Pest Control: Disrupting Roosting Patterns

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As founder of American Maintenance Supply Inc., a Canyon Country, California industrial wholesaler, Oswaldo Mercado knows a maintenance issue when he sees one.  

"Pigeon droppings are a major problem," he says.

Mercado's most objectionable infestation occurred at a large hotel in the very visible central tourist section of a Southern California city.

"Pigeons were nesting on the window ledges, and cleaning up the bird droppings was a major issue," says Mercado.

The maintenance crew had a tough time. It was not a pretty sight for hotel guests as bird droppings piled up on the supposed scenic overlook.

Mercado's solution was "Spikes(r) Needle Strips", produced by Bird-X, Inc. in Chicago.  The clear plastic strips of branch-like protuberances adhere to ledges to disrupt birds' roosting patterns. The tightly packed Spikes prevent birds from squeezing onto their favorite perches.

Oswaldo Mercado has learned much about customers. Many are skeptical about "miracle cures". So Mercado undersells, inviting reluctant customers to give Bird-X Spikes a "try-out" in one section for a few weeks.

"They'll see right away," he says sagely.

For most customers, Spikes do the job. The trial period leads to full-fledged use and satisfied customers.

By R.W. Delaney, business writer