Bird Deterrents

Winter is giving way to spring which will eventually turn into summer.  Plans are made to take the boat out before dawn for that first early morning fishing excursion of the year.  Bate and tackle are ready.  On the way to the dock the check list is running through your mind.  Life jackets are on board.  Flashlight is ready for loading the boat and the ice chest is packed with drinks and snacks.  You think you are ready to go out on the water for the day.  But, one thing on your mental list is eating away at you.    Is the seagull deterrent system still in place?

The most effective bird deterrent is a seagull deterrent system that keeps the birds completely off the boat.  If birds are allowed to perch, roost and nest on the vessel, more than likely there is damage and cleanup to take care of before the boat is water worthy and people safe.  If the proper seagull deterrent system is not in place, it is going to be a later morning start on the fishing excursion.

Bird droppings that are allowed to accumulate will cause damage.  The damage is not just aesthetic.  Bird droppings are very acidic and will eat through materials that most people believe can never be damaged, especially damaged by bird poop; metals, wood, canvas and all other materials on the vessel.  Another hazard of the unsightly bird droppings is the amount of bacterial and fungal infections that can be passed to humans.  The high nutrient content of seagull droppings provides an excellent sanctuary for potentially harmful organisms. The very young and very old are more susceptible, but all ages are vulnerable.  The main disease causing organisms found in seagull droppings are E. coli, Histoplasmosis, Psittacosis and Cryptococcosis.  If a seagull deterrent system is not in place and these organisms are present, they can cause meningitis, peritonitis, septicemia and pneumonia.  People become infected by inhaling dust containing the dried droppings.  Always use caution when cleaning up any bird dropping.

Seagull deterrent systems are available to everyone.  Not just professional commercial boats.  Every boat should have a seagull deterrent system in place.  A reputable bird deterrent supply company will have products which will suit your individual needs.   One highly effective seagull deterrent system is the bird spider.   There is no poison involved for this spider.  The bird spider is quite safe and a very humane way to keep seagulls off boats.    The bird spider creates a visual distraction that frightens the seagulls and other birds such as pigeons and cormorants away.  The bird spider bird deterrent has “arms” made of stainless steel.  The bird spider is sold in four different sizes:  2’, 4’, 6’ and 8’.   The size of the “arms” will depend on the size of the boat and the area where you want the spider installed.  Do not let the term “installation” scare you either.  The bird spiders come pre-assembled.  The base can either be glued down to a flat surface or they can be easily attached to the rail with railing mounts.  If any type of installation questions need answering a reputable bird control company will have professional installers that can offer you advice. 

The proper seagull deterrent system will eliminate the need to cancel or delay your fishing excursive to clean, disinfect and repair any damage from the bird droppings.  Don’t let fishing be for the birds!   Having a seagull deterrent system working for you will keep you at the helm.