Kings of Leon concert halted by pigeon poop

The Kings of Leon had to stop a concert because of pigeons. (Photo courtesy of CNN)

Who expects to go to a concert and have it end three songs in due to…pigeons? That’s what happened at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in St. Louis this past weekend. The Kings of Leon spent Friday, July 23, dodging aerial attacks by pigeons.

An infestation of the birds in the rafters of the Verizon Amphitheatre bombarded the musicians as soon as they took the stage, according to Andy Mendelsohn of Vector Management.

“Jared (Followill) was hit several times during the first two songs,” Mendelsohn said of the band’s bassist.

CNN

The pigeons were a problem the entire night, even before the popular band took the stage. Band members reported seeing droppings on their instruments and carpet when they walked out. Soon after, the droppings began falling from the sky.

Even the opening bands, The Postelles and The Stills, dealt with the birds during their sets.

(The opening bands) came offstage complaining of getting riddled with large amounts of excrement, their publicist said…

…”We couldn’t believe what The Postelles and The Stills looked like after their sets,” Followill said.”

CNN

This didn’t have to happen, and, honestly, this never should happen. There are too many maintenance free and inexpensive ways to curtail this sort of thing. A simple, stop-the-problem-right-now solution is bird spikes. Pigeons love to roost on ledges, wires, panes — anything that’s available and easy. Spikes immediately take away that option.

The Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre only need a few spikes to get rid of the pigeons. Instead, they got a media firestorm and the worst publicity imaginable. (Photo courtesy of Bird-X, Inc.)

Don’t like the way spikes look? Well, try a roost-inhibiting gel like this one. Like spikes, this stops birds from roosting. But the gel makes the surface sticky and uncomfortable for the birds, and they’ll find another place to rest.

Outdoor music venues are ideal places for pigeons to roost. (Photo courtesy of Blisstree)

Another option are sound devices. Two in particular - the Ultrason X and the Quad Blaster QB-4 - emit ultrasonic sounds inaudible to humans. The Ultrason X has four external speakers each with 100-foot cords perfect for indoor and outdoor music venues like the one pictured above. It covers 3,600 square feet and gets rid of all types of birds, especially pigeons.

The Quad Blaster QB-4 is also great for outdoors. It’s four internal speakers emit high frequency sound waves and audio signals. The sounds confuse and frighten the birds, quickly scaring them away from the effective area up to 6,500 square feet. Either one of these sound devices, in combination with physical aversions, will greatly reduce the risk of pigeons affecting your business negatively.

This story has been all over the news, and it’s been awful publicity for all involved. What if this had been your business? What would you say or do to make this go away? Could your business handle this kind of publicity?

Situations like this are 100% avoidable. Call us up at 312-226-2473 if you have questions about bird damage or just want simple tips to get rid of them. And definitely check out our website for more info on effective bird control products.

Canada goose, 3 eggs slows down production on a $150 mil. luxury building in the UK

A security guard has been assigned to protect this Canada goose and her two eggs in a U.K. building. This little goose has held up work on a $150 million luxury building.

A funny things happen to living creatures every once in a while: they reproduce. Unfortunately for a British construction company, a goose decided to exert her right to reproduce on their production site.

A recent Aol News piece shed some light on the situation, saying that the goose got comfortable. There is even a 24-hour security guard standing watch to make sure she’s safe and sound.

While production on the building isn’t completely stalled — the contractor explains that they are working on a different area until the goose leaves — it’s definitely a hassle. What if this happened to your company? Comfortable geese looking for a nice spot to raise a family just plop down and stay a while? This could cost millions and the liability factor could tack on more to that. Every seen a slip-and-fall incident resulting from a bird droppings? It’s quite expensive.

The GooseBuster is designed specifically for the humane elimination of pesky geese.

Putting up a few sound devices is the best thing to do for this kind of problem. The Goose Buster emits high quality digital playbacks of goose distress and alarm calls recorded in natural environments. Since the sounds are in the geese’s own language, they get the message: STAY AWAY!

Got questions about your specific goose problem? Check out www.bird-x.com for more products, or call us up at 800-860-0473!

Use Broadband Pro to get rid of all birds!

Bird-X's Broadband Pro eliminates all types of birds using a dual-mode audio attack.

Get rid of birds with the Broadband Pro®, Bird-X’s sonic and ultrasonic bird expeller. This unit is fit for pretty much every bird issue you may have. It uses both sonic and ultrasonic sounds to send off a ‘warning signal’ to the birds. This dual-mode attack not only repels nearly any type of bird, but also confuses and frightens them to the point where they won’t come back.

The sounds emitted from the Broadband Pro are not artificial noises. They are sounds found naturally in nature and range from recorded bird distress signals to bird alarm calls to natural predator cries. And when it is in ‘silent’ mode, it is broadcasting an ultrasonic sound silent to humans but very annoying to birds and other pests.

One of the best features about the Broadband Pro® is the 4-speaker system. Many sound devices on the market use only one main stationary unit with no extra support. This device comes with four independent speakers, each with a 100 foot wire. The ‘surround sound’ effect will get rid of birds efficiently.

Use your Broadband Pro on docks to get rid of birds too stubborn and comfortable to leave.

And it can be used pretty much anywhere to get rid of birds including pigeons, sparrows, crows, starlings, vultures and many more. For indoor or outdoor use, in farms and barns, parking lots, apartment complexes, warehouses and docks, the Broadband Pro has a coverage area of up to 10,000 feet.

The Broadband Pro is a guaranteed win for any bird-control situation. By eliminating birds, it reduces the risk of potentially fatal diseases, health code violations, inspection failures, and lawsuits and liabilities. Because it completely gets rid of birds, it saves you money in labor (i.e. clean-up costs, messy products, etc.) and from the visual damage (like corroding) that acidic bird droppings cause.

The Broadband Pro is designed to eliminate all birds for good. This discrete, money-saving device is a must-have for small businesses, office buildings and even in the home. And as a bonus, this system includes over $100 in free visual scare devices to attack birds with an audio and visual assault! Your Broadband Pro purchase includes an Irri-Tape and Terror Eyes. Interested? Call us up at 800-860-0473 and talk to one of our experts. Or check us out on the web at www.bird-x.com!

Introducing the Transonic Mole!

Bird-X's new product, the Transonic Mole, gets rid of moles, gophers and other burrowing animals with a multi-sensory attack.

The newest addition to the Bird-X arsenal is the Transonic Mole.  This electronic mole and gopher chaser is a three-in-one sensory assault. It harmlessly attacks burrowing pests through light flashes, loud buzzes and deep vibrations. The sound waves and vibration penetrate the burrows and surround soil, irritating the sensitive perceptions of underground visitors while the flashes frighten and disorientate any sighted pests above ground.

Two of the best things about this brand-new gadget is that it is weatherproof and maintenance free. Setting up this burrowing pest eliminator is as simple as taking it out of the box and putting it in the ground. With a 24-hour operation and coverage of up to a 50 ft. radius  (approximately 7800 sq. ft.), the Transonic Mole is the easiest way to save your landscaping.

Bird-Plane collisions up 25%

A recent Associated Press discussed by the Riverfront Times report stated that nearly 10,000 bird strikes were reported last year, which is up considerably from the 7,507 reported in 2007. And that rise is only an average, with some states reporting an increase considerably higher than that.

In some states, such as Texas and Minnesota, the number of bird-plane collisions have doubled since 2005 thanks to an increase in air traffic along bird migratory routes.

…bird-plane collisions at Lambert-St. Louis International airport have increased nearly 300 percent over the past decade.

Hmmmm…maybe these airports need to try Bird-X’s new Airport Bird Control System.

The airport bird and wildlife control system is perfect for this time of year when birds and other animals start heading to their spring and summer spots.

This system is made up of three of Bird-X’s best sound devices and one sensory spray: the Megablaster, the Goosebuster, the Critterblaster and Goosechase. The combination of the four of these makes it almost impossible for birds to get comfortable anywhere around an airport.

Bad economy means no pest control in Wales county

According to This is South Wales, county in south Wales has taken up a questionable practice to saving money: eliminating pest control. Of course, this has had it’s consequences. Now, rats are everywhere and citizens are gettign concerned.

One Llanelli resident, who asked not to be names, said: “Failure to control rodents will lead to an increase in disease and deaths.

“This is a fact.

“Rodents cause billions of pounds of damage to foodstuffs, drainage systems and properties.”

Tough the move will save the county tens of tousands from now until 2013, it still isn’t a well-thought-out plan. Rats carry 17 diseases, and, like the resident said, can spread many of those diseases easily to humans. And county residents are well aware of these facts.

The resident added: “Only those who have experienced a rodent infestation in their home can appreciate the fear and worry caused.

“To do away with the existing pest control service is false economy, but worse it is a denial of one of the council’s fundamental responsibilities and that is to protect public health.”

Quality pest control does NOT need to completely empty your pockets. Here at Bird-X, we understand that the economy is tight and we want to help. Our prices are reasonable and we off a FREE consultation.

Call us up at 800-860-0473 to talk to one of our X-perts. Bird-X has the solution to your problem!

Propane cannons causing problems in British Columbia

A recent ruling against the use of propane cannons has Vancouver-area Canadians resting easier. (source: www.abbynews.com)

A Surrey, British Columbia resident recently complained about the bird control methods practiced at a nearby blueberry farm. The suburban Vancouver farm is using propane cannons to scare birds away from their crops. And, according to the Abbotsford News, more than one person has been displeased.

Bradner (B.C.) resident Don Gibbs is a member of Ban the Cannons, a group focusing on eliminating the use of propane cannons. The group formed in 2001 and has fought for a break from the ear sores. They took their cause to the courts that favored on their side on the use of the cannons at the blueberry farm. Their recent success gives them optimism for their long-term goal: banning the cannons completely.

“We were very excited to hear about the ruling. We have been fighting this thing for years,” said Gibbs. “We think the ruling has a lot of potential.”

The guidelines of the ruling calls for “a more sensible approach to cannon use, ordering farmers to monitor their fields and only use the cannons when a ’significant’ number of birds are present.” Though Gibbs is satisfied with the ruling, he still wants more.

Blueberry farms are like an all-you-can-eat buffet to birds. Acres of ground-dwelling berries and plenty of room to relax between meals is tempting. Shooting off cannons is successful in detering birds…for a while. Once the cannons stop, or once they get used to the repetitive noise, the birds will keep feasting on the crops.

The best solution to this problem is bird netting. Netting works well because it physically hinders the birds from picking away at crops. It also makes nesting, roosting and resting impossible.

Bird-X's standard bird net is one of three options in detering birds from farms and fields.

Bird-X carries three kinds of netting: standard, heavy duty and premium. Each of them are designed for specific areas, issues and birds for maximum effectiveness. And the good thing about netting is that it deters ALL pest animals. So deer, coyotes, squirels and anything else you’re concerned about will no longer be an issue.

Oregon park flooded with geese droppings

Tualatin, Ore. has decided to use swan decoys to control their growing geese issues. (source: www.tualatintimes.com)

A recent article in The Times, a Portland-area newspaper, talked about a goose problem at the Lake at the Commons in Tualatin, Oregon. According to Bob Martin, parks maintenance supervisor, the geese are producing “nearly five gallons of excrement a day, which mostly ends up on the pavement.”

The mess is problematic in various ways — smell, chemical, general sanitation, take your pick — so a parks staff person has to spend an hour a day cleaning it up. This costs quite a bit of money over time, Martin says, so the city has tried multiple methods of “goose abatement.”

They hit it right on the head - geese can become a pest, but dealing with their droppings is expensive and  can be down-right dangerous. Slip-and-fall incidents are not uncommo, and that can lead to lawsuits. Not to mention that acidic droppings can erode multiple surfaces and are filled with transferable diseases.

Their solution was two plastic swans anchored at the bottom of the lake shown above. Swans and geese are natural enemies, so having decoy swans in the lake does make sense.

A good addition to the swans would be a predator decoy; something like a fox or coyote replica works well because both of them present a valid danger. If the geese get to close, they may turn into dinner! Bird-X carries predator decoys, like our 3D coyote and the fox replica. The 3D coyote is life-like and in attack mode, creating the illusion of danger to the geese.

The fox replica is a menacing 2D decoy that covers up to one acre, perfect for small lakes and community parks. Luckily, both of these bird control options are low maintenance — set it up once and you’re done. No clean up. No reapplying a product. And no hassle.

Get in contact with one of our experts to order one today!

Flooding causes more problems than just water

Water damage and bad traffic isn't the only worry when it comes to flooding. Birds can become a serious problem, too. (source: livescience.com)

This winter has been an eventful one. And flooding has become as normal in certain parts of the country as double-digit inches of snow and sub-zero temperatures. From sunny southern California to the coastal northeast, flooding has become more of an issue in recent years.

The thing about floods is that they affect everything: water damage, driving, basements, etc. Not many people realize beforehand that birds become an issue once waters start rising. In a recent Associated Press article published in the Los Angeles Times, a 31-year resident of a coastal Maine town complains of the unusually severe floods this winter.

Birds aren’t that different from us; they will only invest in real estate if it has most or all of the required amenities. Ledges for roosting and resting; trees or bushes for nesting and food; and water for cleaning and food. When flooding happens in urban areas, dry land is all-of-a-sudden incredibly attractive to the feathered fliers.

Birds are always looking for a comfortable place to call home. Flooding brings waters to urban paradises, providing plenty of water and places to roost, nest, perch and an all-birds-can-eat buffet. And more birds equals more bird droppings. (source: www.calgarywildlifecontrol.ca)

More birds means more bird droppings. And birds carry over 60 diseases, some fatal, that are passed on through their fecal matter. Aesthetically, bird droppings are an eyesore. Water damage is a given in any flood situation, but acidic bird droppings can cause rusting on steel and metal.

So what can you do to stop bird damage while dealing with a flood? Bird-X carries a host of products designed to get rid of birds without driving you insane, including the Ultrason X. It emits ultrasonic sound that is inaudible to humans but loud and clear to birds. The four speakers provide a coverage of up to 3,600 square feet and it targets pigeons, seagulls, vultures and many more pest birds and small animals. The Ultrason X is perfect for outdoor use becaues of it’s power and four-speaker system.

The Ultrason X is commonly used outdoors in and near boathouses, docks and warehouses. Purchasing one of these will eliminate a bird problem during a flood. (source: www.bird-x.com)

With coastal America continuously dealing with rising waters, Bird-X sells products that stop birds from becoming an issue. Check out www.bird-x.com for other effective bird control methods.

St. Louis University using owl decoy

The crows aren't going anywhere at St. Louis University this year. And cars all over campus are suffering.

The St. Louis University student newspaper, The University News, recently published a piece on the unusual number of crows on campus this year. Terry Palmisano, a maintenance worker for 31 years at the university, said that this was the first year that the crows actually became a problem. And they are definitely leaving their mark on campus.

“The cars in the back of the [Marchetti parking] lot are loaded with bird feces, Palmisano recently told the studnet paper. “…At night, there are hundreds, and it is freaky when they are flying all over the place.”

A biologist at the university understands why the crows are so prevalent this year.

According to Thomas Valone, a behavioral ecologist in the Department of Biology, crows often gather in urban areas for winter roosts because of big trees, open areas, unnatural lighting and food waste. Urban areas are also five to 10 degrees warmer than rural areas because of the heat island effect, which traps the sun’s into urban areas and creates a warmer environment for the crows.

To fend off the crows and the damage they leave behind, the university purchased two life-sized Great Horned Owl decoys with four-and-a-half-foot wingspans. The Great Horned Owl is a natural predator to the crows. Bird-X’s Prowler Owl fits this billing to a tee.

This visual bird scare is so effective because owls, especially Great Horn Owls, are a natural predator to ravens and crows.

The Great Horned Owl is so feared amongst birds because it captures and eats almost anything that moves. Birds instinctively avoid the Prowler Owl as they would a Great Horned Owl. And set-up for the Prowler Owl is beyond simple; it mounts practically anywhere and it is constantly moving in the wind making it more dynamic.

St. Louis University will be receiving their owl decoys by the end of the week. They have also considered sound devices, which would work wonderfully along with the Prowler Owl. Affecting multiple senses is the most effective way to eliminate pest birds.