Controlling bird problems humanely requires a wildlife expert. One Chicago wildlife control service takes an “architectural” approach to bird control. According to Rebecca Fyffe of Chicago Wildlife Management, architectural bird control is simply a means of preventing bird problems from occurring in the first place, or preventing birds that have been removed from a structure from returning. Fyffe, whose company offers several forms of architectural bird control in Chicago, says that this approach is both humane and highly effective.
Why Is It Necessary?
When birds are constantly roosting or nesting in or around your place of business, they can become more than just a nuisance. Guano is both unsightly and potentially dangerous. Highly corrosive, guano can eventually cause metal failure, says Fyffe.
When pigeons roost on an awning, for example, the accumulated guano on the top of that awning could ultimately cause it to fall, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Fyffe recounts a recent incident in which an individual was killed by an awning that fell as the result of pigeon activity. In another case, a highly-trafficked bridge in Minneapolis collapsed partially due to metal failure caused by pigeon droppings.
Guano also poses other threats to human health and safety. Guano harbors dangerous diseases like encephalitis, meningitis and more. It also becomes extremely slick when combined with water, creating a major slipping hazard. “Bird droppings are extremely viscous when reactivated by water,” Fyffe says. “A buildup of pigeon droppings becomes like an oil slick after a rainfall.”
How Is It Used?
Architectural bird control is an approach that involves the use of physical barriers or other architectural elements to keep birds away from a structure. Effective bird control requires a thorough understanding of birds’ habits, and this is where the expertise of a company like Chicago Wildlife Management really comes into play. Fyffe’s company has done extensive research into the habits and migration of local bird species and has developed a number of species-specific techniques to make commercial and public facilities unattractive roosting and nesting spots for nuisance birds.
The architectural bird control products used by Chicago Wildlife Management are designed to be aesthetically pleasing. They follow the contours of the building, and are, in some cases, nearly invisible. As an example, for some types of birds, a special type of netting is used. This netting is made of such a fine filament that it cannot be detected in a photograph. In other cases, a product is used that transforms otherwise flat surfaces into unappealing, uncomfortable surfaces for birds to land on. “In essence, it turns the building into a ‘porcupine,’” Fyffe explains.
Chicago Wildlife Management also employs CAD and architectural draftsmen to create models that clients can see before the products are installed. This way, they’re able to understand how the end result will look. “One of our high-end clients actually told us that the product enhanced the look of their new building,” says Fyffe. “We are really proud of that, and are clients are very happy with our end results.”