How to Control Birds - FAQ

Conventional physical bird proofing methods, with the exception of the Hot Wire system, are not likely to prevent nesting by swallows. The practicalities and costs of installing Hot Wire everywhere you don’t want swallows to nest generally rules out this method.

Treat the following thoughts as a 'package' of deterrents which collectively may provide some relief from swallow problems, if only 'short term', say for the next 12 months.

1. Apply WINGO repellent gel as per its instructions to surfaces that you don’t want birds to sit or establish nests on. Each Wingo cartridge is $34.00 plus freight and GST. Of all the gels we have trialled, it is the only one we have found which works on most industrial and residential sites, though it is normally used for pigeons, sparrows and starlings. We think it is worth a shot for swallows and see what happens.

Note that swallows build nests on buildings in sheltered situations. They are insect eaters and specialise in picking off insects on the wing.

Some other thoughts:

2. An additional approach worth considering is resiting external factory lights (which attract insects at night) to other areas and away from doorways or where you don’t want swallows. Make sure you are not using mercury vapour lights (‘black light’ U/V light is highly attracting to flying insects)

3. Consider placing several 'black light' U/V 3650 wavelength, all weather electric insect-o-cutors away from the buildings. They don’t need trays under them (to blow off). If the units are sited away from buildings it shouldn't matter if ‘zapped’ insects fall onto the ground. They will attract the insects at night and most importantly, away from your buildings.

All these actions may collectively alter the activity patterns of insects around your plant, and more importantly in combination with WINGO perhaps the nesting preferences of the swallows.

Be aware that synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are also insect repelling, and worth adding to your 'loss control' pest management programme. Discuss with your pest management team or contractors selectively spraying onto the exteriors of buildings in areas popular with swallows, as an additional way to reduce numbers of flying insects on the buildings.

For more information, feel free to contact us.

The short answer is, the system which is most suited to your problem and is affordable. On this site you can see the main systems used professionally for Birdproofing. There is usually a good solution available.

We first need to consider the bird species to be deterred from the building, the type of building and exactly where the infestation problem is on your building or structure. Then we would be in a position to discuss the bird proofing options for your specific bird problem. Some solutions are DIY while others do need knowledgeable and experienced installers to obtain the best proofing results.

To start the discussion, feel free to contact us.

Four common reasons why pigeons and gulls regularly roost on a roof are:

• The roof and gutters provide a vantage point close to a regular food source – food dropped by shoppers from food outlets, or maybe a nearby neighbour is feeding them.
• The pigeons may be living on or, nesting within a building on your property.
• They may be living in trees - check phoenix palms - a common nesting area in warmer areas of NZ.
• Gulls also nest on sheltered roofs and may be aggressive when disturbed. See red billed gulls and black billed gulls.

What to do?

For the birds resting on your building where do you think they are coming to you from? The solution could be as straight forward as asking your neighbours NOT to feed them if that is their reason for being there. Otherwise, consider the following:

• The use of bird spikes or tensioned bird wire and posts on gutters, the ridge & high points; or the Hotwire™ electrified deterrent system along ridge lines. Proofing solutions also depend on the roof design and whether the birds are getting under the roof line inside the gutter.
• For more information, please contact us to discuss your bird deterrent options.

Domestic applications:

The preferred solution depends on the 'pressure' of nuisance birds - a few or many birds? With a small number of birds, and provided that the sills are not protected or in a semi-enclosed position, bird spikes may be suitable.

• If the windows open upwards, anti-roosting spikes can be installed on the window sill.
• If the windows open outwards, the hinged window can have that section with anti-roosting spikes attached to the frame of the openable windows.

Commercial and Industrial applications:

• On these buildings the above also applies, but the Hotwire™ electrified deterrent system may be a better option. It will also exclude smaller birds and is a very low visibility system.
• It is also possible on many commercial buildings to have BirdNet installed to completely protect areas on the external face of the building. See our bird post and wire and bird netting examples of where this has very successfully been done, then at no cost, contact us to discuss your options.