some of the bird deterrents that Countrywide and other pest control providers use to scare birds and keep them away.

Bird Netting

Physical barriers are often considered an effective bird control method for sites of all sizes, and are often the first port of call for anyone looking to get rid of a bird problem on their site. Bird netting is one of the most popular choices for effective bird-proofing, mainly thanks to its ability to cover large areas without the use of chemical repellents. Strong, well-fitted bird netting from Countywide, requires minimal maintenance to maintain effectiveness over a number of years, making this a cost-effective bird control solution.

Bird Spikes

Another effective physical deterrent is bird spikes. Commonly used on ledges, shop signs and window sills, these are an effective way to keep birds and other wildlife, such as squirrels, from perching on your building. Available in plastic or metal, the gaps between the spikes come in various sizes to deter different bird species and offer a harmless way to discourage birds.

Post And Wire

Post and wire systems are a more traditional type of bird-proofing that are still highly effective at preventing birds from perching on ledges, windowsills, roofs, and more. This is one of the most inconspicuous and discreet methods of bird-proofing, which is why it’s commonly used on domestic properties or older buildings, so it can’t detract from the traditional features. This bird control method work by acting as a physical barrier. Birds are unable to find stability when attempting to land on the affected areas, and so they move on to find somewhere more comfortable to perch.

Bird Free Gel

An innovative, non-toxic solution, bird gel acts as a physical deterrent and doesn’t require frequent relocation or maintenance. Also known as fire gel, bird-free optical gel is made from small disks, which are installed using a high-strength adhesive on ledges, rooflines, and gutters. To the birds, this gel creates potent visual effects that send them flying. They will appear to be on fire to the bird’s eyes, and the scent of peppermint also helps to keep them away. This doesn’t harm the birds, but this relatively new method of bird control is often highly effective.

Avishock

Avishock Electric Track is another innovative bird control method that is particularly effective in high-risk areas with a lot of bird activity. A metal track is fitted along your problem area before being connected to an energiser unit which sends a low current around the full circuit. When birds land on the Avishock track, they receive a small shock. While it won’t harm the bird, the shock will be enough to make them leave the area, and they will remember that the ledge is unsafe. While it is an expensive solution, Avishock can be highly effective and makes an ideal long term solution for many bird problems.

BirdAlert

BirdAlert is an innovative solution that uses cutting-edge technology, combined with physical deterrents, to discourage birds. It uses an advanced microphone system which is active 24/7 to detect bird calls on your land. When a problem bird is identified, the system will activate one of five available input options to scare away the pest, including an inflatable scare man and distress calls of similar species, which are played over speakers to deter birds. This solution is ideal for flat roofs and large spaces that aren’t monitored all the time.

Falconry

Falconry has the lowest environmental impact of any of these bird control methods available. By flying natural predators, such as falcons, hawks and other birds of prey over a large area, pest controllers can deter birds and make them move away. Birds are territorial, which is why this is a highly effective solution, as the pigeons and other prey birds will believe that the falcons are now hunting there and will avoid the area. While some people also predator decoys, these are ineffective, and using the real threat of a bird of prey can get rid of nuisance birds and lead them to relocate.

How Countrywide Combines Bird Control Methods

The best approach to deterring birds is to combine a range of different solutions. Countrywide has extensive experience working with a wide range of sites throughout Newbury, Berkshire, Hampshire, Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Surrey and beyond.

Our bird control experts know that every site is different, and that there’s no single approach to deter pest birds. By combining visual bird deterrents with cutting-edge bird repellent technology to discourage birds from landing on your property.

Most of our bird control methods are used as part of our commercial pest control work, but we also prevent birds from landing on domestic properties, especially those with solar panels.

If you want to find the best bird deterrent for your site, then contact us on 0800 078 7255 or by emailing office@countrywide-pestcontrol.co.uk to book your site survey.