• Bird repellent as (scare devices) are easily dismissed by many people because of the constant reminders of how ineffectual they can be against birds (everyone has seen the famous plastic owl covered in feces with a pigeon on its head). This is a prime example of how bird control products are tools, dependent on being used in the right way and in the right situation for success. Scare devices are very specific tools useful in certain situations.
  

• These products by themselves can not be a substitute for exclusion in high pressure areas (attractive habit and abundant food and water). The goal of these devices is to make the birds feel too uncomfortable to remain at a site. Therefore, the bird control manager must use these products to create fear in the birds so that the noise and visual distractions overwhelm their attraction to the site (food, water, viewpoint or protection from the elements). This can range from easy (a flock of starlings) to hard (a woodpecker in established territory). Remember, since established birds fight much harder to stay at a site than newcomers, scare tactics should be used as soon as possible against birds moving into a new site. As always, it helps to try to remove all food and water sources in the area that may heighten the birds’ dedication to the site.

• Targeted Species
  These products can be effective if used correctly against large winter flocking birds such as blackbirds, crows, grackels and starlings. Some species of woodpeckers may be frightened off by these products as well, especially during mating season. But using scare devices against a city-hardened pigeon or sparrow flock that is dedicated to the area is bound to fail. In most cases, pigeon control is best achieved by netting, spikes or hot foot.
  
  

• How to Use Scare Devices The key elements to effectively using scare devices to move birds are: timing, persistence, organization and diversity. Timing is critical as birds are more apt to leave a briefly occupied site rather than an established roost. Prompt action will reduce the time and effort required to re-locate the birds. Also, scare devices are more effective against migratory species such as starlings and woodpeckers at the beginning of the migration cycle.

Continuity is very important Scare programs for starlings and most flocking birds should begin while the birds are flying, typically 1.5 hours before dark. Dispersal activities should end when the birds have stopped moving after sunset. Alternatively, early morning frightening is also effective, but dispersal activities should be commenced prior to daylight or at the first sign of bird movement. Ideally, mobile units should be stationed so as to create a "war-like" atmosphere, surrounding the birds and using a diverse product mix to bombard them and create panic. Sonic devices should be combined with visual devices so that when the birds hear threatening noises they see things resembling predators in the area, distressing them and causing them to leave the area while sending out cries of alarm to other birds in the zone. Combining different bird repellent products increases your chances for successfully moving the birds to another area. We mention pigeon control only briefly here and that is because pigeon control is best achieved by other means. However, pigeon control with Daddi Long Legs and the Super BirdXPeller Pro or the Super BirdGard AVA has achieved good success. Especially, when combined with more than one scare device. Daddi Long Legs will usually work as a stand alone control device.