Birds In The News
Bird problems appear in the news more often than we might realize. In fact, a few of the more high-profile news stories in the past few years have been bird-related:
In 2007, more than 500 people were reported sick, and at least eight died due to salmonella contamination in over 400 popular peanut butter products. It may have been the largest food recall in FDA history. Investigators determined that a leaky roof was to blame for the sanitation breach, and that—as birds are known to carry a variety of infectious diseases, including salmonella—it was highly likely that pest pigeons were the vector.
In 2007, the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota collapsed due to weak and rusted steel beams. After closer inspection, it was discovered that the structure’s framework was covered with corrosive pigeon droppings. When bird droppings are not quickly washed away, they dry out and turn to salt and ammonia; when this later comes into contact with rainwater, small electrochemical reactions take place that speed up the rusting process.
Bird strikes cost the airline industry alone around $800 million each year. Who can forget the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ that occurred in January of 2009? Shortly after taking off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Flight 1549 was struck by a flock of Canadian geese, losing thrust in both engines and forcing pilot, Captain Sullenberger, to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Fortunately, all 155 passengers survived.
Pest birds can be a nuisance and an inconvenience—they can also cause problems that put human beings in serious danger. It’s important to bird-proof your home and/or your business to avoid these issues. Visit www.bird-x.com to find bird and pest control products that are safe, green, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and non-harmful. Bird-X has solutions for every problem and every budget.
Written by Chrissy Hansen—Media Correspondent for Bird-X, Inc.
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.
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.
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.
More superb customer reviews for Bird-X products!
Excellent customer product reviews from our happy customers 
Deer Gard prevents deer damage
I have had the product in my garden for 40 days, and so far no damage from the deer. I would recommend Bird-X DG Deer Gard.
By Thomas S. from Florida
–>View the Deer Gard Deer Repeller here.
Bird tape solved our woodpecker problem
We have had returning woodpeckers marking our home for the past few years. We have repaired and replaced shingles but nothing seemed to deter them. When they returned this spring we used this Irri-Tape and they have not returned. It was a good investment.
By David M. from Massachusetts
–>View the Irri-Tape shiny bird deterrent tape here.
Terror Eyes works well on pool deck!
We bought these to scare the birds from our pool deck. They work great !
By KC from Indiana
–>View the Terror Eyes bird predator replica here.
Bird Spikes are an excellent product!
PRODUCT IS EASY TO INSTALL AND AN EFFECTIVE
DETERRAND [sic] TO BIRDS.
By Gaylan F. from California
–>View the Bird-X Bird Spikes here.
YardGard animal repeller gets rid of pesky backyard critters
Love this item, keeps those pesty [sic] squirrels, dogs, cats out of our yard.
Won’t be without one.
By Kenneth S. from New Hampshire
–> View the YardGard Electronic Animal Repeller here.
No more bird poop on boat dock!
I bought two of these for my boat dock to keep cranes from depositing their daily #*@&. It took 3 or 4 days before they started staying off the dock. Now, knock on wood, the dock is staying clean and no signs of any cranes.
By Terry from Lake of the Ozarks
–> View the YardGard Electronic Animal Repeller here.