Bird Traps Bird Barrier's bird cage traps are newly designed, humane and made of long lasting materials. Please make sure the use of these traps is not in violation of any local or state laws.

Trapping Pest Birds
Trapping is an excellent way of reducing the bird population prior to the installation of bird deterrent products. The flock can be reduced drastically without harming protected birds and minimizing public reaction. Many times it is the only dispersal method available due to firearm and avicide restrictions. The trade off is time and effort, a successful trapping project takes several days and multiple journeys to the job site. Effective trapping entails proper site selection, pre-baiting, trapping, bird removal and follow-up. But it must be emphasized, flock reduction is only a preliminary step to deterrent product installation. If you remove birds but do not deter other birds, you will simply have new birds move into the vacuum you have created.

Site Selection
Proper location of the traps is the first step in a successful trapping program. Traps need to be located in a wide open area that is clearly visible to troublesome birds. The best locations for traps are near major loafing areas where the birds gather during the day time. During the summer try to place the traps near watering sites such as roof top water cooling units.

Determining the number of traps you will need depends on the number of problem birds and the size of the area that you are concerned with. If you are dealing with 20 or less birds one trap should do the trick. When the number approaches 100 or more experienced trappers like to use at least 2 to 3 traps. The reason for this is that when birds start to take the bait they want to catch as many birds as possible, before the birds become leery of the traps. This also allows you to place the traps strategically around the problem areas.

Furthermore, it is essential that the trap be securely fastened to the building or weighted down to prevent it from being blown off the building. Also, try to locate the trap so that it is not visible to surrounding buildings or to pedestrians. The reason for this is that even through you may be legally and environmentally in the right, people can have strange reactions to trapped animals.

Pre-baiting
Probably the most important step in a successful trapping program is pre-baiting, which involves the training of the target birds to eat a new food source at the desired location. To accomplish this you need to try and eliminate any other food and water sources from the area this way the problem birds will have to rely on the pre-bait.

The best pre-bait for pigeons is untreated whole corn since is too large for small birds, but very desirable to pigeons. The bait should be placed around the outside of the trap with the majority of the bait inside of the trap. In general, for pigeons you should use 1 pound of corn outside and 3 pounds inside. There should be enough bait in the area so that there is always a little left over after feeding. During pre-baiting, the trap door needs to be locked in the open position, allowing the pigeons to feel comfortable about going in and out of the trap. Be sure to provide plenty of water inside of the trap during the entire trapping process. The pre-bait process should last around 2 to 4 days.

When pre-baiting small birds such as sparrows use bird seed, small grains, or bread crumbs.

If the target bird is starlings try to use the type of food that they are presently eating for pre-bait such as seeds, grains or livestock feed.

Trapping
At this point the majority of problem birds should be feeding from your pre-bait. Now close the trap door and remove any food from outside of the trap. Once the door is closed make sure that you provide plenty of food and water. Try to leave 2 to 3 decoy birds inside of the trap at all times to help lure other birds into it. Traps need to be checked and birds removed at least once a day—twice a day in high problem areas. Try to spend as little time as possible during the catching phase or you may scare off some birds.