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Thousands of European Starlings have been invading a Johnson City, TN neighborhood for many years, and the homeowners on East Holston Avenue have had it with the noise and the mess. Bird droppings rain down incessantly on cars, homes and sidewalks, which is not only unsightly but a health concern. In the winter, these bird pests travel in flocks and invade cities to get warm.

Some residents have resorted to firearms to scare birds away, but many admit it’s only a temporary solution, as the birds always come back. Experts say, starlings prefer dark, quiet places to sleep, so harassing the birds with bright lights/noises and bird distress recordings may offer relief. These tactics must be maintained for about five days to get rid of birds in any one area. Thinning out trees also helps. Here are two effective bird control measures the experts at Bird-B-Gone recommend:

Sonic Shield™--the Sound Solution to Pest Birds

The Bird-B-Gone Sonic Shield™ employs sight and sound to scare birds away from all areas of a yard and trees. It features two operating modes: a daytime mode, which combines flashing LED lights and loud barking dog sounds to scare birds; and a nighttime mode, which uses only the bright flashing LED lights. The latter mode is ideal for most areas where barking dog sounds would wake neighbors at night. Entirely portable and self-contained, the Sonic Shield™ is simple to set up wherever birds gather and roost. The device uses just four standard AA batteries, so there’s no need to run long AC cords to power it. The Sonic Shield™ can easily be mounted to a light fixture, over a door, in a tree, or on the roof. It’s ruggedly designed for outdoor use.

Bird Chase Super Sonic Scares Birds from Yards

A highly effective sound bird deterrent, the Bird Chase Super Sonic by Bird-B-Gone fully exploits a bird’s sensitive hearing and natural fear of predators. It broadcasts pre-recorded distress and predator calls for over 22 species of birds—including starlings, pigeons, crows, gulls, and grackles. You can set it to deter a specific species of bird or switch it to a "general" setting to deter multiple bird species. The device repeats the distress and predator calls every 10 minutes to keep pest birds away. It features a volume control that lets you vary the sound output—from 65-105 decibels. The sounds resemble normal bird calls to the human ear, so they won’t bother your pets or neighbors. And unlike ultrasonic devices, which emit sounds above the hearing range of most birds, the Bird Chase Super Sonic generates sounds birds can actually hear. The device is powerful enough to protect a full acre of property, so it’s ideal for most homeowners. It’s also ruggedly designed for outdoor use.


 
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Birds are often attracted to swimming pools, spas and other water features in a backyard. The main concern with bird pests is the diseases they carry, especially those found in their droppings. Bird droppings are also very slippery when wet, which can create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards for children and even adults. While birds can be shooed away with the blast from a water hose or by banging pots and pans together, birds will invariably return when you leave.

If you have a bird problem around your pool, there are a number of things you can do to discourage pest birds from roosting and nesting near the immediate area. The first is to remove any plants that produce edible nuts, fruits and berries. You should also remove any bird feeders. And keep trees and large shrubs tightly trimmed, removing any branches that hang close to your pool. After you’ve taken these preliminary steps, you should invest in a professional bird deterrent. Here are some bird control devices the experts recommend:

Scarecrows Blast Bird Pests Away

Using a harmless blast of water to scare birds from your pool, Bird-B-Gone’s Scarecrow acts like a reliable 24/7 sentry. Any bird that enters this device’s area of protection will be showered with a “wake-up” water blast, alarming sprinkler sound, and Scarecrow’s realistic looking bird-like head. Easy to set up and use, Scarecrows connect directly to your garden hose. And each blast consumes just 2 to 3 cups of water. Scarecrows cover about 1,200 square feet with a spray that reaches out 35 feet and 45 feet wide (enough for most pools). Scarecrows are powered by a single 9-volt battery for up to 6 months, delivering over 1,000 "firings." The device’s sensitivity and coverage distance are easily fine-tuned to fit your pool’s shape and surroundings. Incidentally, kids and dogs love to play with these devices.

Sonic Bird Deterrents Scare Birds from Pools
 
While firecrackers and noisemakers may temporarily scare birds away, the more scientific (and long-term effective) approach is to intimidate birds with the sounds they dread to hear—their natural predators (like hawks and falcons). That’s where Bird-B-Gone’s Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic comes in. It broadcasts distress and predator calls birds know all too well. And they will seek the safety of someone else’s yard rather than stick around yours. The threatening birdcalls are repeated every ten minutes. The sounds emitted by Bird Chase device resemble natural birdcalls so they won’t bother your pets or neighbors. And unlike ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds birds can’t hear, the Bird Chase system creates sounds well within the hearing range of birds. Each Bird Chase device comes with a built-in speaker that will cover up to an acre.


 
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If your school is like most, it has open courtyards, outdoor eating areas and overflowing garbage cans and dumpsters. Birds love to loiter around these areas and seek out any food scraps left under lunch tables and benches. And when they see an opportunity, they’ll dive in. After they’re stuffed, they’ll “let loose” some sizeable bird droppings. These droppings can end up on playgrounds, water faucets, lunch benches, tables and walkways. Besides being unsightly, bird droppings can carry any of 60 know diseases, including salmonella and ecoli. Children can also slip and fall on fresh bird droppings, a liability for any school district.

Chances are, you’ve put up with pest birds all year long. Fortunately, there are three simple things you can do to keep them away. And there’s no better time to implement these effective bird control solutions than during the holiday break. So act now while maintenance crews are on site to keep bird pests from flocking to your school.

Scare Birds Away with Repeller 360°

This simple bird control device sweeps pest birds off rooftops, AC units and other flat areas using sustainable wind power. Ideal for keeping larger birds like pigeons, crows, gulls, cormorants and raptors from landing, Bird-B-Gone’s Repeller 360°’s two long arms each have end sails covered with reflective “predator eyes.” When the arms spin in the breeze, the sweeping action and predator eyes combine to make an effective pest bird deterrent. Self-sufficient and easy to set up, the Repeller 360° needs no electrical power or wiring. It rotates continuously in the wind, covering a 6-foot diameter to harmlessly convince bird pests to move on.

Pest Birds Hate Bird Jolt Flat Track
 
Give pest birds a lesson they’ll never forget—a “hello” jolt of electricity when they land on your school roof, ledge or sign. Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Jolt Flat Track “educates” birds but won’t harm them. It’s like getting a shock when you touch a doorknob after walking on the carpet. The shock convinces birds to avoid any lofty areas of your school. Bird Jolt Flat Track is the #1 Specified electric track by architects and government agencies. Its patented “anti-arcing” design provides an added level of safety. It’s also crush proof and will continue to work even if stepped on by window washers or building maintenance crews.
 
Bird Spikes Create No-Landing Zone for Bird Pests
 
Whether you choose plastic or stainless steel, Bird-B-Gone Bird Spikes simply won’t allow birds to land or perch on or near them. Steel bird spikes feature rows of stainless steel spikes embedded in a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. You can also go with Plastic Bird Spikes, which come in white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear--to blend in with your school’s color scheme. Plastic spikes are made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate, which makes them tough and economical. Neither type of bird spike will harm birds or installation crews.




 
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If you’re like most homeowners, you want to keep the outside of your home looking fresh and clean. But pest birds can change all that. Their droppings and nesting debris can quickly deface and often damage your home. Areas most vulnerable include siding, windowsills, patio cover, decorative weather vanes, solar panels, skylights, awnings and fencing.  Birds that typically cause problems include pigeons, sparrows, starlings, swallows and gulls. To keep bird pests at bay, the bird control experts at Bird-B-Gone have four suggestions that can help.

1.    Remove Attractions. Get rid of standing water, keep trashcan lids secure, clean up any leftover food after parties or get-togethers, and trim plants and vegetation.

2.    Install Bird Spikes. Bird-B-Gone Stainless Steel Bird Spikes won’t allow pest birds to land on or near them. These humane, highly effective bird deterrents feature rows of stainless steel spikes embedded in a UV-protected polycarbonate base. This makes them highly durable and ideal for outdoor use. Bird spikes are used worldwide to keep bird pests off ledges, rooflines, eaves, windowsills, awnings and canopies. The spiked strips come in two-foot sections and three different widths—3-, 5- and 8-inch—to match the width of the “problem” area. The base of each spiked strip is just 1.5 inches wide, so it’s easily installed on narrow surfaces using screws, tie downs or glue.

3.    Install a Sonic Bird Deterrent. Bird-B-Gone’s Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic broadcasts distress and predator calls that intimidate birds. You can set it to scare any of 22 specific bird types or choose the general setting to intimidate virtually all birds. Scientifically developed with the help of ornithologists, Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic repeats these calls every 10 minutes to convince birds that dangerous predators are near. Unlike ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds birds can’t hear, the Bird Chase system is fully audible to birds, yet it won’t annoy pets or neighbors. The device comes with a built-in speaker that will cover up to an acre.

4.    Create Visual Distraction Zones. Bird-B-Gone Visual Bird Deterrents will scare birds away. The most basic is Flash Tape, a 50-foot roll of iridescent foil tape that you cut into short strips. Hung in high visibility areas, the strips crackle in the breeze and reflect sunlight to scare birds away. No less effective is the Scare Eye Diverter, a tear-drop-shaped iridescent foil deterrent emblazoned with a large “predator” eye. The same holds true for the Bird Scare Balloon, a large inflatable “beach ball” that also has a big predator eye. When the Diverter and Balloon bob and weave in the wind, birds regard them as predators. For best results, Bird-B-Gone suggests that visual bird deterrents be moved around so that birds don’t get used to them.






 
So, hey. You got people coming over. The boss and his family. Your mother in law. The kids’ teachers.  They’re all coming for your big BBQ or pool party this summer. You did the right thing--cleaned up your backyard, the BBQ, the pool and spa. Now you’ve got to keep it clean. So the last thing you need is a flock of birds pooping all over your yard, pool, BBQ, chaise lounges, tables and chairs.

Bird droppings are bad news, and not just for pool and spa owners who have to clean their pools and restore pH levels. Bird droppings carry diseases like salmonella. Not good if you’re having a party with lots of open food sitting around. And if you’ve ever tried to clean dried bird droppings off a patio chair or chaise lounge, you know what a pain that can be.

You can stand outside with a hose 24/7 and blast any bird that dares to enter your backyard. Or you can do the smart thing and get the latest technology in bird control—The Bird-B-Gone Bird Chase Super Sonic.

 Science Meets Bird Psychology

The Bird Chase Super Sonic has been scientifically designed to keep birds from landing, roosting and nesting near your BBQ, pool, spa, patio table, chairs, gazebo—anywhere in your backyard. How does it work? Simple. It fully exploits a bird's natural fear of predators and a bird’s acutely sensitive hearing. It broadcasts distress and predator calls (falcons and hawks) that signal bad news for birds. The little critters can recognize and remember these sounds. They can also process sounds 10 times faster than we can. So in the time it takes us to hear one sound, birds could hear up to ten separate notes. Some birds, like pigeons, hear much lower sounds than we can. Like humans, their hearing is most sensitive between 2,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz. Which is why ultrasonic bird deterrents seldom if ever work. Birds can’t hear them. They just annoy the heck out of dogs and cats.

Deterring All Manner of Birds

The Bird Chase Super Sonic is extremely versatile. It emits distress and predator calls for as many as 22 types of birds. The calls resemble normal bird calls to the human ear, but strike fear in birds. That means they won’t annoy your pets, neighbors or party guests. The bird calls are repeated regularly--about once every 15 minutes. So any pigeons, crows, starlings, swallows, gulls, woodpeckers, sparrows, grackles, cormorants or most other birds within earshot will not want to hang around. The Bird Chase Super Sonic sound bird deterrent covers a wide area—up to an acre. If you have a big spread, you can add more satellite speakers to cover up to five acres. The Bird Chase unit is ruggedly constructed of UV-protected materials (sun & weather resistant) to last for years outdoors.


 
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While the sounds of birds chirping by your window may be pleasant, the damage birds leave behind may not be. Birds can ruin the appearance of your front porch, back patio, gazebo, pool or spa. They can peck and nest under your roofing tiles causing leaks. Bird droppings eat into paint, wrought iron, patio furniture, cushions and BBQs.

Cleaning bird droppings can get very messy. Everything you wash them off with should be disinfected or thrown away. If you try to simply brush droppings off when they’re dry, you'll aerate the germ-filled dust, which can carry some very nasty diseases—like salmonella.

So how do you keep birds away this summer—without harming them? One very effective and humane solution uses a sound approach. It’s called the Bird Chase Super Sonic.

The Science of Sonic Bird Deterrents

Scientifically designed to keep birds from landing, roosting and nesting on your property, the Bird Chase Super Sonic fully exploits a bird's heightened sense of hearing and its natural fear of predators. Birds can recognize and remember sounds in absolute pitch (the ability to reproduce a tone without reference to an external standard). Birds can also recognize 'timbre' (a fundamental note combined with harmonies). And birds hear shorter notes than humans. We process sounds in bytes about 1/20th of a second; birds just need 1/200th of a second. So in the time it takes humans to hear one sound, birds hear up to ten separate notes. Some birds, like pigeons, hear much lower sounds than humans. One thing birds have in common with us is range of hearing, which is most acute between 2,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz.

Using Distress and Predator Calls to Deter Birds

The Bird Chase Super Sonic can broadcast the distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. This includes the sounds of Peregrine falcons (a pigeon's dreaded enemy) defending their territory. Or the sounds of predator hawks screeching and gulls under attack, sounds that strike fear in the hearts of starlings and seagulls. Which means the Bird Chase sound bird deterrent can be set to deter virtually any bird that has become a problem on your property--pigeons, crows, starlings, swallows, gulls, woodpeckers, sparrows, grackles, cormorants and many others. And since it continually alters the pitch, frequency, timing and intensity of these sounds, the "threat" is kept fresh and alive to deter birds that may quickly get used to repetitive sounds. The distress and predator calls are repeated regularly--about once every fifteen minutes.

Non-Annoying to Humans and Pets

Another key advantage of the Bird Chase device is that the sounds it emits resemble normal bird calls to humans. And pets aren’t bothered by them. What’s more, unlike ultrasonic bird deterrents that emit sounds birds can’t hear and do annoy pets, the Bird Chase unit is fully audible to all birds and thus very effective.


 
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If you’re a siding installer, your customers will look to you to recommend ways to keep their siding damage free. One major source of damage is birds—specifically woodpeckers. And while aluminum and vinyl sidings in lighter colors are less likely to be damaged by woodpeckers, the birds will peck at them to generate sounds that attract mates. While doing so, their sharp little beaks will deface and in some cases permanently mar the siding.
 
Anticipating this problem and offering your customers a solution will leave you with a grateful customer in the long run—a customer who will recommend you to their neighbors and friends. Large corporate customers will be equally grateful that you spared them the future expense of repainting and repairs.
 
Here are three effective woodpecker deterrents recommended by today’s bird control professionals:
 
BeakGuard™ Woodpecker Deterrent
 
This scientific breakthrough has been shown to keep woodpeckers away from siding and other painted surfaces. Known as BeakGuard, it covers virtually any latex-painted surface—including wood, fiber-cement, stucco, aluminum or vinyl. After it’s applied, the elastomeric acrylic finish communicates a warning signal to woodpeckers that says this surface is unwelcome and not worth the trouble to peck. The specially formulated compound is harmless to woodpeckers or other birds.  It’s also durable and long lasting. And it resists dirt pick up. Harsh weather won’t affect it either. BeakGuard establishes a tough, vapor permeable, flexible membrane that is colorfast. Best of all, it's easily applied using a brush, roller, paint pad or conventional spray equipment. One gallon will protect about 180 square feet.
 
3/4” Mesh Woodpecker Netting
 
Developed to deny woodpeckers access to siding and other vulnerable wood surfaces, Woodpecker Netting provides a proven effective barrier deterrent that blocks woodpeckers doing any damage. The 3/4-inch mesh netting is made of durable UV-protected polypropylene, which means it will last for season after season of harsh weather. Woodpecker mesh netting is lightweight, easy to handle and install. And something your customers will like is that this netting is practically invisible, so it blends aesthetically with its surroundings. Woodpecker netting comes in 14 x 100-foot rolls and is quickly installed using Poly Clips or staples.
 
Woodpecker Deterrent Kits
 
Ideal for discouraging woodpeckers from coming around,Woodpecker Deterrent Kits come with a Bird Repeller Balloon, a 50-foot roll of Flash Tape, and all the hardware you need to easily affix them to virtually any surface. Flash Tape Banners snap and pop in the breeze and reflect sunlight, which will convince woodpeckers to move on to someone else’s house. Bird Repeller Balloons display big “predator eyes.” When the balloons bob and weave in the wind, woodpeckers get the feeling that they are being “eyeballed” for a meal and won’t want to hang around. To ensure woodpeckers don’t get used to these visual woodpecker deterrents, it’s a good idea to move them around frequently.


 

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There are all sorts of ways to get rid of pest birds. Some are lethal and not recommended for most situations; others are simply ineffective. Fortunately, bird control experts have come up with some pretty ingenious ways to keep birds from ruining your property and frazzling your nerves. A sampling of the top 5:

Bird Spikes

The granddaddy of pest bird deterrents, Bird Spikes will get rid of larger birds—like pigeons, crows and gulls—from your roof, patio cover and other elevated areas of your property. Bird Spikes won’t harm birds or pets. They simply won’t allow birds to land or perch. The spiked strips come in rigid unbreakable polycarbonate (plastic) or durable stainless steel. Each two-foot long strip can be nailed, glued or screwed to most surfaces. There’s also the Mega Spike, which has large 7-inch spikes for keeping vultures from perching. And Gutter Spikes if you have a problem with birds nesting in your rain gutters.

Bird Slope

Blending in architecturally with your home or business, Bird Slope consists of slippery PVC panels that prevent birds from getting a solid footing under eaves and other elevated 90-degree nooks. Birds may be stubborn critters, but they soon give up after loosing their grip on these panels. The best bird slope panels are UV protected and sun- and weather-resistant to remain attractive and effective for years. Bird Slope is an effective way to get rid of many different types of birds—including swallows, starlings, pigeons, crows and more.

Garden Bird Netting

Working on the principle of denying access, Garden Bird Netting is lightweight and easy to handle. It comes in 14 x 100-foot and 14 x 200-foot rolls and can be cut to the size needed for various applications. Choose the mesh size that gets rid of the birds that cause you grief--1/4", 1/2" or 3/4". Bird netting clips are available to keep the netting conveniently in place. Look for netting made of durable, UV-protected polypropylene. It will last longer.

Copper Stuf-Fit Mesh

Perfect for keeping smaller birds out of all those little crevices, holes and nooks, Copper Stuf-Fit mesh is easily “formed” into the shape needed to get the job done. The mesh comes in 20-foot and 100-foot roles. It’s also rust-proof and stain proof (steel wool will rust, run and stain your property). Copper Stuf-Fit even keeps birds from working their way under roofing tiles, retractable awnings, and where pipes enter your siding or foundation.

BeakGuard Woodpecker Deterrent

Ideal for getting rid of woodpeckers, BeakGuard is easily applied to latex-painted surfaces, wood, fiber-cement, stucco, aluminum or vinyl. The specially designed finish warns woodpeckers that the surface is to be avoided. BeakGuard is harmless to woodpeckers or other birds. It leaves a vapor permeable, flexible membrane that is durable, color fast and resists dirt pick up. BeakGuard goes like paint—with a brush, roller, paint pad or spray equipment.

 

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If you own a home in the country, you know the problems you can have with unwanted birds, small animals and critters. Scrounging through trash cans and other areas of your property, they can create quite a mess. This in turn can draw other critters. While some property owners resort to lethal means to get rid of pest birds and critters, there are non-lethal means available.  These deterrents are both effective and humane. Here are a few you might consider:

Bird-B-Gone Sonic Shield™

This specially designed pest control device frightens birds and other unwanted critters using sound and light. The Sonic Shield™  is completely self-contained and totally portable since it runs on 4 AA batteries. This means you can set it up almost anywhere you have a pest bird or critter problem. You can run the Sonic Shield™ two ways for complete 24/7 pest deterrence: there’s the daytime mode to repel pests using loud dog (a predator for most birds) and barking dog sounds; and a nighttime mode that repels pests using only flashing LED lights—recommended for areas where night noises are not allowed. The Sonic Shield™ is both safe and humane for birds and critters.

Bird Spikes

Proven effective in installations worldwide, Bird Spikes will keep large birds like crows, gulls and pigeons from perching around your home. The spiked strips are easily installed on fencing, rooflines and chimneys using glue, screws or tie-down straps. Bird spikes come in rigid UV-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. Plastic (poly) spikes are slightly less expensive and ideal for use on long fences. The best bird spikes are made in the USA and will have a flexible base that conforms to flat or curved fencing.

Transparent Bird Gel

Ideal for use on flat fencing and other extended areas where birds tend to perch, Transparent Bird Gel leaves a sticky surface birds won’t want to set foot on. The best bird gels remain sticky for up to 6 months after being applied. Bird gels have shown their effectiveness in deterring a wide range of pest birds—including  pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls and starlings. Be sure to clean off nesting materials and droppings before you apply these gels. Birds are naturally attracted to the scent of nests and droppings and will regard the area as non-threatening and habitable.

Bird Chase Super Sonic

Ideally suited for large acreages found around country homes and estates, Bird-B-Gone’s Bird Chase Super Sonic will keep birds from gathering around “problem areas” of your property. This scientifically designed device emits a series of pre-recorded distress and predator calls that birds consider their natural enemy (e.g., falcons and hawks). If your property is being invaded by several bird species, the Bird Chase Super Sonic emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. So you’re covered for a full range of winged critters.



 

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Without bird control measures to deter them, birds will perch and even nest on the window sills, ledges and awnings of your home. If you have a two-story home, the upper windows and ledges make especially ideal for birds on the lookout for food and predators.

Birds and their nesting materials can damage window screens and awnings. Bird droppings can jam up windows, making it hard or even impossible to open and close them properly. These droppings can also eat into vinyl windows and painted surfaces on ledges, leaving unsightly splotches. In these tough economic times, the last thing you need is to have to repaint your home or replace the windows. Bird droppings also carry any of 60 known diseases—like E. coli, Salmonella. These can easily waft into an open window, creating a health hazard, especially to children.

The only real solution for today’s homeowners is humane, effective bird deterrents.  Here's what the pros recommend to deter pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls, starlings and many other species of birds:

Sonic Bird Deterrents

Easy to set up on the side of your home that’s most troubled by birds, Sonic Bird Deterrents deter birds from perching and nesting on windows, ledges and awnings. These ingenious devices emit a series of pre-recorded distress and predator calls that resemble a bird’s natural enemy. If your windows and ledges are attracting several bird species, get the Bird Chase Super Sonic. It emits distress and predator calls for 22 different species of birds. It can be programmed to turn on or off at night. The sounds it emits are natural bird sounds, so it won’t irritate your pets or annoy your neighbors.

Red-Tail Hawk Decoys

The natural enemy of most birds, Red Tail Hawks hunt by day, which is why Hawk Decoys can be so effective in deterring them.  If your window sill or ledge is wide enough, place one or two in high visibility areas and birds will stay away. The best hawk decoys will be realistic looking and be made of heavy duty plastic to endure many seasons of outdoor weather. All you have to do is move them around from time to time to convince birds your decoys are a live threat.

Transparent Bird Gel

Ideal for narrow ledges and windowsills, as well as awnings,  birds hate to set foot on Transparent Bird Gel. It sticks to their little toes and makes them feel trapped (although it won’t trap them—much like Post-it Notes, the adhesive is very mild).  The gel is easily applied, practically invisible and very humane. The best bird gels will provide up to 6 months of protection.

Before implementing any bird control measures, be sure to clean away nesting materials and droppings from sills, ledges and awnings. Birds are naturally attracted to the scent of nests and droppings, so they will consider your home most hospitable.