Australian problem birds, and how to exclude them.

Many of the introduced species of birds we have in Australia are a problem because of the damage they cause to properties and the diseases they carry.Unfortunately these species are very aggressive and they also drive out native birds who can’t compete for food and nesting sites.

Some of the damage that introduced species cause includes defacement of public and private dwellings with bird droppings. These cause stopped up gutters, and rust and corrosion of roofs, cars and machinery.

There’s many methods of bird control. Find out which is best for you – call 07 3349 8572 or request a Brisbane bird control quote now. 

Here are a few of the main bird offenders:

Indian Myna

Introduced in the 1860s from southeast Asia, the Indian Myna is a scavenger usually found in streets, parks and rubbish dumps. It’s common in eastern Queensland, as well as parts of NSW, Melbourne, Adelaide and northern Tasmania. These birds roost in groups and like to perch on elevated sites so droppings are frequent on the underside of bridges and building ledges. The Indian Myna can be recognised by its black head, dark brown body and, yellow patch around the eye with corresponding yellow beak and legs.

English Starling

Introduced to Victoria in 1861, the English Starling was originally a protected species but has since spread to parts of Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Tasmania. It can be found in both cities and towns where it causes problems with noise because of its tendency to congregate in large flocks. The acid in its droppings causes serious defacement of buildings, metal gutters and flashings. They also contain ectoparasites which can make a building unfit for habitation until removed.

House Sparrow

A bird everyone knows is the common house sparrow, but this is also classified as a pest in Australia. This small brown-coloured bird moves in flocks, and is a pest as it drives out native birds and constructs nests on ledges, gutters, roofs and inside buildings. Power lines are also a focus which can cause fire hazards. They also may be a carrier for encephalitis, a type of meningitis which infects the brain.

Pigeons

Pigeons are a recognisable pest not only in Australia but throughout the world. They are particularly attracted to cities as a source of food and for suitable nesting sites. Pigeons move in large numbers and fly and roost together. They were originally cliff face dwellers so they’re attracted to high perches such as window ledges where they leave their droppings, feathers and nests. One of the biggest problems with pigeons is that they carry many diseases through their droppings including: pigeon ornithosis, encephalitis, aspergillosis and ectoparasites.

Common Methods of Bird Exclusion

In Australia we have many birds that are classed as pests, and controlling these birds is a full time job, not only for the damage they cause to buildings and the environment but because of the diseases they carry. Luckily, here at Cure All we employ a wide range of short term and permanent bird exclusion methods, we’ll go into more detail about these below.

Bird Control (Short term)

The following methods are effective at reducing or controlling populations before installing a permanent exclusion system. They can also be carried out on a regular basis as or when needed.

Bird baiting

Baiting birds with poisoned bait is a traditional but effective method of removing specific pest birds.

Trapping

Trapping is an effective method for a large population of pest birds. The traps are set up in places birds roost or feed where they are first attracted by untreated grain then, after their confidence is gained, a narcotic grain. Birds that are caught in the traps are euthanised.

Shooting

A last resort, but a quick and efficient way of getting rid of a bird species that is causing damage. If the situation warrants it, then we can remove pest birds from any private or commercial dwelling such as homes, warehouses, factories and schools.

Bird Exclusion (Permanent)

Sprung wire

A spring tension wire system used on parapets, birds are discouraged to land or perch by their insecure footing. Consists of a fine, nylon-coated, spring-tensioned stainless steel wire threaded through stainless steel posts. Almost invisible so doesn’t spoil the look of your building.

Flexible floppy wire

Flexible wire that can placed in larger areas and singly around lights. Guarantees insecure footing so birds can’t land.

Spikes

Spikes longer than birds’ legs make it uncomfortable for them to stand or sit on whatever surface the spikes are placed on. Anchored into place with screws or adhesive glue. Can be installed on almost any surface. Come in different sizes and can be cut to fit in with the architectural design of the building.

Electric shock systems

An effective deterrent, birds are discouraged by electrical shock, does not kill but just frightens them so they learn not to land there. Electric shock systems can be adapted to the design of your building and available in different colours.

Netting mesh

The best solution for complete exclusion, netting is placed usually under a roof, but can be also used on building facades and with support posts on rooftops.

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If you are based in Brisbane and looking for bird control, then give Cure All a call, we can provide all these bird exclusion methods to reduce or get rid of problem birds.