Ultra Low Volume Spraying: The advantage of this type of treatment is the size of the droplets produced by the machine. The droplets are small enough to be carried by air currents but still heavy enough to settle out of the air within an hour, thus giving the advantage of smoke which will reach all areas, but a much quicker settlement time. The biggest advantage is the concentration of insecticide used, which is low, and so is a much greener solution. ULV can be used in place of fogging in some circumstances.
Other Fly Control Methods: As well as electronic fly killers and insecticidal spraying the company also fits fly screens and strip curtain doors, these of course will have to be made to measure in most circumstances.
Proofing: Most premises need proofing of some sort; our technicians will survey the premises and make corresponding recommendations to the client. Again, strip curtain doors should be fitted to areas such as Goods Inwards where the doors are open all the time. The company also fits bristle strip of differing types to all different types of doors; roller shutter and concertina to name just two. There is also the run of the mill proofing such as filling holes around pipe runs, broken air bricks, the list goes on and on.
Bird Control: Birds are enjoyable when they stay in their own environment, but when they invade ours that is a different matter. To help prevent this the company carries out various control methods;
AVISTRAND: is a system of sprung stainless steel cables which are installed onto ledges and any alighting surface.
POINT SYSTEM: consists of thin metal spikes set into a plastic base which is installed onto ledges etc. There are many types of this product, and it will suit most situations.
NETTING: Net can be applied to most situations and access can be maintained by the installation of large zips into the net, allowing access for the window cleaner and others. Nets come in various colours and when installed correctly can hardly be seen from the ground. Examples are loading bays when pigeons or starlings are roosting; their droppings are a Health & Safety hazard and fitting net can be cheaper than paying out claims.
BIRD REPELLENT: is a gel which is extruded onto alighting surfaces, the theory being that the birds feel unsafe when they land on it. The advantage to this system is that it is relatively cheap and also quick to install. When the gel is applied it has to be treated with a skinning fluid to ensure that there is no hazard to the birds.
TRAPPING: is self explanatory, and is normally used in situations where the client doesn't want to install any of the above. Obviously trapping is labour intensive and will require seven days pre-baiting to gain the birds confidence.
SHOOTING: again self explanatory, shooting is carried out when there is a population of birds on premises where even though proofing has been carried out the birds are still trying to gain access. This is understandable as the birds look upon the area as their home. Shooting has to be carried out with the permission and knowledge of the POLICE especially if the problem has a source off the premises. Shooting internally can be carried out, taking great care about the background where the shot may land. The senior marksman is an ex-serviceman and thoroughly trained in the use of weapons.
SCARING: is the use of standard bird distress calls. These scare the target species, for example Starlings. Starlings come into roost at dusk, by playing distress calls of the Starling or the attack call of the Jay until dark, will make the Starlings unsettled and some of them will not use the roost on that occasion. This treatment is carried out over the period of about a week, at which time the rest of the flock will have moved. This is labour intensive and done out of hours but the company try to keep the costs down as much as possible.
NARCOTISING: using alphachlorolose is very specialised and needs the authority of DEFRA (MAFF). Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to lay such bait without a licence. It a lot of cases, should a licence be granted, there may be a DEFRA representative on site whilst the narcotising is being carried out. The idea of the process is to enable the operator to narcotise the pest birds whilst resuscitating the protected species.
Cat Trapping: This is a very sensitive subject as I have two of my own, but there are times when feral cats can breed to large numbers and feral cats are not always amenable. Cat trapping is carried out usually over a 5 day period with the traps being set at night and cleared in the morning. If the trapping carries over the week-end, the traps are left shut on Saturday and Sunday. What happens to the adult cats depends on the client, but it is short sighted to have them put down. The reason for this is that other cats will come in to take their place. It is far better to pay to have the cats speyed, so they can't breed, and return them to the site, this way other cats will not be able to gain a foothold on the territory. Any kittens caught go to cat charities where they are found homes....just like mine.
Fly Machines: As well as supplying electronic fly killers (see fly killers) we also contract to clean and service other fly killers on clients premises. The service includes the replacement of UV tubes, which needs to be carried out every twelve months.
Cleaning:
no we don't mean the kitchen floor...!! Seriously, the cleaning we refer
to is usually of roof spaces where pigeons have gained entry, or a whole
building where the same has happened because they are standing empty.
Also, the cleaning out of cellars where rats have been breeding or living.
As well as the cleaning, the company also carries out disinfecting treatment
and insecticidal spraying. Insecticidal spray is necessary as there are
normally a lot of insects, especially in bird nesting material. By the
time we've finished you could eat your meal off the floor!
nm