Thinking about installing bird deterrents? Read this first to avoid wasting time, money, and your reputation.
When birds invade your commercial space, it’s tempting to try DIY deterrents first. You’ve likely seen or even used these popular options:
- Bird spikes
- Exclusion netting
- Fake owls
- Scare-eye balloons
- Lasers
- Recorded raptor noises
They’re often ineffective or even counterproductive. Birds are highly adaptable. That’s why Meridian’s philosophy is simple: physically remove the bird. A bird that’s gone doesn’t need to be excluded.
Why Bird Spikes Fail
Bird spikes are metal rods installed on ledges, signs, and flat surfaces to stop birds from landing. While they may deter larger birds, smaller birds often see them as protection—nesting between the spikes where predators can’t reach them.
Even worse, spikes are unattractive. They project an industrial, unwelcoming look and make it obvious you have a bird problem. Combine spikes with accumulated droppings, and you create an unsightly mess that customers—and health inspectors—will notice.
The Risks of Poorly Installed Exclusion Netting
When installed properly, exclusion netting works wonders. Meridian’s exclusion experts are very careful to ensure netting is taut, invisible, and aligned with other architectural features.
Exclusion netting works well only if it’s properly installed and meticulously maintained. We often encounter sites where netting has failed—sagging or torn in just one spot, allowing birds to get trapped behind it.
Trapped birds become distressed and may die, leaving decaying carcasses suspended above your customers or inventory. It’s a serious health and sanitation risk that defeats the purpose of the netting entirely.
Routine inspections and maintenance are essential—something most businesses don’t plan for. We recommend comparing Meridian’s exclusion system with those offered by pest control companies and other installers. The difference in appearance and effectiveness must be seen.
Do Fake Owls Really Work?
Visual deterrents like plastic owls and scare-eye balloons can scare birds off—temporarily. Birds are smart. Once they realize these “predators” never move or react, they start ignoring them—or worse, perching on them.
What started as a scare tactic quickly becomes part of the birds’ environment.
Electronic Deterrents: Annoying and Ineffective
Some stores use recorded raptor calls or laser lights to scare birds away. But just like decoys, these tools lose effectiveness over time. Birds recognize that no real threat exists and eventually tune out the noise or ignore the beams.
Customers don’t ignore them, though. Loud screeching or flashing lights are disruptive and unpleasant—hurting your brand more than the birds ever could.
The Hidden Danger: Complacency
Every business wants to save money. It’s natural to hope that a simple device will solve a complex bird problem. But in reality, no deterrent is foolproof.
Even the best tools require frequent inspections, maintenance, and sometimes total reinstallation. Meanwhile, birds get in anyway. Once they do, deterrents become irrelevant—and your bird problem becomes urgent.
Don’t let devices give you a false sense of security. When birds gain entry, it’s time for professional removal.
Meridian’s Patented Process: Fast, Cost-Effective, and Guaranteed
Meridian Bird Removal understands the challenge of keeping birds out of your commercial space. Our patented removal process eliminates the source of the problem. There’s no guesswork, no ugly spikes, and no customer complaints from ineffective gadgets.
We remove birds quickly, discreetly, and without forcing you to shut down operations. Best of all, we guarantee success—or you don’t pay.
Want to See the Difference for Yourself?
Download our Deterrents vs. Removal flyer to compare solutions and find the right path for your facility.