Articles

Bird Proof Your Boat

By: Meredith Walako / Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

It’s a situation that happens all too often: a boat owner plans to take their vessel out for a day of enjoyment, only to find it covered in bird droppings.

Bruce Donoho, owner of Bird Control Supply Company, Bird-B-Gone, says “Left unattended, bird droppings can stain surfaces, and eventually corrode materials, not to mention the health risk: bacteria and parasites can also be found in bird droppings.” A high concentration of uric acid, found to be even higher in sea birds, can be to blame for the erosion. The acidity can erode materials like steel, discolor paint, and stain canvases. Taking steps to “bird proof” your boat is an investment that will save you time and money.

There are a few steps that boat owners may already be taking to help protect their investment. For example, the wax coating used on the exterior of a boat can buy an owner time before bird droppings reach the boats surface, prolonging the possibility of erosion. But how do you keep birds off of a boat in the first place? Birds prefer the highpoints on a vessel, but will also land on a protective canvas. Treating these areas with visual or physical deterrents will help encourage the birds to move on to a more suitable location. Birds rely heavily on visual clues in their environment helping with flight, the detection of predators, food sources, ect. In fact, birds have the largest eye to body ratio in the animal kingdom.

Using items on a boat which move or sway in the wind, such as the Bird Spider from Bird-B-Gone can be big help. The bird spider looks sort of like an umbrella with no vinyl… the arms move in the wind, discouraging birds from landing on the boat. Usually one or two units on a boat will be enough to keep the birds at bay, and Bird-B-Gone offers three different boat attachments: a rail mount, a boat base, and a sandbag base.

Another product similar to the Bird Spider is The Solar Repeller. The repeller is a small unit with a 5 foot rod mounted atop that continuously spins. The constant movement will ward off any nearby birds. The repeller is ideal for the bow, canvas covers, or swim platforms. Best of all the solar panel works in conjunction with rechargeable batteries, keeping the unit energized on cloudy days, and at night.

Similar to movement, visual clues such as reflective items will also keep messy birds away from your boat. Reflective deterrents such as Absolute Bird Control’s (www.absolutebirdcontrol.com) Mylar Flash Tape or Bird Free Boats(www.birdfreeboats.com) Scare Eye Diverters both use reflection to ward off birds. Strung around the boat, the reflective surfaces will have bird avoiding the area because they cannot

Boat owners are no stranger to pest birds, and over the years many have come up with their own deterrent systems to keep their boats clean. Many will use a mono filament fishing line, or cable stung above the masts and spreaders to deter birds from landing. The birds do not like the instability of landing on the wire, moving on to a more inviting perch. However, monofilament will not last long, even in a moderate climate, cable is also used.

Remember to keep birds in mind when winterizing your boat too. An undisturbed boat in a marina can become a favorite perch or winter home for resident bird species. Boat houses also provide the perfect protection for a winter roost or nesting spot. Netting is a great way to block a bird from the boat house rafters. Actively checking up on your boat will help determine whether deterrents are necessary, and save you from the daunting task of cleaning off droppings come spring.

Bird deterrents are designed to discourage birds from choosing your boatas a perch. The products and techniques listed require no maintenance and are very easy to install, the best part of all: the products are humane. We share the waterfront with our feathered friends, but it doesn’t mean we have to be responsible for their mess. Taking small steps to bird proof your boat allows the boat owner to focus on their passion, boating!

For more tips on keeping Bird’s off your boat, contact Bird-B-Gone, Inc at 1-800-392-6915, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

City of Newport Beach Guards Against Pest Birds

By Fran Prisco

The city of Newport Beach Fire Department has approved installation of plastic bird spikes on the main lifeguard station in Newport Beach California. Eric Bauer, Lifeguard Battalion Chief says “we have been fighting pigeons and seagulls for years on the lifeguard station. The poop was just pilling up on the roofs and access areas. Each night the dew would set in and drag all of the bird feces on to the roof access creating a horrendous smell and a certain health hazard.” They had tried sonic devices and motion controlled sprinkler systems in the past to try to get rid of the birds, but to no avail. Bauer then contacted John Rabun of J.M. Rabun Company to help him come up with a solution.

Rabun suggested using a product from Bird-B-Gone, Inc., to keep the birds from landing on the roof area. Bird-B-Gone, Inc. is the largest manufacturer and distributor of pest bird deterrents in North America.

Jeff Watts from Bird-B-Gone met Rabun at the lifeguard station to help suggest a bird control system that would work. Watts says, “they have a large infestation of pigeons and seagulls on the roof area, the best solution is some sort of physical deterrent that keeps the birds from landing and roosting on the roof. I suggested using the Bird Spikes on the roof peaks and edges. This will make it difficult for the birds to land and they will choose another more suitable area.” Battalion Chief Bauer chose to us the Plastic Bird Spikes from Bird-B-Gone, Inc.. The plastic spikes are made of a sturdy polycarbonate plastic, they are durable and virtually invisible when installed. The plastic spikes carry a 5-year Guarantee and are the lowest cost bird spike available.

Rabun says “the installation of the Bird Spikes was very easy to do. In no time we had most of the roof done!” He used adhesive to adhere the spikes to the roof peaks and edges of the roof. They used the clear plastic spikes on the roof as it is virtually invisible from a distance, and they used the white spikes on the parapet wall that surrounds the roof access as the white spike matches the white paint.

Along with the Bird Spikes Rabun is installing the Bird Spiders by Bird-B-Gone, Inc.. The Bird Spiders have eight stainless steel “arms” that move with the breeze discouraging birds from landing. They are installing the Bird Spiders on the open areas of the roof to keep Gulls from landing there. Jeff Watts of Bird-B-Gone, Inc. says “ this is what we call an integrated bird control solution. Sometimes more than on method or product is needed to keep pest birds away.”

Chief Bauer says, “ we are pleased to finally be rid of the countless pigeons and seagulls from our main life guard facility in Newport Beach. The building is a big part of the charm of he Newport Beach Pier and surrounding area, it just has much better “eye” appeal without all of the birds and their poop!”

For more information on Bird-B-Gone, Inc. products and pest bird solutions call 1-800-392-6915 or visit www.birdbgone.com.

Essential Boat Maintenance Guide

Essential Boat Maintenance Guide - A Weekly, Monthly & Yearly Checklist

By James Fletcher

Boating maintenance is vitally important. If your car brakes down you can simply call for a tow truck. Out on the water, a breakdown can turn deadly. Proper maintenance and inspections can ensure many years of safe boating. Below is a list of weekly, monthly and yearly routine maintenance schedules.

Weekly:

Weekly tests should be done by the captain, before each trip out on the boat. These tests should focus on making sure the equipment needed for each voyage is working correctly. Be sure to check bilge pumps, navigation lights, bungs and washers, the steering column for stiffness and fuel level. Also make sure the radio is operating before heading out onto the water. You should also have a quick look around the boat to identify any potential problems or hazards.

Monthly:

Monthly maintenance should focus on checking engine oil levels, and other motorized equipment. Be sure to check the oil levels, monitor the ropes and lines for damage, oil the winch and check safety equipment for damage including lifejackets as well as the use by dates on flares. Give the boat a good clean and also check for any general signs of wear and tear. Inspect the blades of the propellor for damage and inspect all other electrical items such as windscreen wipers, engine tilt and anything else electrical.

Yearly:

Your motor should be serviced at least once a year or more depending on how much you use your boat. As the owner you should thoroughly inspect the exterior and interior of your vessel at least once a year. Look for cracks, chips, blistering, loose wiring, broken fittings and anything else unusual. If you cannot fix what you see be sure to raise the issue with your service agent before getting the boat serviced. Be sure to check grab rails and other fittings are secure and tightly fitted the the boats hull. Check the boats rollers to ensure they are running smoothly otherwise add grease as needed.

By abiding by these maintenance schedules, you will increase your chances of having many years of trouble free boating. Without proper maintenance you run a great risk not only to yourself but to your passengers as well. Be safe, and keep up on your maintenance and checks.

James loves to go boating and fishing. More great Fishing & Boating tips can be found at his site.

Original Article