Bird Netting

by Alex A. Kecskes

Okay, you've tried noisemakers and BB guns, waving and shouting--and still the pest birds come. In bigger and bigger flocks. Pooping and nesting and doing all sorts of damage. It's costing you time and money. If only there was something you could do to keep them out of your area. Something humane, because you really don't want to hurt the little pests. You just want them to get discouraged and leave your property alone. They've caused you so much grief and expense that you're ready to open your window, stick out your head and yell, "I'm not going to take it anymore!"

You Need Bird Repellent Netting

Growers and farmers know first hand just how much damage pest birds can cause to cornfields, fruit orchards and vineyards. They've seen pest birds eat their prized blueberries and blackberries. They've watched helplessly as winged pests invaded their barns, stockyards and chicken coops. They're also painfully aware that bird droppings, bird nests and the mites birds carry pose a serious health hazard, since birds have been known to carry any of 60 known diseases. In fact, most people who have been on the receiving end of pest birds know that sparrows and feral pigeons can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral Pigeons have been known to carry Ornithosis, a serious disease that resembles viral pneumonia. Clearly, it's time for a pest bird deterrent that works. The solution? Bird repellent netting.A Solution Facilities Managers Will Love

Facilities or plant managers throughout the world are no strangers to the damage caused by pest birds. The feathered pests have invaded aircraft hangars, factories or warehouses, causing damage to delicate aircraft engines, assembly lines and equipment. Pest birds love to gather--often in the hundreds--in eaves, canopies, support beams and other large covered areas. Keeping these pest from invading such sensitive areas can save you time and money. And one way to keep them out is through the use of quality constructed bird repellent netting.

Many a facilities manager or building owner has had to deal with the problems caused by bird droppings. Unsightly and unhealthy, these droppings can clog gutters and down pipes, "freeze up" ceiling windows and vents, and cause rooftop turbine ventilators to grind to a halt. Over time, bird droppings can ruin most surfaces, block light sensors and security cameras, and render solar panels inefficient or entirely ineffective. Many a fire has been traced to bird droppings that shorted out wires or destroyed electrical insulation. Bird netting, properly applied, can prevent many of these problems.

Experienced  warehouse managers will tell you that bird droppings can spoil packaged products in loading bays and storage areas. Pest birds not only damage finished goods, but ruin their appearance. Another potentially expensive problem caused by bird droppings is that people can slip-and-fall on them,  creating a costly legal liability for the property owner. Again, bird repellent netting can keep out the pests that lead to these problems.

Getting the Right Bird Repellent Netting

Bird netting comes in a wide range of types and mesh sizes. Installed properly, it's nearly invisible and blends in with a building or structure's architecture. If you have a problem with large birds like pigeons or seagulls, you might consider a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size net. For birds like sparrows or starlings, you should opt for a 3/4" mesh net. Better repellent netting usually meets ISO 1806 protocols and will last longer. The best netting is also U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof. Something to consider if you plan on installing netting outdoors where it's exposed to the elements. Today, some of the best bird repellent netting can withstand fairly harsh temperature extremes--from flame resistant 250 degree F melting point to "sub-zero" temperatures. In areas where electrical conductivity or radio frequency interference is a problem, you might opt for non-conductive netting.

If you want to keep pest birds away from aircraft hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, and large canopies, there's heavy-duty bird netting made of high-strength polyethylene. For those who may be worried that netting will detract from a building's architecture or aesthetics, today's netting comes in several colors, including white, stone and black. Some manufacturers offer resilient, knotted polyethylene bird repellent netting that comes in U.V. treated twine for lasting durability. With a netting burst strength as high as 40 pounds, it's easy to see why some manufacturers offer long guarantee--up to 10-years--on their netting.

Growers should install bird repellent netting by draping the net directly over their crops or trees. For orchards or vineyards, netting should be anchored to an overhead structure, which allows it to completely enclose the area. Netting should be draped high enough to prevent birds from sticking their beaks through to access crops. To save you time, some manufacturers will custom cut the netting you need.

Finally, to properly cover an airplane hangar, warehouse or any large area, you'll need thousands of square feet of bird repellent netting. You'll also need special lifts and power gear. When working with bird net on this level, it's prudent to call in a professional bird control installer. For if you fail to install bird netting properly, it will sag and droop, leaving gaps for pest birds to enter. And you don't want that.