Bird netting has been around for decades as one of the go-to solutions for keeping birds out of certain areas. Farmers, property managers, and even homeowners use it to block access to roofs, crops, or open structures where birds might cause damage.
But how effective is bird netting really? And are there drawbacks you should know about before installing it? Let’s break it down.
How Effective Is Bird Netting at Deterring Birds?
When installed correctly, bird netting is one of the more effective short-term solutions. It physically prevents birds from getting into specific spaces such as rafters, warehouses, and gardens. For certain situations, like protecting crops or open-air ceilings, it can work quite well.
That said, its effectiveness depends almost entirely on how well it is set up. Any small gap in the netting and birds will find a way through. Over time, weather conditions and wear can also reduce its effectiveness.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Bird Netting
Bird netting can solve a problem in the short run, but it comes with some challenges:
- Aesthetic concerns: Netting can look unsightly, especially on commercial buildings.
- Maintenance issues: Nets wear out with sun, wind, and rain, so they need to be replaced or repaired regularly.
- Unintended harm: Birds sometimes get tangled in the netting, which can cause injury or death.
- Adaptation: Birds are resourceful. Some species will peck or push through weak points in the netting.
So while bird netting is effective in certain applications, it is not always the most humane or sustainable solution.
Different Uses of Bird Netting
Bird netting is often used in:
- Agriculture: Protecting fruit, vegetables, and crops from hungry birds.
- Warehouses and factories: Preventing birds from roosting in rafters or beams.
- Residential properties: Covering balconies, gardens, or open chimneys.
- Public spaces: Keeping pigeons away from stadiums, bridges, and monuments.
In each of these cases, success depends on careful installation and ongoing maintenance.
Types of Bird Netting
Not all bird netting is the same. The most common types include:
- Knotted vs. knotless: Knotted netting is more durable but heavier, while knotless netting is lighter and less visible.
- Polyethylene or polypropylene: Materials that resist UV rays and weathering, making them suitable for outdoor use.
- Fine mesh vs. heavy-duty mesh: Smaller mesh sizes keep out smaller birds, while larger nets are used for pigeons or seagulls.
Choosing the right type depends on the bird species you are trying to deter and the environment you are protecting.
Alternatives to Bird Netting
If you are not sure netting is the right fit, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Bird spikes: Prevent birds from landing on ledges.
- Reflective surfaces: Use light to scare or confuse birds.
- Ultrasonic devices: Emit sounds designed to repel birds, though many species adapt quickly.
- Lasers and pigeon scarers: Create visual disturbances to scare birds temporarily.
- Electromagnetic deterrents: A newer, humane option that prevents birds from navigating to your property at all.
A Smarter Long-Term Solution
Bird netting has its place. It can be useful for certain agricultural or temporary applications. But when it comes to long-term, worry-free protection, netting often falls short. Birds adapt, nets wear out, and property owners end up dealing with the same problems again.
At Symterra, we take a different approach. Our electromagnetic bird deterrent system creates a safe, invisible barrier that birds cannot adapt to. Instead of blocking or scaring them, it gently redirects their navigation so your property no longer feels like a landing zone. It is humane, permanent, and proven effective across a wide range of environments.
So if you are looking for more than a quick fix, and want a solution that lasts, contact Symterra today to learn how we can keep your property bird-free without the hassle of netting.
