Bird Netting Australia

Bird netting is a popular method of controlling bird populations in Australia, particularly in agricultural settings. Bird netting is a physical barrier designed to prevent birds from accessing crops, fruits, and other products. The netting can be made from a variety of materials, such as nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Depending on the application, it comes in various sizes and shapes and can be customised to fit a particular area.

Bird netting is primarily used in agriculture to protect crops from bird damage. Bird wildlife is known to cause significant damage to crops, particularly fruits such as grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. Bird netting can effectively prevent bird damage to these crops, as it physically prevents birds from accessing the fruits. Bird netting can also protect seedlings, newly planted crops, and young trees from bird damage.

In addition to agricultural applications, bird netting can also be used to protect buildings, statues, and other structures from bird damage. Bird wildlife can cause significant damage to buildings, particularly to the exterior of buildings, by nesting, roosting, and leaving droppings. Bird netting can prevent birds from accessing these areas, which can help to reduce the damage caused by birds.

While bird netting is a popular method of bird control, it is not always practical. There are several reasons why bird netting may not be effective, including:

1. Injury and harm to birds: Bird netting can pose a serious threat to birds and other wildlife. One of the most common ways in which bird netting can injure birds is by entangling them. If the netting is not properly tensioned or secured, birds can become trapped in the mesh and can injure themselves trying to escape. This can lead to broken wings or legs, and even suffocation if the bird is unable to free itself.

Bird netting can also pose a danger to birds that are already injured or sick. These birds may be weaker and less able to navigate around the netting, and can become trapped and unable to move.

2. Injury and harm to other wildlife: In addition to birds, other wildlife can also be harmed by bird netting. Small mammals, such as squirrels or bats, can become entangled in the netting, leading to injury or death. Insects and other invertebrates can also become trapped in the mesh, which can disrupt the local ecosystem.

3. Poor installation: One of the most common reasons why bird nettingis ineffective is poor installation. If the netting is not installed correctly, birds can still access the area, rendering the netting useless. Netting that is too loose or too tight can allow birds to get through, as can netting that is not secured properly.

4. Damage to the netting:Bird netting can be damaged by weather, animals, and other factors. If the netting is damaged, birds can easily access the area, rendering the netting useless.

5. Limited coverage:Bird netting is only effective if it covers the entire area that needs to be protected. If there are gaps in the netting or areas not covered, birds can still access the area, rendering the netting ineffective.

6. Ineffective against certain bird species:Bird netting is not effective against all bird species. Some birds are small enough to get through the holes in the netting, while others can easily tear through the netting with their beaks or claws.

7. High cost:Bird netting can be expensive, particularly if it needs to be customised to fit a particular area. This can make bird netting an unaffordable option for some farmers or property owners.

8. Difficult to install and maintain: Installing and maintaining bird nettingcan be time-consuming and difficult. It requires specialised knowledge and equipment, and can be challenging to install and maintain on large structures or in areas with difficult access.

9. Unattractive appearance: Bird nettingcan be unattractive, which may be a concern for property owners who want to maintain the aesthetic appeal of their property. This can make it an unpopular choice for some property owners.

10. Further environmental impacts: Bird netting is usually made of nylon or other plastic-based product and can be torn by birds, destroyed by hailstorms and over time deteriorate through the impact of environmental influences. As a result of the deterioration of the nylon netting, microplastics leach into the environment, while the irreparable netting ends up in landfill.

To minimise the risk of harm to birds species and other wildlife, it is important to ensure that bird netting is installed properly and maintained regularly. This includes ensuring that the netting is properly tensioned, secured, and inspected regularly for any signs of wear or damage. It is also important to remove netting when it is no longer needed, to prevent unintended harm to wildlife.

It is exciting to see new technologies entering the bird deterrent and bird control space that truly avoid harm for our Australian bird species and focus on environmentally sustainable practices for our native wildlife, whilst also supporting industry with highly effective methods of reducing damage caused by birds.

Check out Cherrp’s smart bird communicator which is a less costly bird deterrent solution that offers a 96% effectiveness rating for achieving results. Click here.