by Pigeon Patrol | Aug 5, 2015 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes
OVERVIEW
Replica plastic owls and fake owl decoys are one of the most commonly used bird scaring devices to scare pigeons and other pest species of birds from their perching and roosting sites, predominantly on buildings in town and city centre environments. Fake owl decoys are normally mounted on roof areas where the product can be clearly seen by problem birds as they approach their roosting or perching areas. Replica plastic owls are also often sited in key and sensitive areas on buildings where pigeons are causing specific problems. These areas could be canopies in front of shops or railway stations, or possibly architectural features on period properties where pigeons are causing extreme problems as a result of soiling.
Bird scarer devices and replica plastic owls, are normally life size models of real owls and stand approximately 12″-23″ high depending on which product is chosen and which species of owl is being replicated. The quality of the reproduction varies considerably with some models looking quite life-like and others looking little or nothing like a real owl. A majority of fake plastic owl decoys have no moving parts, although there are now some models on the market like the Rotating Head Owl that move with air currents. Some of the more advanced owl scarers actually move on a rail whilst flapping their wings and making a hooting sound.
Replica Plastic Owl
Fake Owl Decoy
The principle of using a plastic owl decoy as a bird scarer is to use the pest birds instinctive fear of predators and predation to scare the bird away from its desired roosting, perching or breeding areas.
According to manufacturers and distributors claims, the replica plastic owl can be used to scare a wide variety of different species of pest birds in both urban and agricultural environments.
The product is completely humane which will have great appeal for those requiring a non-lethal or non-violent product and the fake plastic owl decoy is also relatively inexpensive to buy.
DEFRA’s view:
The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is the UK’s Government body that oversees the Wildlife and Countryside Act and produces legislation to which the pest control industry must adhere. The following information is taken from a document provided on DEFRA website entitled: ‘Review of international research regarding the effectiveness of auditory bird scaring techniques and potential alternatives’. By J Bishop, H McKay, D Parrott and J Allan.
“The basis for this scarer is mimicry of real predators and evocation of fear and avoidance in the target species. Most potential prey species react to predator models; the strength of the response, however, varies between species (Conover 1979) and in some cases raptor models can attract rather than repel birds as species like blackbirds and crows often mob owls and owl models (Conover 1983 cited in Harris and Davis 1998).”
“Model raptors fail to incorporate behavioural cues, which may be critical to the induction of fear and avoidance in the target species. Falcons which are “in the mood to hunt” are said to be “sharp set”; such birds are invariably hungry enough to fly at quarry. Although it is hard for human observers to differentiate between a falcon when it is sharp set and conversely well fed, birds will mob a hawk more frequently when sharp set than when well fed. Thus, model raptors will be inherently less threatening and subsequently less effective than live raptors (Inglis 1980).”
“In general, raptor models are inexpensive (£5- £25 for plastic owl models) and easy to deploy. However, birds quickly learn that the model poses no threat and rapidly habituate to it.”
Price range:
Prices for replica plastic owls vary considerably and currently range from £15 through to £25, but the cost is dependent on whether the owl is static (i.e. no moving parts) or whether it has wing, eye or head movement. Some of the more advanced robotic owls cost several hundred pounds and this does not include the cost of installation.
User reviews:
Alistair Brenning, Wales
“Had pigeons sitting on my fence. The owl worked in that it scared them off but eventually they came back.”
Comments from the Manufacturer/Distributor:
The following quotes from those involved with the bird control industry in the USA appear to sum up the general consensus on this product:
Barry Neer, a salesman at Nixalite of America Inc., a company that sells bird scarers said:
“The feedback we get from most customers is that within a few days the birds are sitting right on top of the owl.”
Michael Gelder, owner of Bay Area Bird Control in San Carlos, California said:
“If I see one (plastic owl),” he says “I know that the building still needs attention.”
Bird Barrier America Inc., also based in California, commented:
“There are two ways that replica plastic owls can actually be used as bird deterrents, a) throw the owl hard at them and b) physically block access to the area with the owl.”
In contrast to these views, Neal Caldwell, owner of Dalen Products Inc., of Knoxville, Tennessee, a manufacturer of replica plastic owls, suggests that negative views from within the pest control industry are simply competitive grousing.
Caldwell goes on to say:
”The owl seems to be effective wherever we put them.”
Editorial comments:
Fake owl decoys have received a considerable amount of negative publicity in relation to their effectiveness as a bird deterrent and bird scarer, but sales of the product appear to be consistently high. This may be as a result of the fact that the product is extremely inexpensive to buy and if, once installed, it proves to be ineffective the purchaser may feel that complaining to the retailer is a wasted effort.
Replica Plastic Owl
Fake Owl Decoy
DEFRA’s research clearly suggests that in some cases replica plastic owls can actually attract pest species of birds rather than deter them. DEFR also confirms that the product will only have limited success with some, rather than all species of bird. Where live raptors are flown to deter pest species of birds they are regularly mobbed by the target species, particularly gulls and members of the corvid family (crows, rooks etc). This fact alone suggests that a static plastic owl decoys will have little success in its own right. The owl is a very efficient predator, but it not the natural predator of the gull or the pigeon. In a vast majority of cases plastic owl decoys will be sold to those experiencing problems with these species and as a result the product is likely to fail unless it is provided as part of a comprehensive control system. Even then there is doubt as to whether the fake plastic owl can or will play any useful part.
Both DEFRA’s view, and that of the pest control industry, appears to be the same – the product is ineffective in anything but the very short-term. This may be as a result of the fact that a majority of fake plastic owls are static deterrents with no moving parts and therefore birds will become habituated to them extremely quickly. Broadly speaking, any deterrent that does not move or emit any type of sound or noise is likely to be ignored by many of the most common pest species of birds. There are bird scarer devices available that have moving parts such as moving eyes, head and wings, and some that even make a screeching sound as well, but although these products may have some limited success with timid garden birds such as blackbirds, they are unlikely to play any useful part in a control system designed to resolve an entrenched bird-related problem. It is also clear that although claims are made by both distributor and manufacturer alike that replica plastic owls will be effective in deterring a wide variety of pest species of birds, the reality is that the most common pest species (gulls and pigeons) will remain undeterred by this product.
Replica Plastic Owl
Fake Owl Decoy
The major benefit of this product is that it is inexpensive and relatively simple to install and therefore, if it fails, it can be replaced without too great a loss to the property owner concerned. It should always be understood, however, that there are no ‘quick fixes’ where effective bird management is concerned and if a product or service appears to be ‘too good to be true’, there is a very good chance that it is. Industry standard products such as the anti-roosting spike continue to be the only really effective stand-alone deterrent available to most property owners and in light of this, restricted pest control budgets may be better spent on tried and tested products rather than their ‘quick fix’ counterparts.
Also commonly known as:
Plastic hawks, plastic raptors, owl decoy, plastic owl decoy, decoy birds of prey, hawk decoy, plastic predator, fake owls, fake hawks, robot owls, robotic owls, robotic hawks, fake predator
Relevance to pigeon control:
Replica plastic owls are a pigeon-specific scaring product
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Aug 4, 2015 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, UltraSonic Bird Control
Daddi Long Legs
OVERVIEW
The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is a unique and versatile anti-perching device that will protect virtually any surface but is specifically designed to protect surfaces that require regular maintenance. The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is a spider-shaped deterrent with a rotating head from which fine stainless steel wire ‘arms’ protrude. This product is manufactured and distributed by a company in the United States called Bird-B-Gone.
The unit is mounted on a UV protected polycarbonate base and comes in three sizes; 1.25 metre diameter, 1.8 metre diameter and 2.5 metre diameter. Each model will protect a circular area equivalent to the spread of its ‘arms’.
The stainless steel ‘arms’ are constructed from extremely thin wire and as a result move and wave freely in the wind. When a bird attempts to land on the surface protected by the device, its feet will touch the ‘arms’ resulting in the bird feeling unsafe and aborting its landing. The ‘arms’ should extend slightly over the area to be protected (2″ is recommended by one supplier) to ensure that birds cannot perch on the edge of the surface. If more than one unit is installed the ‘arms’ of each unit should just touch each other.
The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device can be used to protect a wide variety of surfaces including street lights, air conditioning units, grain silos, flat roofs, boats and virtually any other surface. Although the product is relatively expensive compared to industry standard products such as the anti-roosting spike, its main application is intended to be hard to protect areas such as a domed street light housing or the roof of grain silo where conventional products may be less effective. As the Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device requires no maintenance and is simple and quick to install the product will have particular appeal to those wishing to undertake a DIY installation. The product would also be ideal for mounting in areas where access is difficult or expensive.
The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is virtually invisible when viewed from a distance mainly due to the extremely thin stainless steel ‘arms’ and the white plastic base and head. When mounted against the skyline the unit is almost impossible to see. The plastic base and head are made from a material called delrin, a frictionless material that allows the base and head to rotate freely. The only disadvantage of delrin is that the material is resistant to glue so an acrylic mounting plate is supplied with each Daddi Long Legs so that it can be screwed to the base of the unit. The acrylic plate is then adhered to the surface to be protected with a strong adhesive. Alternatively the base of the hub can be screwed directly to the surface to be protected with stainless steel screws.
In areas where high maintenance regimes are necessary or where constant human access is required, the Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is ideal due to the fact that the ‘head’ can be de-mounted from the base unit whilst maintenance takes place. Once maintenance is completed the head is simply re-attached to the base unit. The only other ‘reversible’ product on the market is the anti-roosting spike which can also be removed and replaced with ease when access is required.
The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is highly recommended for specialist installations such as pleasure craft in marinas where problems with gulls and pigeons are common and where conventional products are often inappropriate. Several ingenious adaptors are available to fix Daddi Long Legs to commonly-used perching places on boats. A railing mount is available to attach the unit to safety railings around the boat with a quick-release screw so that the unit can be de-mounted quickly and easily. A ‘boat mount’ is also available that allows the unit to be attached to almost any area of a boat with bungee cords or rope – examples of where the adaptor might be used to great effect is on a coiled sail or horizontal mast. Finally, for all areas where the ‘boat mount’ and the railing clamp cannot be used, a ‘sandbag base’ is available. The sandbag base is simply a weighted bag of sand to which the unit can be easily attached.
Another example of where the Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device can be used to protect an area often used by birds but difficult to protect is a flat roof. The roofs of single storey extensions are commonly used by garden birds and pigeons as a vantage point to exploit food provided on bird tables. Flat roofs are also used extensively by seagulls for the purpose of nesting. Most roofs, particularly felt roofs, are difficult to access and damage can be caused by constant human access to clean-up bird excrement. Daddi Long Legs can be adapted for installation on flat roofs and once installed, requires no maintenance. Daddi Long Legs can be installed on a flat roof by placing paving slabs on the roof at required intervals and then attaching the unit to the slab. The unit can be attached to the slab by drilling 3 holes into the slab, inserting a raw plug into each hole and then fixing with the stainless steel screws supplied. The base unit is ready drilled with three holes for the purpose. The units can then be moved as required, whilst still attached to the slabs, to ensure that the required protection and coverage is achieved. Alternatively the head can be detached from the base unit and then re-installed.
DEFRA’s view:
The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is not discussed on the DEFRA website.
Price range:
Daddi Long Legs is currently available in the UK and one leading pest control supplier offers the unit and optional extras for the following prices:
- Daddi Long Legs 1.25 metre diameter: £36.51 + VAT
- Daddi Long Legs 1.80 metre diameter: £41.46 + VAT
- Daddi Long Legs 2.5 metre diameter: £46.41 + VAT
- Optional sandbag boat base: £33.66 + VAT
- Optional railing clamp adaptor: £18.66 + VAT
- Optional strap on boat base: £4.34 + VAT
User reviews:
To date we have been unable to find any user reviews for Daddi Long Legs but we will update this section as and when user reviews are made available to us. If you are able to provide a user review for Daddi Long Legs please contact the Pigeon Control Resource Centre.
Comments from the Manufacturer/Distributor:
At present we have been unable to obtain the manufacturer’s comments.
Editorial comments:
Daddi Long Legs is a unique and versatile anti-roosting product that has its main application in difficult to protect and difficult to access areas. Its main advantage is that it is simple and easy to install and most installations can be undertaken without the need to instruct a specialist contractor. The product is as appropriate for residential and ‘home’ installations as it is for large-scale commercial applications, although the cost of the unit is always going to be an issue where the protection of large areas is concerned. Daddi Long Legs is also ideal for specialist applications such as boats or ships and can be fitted to virtually any surface.
Daddi Long Legs is a low visibility product and therefore has considerable appeal for those needing to protect an area where aesthetics are an issue. Any bird deterrent or anti-perching device that blends in with the architecture of the building or site concerned is highly sought after but many of the products that fall into this category, such as nylon bird netting, are often prohibitively expensive and can degrade very rapidly. The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is ideal for installations against the skyline, such as the roof of a grain silo, where the product is virtually invisible from the ground. The product is also ideal for difficult to protect architectural features due to its low visibility and versatility where installation is concerned. The optional installation products such as the sandbag, railing clamp and boat clamp will allow the product to be installed on to most surfaces with relative ease. Ease of installation also means that the product can be removed quickly and easily should access to the area or surface be required. The only other anti-perching product on the market that offers this degree of versatility is the anti-roosting spike.
Daddi Long Legs is ideal for specialist applications such as the protection of boats in marinas or boatyards. Historically gulls and pigeons have been a constant nuisance for boat owners and those managing marinas and boatyards with the only control options being the use of sonic or noise-related devices. These devices may, in part, be effective against gulls outside the breeding season (distress call-related devices are ineffective during the breeding season) but are completely ineffective against pigeons. Daddi Long Legs, however, is an excellent choice for the protection virtually any area of a boat with the added benefit that the product can be quickly and easily removed when not required and then reinstalled when the boat returns to the marina. The fact that the product is white (as are most boats) and is more or less invisible against the skyline further lends itself to this application.
One of the most difficult areas of any building to protect is a flat roof. Nylon netting is commonly recommended and used for this application by contractors.Nylon netting is expensive, invasive to install, has the potential to trap birds and often degrades quickly requiring regular maintenance. The Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device is quick and easy to install on flat roofs and has the added advantage that once installed the product requires no maintenance. Should access to the roof be required for any reason the ‘head’ can be removed and replaced easily as can the whole unit if necessary, assuming that it has been attached to a paving slab as is recommended for this application.
Daddi Long Legs may be expensive relative to low visibility anti-perching products that achieve the same goal, but the product certainly has validity as a stand-alone device for use in hard to protect areas. If Daddi Long Legs is compared directly with a product such as nylon netting, however, there is no doubt that once installation and maintenance cost associated with the installation of netting are taken into consideration, Daddi Long Legs would be the more cost effective option. If used in conjunction with anti-roosting spikesthe combination of the two products will often be all that is required to comprehensively proof a building, particularly where aesthetics are an issue or where invasive bird exclusion products are forbidden, such as on many grade listed buildings. The benefits and flexibility of the Daddi Long Legs anti-bird device appear to outweigh any disadvantages associated with the initial cost of purchasing the unit.
Also commonly known as:
Bird spider, spider deterrent, whirlybird
Relevance to pigeon control:
‘Daddi Long Legs’ is a pigeon-specific anti-perching product
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Aug 1, 2015 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, UltraSonic Bird Control
Post & Wire System
OVERVIEW
The post and wire pigeon wire system is an industry-standard pigeon proofing device that is normally provided on solid flat surfaces to stop birds perching and roosting. Post and wire pigeon wire systems are used exclusively for the pigeon proofing of buildings where larger birds such as pigeons and gulls are causing problems. Post and wire pigeon wire systems used for the control of gulls require different fixings than systems used to exclude pigeons but the principle of both systems is the same. The main benefit of a post and wire pigeon wire system is that the system is virtually invisible when installed at height and viewed from ground level. Post and wire pigeon wire systems are suitable for pigeon proofing where daytime perching problems are the issue, such as ledges overlooking a regular feeding site, but should never be used in areas where birds are nesting or roosting overnight.
Post & Wire System
Post and wire pigeon wire systems can be installed onto virtually any surface that will support the vertical posts but as the integrity of the system is based on tension the foundation for the post must be solid. Post and wire pigeon wire systems are commonly installed on windowsills, ledges, ridge tiles and architectural features such as balustrades and string courses. Where the system is provided on masonry or wood, the vertical posts supporting the system would normally be installed into the surface to be protected by drilling. On surfaces such as lead flashing or bitumen where drilling is not an option, special vertical posts would be installed into a wide plastic base. The base would then be glued to the surface with a high-quality adhesive. The main disadvantage of using this method is that the adhesive must be allowed to ‘cure’ before the system is placed under tension. Curing can take a considerable time, particularly when installed in low temperatures. In temperatures below 5° C curing time can be several days. In temperatures above 5° C the product will need to be left overnight before tensioning the system. Where a post and wire pigeon wire system is considered for a Grade Listed building, permission must be sought from the Listed Buildings Officer before any works are undertaken, particularly invasive works such as drilling.
Post & Wire System
A conventional post and wire pigeon wire system comprises of a series of vertical posts installed onto (or into) the surface to be protected through which a plastic coated stainless steel wire passes at a height of between 110mm-150mm, depending on the target species. The wire is tensioned by springs which are attached to ‘anchor posts’ provided at each end of every 3 metre section. The principle of the system is that when a pigeon attempts to land on the proofed surface its feet will touch the thin steel wires making the bird feel unsafe and the landing will be aborted. The system can be used to pigeon proof ledges and flat surfaces of any dimension by providing multiple rows of the product.
Post & Wire System
A basic system would be provided with an anchor post installed at either end of each 3.0 metre span with intermediate supporting posts (guide posts) provided at intervals of no more than 1.5 metres. If a span is less than 3.0 metres an anchor post would be required at each end of the span. For spans of more than 3.0 metres the system would simply be built up in 3.0 metre sections until the entire surface is protected.
Post & Wire System
A spring is attached to each anchor post and the stainless steel wire is then connected to the spring via a nickel-plated copper crimp (or ferrule) for which a special crimping tool is required. The steel wire is then fed through the intermediate guide post (turned at a 90° angle from the anchor post) and crimped to the next spring, which is in turn hooked onto the next anchor post. Anchor posts would be positioned so that the flats of the eyelets are in line with the steel wire – this adds strength to the installation.
Post & Wire System
When installing a single row of product the ‘leading edge’ vertical post should be a multi-headed post that will allow for a secondary steel wire to be provided halfway down the vertical post. This would normally be provided to ensure that the target species cannot simply land on the leading edge of the surface to be protected and walk underneath the main wire. Where both pigeons and gulls are the target species a taller triple headed post is available. In a conventional installation, where multiple rows are required, the leading edge row would be installed with 110mm posts and the intermediate rows with 150mm posts. Spacing of the rows and posts is critical to ensure total protection is achieved. The following table indicates the rows of product that would recommended based on the depth of the area to be protected:
| Rows of Product Recommended |
Depth of Coverage Required (cm) |
| 1 |
0-5 |
| 2 |
5-12 |
| 3 |
12-20 |
| 4 |
20-28 |
| 5 |
28-35 |
| 6 |
35-43 |
| 7 |
43-51 |
| 8 |
51-58 |
| 9 |
58-66 |
Row spacing is also important when installing multiple rows of product:
- Spacing between intermediate rows of product – no more than 78mm
- Spacing between leading edge row and outer edge of the surface to be protected – no more than 26mm
- Spacing between the final row and the wall (or the rear edge of surface to be protected) – no more than 26mm
Post and wire pigeon wire systems can be installed onto wood, masonry, metal and glass surfaces and in each case a different installation is required:
Masonry:
A 26mm hole would be drilled into which a nylon anchor rivet is installed (25mm for 110mm posts and 38mm for 150mm posts). The main purpose of the anchor rivet is to keep water from entering the drilled hole. The vertical post is then installed into the anchor rivet. Once the vertical post has been seated into the anchor rivet a bead of silicone should be provided at the point where the steel post joins the anchor rivet to ensure water cannot enter the drilled hole. For a vertical application (window reveals, vertical stonework or ends of ledges) split pins can be inserted into the anchor rivet instead of a vertical post.
Wood:
A special ‘nail point’ vertical post would normally be used in woodwork. The ‘nail point’ post is a standard vertical post with a pointed nail-like head which would be hammered into place in the same way that a conventional nail would be hammered into a piece of wood. In order to stop the wood splitting a small guide hole should be drilled prior to inserting the post. The product can also be installed by using a nylon rivet as per a masonry installation. If using a ‘stick-on’ post with a flat plastic base the post can be screwed or nailed into place.
Metal:
For installation into metal a ‘stick-on’ post would be used. The post would be positioned and the holes in the plastic base marked on the metal surface. Small guide holes would then be drilled and self-tapping screws (metal screws) would be screwed into place securing the post in position.
Glass:
Post and wire pigeon wire systems can be installed directly onto glass and for this installation stick-on posts would be used with an appropriate adhesive.
Post & Wire System
Post and wire pigeon wire systems can also be used to pigeon proof the ridge tiles on a roof and for this purpose a special ridge-mounting bracket is required. Two different types of bracket are available depending on what shape ridge tile is to be proofed: a triangular ridge bracket and a half-round ridge bracket. Both brackets come with posts already mounted and installation is undertaken by use of an adhesive or by screwing in place using the mounting holes on the bracket. Steel wire is then passed through the eyes of the posts and attached to springs mounted on the ‘anchor’ brackets at each end of the span. Two sizes of bracket are available depending on the target species: 110mm brackets would be used for the control of pigeons and 150mm brackets for the control of gulls.
Post & Wire System
Post and wire pigeon wire systems can be installed as aDIY installation and the product is available in kit form or as individual parts. Although the system may appear to be relatively simple and straightforward to provide, installation does require more advanced DIY skills as well as an understanding of how the target species will react and respond to the system once installed. It is possible to cause serious damage to the surface upon which the system is installed if installation is undertaken without fully understanding the risks. Even experienced contractors can sometimes cause very considerable damage to a building when installing the product if care is not taken during the installation process. It is therefore essential to follow manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.
DEFRA’s view:
Post & Wire System
The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is the UK’s Government body that oversees the Wildlife and Countryside Act and produces legislation to which the pest control industry must adhere. The following information is taken from a document provided on DEFRA website entitled: ‘Review of international research regarding the effectiveness of auditory bird scaring techniques and potential alternatives’. By J Bishop, H McKay, D Parrott and J Allan.
“Pigeon proofing with a thin wire over the perch, which prevents the bird from landing is probably the simplest method. The wire should be low enough that the bird cannot stand under it, but also high enough to prevent the bird from straddling it (Johnson 2002). If a variety of bird species are to be deterred from the same perch, a series of wires at different heights should help to meet the above criteria for all species. White wires deterred pigeons from perching on stadium ledges (Andelt and Burnham 1993). Up to three lines were placed in front of the ledges and at different heights above the ledges. Short-term success was good.”
“All these designs (anti-perching products) may help to deter perching birds but their success is dependent on all perches being treated to discourage birds from the area.”
Price range:
Post & Wire System
All the fixtures and fittings required to undertake a tailor-made post and wire pigeon wire installation are available as separate items and normally sold in quantity (i.e. packs of 100 vertical posts). For the purpose of this review we will look at the price of installation kits rather than the price of individual fixtures and fittings. The following installation kits are available from a leading UK supplier of pest control products:
Masonry post and wire pigeon wire pigeon proofing kit for pigeons: £127.18 inc. VAT
This kit includes the following items and is sufficient to install a double run of wire on a surface of up to 30 metres:
Pigeon Wire x 100m
Pigeon Post 130mm Single Head x 30
Pigeon Post 130mm Twin Head x 30
Micro Springs x 100
Nickel Crimps x 200
Masonry Rivets x 60
Screw Pin & Plug x 10
Crimp Tool x 1
6.6mm Straight Shank Masonry Drill Bit x 1
Surface mount post and wire pigeon wire pigeon proofing kit for pigeons: £154.48 inc. VAT
This kit includes the following items and is sufficient to install a double run of wire on a surface of up to 30 metres:
Pigeon Wire x 100m
Pigeon Post 130mm Single Head x 30
Pigeon Post 95mm Single Head x 30
Micro Springs x 100
Nickel Crimps x 200
Surface Mount Bases x 60
Crimp Tool x 1
Surface Activator 500ml x 1
Silicone Adhesive 300ml x 1
Masonry post and wire pigeon wire pigeon proofing kit for gulls: £169.23 inc. VAT
This kit includes the following items and is sufficient to install a double run of wire on a surface of up to 180 metres:
Gull Wire x 200m
Gull Post 180mm Single Head x 30
Micro Springs x 100
Copper Crimps x 200
Masonry Rivets x 60
Screw Pin & Plug x 10
Crimp Tool x 1
6.5mm Straight Shank Masonry Drill Bit x 1
Surface mount post and wire pigeon wire pigeon proofing kit for gulls: £202.68 inc. VAT
This kit includes the following items and is sufficient to install a double run of wire on a surface of up to 180-metres:
Gull Wire x 200m
Gull Post 150mm Single Head x 60
Micro Springs x 100
Copper Crimps x 200
Surface Mount Bases x 60
Crimp Tool x 1
Surface Activator 500ml x 1
Silicone Adhesive 300ml x 1
User reviews:
To date we have been unable to find any user reviews for post and wire pigeon wire systems but we will update this section as and when user reviews are made available to us. If you are able to provide a user review for post and wire pigeon wire systems please contact the Pigeon Control Resource Centre.
Comments from the Manufacturer/Distributor:
To date we have been unable to find any manufacturer comments about post and wire pigeon wire systems other than basic descriptions of the product. If you are a manufacturer or distributor/retailer of this product and can provide a view please contact the Pigeon Control Resource Centre.
Editorial comments:
Post & Wire System
The post and wire pigeon wire system is used extensively for the control of both pigeons and gulls and is considered to be an industry standard pigeon proofing method. The product is not suitable for the control of smaller birds or for use in areas where breeding is taking place and therefore the product is considerably less versatile than other anti-perching products. The main advantage of the post and wire system is that it is a low profile product and as a result, is ideal for use where aesthetics are an issue such as the frontage of a historic building.
Post & Wire System
The post and wire pigeon wire system is relatively complex to install based on the various installation options and also because the product will almost certainly need be installed at height. The product is available in kit form for a more basic DIY installation or, for a more complex DIY or tailor-made installation, the various fixtures and fittings can be sourced individually. Professionally fitted systems can be extremely expensive because installation is labour intensive, particularly where stick-on posts and adhesives are used. In some cases this may require the contractor to stop work for up to 2 days whilst the adhesive is ‘curing’ and then return to finish the installation.
Post & Wire System
The post and wire pigeon wire system is an extremely expensive option relative to many other anti-perching systems and although the product is low profile and virtually invisible from the ground when installed at height, these are probably the only two positive aspects of the system. On narrow surfaces where very light pressure pigeon-related problems are being experienced and where access is simple and easy, the product can be effective and relatively straightforward to install. For more extensive areas, such as long wide spans of parapet where multiple rows of product are required, post and wire pigeon wire systems are prohibitively expensive relative to products such as the anti-roosting spike.
Post & Wire System
The post and wire pigeon wire system is renowned for failing, in some cases only days after installation. This is generally due to poor quality installations. It is common to see a row of upright posts installed on a building with steel wires hanging from them – this is normally because the posts have collapsed inwards and the springs have become detached from the posts as a result. In some cases the copper crimps have not been sufficiently tightened so that when the system has been placed under tension, or when a bird lands in the centre of a span of wire, the wire has become detached from the springs rendering the system ineffective. Either way the result is that the system will have to be repaired or replaced. If the system has been installed at height the cost of access alone can be extremely high with the cost of labour and parts on top. If stick-on posts have been used the system is even more vulnerable to collapse as the contact point on the base of the stick-on pad is extremely small relative to the height of the wire. When a large bird such as a herring gull lands halfway between two stick-on posts it is almost certain that the two vertical posts either side will collapse inwards. Even an adult pigeon can have this effect. Once one section of the system has collapsed the integrity of the whole system is compromised and diminished, with repair or replacement being the only option.
Post & Wire System
Another more serious problem associated with post and wire pigeon wire systems is the potential for damage to the fabric of the building upon which the system is installed. Where a system is provided on masonry, and where posts are installed by drilling and fixing, it is essential that the hole into which the post is seated is filled with silicone once the post has been installed. The reason for this is to stop rainwater building up within the hole. Some contractors fail to backfill holes and the results can be extreme. Once water seeps into the post hole and freezes, the ice will expand and can crack the masonry around it with serious implications. The following examples confirm the dangers inherent in poorly installed post and wire pigeon wire systems:
- In the city of Cambridge a famous university listed building had been experiencing minor pigeon-related problems on the frontage of the building. A national pest control contractor was called in for advice and recommended a post and wire pigeon wire system. The system was installed to narrow ledges and architectural features across the frontage of the building. Soon after the system had been installed, crumbling masonry was found on the busy pavement area below the building. It would appear that the masonry had cracked either because the post holes had been drilled too close to the leading edge of the ledge concerned or because the holes had not been backfilled with silicone and water had frozen and expanded within the holes. Whichever the case, the potential for serious injury to those using the pavement below was considerable and the cost of an invisible masonry repair to a listed building cannot be discounted either.
- In the town of Solihull, West Midlands, a large Council-owned Victorian building in the town centre was pigeon-proofed with an extensive post and wire pigeon wire system to all windowsills and architectural features. The system was recommended by an established pest control contractor. The wide windowsills and architectural features were protected with numerous rows of post and wire pigeon wires. Although the system appeared to have been installed correctly, retaining the aesthetics of the building as a result, the system failed dramatically during a period of sub-zero temperatures. Drilled post holes had not been backfilled with silicone and water had built up within the holes. When the water froze large chunks of masonry cracked and fell to busy pavement areas below. Not only did this represent a serious threat to human life but the damage done to the building was serious and expensive to repair. The system also failed to resolve many of the perching-related problems for which it was first installed.
Post & Wire System
It is clear from these examples that the post and wire pigeon wire system is far more vulnerable to failure than many other anti-perching systems. The system is not only expensive to install when using a specialist contractor but even where a DIY installation is concerned, the cost of raw materials alone can be prohibitive certainly relative to other anti-perching devices. For wide surfaces or for the protection of extensive areas, the post and wire pigeon wire system cannot be considered to be a cost-effective anti-perching product. The potential for damage to the building upon which the system is installed is considerable and the potential for the system to fail due to wires becoming detached or posts collapsing inwards is also a very real concern.
Post & Wire System
In the majority of cases where a post and wire pigeon wire system is considered, a system using anti-roosting spikes would not only offer a comparable low visibility option but the spike-based system would cost considerably less than that of a post and wire pigeon wire system. This is because a standard row of 4-point spikes will protect an area of up to 200mm wide and yet to protect an equivalent area using a post and wire pigeon wire system would require a minimum of 3/4 rows of product. The cost of 30 metres of top quality stainless steel anti-roosting spikes (including adhesive) would be in the region of £179.00 inc. VAT. The cost of protecting the same area with a stick-on post and wire pigeon wire system, using the product in kit form, would be approximately £309 inc. VAT. Installation costs for a post and wire pigeon wire system would also be significantly higher than an equivalent anti-roosting spike system with the spike system lasting in excess of 25 years before requiring replacement.
Sources:
DEFRA quotes:
PDF on DEFRA website entitled: ‘Review of international research regarding the effectiveness of auditory bird scaring techniques and potential alternatives’ By J Bishop, H McKay, D Parrott and J Allan.
Post & Wire System
Also commonly known as:
Spring wire systems, pigeon wire, bird wire, gull wire
Relevance to pigeon control:
The post and wire pigeon wire system is a pigeon-specific anti-perching product
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Jul 24, 2015 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons in the News, UltraSonic Bird Control
Another slow news day, another bird-themed Japanese Twitter picture making the rounds.
To put it lightly, Japan’s major cities have a bit of a pigeon problem. According to Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies, the pigeon (or, holy crap, technically the “feral rock dove”), is an invasive species to the Japanese mainland that now inhabits essentially every speck of land, including, even, some distant islands belonging to Japan.
As with invasive pigeons in other cities throughout the world, Japanese pigeons have largely adapted to an urban environment, losing their instinctive fear of humans, nesting in and among buildings and, apparently, even frequenting McDonald’s.
A visitor to a Hachioji-area McDonald’s on the outskirts of Tokyo proper snapped this photo recently of a trio of pigeons just hanging out at one of the restaurant’s tables, presumably having a chat about how much they love pooping on things and enjoying some fry crumbs and a Coke.
Japanese media and Twitter aggregates picked it up and the photo now has the Japanese Internet buzzing.
While most Netizens seem to be having a quiet chuckle about it, at least some are reacting with genuine concern. Pigeons are, after all, notorious harbingers of disease, including something called cryptococcosis, which doesn’t sound pleasant at all, and one does have to wonder why there don’t appear to be any employees attempting to escort the animals to the nearest bronze statue or something.
Then again, there’s a chance they were legitimately paying customers, in which case demanding that they leave purely because of their feathery exteriors would be asking for a discrimination lawsuit from the pigeons’ lawyer.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Jul 20, 2015 | Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes
He is used by the All England Tennis Club to keep the courts free from pigeons.
His handler is Imogen Davis, of Avian Environmental in Brigstock.
Speaking to the Northants Telegraph after last year’s tournament, which was won by Novak Djokovic, she said: “Rufus is a lovely character, he’s very friendly and is happy to be passed from hand to hand for photos.
“He goes to Wimbledon all year round so it is his playground and he sees it at its busiest and its quietest times.”
Family firm Avian Environmental has been keeping the courts of Wimbledon pigeon-free since 1999.
It also helps control birds at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Westminster Abbey as well as Northampton Saints ground.
Imogen said: “We’re getting busier as people are starting to learn that it’s not good to eradicate an entire species.
“Using birds is an environmentally friendly way of controlling pests, it’s nature at its best.
“We have eight birds so we can tailor our services to different purposes.”
Although Rufus and Imogen do their work before play gets under way they did get to meet Andy Murray last year.
Imogen said: “He’s so lovely, it was really sad how he went out.”
Avian Environmental got the contract to keep Wimbledon pigeon-free after Imogen’s mum gave them a call.
Imogen said: “My mum was watching Tim Henman against Pete Sampras and they had to keep batting the pigeons away from the baseline, which was interrupting the points and not what the players wanted.
“She gave them a call and went along to give a demonstration and we’ve been to 14 or 15 championships since.
“Grass seed is like caviar to pigeons and they’re not fazed by humans so we go along to stop them from roosting because once one starts to roost somewhere you get lots.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Pigeon Patrol | Jul 16, 2015 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, UltraSonic Bird Control
The leader of an anti-pigeon petition in Deal is appealing for help to make feeding the creatures an offence.
Sean Gabb, of Middle Street, and his neighbour Emma Lee have already called on Dover District Council to take swift and effective action to reduce the number of pigeons in Deal, by sending a petition with more than 200 signatures.
Dr Gabb attended Deal Town Council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 23 to ask for councillors’ support in his bid.
Dr Gabb wants it to be an offence to feed pigeons
He asked them to use their powers to make it a littering offence to feed pigeons, under the district council’s new Public Spaces Protection Order.
This would put Deal in line with towns such as Swansea and Bolton.
Dr Gabb was supported by chairman of the Chamber of Trade, Peter Jull, who is keen to protect the buildings in the town.
Deal businesses who have already shown their backing include Merrygardens, CJ Howe, Hawkins Menswear, No Name Shop and Dunlin & Diver.
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of having the subject on the agenda of the next full council meeting on Monday, July 20 where they will be able to discuss the issue in full and decide on any action.
Cllr Ben Bano said: “I very much support this going on our agenda and to make it meaningful I think we should invite a senior environmental officer and the portfolio holder for public health to attend the meeting.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
