As a bird control specialist, a big part of every project is providing the right solution for a specific area. This can be difficult when you need to address bird control on ledges. A wide variety of quality products are available to successfully deter birds from ledges. But some products work better than others for different types of ledges. Learning more about the different ledges birds use for roosting and nesting will help you choose the best ledge product for bird control with confidence.
Types of Ledges
Birds of all species choose ledges for flocking, roosting, nesting, and loafing because they meet multiple needs. Like all animals, birds seek locations off the ground, out of the weather, and away from predators for all activities. Ledges meet many demands. For example, they're high enough to provide a clear view of predators and potential sources of food and water. Many ledges even provide a source of shelter, making them ideal for nesting birds. These are the most common ledges you'll encounter when dealing with pest bird infestations.
- • Open Ledges: A ledge without an overhang or roof to provide shelter is considered an open ledge. These ledges are often high points on a building which give birds an excellent view of food sources and predators. Birds typically use open ledges for loafing and socializing.
- • Protected Ledges: When a ledge has a roof overhead, it's considered a protected ledge. These ledges often also have the advantage of a back wall for added protection. Protected ledges are the ultimate shelter for birds because they provide protection from all the elements. This means protected ledges are often nesting areas with heavy bird pressure.
- • Parking Lot Ledges: Wide, safe ledges found in concrete parking lot structures provide suitable nesting areas for birds. Parking lot ledges are a type of protected ledge that offers a lot of space for larger birds like pigeons and is completely protected from the elements.
- • Signs: While they're not technically ledges, signs provide a ledge-like surface for birds. Depending on where a sign is located, it can create protected ledges or open ledges.
How to Choose the Best Ledge Product for Bird Control
The different types of ledges are only one aspect of the total problem-solving process for choosing the best ledge control product for bird control. Ledges that exist on buildings serve different purposes and have varied placements. This means you have several things to consider when determining the best solution for bird control on ledges.
Visibility
Aesthetics are an important factor for most commercial buildings. Business owners don't want a building defaced by bird droppings. But easily visible bird control products aren't very appealing, either. There are several different bird control products that are effective on ledges. But certain products might not be the best option for highly visible areas. When choosing the right ledge control product, it's important to ask, "What does the customer want to see?"
For instance, in a parking deck where public visibility is low, bird spikes and coils provide effective control without compromising the appearance of the building. However, front-facing ledges or signs should have a more invisible approach. In areas where aesthetics matter, optical gel or flex track is typically the best option.
Bird Behavior
Birds of all species prefer sheltered spots for nesting. While birds love roosting on open ledges, nesting usually takes place on protected ledges. For this reason, bird spikes may not be effective in heavy bird pressure areas like protected ledges. Since birds want to return to safe nesting areas, they'll drop sticks and other materials onto bird spikes to create one. Optical gel, flex track, netting, and bird slides are generally more effective in sheltered areas, so you have lots of options as you choose the best ledge product for bird control in different circumstances.
Installation Requirements
Proper installation methods ensure a product works as intended. But not all bird control products have the same lasting power against the elements. When installing bird control products in areas that are difficult to access, it's generally a good idea to consider how long the product is considered active. For instance, you must replace optical gel every three to four years for optimum performance. But bird netting will last for a decade, making it the best ledge product for bird control for extremely hard-to-reach locations that need long-term protection.
It's important to note that learning all the installation details of a product can eliminate potential installation hurdles. Many installers and consumers are hesitant to utilize flex track due to concerns of injury during installation or inhumane treatment of birds. The truth is that flex track installation can be compared to that of a model train track or race track. The electricity used consists of high voltage with low amps, which means you can feel an uncomfortable shock, but it doesn't cause harm. For the same reason, flex track is safe for birds but provides a convincing reminder (similar to that of a dog training collar) to avoid certain places.
Placement
For birds, location is everything. This means various ledges on the same structure may require different solutions. Consider the fact that nesting birds will use debris to build on top of bird stakes or that snow and ice can damage bird netting. For a solution to be effective, unique factors of the building, location, and climate must be taken into consideration. Use these tips to help determine when an otherwise effective bird control product won't be useful due to unique placement issues.
- • Avoid using spikes where the sun doesn't shine. Dark areas are often high-pressure areas
- • Flex track and optical gel are the most versatile products for bird control on ledges.
- • Grid wire is only useful for larger birds (seagulls or larger).
- • While Optical Gel can be useful on signs, it's not optimal for complicated structures, with multiple landing and perch spots. Netting is a more effective option for complicated structures.
Choosing the best ledge product for bird control requires bird control specialists to take the unique factors of a property and building into consideration. This is why a firm understanding of how each product is used is essential. To learn more about bird control products and how to become a certified installer, get in touch with the bird control experts at Bird Barrier today.
About Bird Barrier
Bird Barrier is a leader in innovative technology designed to prevent birds from landing, roosting or nesting. We specialize in urban bird control to remove birds humanely and effectively. Our website, birdbarrier.com, hosts a wealth of content to help people understand and identify bird control solutions for various problems with pest birds. Please contact us if you need help with a bird related problem. You may also benefit from our free guide, Bird Deterrents: The Complete Guide.
