When pigeons assemble in large numbers, they can be a nuisance as they can get noisy, create chaos, carry mites, and cause property damage. Netting is the most affordable and low-profile way to circumvent this problem. It builds physical barriers that prevent the birds from entering the areas that are protected.
Advantages and disadvantages
OvoControl, registered by EPA, specializes in bird management tools and pigeon control techniques. They are professionals in humanely controlling bird populations using netting. However, netting is only effective if it is installed correctly. Let us look at how netting can take care of your pigeon problem and also explore several disadvantages of pigeon netting.
Pros
Durable
Bird netting is typically made of either nylon or polyethylene. Nylon is ideal for heavy use as it is very durable due to its strongest breaking strength property. It provides the best abrasion resistance and is typically very expensive. Polyethylene netting is used for both outdoor and indoor purposes. It has a UV inhibitor and does not shrink or rot.
The net’s breaking strength is determined by how much tension it can take before it gives way and breaks. The net with the greatest break strength is the most durable. Bird nettings are made of durable materials that withstand the rigors of outdoor pressure and weather conditions.
Humane
The bird netting keeps the pigeons away from your air hangars, garages, eaves, warehouses, factories, and canopies without trapping them. In other words, bird netting done right is a humane pigeon exclusion solution. Killing them is inhumane, but they can be a real pest. Netting is ideal as it kills two birds in one go, no pun intended.
With netting, you can protect your structures without killing them or causing them any harm so that they can roost somewhere else. But you need skilled installers and quality nets to be effective. Otherwise, the gaps in the net can become wider and wider, allowing the pigeons to come and go.
Airy
Bird netting does not block air and light from reaching your structure if it is installed by professionals. A professional installer understands that a perfect bird netting structure will not reduce air or prevent natural light from entering the property. That is why it is in your best interest to seek the assistance of an expert.
A professional installer can also ensure that the netting has a light stabilizer, meaning the netting controls the shade effect of the net. A stabilizer of the net protects the premises of the property from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It maintains excellent surroundings within your property, especially during summer.
Disease-free
Pigeons carry infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, paratyphoid, flu, Lyme disease, Encephalitis, and Toxoplasmosis. When the droppings of pigeons get in contact with our skin, they could spread their illnesses. Bird netting can make sure that humans do not contract these diseases from pigeons.
Pigeons also carry fleas and mites that are transmitted through droppings, potentially causing discomfort and serious health issues. When the infected droppings become dry, they get blown into the air. The inhalation of this air causes diseases. This can be prevented with bird netting.
Cons
Expensive
Bird netting your property structure to prevent pigeons from roosting and nesting can be very expensive, especially if your budget is limited. If you are doing it for the first time, select the right type and size of netting. That way, you can reduce your cost drastically. Talk to the netting specialist about your needs, who will be able to guide you.
Make sure you invest in a bird net that has a low maintenance cost. As maintenance is crucial for the effectiveness of the netting, once installed, you need to maintain it. But if you buy a netting that requires low maintenance resources, then you can save a lot of money.
Tedious
Bird netting is not easy to install and remove, which is why many people shy away from it. It can be a tedious and long process, especially for farmers, because they must manually net each tree. Ensuring proper hole openings and space in between is crucial for its effectiveness.
Not only installation but removal is equally cumbersome. Netting in farms requires removal when the season ends. When removing, the delicate mesh can form holes, rips, and other damage. If the netting has multiple tears and holes, you may not be able to reuse it.
Trapped
A common problem that occurs with netting is that sometimes the birds can get trapped in the net. The trappings can damage their wings, making them unable to fly away. This can make a recovery impossible, causing the birds to sadly die. In this case, instead of serving a function, the bird netting becomes dysfunctional.
Choose the proper nets to avoid the birds getting trapped in them, thereby causing injury. The mesh size of pigeon nets can be bigger than sparrow nets. However, if you choose the smallest size, larger birds can walk over. So, the solution is to find the appropriate mesh size depending on your purpose.