Cormorant Control

Cormorants nest in large colonies in trees, rocks, and cliffs, as well as man-made structures. They commonly feed near commercial and recreational fishing areas. These birds can cause extensive damage to vegetation: Cormorants can strip leaves from trees and break branches. More importantly, however, their excrement is acidic and changes soil chemistry, killing trees and shrubs, which could lead to increased erosion. For these reasons, cormorant control is essential to protect various habitats. These birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and their nests cannot be disturbed once eggs are laid inside.

Humane prevention is, however, permitted, and all Bird-X cormorant deterrents are humane, safe, and effective when used during non-nesting cycles. Bird-X offers a variety of non-lethal cormorant control options for those struggling with cormorants and shags. For anyone dealing with cormorants and shags on the water, the Gator Guard is a visual scare that combines the movement of water and wind for realistic movement. If the water contains fish, however, birds may not be so easily swayed away from a food source; in this instance Gator Guard is most effective when combined with a sound unit, such as the HeronBuster or BirdXPeller PRO.

For 100% effectiveness, placing bird netting over the water will physically block any entrance to the water; this is the option professional fisheries and shrimp farms use. Floating Bird Balls are another physical barrier option for bodies of water like retention ponds or lakes. These balls eliminate waterfowl, like cormorant and shags, by completely covering the water’s surface to prevent pest water birds from landing. The balls even allow sunlight to maintain the water’s ecosystem. Bacteria, and other vegetation growing on the balls is not a problem due to the continuous motion on the surface of the water.

In trees, on cliffs, or large open areas, safety concerns are a frequent reason to rid cormorants from an area, especially for businesses which face liability and customer complaints. Approved sound units cover large, open spaces effectively without the need for much hassle.

For dark, enclosed spaces such as warehouses and garages, the Bird-X Laser collection has proven to be effective against cormorants, without the sound most electronic units require. Light units will only work in dark spaces that allow light to bounce.