If you're dealing with birds perching, roosting, and leaving unwanted messes on your outdoor benches, you're not alone. This common urban and suburban issue can be solved with specially designed street furniture. Fortunately, yes, there are several effective outdoor bench designs created specifically to deter perching.
The most common solution involves incorporating physical barriers. Benches with narrow, angled, or curved seating surfaces make it difficult and uncomfortable for birds to land and settle. Another popular design features discreet, smooth protrusions or blunted spikes integrated into the bench's back and arms. These don't harm the birds but simply prevent them from finding a stable foothold.
Material choice is also key. Smooth, non-porous materials like certain metals or polycarbonates are less appealing and provide no grip for bird feet. Additionally, avoiding flat ledges, wide armrests, and enclosed sheltered spaces underneath the bench removes the inviting spots birds seek.
Smart design goes beyond spikes. Some modern benches use motion-activated, gentle deterrents like sudden lights or harmless ultrasonic sounds. The primary goal is to make the bench an unattractive resting spot without compromising human comfort or aesthetics. When selecting a bench, look for seamless construction that leaves no gaps for nesting and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Ultimately, investing in these purpose-built benches reduces maintenance costs, improves cleanliness, and creates a more pleasant environment for everyone. By choosing the right design, you can effectively say goodbye to the bird problem and enjoy your outdoor space in peace.