The importance of consulting a bird control professional in these hard times can't be overstated. Growers and farmers are suffering extensive losses from the ravages of pest birds that often strip orchards bare. In California, for example, entire orchards of almonds were routinely stripped clean in a matter of days by roving flocks of crows numbering in the 30 thousands. Since a single crow can consume 30 almonds per day, a good sized flock can devour millions of nuts in a day. California woodpeckers are no less damaging, denuding up to 10 percent of an almond orchard due to their propensity to hoard and store almonds.
In general, the damage caused by pest birds can be separated into three basic categories: disbudding by linnets and other species in the early spring; trunk injuries caused by sapsuckers; and the taking of nuts by crows, jays and woodpeckers. The Western crow, with its aggressive feeding habits, is considered the most ravenous destroyer of orchards. Crows are also difficult to control, since their feeding habits are so erratic, attacking orchards virtually any time of day. All the more reason for consulting a bird control professional.
The direct effect of this kind of bird damage to an almond orchard is partially determined by the value of the damaged and eaten nuts. However, the revenue produced by individual growers supports other industries in the economy. Growers create jobs for shop owners, restaurant staff, police, fire, etc., which must also be taken into account when examining the total economic impact of pest birds.
The mounting damage to planted corn, sunflower, canola and rice seed by pest birds is on the rise. A bird control professional can help reduce this damage. A number of states have noted major changes in bird damage. Wisconsin, for example, noted an increase in corn field damage from cranes whose populations continue to grow due to aggressive restoration of breeding flocks and their habitat. In 2008, nearly one-fifth of South Dakota's corn fields had noticeable bird damage. Migrating blackbirds, grackles, crows and cowbirds have found Mississippi's corn seed to be very attractive. Losses to birds have now been estimated by the state to be very high.
The Need for Bird Control Professionals
A bird control professional knows how to efficiently and humanely deal with pest birds. He or she can guide you to the right bird control solutions for your particular application. These experts can help you every step of the way, providing much needed advice on today's most demanding pest control situations. A dedicated bird control professional will perform an on-site evaluation, which is far better than merely buying products on line. This prevents you from buying the wrong product and wasting time on returns and re-shipments. The goal is to solve your pest control issue before it mushrooms into an unmanageable problem.
Another advantage in seeking out a bird control professional is expert installation or application advice. After all, buying a bird control product is only half the solution; you also have to know how to get the most out of it. Whether your crops are being ravaged by blackbirds, grackles, crows or other pest birds, a bird control professional will typically be able to draw on a network of qualified, pest control experts who implement their line of bird control products. These professional installers use the highest quality products, so you can rest assured you're getting the most bird control for your money.
Bird Control Products Run the Gamut
Today, farmers and growers can avail themselves of an ever-growing variety of bird control products and solutions. Some of the most popular products are addressed as follows:
Bird Scare Devices--To protect specific areas of your property or field from pest birds, your bird control professional might recommend any variety of bird scare deterrents.
Today's bird scare devices include reflective foil banners and strips, and blow-up balloons and diverters. The foil banners crackle in the breeze, which adds to the fright factor. Balloons and diverters are covered with huge predator eyes to scare away most any bird. Your bird control professional will advise you on where and how to hang these deterrents for best effect. You might also consider getting a few Bird Spiders. These intimidation devices boast flailing tentacles that wave in the wind to distract and make pest birds too nervous to stay. Spiders come in a variety of arm lengths to deter various pest bird species. A bird control professional can help you pick the right one.
Bird Netting--Today bird repellent netting is available in many types and mesh sizes. To deter large birds, a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size is recommended. For smaller birds, use a 3/4" mesh size. The best netting usually meets ISO 1806 protocols and is U.V. stabilized and flame resistant. For growers, there's rot- and water-proof netting. Some of the best bird netting can handle temperature extremes--from 250 degree F melting point to "sub-zero" temperatures.
Bird netting also comes in several colors, including white, stone and black. Some manufacturers offer resilient, knotted polyethylene bird repellent netting. You can also get netting that's extremely strong--some with burst strengths up to 40 pounds. These are usually backed by long guarantees--up to 10-years in some cases.
A bird control professional can advise you on proper net installation procedures. When installing netting, be sure to drape the net directly over the crops or trees. For orchards or vineyards, anchor the netting securely to an overhead structure. This lets you completely enclose the area so pest birds are denied access and will leave. Be sure to space the netting far enough from the actual vine or crop to prevent birds from sticking their beaks through to eat the crops. To save you time, some manufacturers will custom cut and/or shape the netting to your specific application.
Chemical Misting Systems--These work by releasing an ultra fine mist called methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that naturally occurs in concord grapes. Recognized by the FDA as a safe substance, methyl anthranilate is a food-grade material that's often used to flavor grape soda and candies. When pest birds fly through the mist, it irritates their trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes. Some misting systems have a central console to which you can attach a number of misting “drop” units. For growers, this is ideal, since the control console can be placed as far away as one mile from a drop unit. In better systems, each of these drop units can be controlled individually, and each unit can cover thousands of square feet. It's best to consult a bird control professional to get the most out of your misting system.
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