Few commercial business owners realize just how damaging pest birds can be to their bottom line. Without effective commercial bird control, birds can deface and damage many areas of a structure.

Bird droppings can cause windows, doors, canopies, skylights, and rooftop ventilators to freeze up, resulting in costly maintenance issues. The acid in bird droppings can eat into paint, plastic, wood and various metals. Even stonework will pit and crumble over time if droppings are not removed. Birds roosting or nesting in your outdoor signage can eventually cause electrical shorts and possibly a fire. Rooftop AC units, vents and ducting are all vulnerable to bird droppings and debris. Lets face it, these are expenses you dont need right now. What you need to protect your business are proven commercial bird control measures.

Here are a few bird deterrents that can help:

Bird Spikes
These devices are used by commercial businesses around the world to prevent pest birds form landing and perching. Theyre easily installed on rooflines, parapet walls and similar elevated areas where pest birds have become a problem. Ideal for large birds like pigeons, seagulls, crows and raptors, bird spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high-strength, durable stainless steel. If you go with the tough as nails steel spikes, you have a choice of 1", 3, 5 and 8 widths to cover the various ledges and parapet walls of your structure. Keep in mind that the base of each spiked strip is just 1.5 wide, so they can be readily installed on narrow surfaces.

If you decide to go with the more economical poly spikes, you can choose from 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Plastic spikes come in a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear--to blend in more aesthetically with their surroundings.

The best bird spikes are made in the USA and will have a flexible base that conforms to most flat or curved surfaces. These spikes will also come with pre-drilled holes and glue troughs at the base, so you can nail, screw or glue the spiked strip to any surface. If youre looking for commercial bird control with a proven pedigree, bird spikes get the job done.

Electric Tracks
Designed to deter pigeons, gulls, sparrows, starlings, crows and other birds, Electric Tracks impart a persuasive but harmless electric jolt that will keep birds away. The tracks are ideal for use on rooflines, ledges, parapet walls, I-beams, eaves and signs. Look for electric tracks that have a low-profile designtheyre just 1/4-inch at their highest point and barely noticeable. To make them practically invisible, the tracks come in four colors--grey, stone, black and terra-cotta--to blend in naturally with their surroundings. The best electric tracks feature a flow-thru design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops.

The Repeller 360

Ideal for keeping large birds from rooftops and other flat elevated areas, the Repeller 360 is the new spinning visual deterrent that denies birds a landing zone. Perfect for keeping pigeons, crows, gulls, cormorants and raptors away, the wide, sweeping arms and reflective predator eyes intimidate birds within a 6-foot diameter and beyond. Better still, the self-sufficient device is wind powered, so no electrical work is required. Made in the USA, the Repeller 360 is built to last with stainless steel arms attached to a UV protected polycarbonate base. Installation is fast and easy. Simply lock the device securely into place with its patent-pending clip, press it over the center pin and press the unit into place. Insert the side locking pin to secure the unit and unfold the arms, positioning the sails opposite each other.

For additional advice on how to properly choose and install commercial bird control devices , consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.