Top Bird Proofing Methods for Australian Properties

Australia is proud of the sheer number and diverse variety of birds. The parrots, honeyeaters, pigeons, eagles and kookaburra among many others form part of the common birds found in Australia. That being said, most people love the sight of these birding creatures, but these same birds can pose numerous problems whenever they nest on your property. They can also financially affect building owners by causing structural damages, bringing about diseases and making noise. It can impact crops, gardens and other areas of outdoor interest.

There are several effective bird-proofing strategies, which Australian property owners can take advantage of so as to prevent birds from coming into their compound. The following detailed blog will outline correct bird-proofing measures to ensure your property is protected without violating wildlife legislation and the environment.

Top Methods To Bird-Proof Australian Properties

1. Bird Netting: A Reliable Physical Barrier

To avian control, effective bird proofing, popular and useful ways of controlling birds include the use of bird nettings. These operate like bird netting in such a way that it creates a barrier that discourages birds from accessing certain areas. It can be used to cover places like houses roofs, backyards, balconies, windows, and even areas that people use to dine while taking meals outside. Netting is especially suitable where massive birds are roosting such as buildings or agricultural properties.

• Versatility: This barrier can be placed on virtually any structure, whether it be a roof, garden, or even an open area. It can be designed to suit areas that require protection in a specific way.



• Invisible Protection: Modern bird netting is normally fairly transparent, which means that, unlike other types of barriers, it does not spoil the look of your premises.



• Long-lasting: Bird control netting is most effectively constructed from polyethylene or nylon, due to the ability to withstand exposure to the sun’s UV rays and other adverse conditions experienced in Australia.



• Safe for Birds: Bird netting is non-lethal because it keeps the birds from getting in without having to injure them. This is important, especially bearing in mind Australia’s wildlife conservation laws.

• Set up the net in a way that it cannot be accessed or located in a way that the bird can easily avoid by sitting over the protected area.


• The netting must be appropriate in that the holes it has must be tight to ensure that the birds cannot squeeze through.


• This way, it is recommended that the netting is firmly tied to the trees or any other structure since storms can easily remove any loosely tied netting.

2. Bird Spikes: Simple, Yet Effective

The other commonly used technique in bird-proofing in Australian properties is known as bird spikes. These spikes are usually made of stainless steel or plastic. Depending on the part where they are fixed, they are meant to be fitted wherever birds usually roost including rooftop barriers, windows, and ledges. When birds try to perch the discomfort they experience when they do so is a major reason that makes them look for other places.

• Cost-Effective: Bird spikes cost relatively less than other bird control solutions and thus are a good bargain for any homeowner.



• Low Maintenance: Bird spikes are relatively low maintenance once they have been put in place. It is not often that they are replaced and they are not very susceptible to wearing out.



• Humane: Unlike netting, bird spikes do not pose a threat although their main purpose is to repel birds. The spikes prevent birds from being able to perch on the surfaces where they are fitted, while they do not harm the birds in any way.

• Fit bird spikes primarily in areas where birds are likely to perch window sills, ledges and rooftops.


• The type of spikes that should be installed depends on the type of bird species that you wish to repel. However, previous surveys have shown that it may, for instance, require much larger spikes for crows and pigeons.


• Be particularistic with the spikes used as they can work very poorly if the spikes are loose or easily removable.

3. Bird Wire Systems: Invisible and Effective

Bird wire systems are the next most efficient bird control solution. This procedure involved placing thin tension wires on the ledges, roof and other areas where the birds frequently perch. The wires provide an insecure surface for a bird and that throws a challenge as they struggle to perch. The system is especially relevant for the exclusion of pigeons, seagulls or other large ornithological birds.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Bird wire systems are fairly invisible when installed properly so it does not alter the face that you want to present to the public or to visitors and clients.



• Long-lasting: The bird wire systems are made from a stainless steel material that makes the products have high durability with no cases of rust and corrosion. They seem able to handle concrete and tar surfaces in diverse Australian climates from high winds to salt-laden sea air.



• Effective for Large Areas: These bird wire systems work well for large areas of roof or ledge protection. They can also be placed on incline areas where other barriers can hardly be put in place.

• Place the wires with the right tension in between so that they pose a security measure that is not too tight or too loose.


• Space the wires 2-3 inches so that birds cannot look for a way around them.


• Make sure you fasten the wire adequately into the building so that the tension stays as it is without getting affected in many years to come.

4. Visual Deterrents: Scare Tactics That Work

Some visual stimuli are capable of easily disturbing birds. Hitting objects, mirrors, predator replicas, and other moving things can also be used to scare birds away from your compound. Such visual discouragements are normally cheap and can be fixed easily on any surface or area within the building or compound.

• Reflective Tape: Reflective tinsel can be attached to trees, windows and balconies to provide sudden rays of light that frighten birds away from the place.



• Predator Decoys: Other sources of stress include the use of decoy predators like fake owls or falcons to make birds believe that a predator is around. Such decoys are most effective when rotated, to avoid habituation by the birds to their presence.



• Moving Objects: Birds cannot easily approach the area if there are wind chimes, pinwheels or balloons with different artistic images hanging around the vicinity. The occurrence of these objects in motion advanced with visibility makes it unbearable for birds to be within the vicinity.

• Low-Cost: Almost all visual repellents are cheap in terms of cost as well as in the implementation process. They are a cost-effective bird control solution.


• Simple to Implement: All these deterrents are easy to install, meaning that help of a professional or special equipment is not required.


• Eco-Friendly: Most of the physical interventions including reflectors, decoy predators etc do not in any way pose any threat to the lives of the birds.

Once birds become aware of visual stimuli, they are not as effective as prevention since the birds will familiarize themselves with them. It is useful to continue changing or ‘shaking up’ these deterrents, both in where they are placed and the available types.

5. Sound Devices: Keep Birds at Bay with Noise

Hazing devices are those that produce sounds that the birds find least tolerable. These devices can be used to play bird distress sounds in abbreviated form, or can produce sounds that are uncomfortable for birds but that humans cannot hear. The sound devices are used in vast areas; this may be in farming compounds or business premises.

• Effective for Large Areas: Sound devices are preferred in large areas such as estates, or vegetation-based land than in the other methods above.



• Humane: These devices function based on the principle of disturbing birds without hurting them. Birds are only repelled by sound and fly away to another place.

Audio devices are audible so they can inconvenience the neighbors who are residents of the homes. Do not use these devices at night especially in residential neighborhoods without observing noise Pollution Control Acts.

Such devices may also stop working after some time should the birds get used to the sound produced by the devices. Some of the preventive measures include changes in the frequency or volume consistently.

6. Bird Traps: A Last Resort for Large Populations

If you have a severe bird problem, it is possible to use bird traps as the final solution. Bird traps are meant to capture birds gently so that they can be released to other areas. Though trapping is not the best option to consider by most property owners, it can be more effective when other measures fail.

• Humane Relocation: Traps are used in capturing birds without necessarily harming them and they can always be transferred to another better place.



• Effective for Large Populations: Bird trapping can also be applied where large numbers of birds are involved, especially wherever other control methods have proven ineffective.

Live trapping may be tiresome, and the individuals who perform this operation must have a sufficient understanding of the state or any regional legislation within which the birds are relocated.

The fact is that it is impossible to capture all the bird species. Certain birds will require different traps and or bait.

Conclusion

Bird control and proofing of your Australian home or compound is crucial to safeguard flowers and plants in your garden, your windows, and any structures that may be destroyed by birds. Some of the methods of bird control include; Bird netting techniques; Bird Spikes, Bird Repellent Appliances and Bird Scare Devices. You should therefore take into consideration things such as the area size, bird species and cost before deciding on the right approach. It has been observed that using different types of barriers together can prevent birds from invading an area as well as prevent harm to Australia’s fauna.