Bird Behavior a Key to How to Get Rid of Pest Birds
Pigeons are the most prolific pest bird
Property owners know bird behavior can quickly result in a costly nuisance. Pest birds can damage solar panels, rooftop ventilators, security cameras, lighting systems, AC units and water runoff systems. Getting rid of pest birds can pose a challenge, for not all bird deterrents work equally well for all birds. That’s because birds behave differently, depending on their species, size, number, and venue. No one knows better the how and why of birds than the bird control experts at Bird B Gone. They know that the key to getting rid of birds is to match their behavior to the right deterrent or repellent. Continue reading →
What constitutes a pest bird? A bird can be considered a pest when it interferes in a normal human environment. That would classify just about every bird as pests. When coming in contact with a pest bird in your environment, whether it is at home or work, safe and humane deterrents should always be the option. It is important to know what type of bird you are having an issue with. Continue reading →
We Know Birds, Let Use Teach You How to Get Rid of Them
Many property owners across the world have come to realize that getting rid of pest birds is not all that easy. Conventional methods simply don’t work because birds are not as dumb as they look. Lethal methods can pose a problem because most birds are protected by state and federal laws. The solution? Humane, professional-level bird control. Whether you’re an installer or a property owner, the pros at Bird-B-Gone can help. Continue reading →
Bird-X Sales Team Attends PestWorld 2016 in Seattle, WA
During the third week of October, Bird-X account managers flocked to Seattle, Washington for PestWorld 2016; a four-day tradeshow put on by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). PestWorld is an all-encompassing tradeshow, putting new information and products into the hands of everyone within the Pest Control community. PestWorld gives participants the opportunity to learn about advancements in the industry with informative discussions and the demonstration of new products.
“PestWorld, as always, was an amazing experience for Bird-X. It was a great opportunity for us to meet many of our current clients, as well as introduce ourselves to new international and domestic partners,” says Josh Pierce, Bird-X Sales Manager.
PestWorld provides an ample amount of time to exhibit products while still having plenty of opportunities to interact with current customers and prospects outside of show hours.
The presentation that resonates with Tim Coughlin, Account Manager, is Heath Waldorf’s “Talking Turkey” presentation. Waldorf, of the Bird Control Advisory, breaks down urban bird control and explains that it consists of so much more than just bird spikes.
“The ‘Talking Turkey’ presentation is a benchmark for pest control operators to fully understand the structural bird control world.” remarks Coughlin.
Presentations like Waldorf’s are exactly why PestWorld is such a pivotal tradeshow – it is engaging, hands-on, innovative, and a fantastic networking event. Every minute is utilized, and everyone attending is equally eager to further advance the pest control industry.
“PestWorld 2016 provided us with the opportunity to speak with installers and get feedback on the effectiveness of our products and suggestions for improvement. We value these opportunities to make improvements to our products. The great feedback we received about the Bird-X client experience was inspirational,” added Coughlin.
When asked which Bird-X product garnered the most buzz, Mark Miller definitively stated “Lasers. People loved them. Laser technology is a simple yet effective solution and we’re excited to see the industry’s success with it.”
Miller, a fellow Account Manager, believes Bird-X’s new laser device is another arrow in the quiver when it comes to bird control solutions. This was the first PestWorld event that showcased the new laser, and it gained a lot of interest among industry professionals. View all laser products here.
When deterring birds, the key is to make them as uncomfortable as possible. This is done by attacking the key senses of a bird. The laser is another great addition to the Bird-X product line that disturbs a bird’s eye sight, disorients their flight path, and can be very bothersome in a night time roosting scenario. Laser technology for deterring birds is low-maintenance and sure to deliver a positive user experience.
The Bird-X team is looking forward to 2017’s PestWorld, to be held in Baltimore, Maryland.
Bird B Gone Now Offers Free Training Around the World
No one knows better how bird control has advanced over the years. From brooms and sonic booms to lasers and advanced sonic deterrents, innovations in bird control have led to newer and better ways to effectively—and humanely—deal with pest birds. As the industry leader for over 22 years, Bird-B-Gone has issued 42 patents worldwide and 35 pending patent applications—the most in the industry. Its broad range of products addresses every bird problem. But choosing the right product for the right bird and venue can pose a challenge. Which is why, whether you’re an installer or a homeowner, Bird B Gone will teach you the most efficient and cost effective way to get rid of pest birds—virtually anywhere in the world. Continue reading →
Only Choose a Certified Installer for your Bird Control Problems
Bird control is intended to deter birds humanely and safely from areas where the birds are unwanted. Perching, roosting and nesting pest birds cause major problems for homeowners and businesses alike. Clean up of the bird’s droppings can be quite costly. If the droppings are allowed to accumulate, the nasty and acidic feces will ruin whatever they have been allowed to accrue on. Continue reading →
Bird-X Highlights Most Commonly Received Customer Questions
If there’s one thing we know, it’s birds! Our Customer Service team understands that some of our products can seem extremely technical and tricky to use. Fear not—we’re here to help you understand how your new Bird-X products work, and clear up any questions about pest birds and animals. Check out some of the most common questions we encounter—you may just find the answer you’re looking for!
What does the low-to-high dial refer to on the back of the Yard Gard?
The low-to-high dial on the back of the Yard Gard refers to the frequency of the ultrasonic sounds that are emitted from the front of the device. By turning the dial towards the low setting, the strength of the frequency increases. When the dial is set near the high setting, the frequency is weaker. An easy way to remember this is by relating Low to Loud.
Will Bird Spikes harm birds?
No, Bird Spikes will not harm birds. It is a humane physical barrier that creates an uneven and unwelcoming landing zone for incoming birds trying to perch on gutters, roof peaks, tops of fences, and a variety of other structures. Birds realize their comfortable and inviting perching spot is no longer as accessible and do not attempt to land there anymore.
What kind of birds are the extra-tall stainless steel spikes for? Are they more effective than the regular spikes?
When properly installed, all Bird-X spikes are effective. The extra-tall spikes are for larger birds, such as vultures, turkeys, egrets, seagulls, and herons. The standard spikes work well with average-sized pest birds like pigeons, and crows. Installing spikes along edges and peaks of buildings, which is a prime perching location for average-sized pest birds, will ensure an effective disruption to the birds’ perching habits.
What is the difference between sonic and ultrasonic frequencies?
Sonic simply refers to audible noises within the range of sound that the human ear can hear. For example, a device like the BirdXPeller Pro emits sonic deterrents in the form of naturally recorded bird distress calls and predator cries. The recommended volume setting on sonic devices with bird distress calls is to be as close to the volume of actual bird call sounds nearby—the key is that the sonic sounds blend into nature.
Ultrasonic frequency is higher than the sound range that is audible to humans, and therefore is silent to people. Some of our devices are equipped with both sonic and ultrasonic capabilities (such as the Transonic PRO and BroadBand PRO) which means these are also audible to humans.
Will sonic frequencies, like bird distress calls, also affect my cat or dog?
No, pets will not be affected by bird calls emitted by Bird-X devices. Household pets will react the same way they would if they heard a bird call while out on a walk; they may notice it, but ultimately think nothing of it. The recorded distress calls are species-specific. The BirdXPeller PRO, for example, sells incredibly well because of its ability to be programmed to deter only specific pest birds, such as pigeons, crows, grackles, and seagulls.
What about Nature’s Defense granules, will they poison my outdoor chickens?
Chickens and other outdoor pets will not be harmed or become ill if Nature’s Defense pest aversion granules are ingested. Nature’s Defense is an all-natural, nontoxic product with 100% certified-organic ingredients. It gives off a scent that is irritating to common backyard pest animals to deter them from places the granules are spread, such as gardens or around garbage cans. The granules consist of ingredients like: garlic, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, peppermint, and other natural scents.
Written by Rachel Cable, Content Marketing Manager for Bird-X, Inc.
Coyote Control: How Urban Coyotes Are Invading Our Cities
Coyotes have descended on our towns and cities… Can we peacefully coexist with this common pest animal?
A distinctively American species, the coyote has lived in North America for more than a million years. But despite widespread attempts at eradication since the early 19th-century, coyotes have adapted and are now well-established in 49 states, including most major metropolitan areas.i
According to National Geographic, approximately one coyote per minute, or 500,000 per year, are killed in the U.S. every year; of this, biologists estimate that Wildlife Services aerial guns about 80,000 coyotes per year at tax payer expense.ii
In recent years, coyotes have discovered a new refuge in large metropolitan areas like Chicago and New York City, where people do not trap, poison, or shoot them. This transition has had a strong impact on their longevity—wild coyotes live an average of two and a half years, whereas urban coyotes can live more than thirteen years.iii“They’re doing very well living among us, dining on the rats and mice that our villages and houses produce in such abundance,” author Dan Flores said in a recent interview with National Geographic.ivWhile they prefer to feed on wild prey, these omnivores will eat almost anything—leather, backyard fruit, garbage, and even pets.v
Coyotes are typically skittish around humans.
Living Amongst Coyotes
Unlike many predators that face extinction, coyotes continue to survive and thrive in the face of persecution due to their intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. While rapid deforestation and hunting has forced coyotes to seek shelter in urbanized landscapes, the National Audubon Society believes educated coexistence is a feasible solution.viCoyotes are not a threat to humans, as they are usually wary of people and avoid contact when possible. Dr. Marc Bekoff, member of the Project Coyote Science Advisory Board, believes that by altering our behavior and gaining a better understanding of coyote behavior, we can cohabit peacefully.vii
Although coyotes have a beneficial top-down effect on the ecosystem, it is still important to discourage them and other pests from entering yards and neighborhoods. Coyotes often view cats and small dogs as prey, and may attack domestic pets that roam free. These nocturnal creatures are also known to howl in packs during the night, which can disturb nearby residents.
The Bird-X Solution
Bird-X understands that cohabitating peacefully with pest animals, like coyotes, means choosing humane pest control methods to deter them from unwanted areas. This is why Bird-X offers pest control products that are effective, safe, and eco-friendly. Using humane pest control ensures that you, your family, and your pets stay safe, while not negatively impacting the ecosystem or unnecessarily harming pest animals. Using inhumane methods like traps or poisons can endanger other animals and your family, and can result in even more mess and frustration. For coyote control around the home, Bird-X recommends humane products that use sonic and ultrasonic technology to alert pest animals to go elsewhere.
Bird-X’s Critter Blaster PRO is perfect for deterring pest animals from large areas.
For example, the Critter Blaster PRO is a sonic pest control system designed for use in large, remote outdoor areas. This four-speaker system aggressively harasses pests with digitally recorded sonic sounds, keeping coyotes and other critters away for up to 6 acres.
Other alternative methods include the Yard Gard and Solar Yard Gard, which are both silent, ultrasonic outdoor devices that protect 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are silent to most humans, but irritating to pests. Over time, pests are conditioned to avoid an area where this threat is perceived, making them seek refuge in untreated areas.
If your home or business would benefit from Bird-X’s pest control products, let us know in the comments! For more information on humane pest control, please visit our page.
Written by Tim Gibbons, Marketing Intern for Bird-X, Inc.
*Photos courtesy of Pixabay
Sources:
iWorrall, Simon. “How the Most Hated Animal in America Outwitted Us All.” National Geographic. 2016 National Geographic Society, published 7 August 2016. Web. Accessed 9 August 2016.
iiIbid.
iiiIbid.
ivIbid.
vDell’Amore, Christine. “How Wild Animals Are Hacking Life in the City.” National Geographic. 2016 National Geographic Society, published 18 April 2016. Web. Accessed 9 August 2016.
viFox, Camilla H. “Coyotes & Humans: Can We Coexist?” Audubon. 2016 National Audubon Society. Published 2006. Web. Accessed 9 August 2016.
vii“Coexisting With Coyotes.” Project Coyote. 2016 Project Coyote, n.d. Web. Accessed 9 August 2016.
Wind Turbines Cause Rising Number of Bird and Bat Fatalities
Wind power is one of the cleanest and safest methods of generating renewable energy. Due to the steady increase in price of nonrenewable sources, wind turbine use has increased 25% in the past decade.i While its growth has helped reduce carbon emissions and pollution, this green source of energy comes at a cost: these massive blades, slicing the air at close to 200 miles per hour, serve as giant death traps to migrating birds and bats.
According to a study in the Wildlife Society Bulletin, wind turbines kill 573,000 birds and 888,000 bats annually.ii Some scientists theorize swarms of migrating birds and bats are attracted to the turbines’ height, mistaking them for tall trees, or that the spinning blades confuse the bats’ biological sonar.iii
Bird-X explores why saving these animals is important, and how humane pest control can help mitigate the high number of bird and bat deaths caused by wind turbines by deterring the animals away from an area safely.
Spinning wind turbines create quite the hazard for birds and bats!
Bats Provide Natural Mosquito Control
As concerns escalate about mosquito-borne illnesses like the Zika virus, experts point out that a single bat can consume as many as 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour, according to the U.S. Forest Service.iv A bat colony can take out up to tens of thousands of mosquitos in a night.
Bats also prey on insects that feed on crops, saving the U.S. agriculture industry more than $3 billion a year in pesticide costs, according to a Boston University study.v Not only do bats control flying insects, they also pollinate commercial crops, flowers, and various cacti. “I cannot think of another mammal that does more for people in terms of pest control and pollinating plants,” one Duke Energy biologist, Tim Hayes, says in a statement.vi
The Wildlife Society Bulletin reports wind turbines kill 888,000 bats annually
The Bird-X Solution
Critics of wind energy point out that turbines pose a threat to many federally-protected species—most notably Golden Eagles. In 2013, the U.S. government fined Duke Energy $1 million for a number of bird strikes that occurred at their wind farms in Wyoming.vii Any means of deterring birds and bats from approaching wind turbines may reduce fatalities, and protect farmers and wind energy companies from hefty fines. Bird-X offers bird and pest control products that are extremely effective, safe, humane, and eco-friendly—while avoiding the use of dangerous poisons and traps. Implementing Bird-X solutions reduces health and liability risks, which ultimately saves time and money.
For wind farms and other green energy facilities, Bird-X affirms the best method for deterring pest birds and bats is to create an environment that is not conducive for them to live. Using a combination of humane pest control products, like Bird-X’s bird netting, laser bird control, or visual scares, along with sonic and ultrasonic methods such as the Mega Blaster PRO or BroadBand PRO can lead to a more successful pest deterrent strategy. Bird netting completely blocks birds and bats from entering an area, while solutions like visual scares and lasers scare pests away. Using these types of deterrents in combination with the Mega Blaster PRO, a powerful sonic bird control system that broadcasts irritating, alarming, intermittent distress calls that frighten birds away, or BroadBand PRO, a multifaceted deterrent that emits both ultrasonic and sonic sounds to confuse, disorient, and ultimately repel pests, can ensure successful results. Over time, these methods condition birds and bats to avoid an area.
Bird-X’s Mega Blaster PRO is emits sonic distress calls that deter birds from an area.
Bird-X solutions mimic threats or create physical barriers so that pest birds and animals think an area in unsafe. Over time, pests are conditioned to avoid an area where this threat is perceived, seeking refuge elsewhere. The Chicago-based company has been developing humane, sustainable ways to manage bird and pest problems for over 50 years, and is dedicated to working with clients to find the best and most cost-effective solutions to control unwanted pests.
If your farm or green energy facility would benefit from Bird-X’s humane pest control products, let us know in the comments! For more information on bird and pest control for outdoor areas, please visit Bird-X’s Outdoor Pest Control page.
Written by Tim Gibbons, Marketing Intern for Bird-X, Inc.
*Photos courtesy of Pixabay
Sources:
[i] Rinkesh. “35 Facts About Wind Energy.” Conserve Energy Future. 2016 Conserve Energy Future, 24 Dec. 2013. Web. Accessed 21 July 2016.
[ii] Smallwood, K. S. (2013). Comparing bird and bat fatality-rate estimates among North American wind-energy projects. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 37: 19–33. doi:10.1002/wsb.260.
[iii] Potkewitz, Hilary. “A Biologist Works to Reconcile Bats and Wind Energy.” The Wall Street Journal. 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc., 7 June 2016. Web. Accessed 21 July 2016.
[iv] Taylor, Daniel A.R. “Forest Management and Bats.” Bat Conservation International (2006): n. pag. USDA.gov. 2006. Web. Accessed 21 July 2016.
[v] Boyles, Justin G. “Economic Importance of Bats in Agriculture.” Science Magazine 332 (2011): n. pag. Biologicaldiversity.org. AAAS, 31 Mar. 2011. Web. Accessed 21 July 2016.
[vi] Ibid., iii.
[vii] “Bastasch, Michael. “Wind Turbines Are Killing Bats And Could Be Hurting Farmers.” The Daily Caller. 2016 The Daily Caller, 14 Oct. 2015. Web. Accessed 21 July 2016.
Birds Are Not the Only Carriers of Avian Influenza
Global poultry production has more than quadrupled since 1970, with the United States leading the flock. However, due to the rising demand for chicken and other poultry, Avian influenza, or ‘bird flu,’ outbreaks have occurred at an accelerated rate, causing concern across the agricultural industry. Most alarmingly is the fact that the 2014 bird flu virus killed nearly 50 million birds, according to Fortune, and drove meat and egg prices to record highs.i
The poultry industry is still recovering from the loss of nearly 50 million birds
Poultry and egg producers battle to recover from that bird flu outbreak, which totaled about $3.3 billion in cost, and earned the title of the largest animal health disaster in American history by National Geographic.ii A recent discovery by the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) has offered scientists more insight as to how the virus can spread between farms miles apart—it’s carried by wild mammals.iii
In another laboratory experiment performed at the NWRC, scientists learned that cottontail rabbits and striped skunks can transmit certain strains of the bird flu virus to mallard ducks after sharing food and water sources, according to NWRC biologist Jeff Root.iv
Wild rabbits can carry transmissible strands of Avian influenza
What Does This Mean?
This discovery sheds light on the importance of keeping wild birds and pest mammals away from poultry barns, which can be a challenge for barn facilities management. “When wildlife and poultry interact and both can carry and spread a potentially damaging agricultural pathogen, it’s cause for concern,” Root said regarding the same study.iv Although most bird flu viruses do not affect humans, certain subtypes of the virus are zoonotic, meaning they can be contracted by humans. The most common form of Avian influenza, H5N1, is deadly to birds and can easily infect humans that come in contact with a carrier.
The Center for Disease Control and Presentation reports that more than 200 human cases of the H5N1 virus have been reported since 2004, killing nearly 60 percent of those infected. Human cases are rare, but the most common transmission of the virus is via direct contact with secretions from infected poultry. The current form of the virus cannot be transmitted from person to person. However, there are broad concerns related to its potential to mutate into a form that can spread between people, causing a human influenza pandemic.v
The Bird-X Solution
In order to prevent the spreading of bird flu, farmers must minimize risk by ensuring that wild birds and mammals are kept away from poultry barns. Bird-X offers bird and pest control products that are extremely effective, safe, humane, and eco-friendly—while avoiding the use of dangerous poisons and traps. Implementing Bird-X solutions reduces health and liability risks, which ultimately saves time and money.
The BroadBand PRO is the best-selling device for outdoor use to deter wild birds. This electronic bird control device combines both sonic and ultrasonic audio techniques that emit sounds to confuse, disorient, and intimidate pest birds, keeping them away for up to six acres. This product also comes with an option to include three visual scares for added efficacy.
To fend off both pest birds and wild mammals, the bird netting is ideal for blocking off larger areas. Bird netting seals off areas where pests are not wanted, and is perfect for creating completely pest-free zones.
Bird-X solutions mimic threats or create physical barriers so that pest birds and animals think an area in unsafe. Over time, pests are conditioned to avoid an area where this threat is perceived, seeking refuge elsewhere. The Chicago-based company has been developing humane, sustainable ways to manage bird and pest problems for over 50 years, and is dedicated to working with clients to find the best and most cost-effective solutions to control unwanted pests.
If your farm facility would benefit from Bird-X’s humane pest control products, let us know in the comments! For more information on bird flu, as well as other diseases carried by pest birds, please visit Bird-X’s Transmissible Diseases information page.
Written by Tim Gibbons, Marketing Intern for Bird-X, Inc.
Pigeons are the most prolific pest bird
