Bird Control Services has been in the business of getting unwanted birds out of buildings since our establishment in 1988.

We have over the years dealt with most of the large warehousing, logistics and manufacturing companies - with great success and still maintain an on-going business relationship with them. We have treated many warehouse buildings in the Maydon Wharf area over the years. Our methods of bird removal being Vamoose Bird Repellent Gel and Spectre-Net Bird Exclusion System.

We have never advocated the use of spikes, wires, coils or scarers as in the long term, these do not work.

Bird control is not an exact science. There are many methods “for getting rid of birds”. Most don’t work. Commercially, bird control is divided into 3 groups.

Bird Repellents

Bird repellents do exactly what they say - they repel birds from traditional roosting and nesting areas. These are divided into chemical and electronic repellents - ie. Gels and electric shock devices.

Depending on which gel is applied, success is achieved in direct proportion to the quality of the chemical formulation and the method of application. The problem with some gels in South Africa is that they were intended for use in cold European climes and not tropical Africa! These tend to melt. All gels collect dirt and eventually go black due to atmospheric pollution. Vamoose is a 2 pack application employing the use of a plastic film coating which protects the gel from the ingress of dirt and dust.

Gels are ideally suited for industrial use in factories and warehouses where the birds need to be repelled from trusses and beams. It is the most cost effective way of getting a virtual 100% success rate. Also, there is no other method that comes close to the effectiveness of a gel application.

Electronic shock devices are hugely labour intensive due to the on-going snags that plague them. Rain short-circuits the wires and these snap. The installation is very expensive and are not practical for larger installations. They are suitable for smaller installations such as building entrances etc. These systems have come onto the market in various forms, but have mostly disappeared.

Bird Deterrent Systems

These take up the form of spikes, wires and coils. They are supposed to keep birds from roosting on a ledge fitted with the specific product by making it “uncomfortable” to land.

Spikes

These are engineered spike systems in many shapes, forms and materials of manufacture. They are fitted mostly to building ledges, pillars and reveals etc. Depending on the design of the spike, they may or may not work. Pigeons are creatures of habit and can adapt to any hardship, and in many instances soon find a way to overcome the spike installation.

Spikes are not very attractive when fitted to a building. Usually manufactured from plastic or stainless steel or combination of the two, they are as long lasting as the UV stabilizers found in the plastic material. The attachment material (usually silicone)also determines the success of the spike system remaining in place.

Wires

Intended to make the ledge “unstable”. The birds feel unsafe and will leave. This is the theory. Once again – some installations work - others don’t. Most of these are done using stainless steel coil springs and fittings. The fittings are attached to the building in rows. The wires are spaced between the posts and are tensioned by the springs. Stainless steel springs get brittle and snap after a short while. Other springs merely rust. Once again the wire installation becomes labour intensive in terms of maintenance. If not maintained, the installation soon looks unsightly.

Coils

Look like rolls of razor wire in miniature. These are fixed to the building ledges in rows and are supposed to keep the birds from getting a footing.

Bird Scarers

Scarecrows. Ultrasonic devices, flashing mirrors, noise makers, rubber snakes, stuffed owls, scary eyes, fire crackers, streamers, kites and anything else that falls in this “category” of bird control. These do not work. None will have any lasting effect and are in essence a waste of money.

Bird Exclusion Systems

These take the form of a physical barrier to the birds. A net, a pane of glass, wood or anything that blocks the “hole”. This ensures an end to the birds gaining access to and enclosed area, keeping them away from traditional roosts and nests.

Physical barriers are the best form of bird control, but often this is not practical or very expensive. It must be understood however that when this form of bird control is employed that the installation must be perfectly sealed and remain sealed. If not and aviary situation will ensue. This has happened in many instance where the system installed has been compromised only to find the birds back within the “protected” area. Bird exclusion in no way stops the birds from being in the area. They will even cling to netted areas for weeks and will only leave out of frustration. Nets are best suited for the closure of building wells, breeze block facades and wide ledges, roof cowls etc.