Once again, PCT presents the annual listing of bird control products. Some of these products you have likely seen before, while others may be new to you. Regardless, in the selection of products that follows, you’re sure to find a sampling of some of the most effective bird control techniques and strategies on the market.
Manufacturers, if you don’t see your bird control product listed here, please send product information and a photograph of the item, so we may include it in a future issue.
ECOPIC VOLT
Ecopic Corporation
New from Ecopic is the Ecopic Volt, a patented product that deters birds from landing, nesting or roosting on buildings. The device operates by delivering a mild electric shock while producing a light vibration. The birds associating the vibration with the shock will then avoid roosting on areas fitted with the system. Environmentally sound, the product protects all kinds of buildings against all types of birds, such as pigeons, seagulls, starlings, and sparrows. The electro-vibration system is also equipped with raised rods to better prevent birds from creating nesting zones. The product features a PVC sole and two stainless conductors, is provided in convenient 10-yard rolls which can easily be connected, and is available in white, gray, beige and brick colors. The product is easily installed with silicone.
SPIKE SYSTEM
Bird-B-Gone
Bird-B-Gone now offers pre-assembled Bird-B-Gone Spikes. The product is shipped in 2-foot sections with 50 feet per carton. Each section offers a 7-inch-wide coverage area. The pre-assembled sections are also designed to save labor and installation time. The rigid spikes are made from unbreakable, polycarbonate with UV inhibitors, according to the manufacturer, and can withstand temperatures between –200°F to 350°F. Because it is non-conductive, the system will not interfere with electrical transmissions. Bird-B-Gone Spikes are also priced to be one of the lowest cost, long-term bird control methods. The system is available in five standard colors: tan, gray, white, brown, black and crystal clear.
NET FITTING DEVICES
Hot Foot America
Soon to be available from Hot Foot America are specialty net fitting devices designed to make bird control applications easier, safer, more flexible and capable of holding bird netting to thin surface building materials such as stucco. The company’s “ballistic point” nail and Clipset Steel are designed to attach bird netting to steel and masonry construction types. In small areas where only small sections of netting have to be fitted, the company has developed “Netlock,” a self-adhesive fitting which sandwiches the net firmly in place. The connection is resistant to weather extremes and is ideal for attaching netting to air conditioning systems, window frames and other surfaces where drilling is not recommended.
BIRD SITE CLEANING PRODUCTS
Bird Barrier
Available from Bird Barrier is a family of products for site clean-up. Enzymes break down droppings, special disinfectants make the site safe for workers and visitors, and deodorants leave the site smelling fresh. The line includes Dissolve-It, Disinfect-It and Absorb-It. Non-toxic, environmentally safe, non-flammable and biodegradable, the products are formulated to be used together on every bird site. When Dissolve-It is added to problem areas, it efficiently breaks down bird droppings. The product can be used in such areas as beneath and around roof-top air conditioning units, rain gutters, balcony areas and tops of ledges and pipes. Disinfect-It is a professionally formulated odor counteractant, detergent and germicide. The product meets all efficacy requirements of a hospital grade disinfectant and cleaner, and can be applied on all types of surfaces. Absorb-It is a newly developed granule odor counteractant and liquid absorbent made from naturally grown corn cob. The product is especially effective when used in areas where there is standing water mixed with bird droppings. More information on these and all of Bird Barrier’s products can be found in the company’s 44-page 1998 product catalog. Bird Barrier products are distributed nationally by Van Waters & Rogers.
PIGEON TRAP
Kness Manufacturing Co.
The Air Traffic Controller pigeon trap from Kness Manufacturing features sturdy, galvanized welded wire construction, a funnel entrance, and a quick removal trap door. The pigeon trap measures 36x 18x8 inches. A smaller, updated sparrow trap measuring 18¼x12x8¼ inches is also available. Both traps can be baited and feature removable access tops. For best results, PCOs should provide a trail of food leading to the traps’ entrances. The birds can then be easily released elsewhere.
ReJeX-iT® AG-36
RJ Advantage, Inc.
ReJeX-iT® AG-36 from RJ Advantage, Inc. makes grass in grazing areas unpalatable to geese, thereby helping to resolve the territorial conflict between birds and humans without harming either. The product is ideal for use on lawns, sports fields, parks, golf courses and corporate settings near lakes or ponds. After as little as one application, research shows geese quickly leave treated areas for better, tastier food sources, the manufacturer says.
ReJeX-iT repellents have been developed from food grade, FDA-approved ingredients and were tested in cooperation with the USDA’s Animal Damage Control and Denver Wildlife Center. ReJeX-iT products function by aversion rather than by toxicity, are EPA-registered, and meet the EPA’s criteria for “Reduced Risk.” ReJeX-iT AG-36 is ecologically friendly, non-phytotoxic and biodegradeable in the environment.
AVITROL BIRD CONTROL BAIT
Avitrol Corporation
Avitrol, as applied, is a chemically treated bait that is used as a chemical frightening agent to remove pest birds from a given location. The bait is capable of producing a series of flock-alarming reactions on those birds ingesting a sufficient quantity. The alarming reaction induced by Avitrol baits in only a few birds is usually all that is required to disperse the entire flock. Although some mortality is to be expected in most cases with Avitrol, no mass population reduction is required for the product to provide effective repellency. On some species, Avitrol may be used as an avicide. Studies have indicated that the product does not cause pain to affected birds. The product is currently registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use as a repellent in the control of pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls, starlings, grackles, cowbirds and blackbirds.
“4 THE BIRDS” REPELLENT
J.T. Eaton & Company
J.T. Eaton’s “4-the-Birds”® is a safe, transparent bird repellent that can be applied to any structure where birds rest, roost or nest. The tacky material, available in either a liquid or gel, is uncomfortable to birds and discourages them from staying. It is designed for use on structural areas such as sills, ledges, roofs and parapets, roof-mounted equipment, firewalls, rafters, joists, light fixtures and signs. The product is applied to clean, dry fixtures with a caulking gun or putty knife.
Safe to handle, 4-the-Birds will not harm or kill birds or trees or shrubs when used according to label directions. With its advanced formulation, the manfacturer says, the product will remain effective for up to a year under most weather conditions, when used as directed. Birds thus learn to avoid areas treated with 4-the-Birds and seek new locations. The product has been used by businesses, industries and local governments around the world.
BIRD NETTING
InterNet, Inc.
InterNet, Inc. offers a complete selection of polypropylene-oriented bird netting. The company has recently added a heavier, stronger structural bird control netting to its standard product line. Among the company’s more than 20 bird control products, InterNet offers a lightweight netting for agricultural applications, a medium-duty netting for structural applications, and the new heavy-duty netting also for structural applications.
The company’s bird netting products are extruded in open mesh form with an integral joint structure that delivers exceptional strength and economy as a bird exclusion netting. The products are environmentally friendly, easy to use, and nearly invisible once installed. They have proven to be effective over years of use. The company also offers an educational video that depicts installations and helpful application tips.
STAINLESS STEEL BIRD BARRIERS
Nixalite of America
Nixalite’s stainless steel bird barriers are designed to protect any structure from pest birds. In use since 1950, the strips have been installed worldwide to effectively control all kinds of pest birds for thousands of different applications. Made of stainless steel with 120 points per foot, Nixalite strips are long lasting and do not require further maintenance after installation.
The product’s thin wire construction makes it inconspicuous, and with the addition of Colorcoat, a color powder coating option, the needle strips can be made virtually invisible. The Colorcoat option is available in many standard colors, and custom color matching is available. Furthermore, the company’s customer support services can benefit anyone in estimating, quoting or installing Nixalite.
BYE-BYE BIRDIE
Dr. T’s Nature Products
Available from Dr. T’s Nature Products is Bye-Bye Birdie. A repellant product for use against such birds as starlings, pigeons and sparrows, as well as bats, squirrels, and rabbits, Bye-Bye Birdie contains the active ingredient napthalene. For the control of birds, the product is intended primarily for indoor use in such areas as rafter systems, fireplaces and attics. The product can be dispersed on rafters or ledges or wherever birds are a problem. An especially effective control tactic is to place an amount of the product into a cheesecloth, nylon stocking, or other fine mesh material and tack the bag in the area the birds are becoming a problem. This do-it-all product is also labeled to repel bats. As with all repellent products, employing all possible exclusion efforts is an important component of a successful control program.
BIRD NET
D&S Specialty Products
With a complete line of bird control products, D&S Specialty Products is able to meet all bird control product needs. The company’s D&S Bird Net is made in the United States using DuPont nylon twine that is ultraviolet-stabilized and is twisted and knotted for maximum strength. D&S Bird Net’s “Made in the USA” designation enables it to meet local, state and federal government contract specifications. The bird net is available in black or stone color with a mesh size of 2 inches for pigeons and large birds, or 7/8-inch for smaller birds.
GOOSECHASE
Bird-X
GooseChase from Bird-X is a bird repellent product that is sprayed onto grass and lawns to repel Canada geese, ducks and waterfowl. Ideal for use at golf courses, parks, resorts, corporate landscapes and residential complexes, Goose-Chase is a food-grade taste aversion agent made from a bitter compound present in concord grapes (active ingredient: methyl anthranilate). The product renders grass unpalatable and unedible. Geese cannot habituate to the taste and leave for better food sources. According to the manufacturer, field tests have shown reduced goose activity. Developed with USDA assistance, GooseChase is environmentally safe and biodegradable. To apply, the product is diluted, sprayed onto dry grass, allowed to dry, and reapplied every seven to 14 days or after mowing. One gallon of concentrate will treat one acre.
PIED PIPER PIGEON TRAP
Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
Among the bird control products available from Forestry Suppliers, Inc., is the Pied Piper Pigeon Trap. This automatic pigeon trap will hold up to 15 pigeons at one time, trapping them alive and unharmed. The trap is constructed of 14-gauge, galvanized, 1-x1-inch wire mesh with two one-way steel rod gates and a top hatch for easy removal of the birds.
The trap comes pre-assembled and ready to use.
BIRD DETERRENT PRODUCT
Cat Claw
Cat Claw’s “porcupine wire” bird control product can be installed on ledges, ridges, gutters, beams and pipes to eliminate annoying problems caused by roosting and nesting birds. Made of stainless steel, Cat Claw is humane and is flexible enough to be used in such special applications as statues, mounted letters and clocks.
The device has no welded components and is available in a wide variety of lengths and shapes. Its durability translates into lower cost, the manufacturer says, because of its long life and the low maintenance needed. A wide variety of powder-coated Phantom-Kote™ colors are available to make Cat Claw blend in with the hue of any building. The company also offers a line of standard colors as well as an unpainted stainless steel finish. Cat Claw installs easily using a polyurethane adhesive sealant or mechanical fasteners.
RO-PEL REPELLENT
Burlington Scientific Corporation
Ro-pel Animal, Rodent and Bird Repellent by Burlington Scientific Corporation is designed to repel birds and other animals from unwanted areas. The product works by making surfaces taste incredibly bad to animals and birds. It has no unpleasant odor and can be used on trees, plants, fences, posts, telephone poles, unpainted furniture and other areas, according to the manufacturer. Ro-pel is also approved for the control of geese in Canada.
MANUAL SOUND SYSTEM
Adams Dominion
The ADC 700 Manual Sound System (Mobile Mount) from Adams Dominion is a portable sound system designed for use on vehicles to frighten birds away. The control unit remains in the seat next to the driver so that while the vehicle is moving, the operator has complete control to deliver effective, high-output sounds. The high-output sound unit consists of a DC stereo tape player, special sound tape, and a 200-watt power amplifier. The system is enclosed in a polypropolene case. Four 100-watt speakers are mounted on magnets with rubber bottoms, so they may be easily attached to a vehicle cab. The speaker cable plugs directly into the unit, and a power cord with heavy-duty snaps is supplied for hook-up to the vehicle battery.
The portable system can be used to control birds or break up roosts in habitats such as trees located around office buildings, apartment complexes, residential areas, hotels and restaurants. The device could also be used to control birds around various berry, grape or vegetable production areas.
Bird Control Products On the Web |
|
| Avitrol Corp. | www.bird-x.com |
| Avitrol Corp. | www.einco.com |
| Bird Barrier | www.birdbarrier.com |
| Ecopic Corp. | www.ecopic.com |
| Forestry Suppliers | www.forestry-suppliers.com |
| Kness Manufacturing | www.kness.com |
| Nixalite | www.nixalite.com |
