Even though they are beautiful creatures, pest birds are a frustrating problem. Visual deterrents may work to some extent to scare birds. Yet, if you have a bird problem, there are bird control products and deterrents that can help even more.
Here, our roofing professionals will explain the main types of bird deterrents, plus cover the simplest ways to install them on your rooftop.
Why Prevent Birds Roosting Under Roof Tiles?
Mitigating damage is one essential reason to prevent common pests like pigeons roosting under roof tiles. Damage can occur in two key ways.
- Droppings damage roofing materials: Containing large amounts of uric acid, bird droppings can cause the gradual degradation of roofing materials. They are corrosive and can damage a range of materials. For instance, they will eat through shingles and roof flashings fairly quickly.
- Nests dislodge tiles: Causing the tiles to move and crack, growing nests can damage the roof structure. This can lead to additional knock-on effects. For example, water damage is a real possibility in times of heavy rainfall, with cracks in between the tiles, and the water can seep through the roof.
As stated by the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, according to the legislation.sa.gov.au source, in many areas such as New South Wales, you can't harm or remove animals such as birds. This leaves you with the option to deter native animals from causing damage.
Types of Bird Repellent and Bird Deterrent Products
Multiple types of bird repellent and bird deterrent products can ensure you get rid of unwanted birds - most creating physical barriers on the rooftop. Find, below, the main products and innovative solutions for this.
- Gutter bird spikes: These are, as the name suggests, physical barriers made of stainless steel or plastic that take the form of spikes to stop problem birds from landing on a roof's gutter. They are effective pest control solutions preventing a few issues. For example, they will ensure no droppings or nesting material accumulate on your roof.
- Bird netting: This is, as indicated by the name, another physical barrier in a net form. It protects the building from a range of birds without causing harm and is flexible thanks to its materials. For instance, this bird control is made of woven synthetic polyethylene or extruded polypropylene.
- Nylon coated bird wire: This bird deterrent can be integrated into a bird wire system, stopping the birds from landing on ledges or rooftops. They are made of stainless steel but coated with a clear nylon material.
How to Install Bird Deterrents
Each solution has a different installation process. Below are the processes you can follow to install gutter bird spikes, netting or nylon coated bird wire.
Bird Spike Installation
Begin by determining which surface material you'll attach the bird spikes to. For instance, this could be stainless steel or wood, concrete or brick, or others. You can then gather your roofing tools, including a roof ladder hook and non-silicone based outdoor adhesive.
Continue by climbing the roof, disinfecting the surfaces and then applying a line adhesive along the glue line of the bird spikes. Add a small amount of adhesive on the screw holes and then place the spikes on the surface, ensuring an overhang of half an inch from the edge of the surface.
For a wood surface, use wood screws and drive them into the holes. No more than half an inch should remain at the back of the surface.
Bird Netting Installation
The process begins by installing an anchor. Now, there are a few types of anchors. For instance, corner attachments are suitable for installing where the cable starts and ends. Specifically, you can use them at every 50 feet of the length of the cable.
Fit intermediate attachments between the corner anchors. Place them equidistantly, one metre apart, but bear in mind that each net size may need different spacings for these attachments. For instance, a net with 40mm meshes will need intermediate fixings at 0.5-metre intervals.
Place wire rope through one side that features fixings and loop a wire end through a corner fixing. Then, hook a barrel strainer to your other corner anchor and thread your wire rope's free end through it.
Complete this same process for all sides of the net and attach the net to the rope with a corner tie at each corner anchor. You can then add hog rings to each mesh square to keep the net secure.
Nylon Coated Bird Wire Installation
Start by cleaning the roof surface and disinfecting the area, which can be easier with baking soda or disinfectants.
Then, measure the ledge on the roof and consider that the wire should not be placed more than one inch from the ledge's edge. And for multiple rows of wire, 3-inch spaces should be the maximum measurement between them.
Drill holes into the concrete or stone surface to anchor the posts and insert anchors into them. You can then thread the wire through the crimp, then through the post, and then through the crimp again. With pliers, squeeze the crimp to secure the wire.
Thread the wire through the centre post and attach a spring. Tighten the tension to maximise the efficiency of the bird wire.
Final Thoughts on Bird Deterrents & Roofing
All things considered, bird deterrents are an important solution to mitigate damage to your rooftop and ensure it remains in peak condition.
With the three deterrents and tips for installation here, you can protect your roof efficiently. If you're not confident about the installation process, roofing specialists are ideal.
If you are looking for tools to help with bird deterrent installation, visit Roofstuff.com.au and Evobuild. There, you will find everything you need to complete the installation easily.
FAQS
How do I get rid of starlings in my roof Australia?
This can include prevention approaches to prevent them from entering into or roosting on the roof. Some prevention methods include spikes, netting and wire products. If you are unable to install these, a bird pest control service will be able to help you.
How do I keep birds off my roof skylight?
This is achievable with plastic bird spikes, which you can install around the roof skylights. They are an economical solution but highly effective, ensuring the birds do not land near the skylight. You will easily be able to install them on the skylight's narrow edges since many solutions are not wide.
What are the best spikes for birds?
Top options are polycarbonate bird spikes that are lightweight and very easy to install. They're capable of deterring birds and are a cost-effective solution. Their transparent or light colours also mean that they do not look unsightly on a rooftop and will not stand out.