Bird Netting

Fire crews recently had to close off a road in Dorset, England as they mounted an 11-man rescue operation. The victim? A pigeon trapped in bird netting above a restaurant.

Two fully equipped fire engines with an aerial ladder platform arrived on the scene. When police officers arrived, they were accompanied by an RSPCA officer. To reach the trapped bird, an aerial ladder was carefully moved into position--to the building's third story. The RSPCA officer even  discovered a dead bird while they released the bird that had become trapped. While some may regard this as an overkill of emergency resources, from the RSPCA’s point of view, a life is a life.

One way to have avoided the cost of resorting to such a huge commitment in emergency resources would have been to call an experienced bird control company--like Bird-B-Gone. Professional bird control companies have the expertise and the equipment to remove trapped birds like pigeons from lofty areas covered with bird netting.

Of course, this problem could have been avoided entirely had the restaurant owner contracted the job to an experienced pest bird control company. Such a company would have properly installed the bird netting so as not to allow pigeons or other pest birds to find a way around the netting and become trapped by it.
 
Improperly installed bird netting has resulted in many birds becoming trapped, injured and killed. All the more reason to use a professional bird netting installer. Companies like Bird-B-Gone, for example,  offer a wide range of bird netting solutions. They know that installing bird netting takes special care. For large buildings,  like restaurants, bird netting should be installed properly by Authorized Bird Control Installers. These installations often call for hundreds or even thousands of square feet of netting, special boom lifts and power gear. If the netting is improperly installed, it will droop and sag, allowing birds to enter through gaps.

Experienced bird netting installers will also be able to choose the right netting for the application. Heavy-duty bird netting comes in 1-1/8- to 2-inch mesh for blocking out gulls, crows and pigeons; and 3/4-inch mesh for keeping out smaller birds like sparrows. Professional netting installers will use high quality bird netting that lasts through many seasons of punishing weather. The best heavy-duty netting is made of high-strength polyethylene. This netting meets ISO 1806 protocols, is UV stabilized, flame resistant and rot- and water-proof.

In some cases, even if birds do manage to sneak behind the netting, there are ways to save these birds. Bird•B•Gone, for example,  offers a product called Bird-Scape. It lets birds out when they are trapped behind netting. This netting accessory has a funnel that birds can fly out of, but not back into. Bird Scape is easily installed directly into bird netting with hog rings. 

Birds can be considered a pest when they decide to roost or nest in areas where their feces and debris can be considered a hazard.  Each year building owners and homeowners spend countless hours and money cleaning up after and repairing the damage caused by pest birds. Not only are these problems unsightly; pest birds and their feces can spread 60 plus transmittable diseases. Safety, sanitation and health hazards caused by bird droppings can pose serious liability risks, and left untreated, can lead to accidents and lawsuits. Bird feces, bird nests and debris can also create a bad public image with tenants and patrons. Individuals, companies and government agencies are tired of cleaning up bird feces or repairing the damage that is caused by pest birds and their droppings. Instead they have decided to invest in a Bird Control Solution, which is often as simple as installing bird netting.

Bird netting is used to exclude pest birds from areas such as rooftops, warehouses, airline hangars, overhangs, eaves of homes and other enclosed areas that pest birds are to be kept out of.  Netting will provide 100% exclusion of pest birds and is a long-term bird control solution.  Bird netting comes in several different mesh sizes ranging from ¾” mesh for use with all types of birds, to 2” mesh to use when larger birds like pest pigeons and seagulls are a problem.  Netting comes in several colors as well; white, stone and black.  Black bird netting is usually preferred because of its natural U.V. protection and lack of discoloration due to dirt and dust.  When installed properly, the netting will be virtually invisible, not interfering with the architectural features of a building.

Choosing the right bird netting:

There are several types of bird netting available.  There is knotted polyethylene netting that is considered long lasting and heavy duty.  You would use this type of netting where you want a permanent solution to your bird control issues.  Heavy-duty bird netting is usually manufactured using U.V. treated twine providing long life.  Strength of these nets can be greater than 40 lbs. burst.  The nets will also have a high melting point and flame resistant.  Heavy-duty bird netting is ideal for use in warehouses, airplane hangars, canopies, overhangs and other large areas where pest birds are to be excluded.

Another type of bird netting is Polypropylene extruded plastic netting.  This is a strong plastic bird netting used to exclude pest birds from homes and gardens.  It is strong yet lightweight, easy to use and install.  Plastic bird netting is often used to protect crops and orchards from pest birds.  It is ideal to protect blueberries, fruit trees and other garden plants.  Hanging plastic bird netting from the eaves of your home can protect it from such pest birds as swallows and woodpeckers. Plastic bird netting is not a long term netting product with about one year of usage.

Bird netting comes in different mesh sizes.  Choosing the correct mesh size is important.  You do not want the birds to be able to get into the netted off area and become stuck or trapped.  For larger birds such as pigeons and seagulls you can use a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size.  For smaller birds such as sparrows and starlings use a ¾” to ½” mesh size.  When using plastic netting to protect berries and grapes, use a ¼” mesh size.

Installing bird netting:

Commercial installations for bird netting can get complicated depending on the size of the area to be protected and the material that the netting will be attached to.  Netting off the infrastructure of an airplane hangar can require thousands of square feet of netting and special equipment such as lifts and power equipment to install the net.  It is often recommended to use a professional bird control installer to get the job done correctly.  There are bird control installers throughout the country that have experience in installing bird netting in large quantities and complicated jobs.

Installations of bird netting on your home or in your garden can easily be done yourself.  For use in the garden you will cover your favorite plants with the plastic bird netting.  Draping the ¼” mesh plastic bird netting over fruit trees will protect the fruit from pest birds.  It may be necessary to hire a professional to hang the netting from the eaves of our home, especially in multi-storied houses.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds can be both a hazard and an expensive nuisance when they nest and gather in  hangars, under overhangs, warehouses and other large covered areas. But thanks to bird netting, many of these problems can be avoided.

Clearly the most obvious problem created by pest birds is their droppings. These can quickly clog gutters and down pipes. They can also cause ceilings, rooftop turbine ventilators, siding windows and doors to seize up. And they can rapidly deteriorate corrugated metal surfaces, block light sensors and security cameras. Left unchecked, these bird by-products can lead to structural damage and huge repair costs. Equally problematic, bird droppings deposited on entrances and fire escapes can create slip-and-fall hazards for maintenance crews, which can become a huge legal liability to public and private enterprises. Bird netting can solve these problems by keeping pest birds out using a proven humane method.

Without bird netting, one would also have to contend with the incessant and irritating noise pest birds produce when they gather in sizable numbers. And they do tend to gather in large commercial areas. In warehouses, for example, bird droppings can spoil finished products in loading bays and storage areas. They can severely stain and damage goods, and mar the appearance of costly finished goods and metal panels.

Pest birds can also be a health hazard, carrying and transmitting any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and Feral Pigeons can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral Pigeons carry Ornithosis, which is similar to viral pneumonia. Birds, bird droppings and their nesting materials contain insects and mites. These insects can damage property, foods and fabrics stored in warehouses. 

Thankfully, bird netting offers an effective bird control solution that's ideal for a broad range of commercial uses. Bird netting can control many bird species and is often suggested as a bird deterrent by architects. Some netting is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. It comes in different mesh sizes to control pest birds without trapping them. For large birds like pigeons and seagulls, a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size is recommended. For smaller birds like sparrows and starlings, a smaller size mesh ¾” is recommended.

Heavy-duty bird netting is made of high strength polyethylene. This type of bird netting is ideal for keeping pest birds from entering air hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, eaves, and canopies. Netting comes in a number of colors, including white, stone and black.  Black bird netting offers natural U.V. protection and won't discolor when it gets dirty and dusty. Installed properly, this type of bird netting is virtually invisible.

Sturdy knotted polyethylene bird netting comes in U.V. treated twine for long life and can have a burst strength as high as 40 pounds. Most of these nets are flame resistant and have a high melting point. Heavy-duty bird netting is ideal for use in warehouses, airplane hangars, canopies, overhangs and other large areas where pest birds need to be controlled.

Covering an airplane hangar, warehouse or other large area with sufficient bird netting calls for thousands of square feet of netting and special lifts and power equipment. A job like this usually requires a professional bird control installer, if the bird netting is improperly installed, it will sag and droop. This will create gaps that allow pest birds to enter. A cable should be set up  around the perimeter of the area being netted off, and the net attached to this cable.

Bird netting is a wise investment for any facilities manager in charge of warehouses, hangars and large buildings where pest birds tend to gather. The yearly savings each year in property damage, damaged goods and health risks is worth the cost of any bird-netting project.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Many commercial business facilities and growers suffer from pest bird infestation. Flocks of birds will nest and roost on or in the property, creating all sorts of damage—both to the facility itself and to the products housed therein. Birds can also interfere with workers in a warehouse or customers in a large store. Bird droppings can create slip-and-fall hazards on walkways and loading docks, resulting in a huge legal liability, should someone suffer an injury.

One of the most effective ways to get rid of birds is through the use of Bird Netting. Fortunately there are many types of bird netting, each with its own set of advantages geared to exclude specific types and sizes of birds, as well as the application and venue.

So which bird netting works best for your application? Some guidelines:

Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Bird Netting

Made from a U.V.-stabilized mesh Heavy-Duty bird netting is ideal for use in excluding pigeons, sparrows, gulls, starlings and crows from large outdoor or indoor areas. We’re talking warehouses, big box stores, aircraft hangars and the like. This netting comes in three mesh sizes: 2-inch, 11/8-inch, and 3/4-inch. For large birds like gulls, you would probably need the 2-inch mesh; for smaller birds like sparrows, you’d go with the 3/4-inch mesh. This type of netting will hold up for years in harsh weather conditions. One manufacturer offers a 10-year guarantee. Their poly netting is ISO 1806 protocol mesh tested, flame resistant, rot-proof, and waterproof. It’s also non conductive, which means you can use it around antenna arrays and other electrical equipment.

No Knot Bird Netting

Easy to handle and surprisingly light, No Knot Bird Netting is an effective bird deterrent in keeping pigeons, sparrows, gulls, starlings and crows from outdoor or indoor areas. In fact, this netting is roughly 70 percent stronger than conventional knotted poly netting and nearly 30 percent lighter. It also boasts a higher melting point than ordinary knotted poly netting. Another big plus with No Knot netting is that you don’t have to pull it into shape, something you need to do with other types of netting. Like its heavy-duty cousin, No-Knot netting comes in several mesh sizes, including a 3/4-inch mesh to stop smaller birds like starlings. This netting is fabricated using a multi-strand polypropylene fiber, which is resistant to heat and a number of chemicals, No Knot netting meets ISO 1806 Protocols and won’t rot, absorb water, or mildew.

Ultra Net Plastic Bird Netting

This lightweight plastic mesh netting is ideal for blocking out pigeons, sparrows, gulls, swallows, and crows from bushes, gardens, vines and small trees. The low-profile netting is fabricated out of resilient U.V.-protected polypropylene. You can choose from 3/4-, 1/2-, and 1/4-inch mesh sizes, depending on the bird size. To exclude pest birds from vegetable gardens, carefully wrap each plant in netting. You can also just suspend the netting over the entire garden. To protect blueberry bushes and grape vines, raise the netting 6 inches or so over the bush or vine. This will keep birds’ beaks and claws from getting at these plants. You can also suspend this netting on poles around a tree or large planted section. If birds are invading your fruit trees, cut the netting one-foot wider than the diameter of the tree's crown and tie the netting until it is taut.

Before installing any bird netting on buildings and structures, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Remove bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. You should also use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with bird droppings.

Related articles

• Commercial Building Owners: Got Pest Bird Problems? Bird Netting Has You Covered. (get-rid-of-pigeons.com)
• Pigeons Invade KFC, McDonald's, Donut King and other Food Courts (pigeon-control-products.com)

By Fran Prisco

Airplane hangars have often become a natural habitat for birds.  They are wide open, offer shelter and ideal nesting areas. Clinton Air Force Base in Oklahoma had six hangars with 200-300 house sparrows in each hangar. Lockbourne Air Base in Ohio had 2,000 to 3,000 house sparrows between three hangars with an additional 2,000-3,000 starlings.  Along with these birds come the droppings and debris they leave behind.  Bird droppings, accumulating on the aluminum skin of airplanes, can corrode the metal and eventually weaken the structure itself. Another serious concern is that if droppings, feathers, and other matter get into the engines, critically important parts must be cleaned as they could stop an engine during flight. Cleaning an aircraft engine is very expensive and time consuming.

Pest bird droppings can also pose significant health risks, carrying and transmitting any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and Feral Pigeons can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral Pigeons carry Ornithosis, which is similar to viral pneumonia. Not only do the droppings and debris left behind by birds damage the airplanes kept in hangars, they are also dangerous to the personal working on the planes.

Problem:  Pest birds are causing added maintenance to aircraft and endangering airline personal with their droppings and debris.  Thousands of dollars spent each year on cleaning aircraft skins, engines and airplane hangar infrastructures. 

Solution:  Install bird netting in the airplane hanger.  Bird netting is an exclusionary bird control system.  Once installed, pest birds are excluded from the area being protected by the bird net.  It is often necessary to install bird netting on the sides of the walls as well as under the roof.  The goal is to block off any areas that pest birds will find attractive to land, roost and nest.  Once installed, the bird netting is virtually invisible and will need very little maintenance.  In fact there are bird net installations inside airplane hangars that have gone untouched for well over 10 years and are still as effective as the day that they where installed.

When choosing bird netting to install in an airplane hangar or any area, be sure to get heavy-duty bird netting that has a break strength of at least 45 pounds.  This ensures that the netting will be strong enough to keep birds from defeating it.  Bird netting comes in various mesh sizes.  The ¾ inch mesh bird netting is ideal for all types of birds, the mesh is small enough so that even small birds like sparrows cannot get through.  If large birds like pigeons and gulls are the issue, choose a bird netting with a 2-inch mesh size, this can save a lot of money for large bird netting jobs.

If the bird netting installation looks to be too complicated, look for a professional bird control installer in your area that can help.   Manufacturers of bird control products can usually suggest the right person or company for the job.

by Fran Prisco

Why Bird Netting?

Each year more and more commercial buildings are being inundated with pest birds.  Not only are these birds landing on the buildings facades and rooftops, they are actually entering the buildings and living inside.  Buildings such as airplane hangars, warehouses, “Big Box” stores and other wide-open buildings make perfect places for birds to land, roost and nest.  There is protection from the elements, predators and often a food and water source.  To get rid of the birds, one of the best and permanent solutions is bird netting.

Not only do pest birds such as pigeons and starlings build nests in buildings, they also leave behind debris and their droppings.  Bird droppings are known to be acidic and can cause erosion to building materials and product stored in warehouses.  The droppings from birds may also carry any of 60 plus communicable diseases.  These diseases can be transmitted to humans and other animals, especially those with immune deficiencies. 

Bird netting is a cost effective way to keep pest birds out of buildings.  The bird netting is usually installed under the ceiling of the building and can also be installed along the walls if birds are landing there.  Often airplane hangars are protected with bird netting on the walls and under the ceiling.
Installing Bird Netting

Before installing any type of bird control product or system, it is important to do a thorough clean up.  All debris and droppings left behind by the birds must be removed.  It is best to disinfect the area as well especially in food processing plants and warehouses that store foodstuffs.

Bird netting is usually installed by attaching it to a wire system.  It is best to have the netting installed by a professional bird control installer.  It is important that the net remains taught and that there are no openings where birds can enter the netted off area. 

Heavy-duty bird netting is the net of choice for architects and contractors worldwide.  This type of netting can have up to a 10-year guarantee, is U.V. protected and rot proof. 

Properly installed, bird netting will be virtually maintenance free.  It may be necessary to remove netting to change light bulbs or make building repairs.  This is done easily by installing a zipper or access point into the netting.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds can be both a hazard and an expensive nuisance when they nest and gather in  hangars, under overhangs, warehouses and other large covered areas. But thanks to bird netting, many of these problems can be avoided.

Clearly the most obvious problem created by pest birds is their droppings. These can quickly clog gutters and down pipes. They can also cause ceilings, rooftop turbine ventilators, siding windows and doors to seize up. And they can rapidly deteriorate corrugated metal surfaces, block light sensors and security cameras. Left unchecked, these bird by-products can lead to structural damage and huge repair costs. Equally problematic, bird droppings deposited on entrances and fire escapes can create slip-and-fall hazards for maintenance crews, which can become a huge legal liability to public and private enterprises. Bird netting can solve these problems by keeping pest birds out using a proven humane method.

Without bird netting, one would also have to contend with the incessant and irritating noise pest birds produce when they gather in sizeable numbers. And they do tend to gather in large commercial areas. In warehouses, for example, bird droppings can spoil finished products in loading bays and storage areas. They can severely stain and damage goods, and mar the appearance of costly finished goods and metal panels.

Pest birds can also be a health hazard, carrying and transmitting any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and Feral Pigeons can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral Pigeons carry Ornithosis, which is similar to viral pneumonia. Birds, bird droppings and their nesting materials contain insects and mites. These insects can damage property, foods and fabrics stored in warehouses. 

Thankfully, bird netting offers an effective bird control solution that's ideal for a broad range of commercial uses. Bird netting can control many bird species and is often suggested as a bird deterrent by architects. Some netting is U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. It comes in different mesh sizes to control pest birds without trapping them. For large birds like pigeons and seagulls, a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size is recommended. For smaller birds like sparrows and starlings, a smaller size mesh ¾” is recommended.

Heavy-duty bird netting is made of high strength polyethylene. This type of bird netting is ideal for keeping pest birds from entering air hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, eaves, and canopies. Netting comes in a number of colors, including white, stone and black.  Black bird netting offers natural U.V. protection and won't discolor when it gets dirty and dusty. Installed properly, this type of bird netting is virtually invisible.

Sturdy knotted polyethylene bird netting comes in U.V. treated twine for long life and can have a burst strength as high as 40 pounds. Most of these nets are flame resistant and have a high melting point. Heavy-duty bird netting is ideal for use in warehouses, airplane hangars, canopies, overhangs and other large areas where pest birds need to be controlled.

Covering an airplane hangar, warehouse or other large area with sufficient bird netting calls for thousands of square feet of netting and special lifts and power equipment. A job like this usually requires a professional bird control installer, if the bird netting is improperly installed, it will sag and droop. This will create gaps that allow pest birds to enter. A cable should be set up  around the perimeter of the area being netted off, and the net attached to this cable.

Bird netting is a wise investment for any facilities manager in charge of warehouses, hangars and large buildings where pest birds tend to gather. The yearly savings each year in property damage, damaged goods and health risks is worth the cost of any bird-netting project.

Birds can be considered a pest when they decide to roost or nest in areas where their feces and debris can be considered a hazard.  Each year building owners and homeowners spend countless hours and money cleaning up after and repairing the damage caused by pest birds. Not only are these problems unsightly; pest birds and their feces can spread 60 plus transmittable diseases. Safety, sanitation and health hazards caused by bird droppings can pose serious liability risks, and left untreated, can lead to accidents and lawsuits. Bird feces, bird nests and debris can also create a bad public image with tenants and patrons. Individuals, companies and government agencies are tired of cleaning up bird feces or repairing the damage that is caused by pest birds and their droppings. Instead they have decided to invest in a Bird Control Solution, which is often as simple as installing bird netting.

Bird netting is used to exclude pest birds from areas such as rooftops, warehouses, airline hangars, overhangs, eaves of homes and other enclosed areas that pest birds are to be kept out of.  Netting will provide 100% exclusion of pest birds and is a long-term bird control solution.  Bird netting comes in several different mesh sizes ranging from ¾” mesh for use with all types of birds, to 2” mesh to use when larger birds like pest pigeons and seagulls are a problem.  Netting comes in several colors as well; white, stone and black.  Black bird netting is usually preferred because of its natural U.V. protection and lack of discoloration due to dirt and dust.  When installed properly, the netting will be virtually invisible, not interfering with the architectural features of a building.

Choosing the right bird netting:

There are several types of bird netting available.  There is knotted polyethylene netting that is considered long lasting and heavy duty.  You would use this type of netting where you want a permanent solution to your bird control issues.  Heavy-duty bird netting is usually manufactured using U.V. treated twine providing long life.  Strength of these nets can be greater than 40 lbs. burst.  The nets will also have a high melting point and flame resistant.  Heavy-duty bird netting is ideal for use in warehouses, airplane hangars, canopies, overhangs and other large areas where pest birds are to be excluded.

Another type of bird netting is Polypropylene extruded plastic netting.  This is a strong plastic bird netting used to exclude pest birds from homes and gardens.  It is strong yet lightweight, easy to use and install.  Plastic bird netting is often used to protect crops and orchards from pest birds.  It is ideal to protect blueberries, fruit trees and other garden plants.  Hanging plastic bird netting from the eaves of your home can protect it from such pest birds as swallows and woodpeckers. Plastic bird netting is not a long term netting product with about one year of usage.

Bird netting comes in different mesh sizes.  Choosing the correct mesh size is important.  You do not want the birds to be able to get into the netted off area and become stuck or trapped.  For larger birds such as pigeons and seagulls you can use a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size.  For smaller birds such as sparrows and starlings use a ¾” to ½” mesh size.  When using plastic netting to protect berries and grapes, use a ¼” mesh size.

Installing bird netting:

Commercial installations for bird netting can get complicated depending on the size of the area to be protected and the material that the netting will be attached to.  Netting off the infrastructure of an airplane hangar can require thousands of square feet of netting and special equipment such as lifts and power equipment to install the net.  It is often recommended to use a professional bird control installer to get the job done correctly.  There are bird control installers throughout the country that have experience in installing bird netting in large quantities and complicated jobs.

Installations of bird netting on your home or in your garden can easily be done yourself.  For use in the garden you will cover your favorite plants with the plastic bird netting.  Draping the ¼” mesh plastic bird netting over fruit trees will protect the fruit from pest birds.  It may be necessary to hire a professional to hang the netting from the eaves of our home, especially in multi-storied houses

by Alex A. Kecskes

There are songbirds, lovebirds and pet birds. And then there are pest birds. Birds we can all do without. Birds we don't want to harm--we just want them to stay away. One way to do that is the subject of this article.

Bird Netting for Facilities Managers

If you're a facilities or plant manager, you undoubtedly know that pest birds can cost you a ton of money and aggravation . They can easily invade your aircraft hangar, factory or warehouse, gathering by the hundreds in eaves, canopies and other large covered areas. Support beams make ideal landing, roosting and nesting areas for these pest birds. If you don't keep them out with deterrents like bird netting, you'll have to contend with all sorts of problems.

One of the biggest problems with pest birds is bird droppings. Aside from being unsightly and unhealthy, droppings can stop up gutters and down pipes. They can also "freeze up" ceiling windows and vents, as well as rooftop turbine ventilators and siding windows. Bird droppings can eat into corrugated metal surfaces, cover light sensors and security cameras, even block out those new solar panels you just installed to save energy. In fact, the acid in bird droppings can eat into electrical equipment to create a fire hazard. If you manage  a warehouse, bird droppings can spoil finished products in loading bays and storage areas. They can damage goods, and ruin the appearance of expensive finished goods. And something few facilities managers think about are slip-and-fall hazards created by bird droppings--this can become a costly legal liability should a worker or visitor become injured.

All the more reason you need an effective bird deterrent like bird netting. The good thing about today's bird netting is that it's virtually invisible and blends in with the visual aesthetic of a structure's architecture.

Bird Netting For Growers

If you're a grower or farmer, you've seen the damage pest birds can cause to cornfields, fruit orchards, and vineyards. How quickly they can attack blueberries and blackberries, and how they can invade barns, stockyards and chicken coops. And because you deal in food, you know that bird droppings, bird nests and the mites that infest them can present a health hazard, carrying and transmitting any of 60 known diseases. Sparrows and Feral Pigeons, for example, can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. Feral Pigeons carry Ornithosis, which resembles viral pneumonia. You may have heard about bird netting, but you'd like to know more. If so, read on.

Bird Netting…Types and Sizes

So what kind of bird netting should you get? The good news is, there's a bird net for virtually every bird type and size. For large birds like pigeons and seagulls, you should go with a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size. For smaller birds like sparrows and starlings, a smaller size in the area of 3/4" mesh would be best. Opt for ISO 1806 protocol mesh test netting for lasting strength. Some manufacturers will even custom cut the netting you need. Others offer U.V. stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof netting. Not a bad idea if you install netting outdoors and leave it exposed to severe weather changes. You can get bird netting that can stand up to temperature extremes--from nets that have a flame resistant 250 degree F melting point to those that can tolerate "sub-zero" temperatures. Consider non-conductive netting in areas where electrical conductivity or radio frequency interference presents a problem.

For aircraft hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, and large canopies, you should go with heavy-duty bird netting constructed of high strength polyethylene. If you're concerned about the appearance of netting and whether it will detract from your facility's architecture, not to worry. Today's bird netting comes in several colors, including white, stone and black. One note: Black bird netting won't discolor when it gets dirty or dusty. Installed properly, most bird netting is almost invisible. Resilient knotted polyethylene bird netting is available in U.V. treated twine for extended life. The burst strength on these nets can be as high as 40 pounds. Some manufacturers offer quality constructed bird netting that comes with a long guarantee--up to 10-years.

For growers, bird netting can keep pest birds from wreaking havoc in the field. For best results, drape the net directly over the crop (or over the trees). You'll want to affix the net to a structure overhead, which will allow you to completely enclose your orchard or vineyard. One bit of advice here: Make sure you drape your nets high enough to prevent birds from sticking their beaks through to eat your crop.

One last thing to remember about bird netting. If you need to cover an airplane hangar, warehouse or any large area, you'll need thousands of square feet of netting and special lifts and power gear. This kind of job calls for a professional bird control installer. If you don't install the bird netting properly, the net will sag and droop, leaving gaps for pest birds to sneak in.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds continue to create a number of problems in cities, towns, groves and vineyards. Pigeons, for example, carry infectious diseases. Their droppings can cause tuberculosis, flu, paratyphoid, lyme disease, toxoplasmosis, and encephalitis. In rural areas, pest birds will peck on fruits, vegetables and plants, costing growers money and plenty of grief. One very effective solution is bird netting. It's both humane and environmentally friendly, since pesticides and aroma repellants can kill birds, which in some areas is illegal. Regardless of your pest bird problem, the advantages of bird netting are manifold.

Types and Sizes of Bird Netting

Bird netting is available for a wide range of birds. There's 2-inch mesh for deterring pigeons and crows; 1-1/8-inch mesh for starlings and blackbirds; 3/4-inch mesh for sparrows and swallows; and 4-inch mesh for deterring gulls. Bird netting also comes in a number of different weights and colors--like black, stone and translucent to blend in aesthetically with your environment. Some manufacturers offer heavier woven hexagonal mesh white netting, others offer lighter, diamond mesh nylon black netting. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Many fruit trees and berry bushes--including blackberry, black/red current, loganberry raspberry, and strawberry--need to be covered with nets to protect them from birds as the fruit ripens. Bird netting is an extremely effective means of preventing blackbird infiltration. Birds such as grackles and crows can overwhelm trees and other vegetation, leaving damage and droppings in their wake.

Heavy-Duty Bird Netting--for Really Big Jobs

To keep pest birds from entering air hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, canopies and other large areas, there's heavy-duty bird netting. Made of strong polyethylene, this netting is usually a U.V. resistant mesh that meets ISO 1806 mesh test standards. Some heavy-duty bird netting is rot proof, waterproof, flame resistant and sub-zero stable. Like most netting, it comes in various sizes and custom cuts.

Installing and Using Bird Netting

There are certain guidelines that have proven helpful when installing bird netting. For vegetable gardens, blueberry bushes and grape vines, the netting should be suspended so as not to allow birds direct access to the crop. When protecting blueberry bushes and grape vines with netting, allow at least 6 inches of space. When covering a bush or vine, use support poles. To protect vegetable gardens, wrap the individual plants in netting or suspend the netting around the entire garden.

Before installing bird netting over trees, prune them to a height that allows you to spread the netting over the top of the tree without using a ladder.  If you have to move and go up and down a ladder, you'll waste time and energy. If your trees are just a little on the high side, use a pole to prop the net over the top of the tree. You might think about "summer pruning" your fruit trees to cut down on the number of branches you have to negotiate when draping the net. If your trees are too large to be covered by a single net, cut the net into smaller pieces and wrap the individual branches. Be sure to draw the edges of the net together under the branches to prevent birds from sneaking underneath the net. In many cases, special net zippers and clips are available to simplify maintenance. Finally, don't leave the nets on too long. Young shoots will grow through the netting, and you'll be hard pressed to remove it without ripping it to shreds.

Heavy-duty bird netting should be installed properly by professionals. Installed improperly, this netting will sag or droop, creating gaps where pest birds can squeeze through. Ideally, a cable should be set up around the perimeter of the netted area, and the net should then be attached to this cable. Bat netting is installed similar to heavy-duty bird netting. You set up a perimeter cable, then secure the net to this cable and pull it taught around all edges to eliminate any gaps.