If you're dealing with persistent bird problems on your park benches, you'll be pleased to know there are several effective design solutions that humanely discourage perching. Traditional flat benches with comfortable nooks and crannies become perfect landing spots for our feathered friends. Modern anti-perching benches feature clever designs that make landing uncomfortable or impossible without harming the birds.
Many municipalities now install benches with slightly slanted seats—just enough of an angle that birds find it difficult to maintain balance. The smooth, steep surfaces provide no grip for their claws. Another popular option incorporates narrow, rounded armrests that don't offer sufficient space for birds to comfortably settle.
For more challenging bird situations, some designs integrate discreet anti-roosting spikes. These aren't the obvious spikes you might imagine, but rather subtle, closely-spaced stainless steel pins embedded in favorite perching spots like bench backs and armrests. The pins are blunt and harmless but create an unstable surface that birds will avoid.
Material selection also plays a crucial role. Smooth, non-porous materials like powder-coated metal or certain composites don't retain heat or provide good footing, making them less attractive than warm, textured wood. Some innovative designs even incorporate motion-activated deterrents or subtle ultrasonic devices.
The beauty of these modern solutions is that they maintain complete functionality for human users while effectively addressing your bird issue. People can still enjoy comfortable seating for extended periods, while birds simply move on to more suitable perching locations. With these specialized bench designs, you can maintain cleaner, more enjoyable public spaces for everyone.