Bird Barrier: Bird Control Tips

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August 1, 2011

By: Leonard Mongiello, Bird Barrier

Most companies consider themselves finished after the installation is complete. This is a mistake. Success in the pest control industry, particularly bird control, depends on proper follow-up. Following up will ensure effectiveness of the solution, a happy customer and more business for you.

Proper follow-up has four goals:

  1. Week 1: Ensure the effectiveness of the installed system.
  2. Week 2: Handle any new problems from the displaced birds.
  3. Week 3: Gain customer referrals and other business.
  4. Week 12: Long-term checkup on the installation.

Week 1
Remember the first rule of bird control: Established, resident birds fight to regain their home. Inspect the site for any birds that have managed to reclaim their territory. While you may have moved the majority of the flock, some determined birds might find flaws in your exclusion work. This applies particularly to ledge products installed on former roosting or nesting areas. It is crucial to fix the flaws and eliminate these renegade birds. If you do not take immediate action, the rest of the flock will return, as birds are observational learners.

Week 2
Now that you are sure the installed system is working and your customer is happy, it is time to seek new business. Watch where the displaced flock ends up. As a rule, it will not be very far. It might be on another part of your client’s building or the place next door. If you are an experienced bird control person, you have already informed your client that the birds might move to a different part of their complex, thus resulting in another bird job that you can be paid to perform.

Week 3
Before moving on to other customers, take extensive pictures of the finished project. Ask your customer for a letter of recommendation. See whether they know of anyone who has a bird problem. Let them know how much you appreciate their good word-of-mouth. Offer some free pest control services for any successful leads they generate.

Week 12
The final item on the follow-up checklist is to perform a three-month inspection of the site. Look for any areas where the birds have defeated the system. Inspect the hold of any glued items. Check the tension of the net cables and the hold of the net bolts. Fix any of these problems you find. Besides the birds, painters, maintenance men and juveniles are notorious for ripping holes in nets, stepping on coils and other acts of sabotage. Repair any minor damage from these types for free – it will more than pay for itself from customer goodwill. For extensive damage, which is not your fault, bill the customer accordingly.

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