By Healthcare Facilities Today

Pest birds present a particular problem for today’s hospitals. Birds are often attracted to rooftops where air ducts and HVAC units draw in air, which is directed to hospital rooms and other areas where patients and visiting families congregate. Dried bird droppings around ducts and HVAC units carry spores that can affect the health of patients with weakened immune systems. In fact, bird droppings are known to carry any of 60 diseases that can be contracted by humans. Among these are histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, and toxoplasmosis, even the West Nile virus.

Some hospitals may have windows that open. Here, bird droppings on ledges and windowsills can pose a problem as the spores enter patient rooms. Bird droppings can also be problematic on exterior lunch tables, benches and chairs used by staff or other work crews.

To keep your hospital safe and healthy, you should install effective bird deterrents that discourage birds from perching, roosting and nesting. Here are several humane bird control devices currently being used by hospitals nationwide:

“No Landing” Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Highly effective in preventing large birds – like pigeons, crows and gulls – from landing on or near them, Stainless Steel Bird Spikes provide ideal anti-perching, anti-roosting deterrence. The spiked strips are easily mounted on areas where birds seem to gather most – rooftops, parapet walls, ledges, light poles and signage. They are equally effective in keeping pest birds off HVAC units, ductwork and other rooftop structures. Be sure to choose stainless steel bird spikes made in the USA, for these have spiked pins tightly embedded in a UV-protected polycarbonate base. The polycarbonate base also comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation and better mounting support. Bird spikes come in 1-, 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to provide coverage for area width to be protected.

“No-Perch” Bird Wire Systems

Proven effective in keeping pest birds off “problem areas” around a hospital, Bird Wire Systems create a wobbly, insecure landing perch to discourage any bird. Bird Wire is a low profile bird deterrent used to keep large birds off ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, handrails and more. These system consists of a post-and-spring-wire assembly that’s easy to mount on roofs, ledges, railings and signs. The best bird wire systems will use nylon coated stainless steel wire for lasting durability in outdoor climes.

“No Return” Electric Flat Track

One mild shock is all it takes to convince a bird that an Electric Track means business. Harmless to birds, the tracks are very flexible and will wrap around curved surfaces – like pipes and ducting. The best tracks are made in the USA and feature a patented anti-arcing design for safety. One manufacturer even offers a solar powered track charger and multiple colors to match the aesthetics and material of most structures.

“No Access” Bird Netting

Ideal for denying birds access to specific semi-enclosed areas around a hospital, Heavy Duty Bird Netting comes in a variety of different mesh sizes. There’s a 2-inch mesh to keep out larger birds like gulls, pigeons and crows; and a 3/4-inch mesh to exclude sparrows and other small birds. Here, the quality of bird netting becomes an important factor. The best netting should be fabricated of a UV–stabilized material that’s been ISO 1806 and 9001 protocol mesh tested, flame resistant and rot- and waterproof.

For additional advice on how to keep your hospital safe and healthy, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

About Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

Bird-B-Gone, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of professional grade bird deterrents. Founded in 1992, our products have helped solve pest bird problems in commercial, industrial and residential settings across the globe. A majority of our products are manufactured in the USA, ensuring they meet the highest standard of quality in the industry and allowing us to offer the longest guarantees.

At Bird-B-Gone we make it our business to stay on top of the latest advancements in the bird control industry. We incorporate new technologies with tried and true methods to develop the most effective bird deterrents available.  More information is available on the company’s website at: www.birdbgone.com.