Why Bird Control Has Moved Beyond Spikes and Scarecrows

Old-school deterrents like plastic owls spikes, and sound machines still have their place in the right settings. But they all tend to share a major flaw: birds are adaptable. Pigeons, especially, are shameless. They’ll nest beside a scarecrow like it's a roommate. They’ll balance on top of anti-roosting spikes as if auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.

That’s why netting has gained traction. It's not flashy, but it quietly does what few other deterrents can, it denies access entirely. It doesn’t rely on frightening birds away or hoping they'll eventually get bored and leave. Instead, it presents a physical, non-negotiable obstacle. For many problem areas, that simple concept makes all the difference.

The Case for Barriers That Actually Last

Here’s where things get practical. While it’s tempting to think of netting as a short-term fix, quality installations are surprisingly durable. Well designed nets can withstand years of UV exposure, heavy rain, snow and wind without fraying into useless spaghetti.

That’s what makes barriers for long-term bird control such an attractive proposition. Rather than reacting to each new bird issue with another temporary patch, building managers and homeowners can opt for a more permanent line of defense. And unlike spikes or gels, netting can be installed discreetly, maintaining a site’s visual appeal without sacrificing protection.

It’s not just longevity that sets netting apart; it’s reliability. The difference between a product that discourages and one that physically prevents is massive when dealing with birds that see your balcony or roof ledge as prime nesting real estate. Once the space is sealed off, the battle is essentially over.

Installation: Where Science Meets Craftsmanship

Not all netting is created equal. A badly installed system can sag, trap birds, or even pose risks to other wildlife. On the flip side, a well-fitted net can be almost invisible from ground level, secure against harsh weather and tailored to the architectural quirks of the building it protects.

There’s something almost artisanal about a good netting job. Tension must be just right. Fixings have to be strong enough to hold for years, but not so invasive they damage the structure. Access points need careful sealing. And perhaps most crucially, the mesh size has to suit the species being deterred (what stops a pigeon might still allow sparrows through).

Installers who get this balance right aren’t just following a checklist; they’re reading the site like a problem to be solved, not just a location to be covered. That nuance makes a huge difference in long-term effectiveness.

From Historic Sites to Supermarkets: Netting Scales Well

One of the more underrated strengths of bird netting is its versatility. It can be fitted onto everything from ornate facades and courtyards to industrial loading bays and multi-storey car parks. In fact, the larger and more awkward the space, the more netting tends to shine.

You’ll see it on train stations, stadiums, shopping centres and heritage buildings alike. Each of these comes with its own set of visual and structural challenges, but netting often offers the only real way to close off access without altering the building’s function or aesthetic.

It also works at smaller scales. Domestic balconies, home solar panels and even backyard pergolas are all fair game. Birds don’t discriminate by square footage, and neither does netting.

Bird Welfare and the Ethics of Exclusion

A common concern (and a legitimate one) is whether netting harms birds. And to be clear, poorly fitted or damaged netting absolutely can. Trapped animals, strangled wings or entanglements happen when systems aren’t installed with care. But in professional hands, netting isn’t meant to hurt birds; it’s meant to guide them elsewhere.

Done right, it’s one of the more humane options. No chemicals. No shock. No trauma. Just a firm “no entry” sign. For conservationists and animal lovers, that distinction matters.

It’s not about punishing birds for doing what birds do. It’s about drawing clear boundaries where human needs (cleanliness, structural integrity, peace of mind) must take precedence. Ideally, it creates a kind of urban cohabitation: you do your thing, I do mine, and we keep a respectful distance.

With this in mind if they have been using the location for nesting you cannot put up netting while the nests are in use (as this is illegal). You might also want to think about if you can provide an alternative location for the birds to nest without it causing damage to your property. 


Bird netting doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t blink red lights or blast high-frequency screeches. What it offers is subtlety, consistency and a sort of architectural diplomacy. Assertive without being aggressive.

In the broader ecosystem of bird deterrents, it might not be the most dramatic solution, but for many buildings, it’s the one that actually works.