10 of the most common questions asked about bird proofing

Contrary to Julie Andrews' famous line in the classic movie Mary Poppins, don't feed the birds. The scene we're referring to sees Mary Poppins hand out not only bread crumbs, but terrible advice too.. Birds can be an unpleasant menace and pest – ask any homeowner or business owner who has had to suffer through birds nesting in the eaves of their property. This is why bird proofing is offered by just about every professional pest control company around.

 The thing with birds is that they’re not a problem until they’re a problem.

We have found that the average person doesn’t know what bird proofing entails or how it’s conducted, until they have a problem with birds. We’ve decided to put together the ten most common questions we receive from our bird proofing clients with answers in tow. Ten most commonly asked questions about bird proofing:

 Can I do it myself?

It is far better to make use of a professional pest control company as the DIY options available are the likes of traps and poisons. The bird proofing methods used by a professional pest controller are humane and don’t make use of harmful chemicals. Using poisons to kill the birds affects the whole eco-system, whereas the methods used by a professional are environmentally responsible.

 Will the birds get harmed?

If you use a professional pest controller who has experience in bird proofing, their methods will be humane. The birds are not harmed or killed, they are simply deterred.

 How effective is it?

It is very effective if it’s performed correctly. A professional bird proofing process – when executed by an experienced expert – includes a survey of the property to gauge the severity of the infestation, the setting up of the mechanisms to deter the birds and a removal of the nests, droppings and treatment to eliminate any parasites.  This should also be followed up by recommendations for prevention and control.

 Are some methods better than others?

The bird proofing methods that are humane, environmentally responsible and that don’t make use of poisons or chemicals are far superior to those that cannot boast any of these attributes.

 How long will it last?

Professional bird proofing methods will remove the birds, their nests and any waste or parasites that might have been present while the birds were on the property. The pest controller should have advised you about how to prevent a future problem with birds, so if this advice is adhered too and the pest controller used the correct products then the birds should not return.

 Where do the birds go once the proofing is done?

Once birds are unable to roost where they used to, due to deterrent measures, they simply leave and find a suitable alternative, which hopefully is in a place where they will not prove to be a pest.

 Is it environmentally friendly?

Many times the DIY options are chemically-laden products that are poisonous and harmful to not only the birds but also to the surrounding plants and your family or employees. The professional, humane bird proofing methods are environmentally friendly. Killing the birds effects the whole eco-system but by simply deterring the birds (as the professionals do) the environment is protected.

 Is there a guarantee?

Depending on the circumstances and the methods used to deter the birds, a variety of guarantees may apply. In most instances there will be some kind of guarantee with differing time periods.

 How safe is it?

If done by qualified, registered pest control technicians, safety will not be a problem.

 Is it expensive?

Each situation is different. Treating a small building as compared to treating a large, complex building (the design of the building also plays a big role in the proofing requirements) may vary considerably. Ultimately, one needs to compare the investment with the value presented by the service in terms of the benefits derived from bird proofing, which includes, health, aesthetical and maintenance facets.

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Image credit - The Dodo