In urban environments, pigeons have become a persistent problem for air conditioning systems. The presence of nests in these systems not only affects the operation of the equipment, but also poses potential risks to the health and safety of residents. Birds take advantage of the structure of air conditioners to nest, which can cause various complications such as blockages and damage.
In this article we are going to tell you How to prevent bird nests in air conditioning and the best solutions that exist.
Pigeon Problem
Residents of the Madrid neighbourhood of Carabanchel have opted for a radical approach to tackle the pigeon problem due to the damage these birds are causing to their air conditioning units during a heatwave. To do this, They have hired a falconer who uses birds of prey to deter pigeons., a rather drastic but effective measure.
However, not everyone can afford these measures, or consider them too extreme. There are alternative prevention systems that can prevent pigeons from damaging appliances, without having to resort to such costly methods. Pigeons and other types of birds tend to build their nests in high places, and air conditioners, due to their location and structure, become ideal places for them. This can cause several problems.
Nests and materials brought in by pigeons can block air inlets and outlets., reducing the efficiency of the device. In addition, birds can cause damage to components with their beaks or claws. But what is worse, pigeon droppings are highly corrosive, which not only affects the structure of the equipment, but can also pose a health hazard by causing the proliferation of bacteria and diseases.
How to prevent bird nests in air conditioning
There are several strategies to prevent birds from nesting in air conditioning systems. Below we describe the most effective ones:
1. Installation of physical barriers
One of the best solutions is to place physical barriers such as mesh and grilles around the air conditioning unit. These should be designed in such a way that, while preventing the entry of pigeons, they allow proper air circulation.
These barriers prevent birds from getting too close to potential nesting areas, protecting both the air inlet and outlet. It is important to have a professional installation to ensure the proper functioning of the air conditioner without compromising its performance.
2. Deterrent devices
There are also deterrent devices that are very effective. The most common are bird spikes, which are placed in areas where pigeons usually perch. These spikes do not harm the birds, but they prevent them from finding a comfortable place to settle.
Another option is sonic repellents, which emit sounds that are annoying to birds. These devices can be installed near the air conditioning to prevent birds from approaching. In addition, some people choose to install them in other parts of their home, thus keeping the area free of birds.
3. Continuous maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent nests from forming. Routine cleaning allows any signs of nests or dirt that could cause problems to be detected in time. If a nest already exists, a professional should be called in to remove it without causing damage to the equipment or the birds.
Advantages of deterring pigeon nesting
Implementing strategies to prevent pigeon nesting has several important advantages:
1. Greater system efficiency by avoiding obstructions at the air inlets and outlets, helping the air conditioning system to operate optimally and consume less energy.
2. Harm reduction on the equipment, since the pigeons will not have access to it and will not be able to damage it with their beaks, claws or corrosive droppings.
3. Lower risk of disease transmission, since pigeon droppings can facilitate the proliferation of bacteria that affect human health.
Avoiding these complications not only prolongs the life of the equipment, but also reduces the costs associated with repairs or potentially replacing damaged components.
Ways to scare away pigeons
Pigeons, like other birds such as sparrows or crows, are considered a nuisance due to their large populations in urban environments. They often cause damage and nuisance in gardens, orchards and residential facilities. Here are some effective solutions:
- Visual deterrents. Projecting visual elements that scare birds can be very effective. It is common to use shiny or moving objects that simulate predators, such as plastic owls.
- Home remediesA simple, homemade method that many people use is to hang old CDs, whose reflective surfaces bother birds. Although it is not always 100% effective, it can be an interesting addition.
- Anti-pigeon spikesThe most professional and effective solution remains the installation of spikes in the areas where pigeons tend to perch.
With all these strategies, keeping your air conditioner free of pigeon nests is simple and feasible for any user. All you need to do is take some precautions, maintain good maintenance, and install the necessary barriers to ensure that birds do not find a place to make their home.
By following these tips, you can enjoy efficient air conditioning, without any hassles and free from the inconveniences caused by bird nests.