Many commensal birds, such as pigeons, sea gulls, starlings etc., are on record as perching and roosting on buildings, statues and other heritage items. Their droppings not only create unsightly deposits, but also have deleterious effects on the fabric by aiding its decay. There are a large number of bird deterrent systems available on the market, but very few have been tested for their effectiveness.
A research project is under way to examine the issue of bird droppings on buildings. We are keen to hear of recent case studies that examine the impact of birds on buildings and outdoor statuary, as well as case studies that examine the effectiveness of deterrent systems.
We are keen to hear your experiences.
Thank you
Dirk
Also, please see this call for participation in a formal structured survey:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Survey_How_do_you_deal_with_bird_droppings_on_buildings
the questionnaire can be accessed here
https://www.research.net/r/HeritageBuildingsNZ
Please consider participating
hi Derk, I have read an interesting article discussing different methods of deterrent birds.Here you are: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/113310 Hope you find it useful.it is mainly for historic building.however it is still worth to read and some of these methods are commonly used in our downtown.the most common o e is the wire pin system.it seems that it proved it is effectiveness comparing with other systems for its minimum impact on the environment, installation, and less maintenance requirements.
Selection of building materials and use of protective coatings can also be cost-effective and aid in cleansing.
Thanks Samia, yes I have seen the GSA item.
Maryann, a good point for new buildings, but when you are dealing with heritage items, you have an existing fabric and one has to be mindful what effect the coating has on tha fabric...
Very true, although a lot of products developed now with this in mind, especially to protect against chemicals from graffiti and so this may also help in this regard.
Hi Dirk,
You can consider the Bird-shock or Bird-Track system is found effective, discrete in high pressure situations
Shyam
Thank you for your suggestion. Are you aware of any studies that formally evaluate these systems?
Hi Dirk,
Sorry for the delayed reply.
Though a formal evaluation of the system is not done yet we have used the system at several locations in India with different types of premises like residential, commercial. The system was installed as early in December 2011, August 2012, May 2013 and many more and still continued using it. At all these sites, the pest bird problem is fixed effectively till date - no more birds.
The efficacy is tested & proved in field conditions - 24 X 7 - in varied Indian weather.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Zoology
- Ornithology