Spicing Up Bird Control

Here in Delta, we have to contend with birds coming from all directions. Besides the many farms we have, having the Vancouver Landfill kilometers away doesn’t help. There are many ways in which birds can cause a nuisance. Large numbers of birds in urban areas can cause problems due to their noise and fouling, which is both unsightly and a health hazard; harbouring diseases such as histoplasmosis, candidiasis and cryptococcosis. Species such as pigeons are intelligent and ingenious individuals, as they are well-furnished to live and breed in ostensibly unreceptive environments. Bird proofing can be particularly difficult when the problem affects surfaces like the face of buildings and signage. I’ve always been looking for alternatives to treatments such as netting or spikes (both being unsightly, partially ineffectual and dangerous to birds and other animals). A relatively new product is a bio repellent gel that teaches birds where not to land, roost and congregate in unwelcomed spaces. The gel is an oil based nontoxic that contains white pepper. It is humane, completely natural and almost invisible. Plus, it doesn’t harm the birds, rather causes a sensory reaction after just a few visits. They learn to avoid landing and roosting on treated areas overcoming their strong homing instincts.

•