by Alex A. Kecskes
If you run an amusement park, you know what a nuisance pest birds can be. They poop all over your outdoor eateries and snack bars, creating an unhealthful mess on tables, awnings, chairs and benches—places where your cleanup crew must spend valuable time scrubbing with disinfectant.
Keep in mind that bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases. Too many birds can create a health code violation that can result in sick patrons. One particularly troublesome illness caused by inhaled aerated bird droppings is a disease called histoplasmosis, which is characterized by constant flu-like symptoms.
Bird nests, feathers and droppings also wreak havoc with rides, moving displays and other exhibits, clogging wheels and mechanisms, leaving droppings on seats and handrails. This can result in ride breakdowns and very upset patrons. The maintenance and repairs to this equipment can be costly, and so can the lost revenue due to non-operation. It also means more mess for your cleanup crew to deal with.
And lest we not forget all the slip-and fall hazards bird droppings create. Just consider the countless kids and teens who visit your park every day, many of them running. All it takes is on injury blamed on bird droppings and you've got a huge legal liability that can damage your park's reputation and cost you plenty in a big settlement.
Which brings us to one of the most effective bird control measures ever devised--the Bird Spike. Properly installed on rooflines, parapet walls, light-posts and signage, bird spikes can prevent birds from landing virtually anywhere they're placed. Which means if you have a problem with pigeons, crows or seagulls, an investment in bird spikes made throughout your amusement park can make a huge difference. It can drive down your maintenance and clean-up costs and keep your park clean-looking and sanitary.
Your maintenance crew can easily install bird spikes using glue, nails or screws. And because they're blunted at the tips, they won't harm birds or your maintenance crew. Bird spikes have even been approved by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).
Today, bird spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; the less expensive plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Spikes with a non-reflective metal finish are also available. And colors now include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear to match your park's color scheme.
Remember the best way to solve any bird problem is to plan ahead. And now is the time to install bird spikes to keep pest birds away from your amusement park.
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