Professional vs. DIY Bird Deterrent Installation: What to Know
Whether you’re dealing with pigeons on a commercial roof or sparrows nesting under your eaves, birds can be more than a nuisance—they can pose serious health and property risks. That’s where bird deterrents come in. But should you install them yourself or hire a professional? This guide examines the advantages and disadvantages of each route, enabling you to make an informed decision tailored to your specific situation.
Understanding What a Bird Deterrent Actually Does
Bird deterrents are systems or devices designed to discourage birds from landing, nesting, or roosting in specific areas. They don’t harm birds; instead, they make environments unwelcoming. These systems can be physical, visual, auditory, or chemical in nature.
Bird deterrents are commonly used on ledges, rooftops, signage, solar panels, barns, and other structures where birds tend to congregate. When installed correctly, they help protect property from corrosion, reduce the risk of disease transmission from droppings, and prevent damage related to nesting.
Types of Bird Deterrent Systems You Can Choose From
Before choosing between DIY and professional installation, it’s essential to know what types of bird deterrents are available.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes are perhaps the most recognizable type of bird deterrent. Made of plastic or stainless steel, they prevent birds from landing on surfaces like railings and ledges.
Bird Netting
Bird netting physically excludes birds from specific areas, like open-air warehouses or over crops. It’s one of the most effective options, but also the most labor-intensive to install correctly.
Electric Track Systems
Low-voltage electric tracks deliver a harmless shock to birds that attempt to land on them. These systems require precision and often benefit from professional installation due to the electrical components.
Visual and Audio Repellents
Reflective tape, predator decoys, and sound-emitting devices fall under this category. While easy to install, their effectiveness tends to diminish over time as birds become accustomed to them.
Pros of DIY Bird Deterrent Installation
DIY bird deterrent installation appeals to many property owners due to the sense of control and cost-saving potential. Here’s what works well with a hands-on approach.
Upfront Cost Savings
DIY installation typically requires purchasing materials only, making it a more budget-friendly solution in the short term. Kits are readily available at hardware stores or online, and basic deterrents, such as spikes and tape, are inexpensive.
Immediate Action
When you install bird deterrents yourself, you avoid the scheduling delays that can come with hiring a professional. For urgent bird problems, this can be a significant advantage.
Straightforward Tools and Techniques
Most physical deterrents, such as spikes or tape, don’t require special tools or technical expertise. This makes them a realistic option for facility managers.
Cons of DIY Bird Deterrent Projects
That said, going it alone has some risks and limitations that can affect long-term success.
Improper Installation Reduces Effectiveness
Even the best bird deterrent won’t work if it’s installed improperly. Misalignment, gaps, or the use of the wrong adhesive can allow birds to bypass or remove the deterrent altogether.
Safety Hazards for High Areas
Installing deterrents on rooftops, ledges, or other elevated areas can be dangerous without the proper safety gear. Falls are a common risk, especially in multi-story buildings.
Misidentifying the Bird Problem
Different birds require different deterrents. DIYers often choose the wrong system for their specific pest, resulting in wasted money and persistent issues.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Bird Deterrent Installation
When you work with professionals, you’re getting more than just labor—you’re tapping into experience, safety protocols, and strategic expertise.
Expert Bird Identification and Planning
Professionals conduct a site inspection to determine what species are causing the issue, where they’re entering or nesting, and what deterrent will work best. This level of precision is difficult to replicate with a DIY approach.
Access to Commercial-Grade Solutions
Professional bird control companies often have access to advanced deterrents not available to the general public, including custom netting systems, gel-based repellents, or long-range audio devices.
Safer Work Practices
From ladders and scaffolding to safety harnesses, pros have the right equipment and training to safely install deterrents in high-risk areas.
Guaranteed Workmanship
Many bird control companies offer warranties or service guarantees. If birds return, so do the technicians—at no extra cost.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Bird Deterrent Installation
It’s no surprise that DIY is initially cheaper. A pack of bird spikes or visual repellents might cost under $50, and you won’t have to pay for labor. Professional services, on the other hand, can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the size and complexity of the project. However, the value equation changes if the DIY install fails. Replacing materials, dealing with continued bird presence, or repairing damage can quickly outpace the cost of a professional install. Long-term savings often favor the expert route.
Common Mistakes People Make With DIY Bird Deterrents
Understanding where DIYers go wrong can help you avoid the most frustrating outcomes.
Using One-Size-Fits-All Solutions
Not all deterrents work on all birds. For example, smaller birds can nest between widely spaced spikes, rendering them useless. Professionals know how to tailor systems to the species in question.
Incomplete Coverage
Many DIYers install deterrents only where they see birds, without realizing that those birds will simply shift to another nearby location. Professionals think holistically and protect the entire structure.
Choosing Cheap Over Durable
Low-cost deterrents often degrade quickly in outdoor conditions. UV rays, rain, and wind can break down plastic spikes or adhesives, leaving your investment vulnerable.
How Professionals Approach a Bird Deterrent Strategy
Professional bird control companies don’t just install a product—they design an entire integrated deterrent plan.
Site Assessment
A thorough evaluation includes identifying entry points, roosting zones, and food or water sources. It also involves inspecting structural vulnerabilities and compliance with local wildlife laws.
System Customization
Professionals create a system tailored to the location. This may involve mixing deterrent types—like combining netting and visual repellents—to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Ongoing Monitoring
Many services include follow-up inspections to ensure the deterrents remain effective. Adjustments can be made if bird behavior shifts or deterrents are damaged.
Is It Legal to Install Bird Deterrents?
Whether DIY or professional, bird deterrents must comply with federal and local regulations. Many birds are protected under laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits harming or displacing nests without a permit. Professionals stay up-to-date on these regulations to ensure their methods are both humane and compliant with the law. DIYers risk violating these protections if they install deterrents without understanding the applicable rules.
When DIY Bird Deterrents Make Sense
In certain scenarios, a DIY bird deterrent project might be the most practical solution. Some of these include:
Short-Term or Seasonal Problems
Some bird issues only occur during specific times of year. For example, seagulls might congregate around a roof during nesting season. DIY repellents can offer a temporary fix until the migration ends.
Limited Budgets
For those with limited funds, a basic DIY install is better than doing nothing. Even low-cost deterrents can offer a partial solution, buying time until a more permanent fix can be arranged.
When You Should Definitely Call a Professional
There are circumstances where the risks or complexity of bird deterrent installation call for professional help.
Persistent Bird Infestations
If birds have been nesting or roosting in the same spot for months or years, they’re unlikely to be scared off by simple DIY measures.
Commercial or Industrial Properties
For warehouses, hospitals, food processing plants, or airports, bird control isn’t optional—it’s a health and safety requirement. Professional-grade systems ensure compliance and performance.
Difficult-to-Reach Locations
If the affected area is on a tall building, a sloped roof, or a fragile surface (such as a solar panel), it’s safer and smarter to bring in experienced installers.
Maintenance Requirements for Bird Deterrents
Regardless of how a bird deterrent is installed, all systems require periodic maintenance to remain effective. Visual repellents may fade or blow away. Spikes can loosen over time. Netting may tear, and electric systems may short-circuit. Professionals often offer maintenance plans, but DIYers must take responsibility for their own inspections and upkeep. Failing to maintain the system can lead to re-infestation, defeating the entire purpose of the deterrent.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations of Bird Deterrents
When installing a bird deterrent system—whether DIY or professionally installed—it’s crucial to consider the environmental and ethical impact of your choices. Not all deterrents are created equally in terms of their treatment of wildlife. Humane deterrents, which do not harm or kill birds, are not only ethically preferable but also often required by law. Products such as bird spikes, optical gels, and netting are designed to change behavior rather than cause injury.
Professionals are typically well-versed in deploying humane deterrents that meet both ethical standards and legal regulations. DIYers, however, must do their research to ensure they’re not violating wildlife protection laws or causing unintended harm. For instance, some visual repellents or chemical solutions may have harmful side effects on non-target species or local ecosystems if not applied properly. Additionally, consider the ecological role birds play in controlling pests, pollinating plants, and spreading seeds. The goal of bird deterrent installation should be to redirect birds—not eradicate them. Choosing the right solution ensures that your property stays clean and protected without negatively affecting local biodiversity. A thoughtful and informed approach not only solves your immediate bird problem but also fosters a more sustainable interaction with your environment.
Choosing the Right Bird Deterrent Approach
There’s no universal answer to the DIY vs. professional debate. The right path depends on your budget, time, skill level, and the severity of your bird issue. For minor, short-term problems in accessible areas, DIY may suffice. But for more serious, costly, or hazardous situations, professional installation provides peace of mind and long-term results.
Ultimately, the goal is to protect your property in a safe, legal, and humane manner—whether you do it yourself or hire professionals. Learn more about humane bird removal and professional ethics on our Elite Bird Management blog.
