Protecting History at the U.S. Capitol

With thousands of visitors passing through its halls every day, the U.S. Capitol is not only one of the most recognized buildings in the world, it's also a symbol of American history. So when pest birds began nesting and creating a mess on the Capitol's iconic  balcony, Nation Wide Bird Control was brought in to help.

Aside from being unsightly for visitors, tourists, and government officials alike, pest birds such as pigeons can cause serious damage to historical buildings, the acidity of their droppings high enough to corrode marble and stone. In order to keep such a historical building in good structural and aesthetic standing, the problem calls for specialized bird abatement methods that prevent birds from landing, without creating a visible eyesore on the building. After assessing the Capitol's unique problem areas, our team decided to install discreet bird netting to prevent pigeons and other birds from nesting and roosting in the area.

Access to the site was somewhat challenging due to the building’s intricate design and the steps leading up to the balcony. Traditional equipment couldn’t reach the installation area, so our experienced bird control specialists utilized bosun chairs and specialized rigging to get the job done safely and efficiently. 

StealthNet Bird Netting installed by Nation Wide Bird Control around the historical balcony of the U.S. Capitol

We installed durable, nearly invisible StealthNet® bird netting, the highest quality bird netting on the market. Fireproof and embedded with a UV-resistance in the polyethylene net, this netting was perfect for historical buildings as it can withstand the elements for up to 10 years. Wrapping it around the corner of the balcony and stretching it across the entire length, the netting provided long-term protection against birds while preserving the historic appearance of the Capitol.