| Protecting America from Damage by Birds |
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| Written by ARAcontent | |
| Sunday, 02 September 2007 | |
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(ARA) – When the news first hit, it sounded like something out of a Hitchcockian nightmare: a build up of pigeon droppings may have contributed to the collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Mona Zemsky may have been one of the few people who didn’t gasp in disbelief. “The corrosive effects of bird droppings are commonly known, especially in industries where facilities managers regularly deal with bird infestations,” says Zemsky, a technical consultant for Bird-X, Inc., a 44-year-old Chicago company that specializes in bird and pest control products. “And anyone who’s ever failed to quickly remove bird feces from their car knows first hand the damage it can cause.” In Minnesota, department of transportation workers found pigeon droppings obscured their ability to inspect the doomed I-35W bridge as early as 1994 and as recently as last year, according to reports in the Star Tribune. The Associated Press reported that experts believe the droppings may have helped the bridge’s steel beams rust faster. While many people may be aware of the health concerns associated with bird droppings, fewer fully understand the physical damage droppings can do to man-made structures. Across a broad spectrum of industries, birds cause big problems -- and cost big bucks. At the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, for example, cleaning up after interloping pigeons cost more than $100,000 per season, according to the stadium’s manager. Bird guano corrodes not only metal, but a number of building materials, including concrete, stone, tar shingles and brick. “We have worked with everyone from homeowners, churches, universities and airports, to courthouses, municipal buildings, warehouses, departments of transportation, golf courses, bus terminals and transit stations dealing with bird infestations,” Zemsky says. The key to success for all of them has been finding the right combination of non-lethal methods to convince birds to relocate. “Killing the birds does not solve the problem,” she says. As long as a location remains attractive to birds, others will move in after the initial group is eradicated. Successful deterrents convince invading birds that an area is no longer safe or desirable, or hinder their ability to comfortably roost in an area. Many groups dealing with large, outdoor structures opt for sound, physical barriers or in the case of a particularly stubborn situation, a combination of both. Ultrasonic repellers feature sound waves that are inaudible to humans but highly offensive to birds. They work well in semi-enclosed locations, like under a bridge, where the structure can reverberate and amplify the sound. Sonic devices use actual bird distress cries and predator calls. These devices work for larger areas and can cover up to six acres. Multiple sounds and programmable settings allow the user to vary the bird-scaring soundtrack for optimum impact. “The most effective products have variable settings and multiple sounds,” Zemsky says. “Sound deterrents that repeat only one or a limited set of sounds are ineffective because the birds can adapt to the repetition. If the sound frequency, volume or type is constantly changing, it distresses the birds and they’ll leave the area.” Physical barriers are often the gold standard for bird deterrent systems, as this is a one-time permanent installation providing decades of bird-free facilities.. Mesh netting, made of polyethylene or polypropylene, is more effective and long-lived than ever. Easy to install, the netting is virtually invisible from a distance, making it a good choice for structures that are architecturally appealing. Stainless steel bird spikes that prevent birds from alighting on any surface, or non-toxic tacky gels that make roosting uncomfortable for birds are also ideal long-term choices, Zemsky says. “Everyone’s needs are different, so they will solve their problems in different ways,” she adds. “For example, an electric powered sound device may not be practical for a large structure where there isn’t easy access to electrical power. In those cases, a physical roost barrier might be a better choice.” Bird-X, Inc. offers complimentary counseling on deterrent technologies. For more information or advice, visit www.bird-x.com/ARA or call (800) 662-5021. Courtesy of ARAcontent |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 September 2007 ) |
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