Scare Birds Away with Holographic Flash Tape
Bird control is a general term used for methods to eliminate or deter pest birds from landing, roosting and nesting where they are unwanted. Birds are unwanted when they interfere where humans inhabit, such as buildings, homes, outdoor eating areas, gardens and other areas birds can be pests. Pest birds are not only a nuisance but they can create health-related issues through their droppings which may include histoplasmosis, psittacosis and cryptococcosis. The droppings can also cause harm to structures, equipment and crops such as vineyards and other fruit orchards.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) even recommends the use of bird deterrents. There are many choices in methods. There is bird netting and other methods that block birds from an area. There are electric shock tracks and bird spikes that also bar and stop the birds from landing in a specific area. There are sound deterrents, spider-like moving deterrents and other products that scare the pest birds away.
The place to start is with the bird’s vision. Vision is the most important bird sense. Birds rely on their vision to choose mates, scan for predators and to find food. Birds are able to see UV light which is crucial to how birds see color. Birds have four types of color receptors in the eye. They are able to see ultraviolet light which changes the perception to objects. For instance, fruits and berries have a natural waxy coating that reflects UV light. It makes them stand out more vibrantly, making the fruit seen more clearly to the bird, hence, making foraging much easier for them. Even certain flowers reflect UV light.
It makes sense to use bird control products to ward off the birds using their sense of sight. Also, some visual deterrents are the most cost-effective bird deterrents on the market. Iridescent bird deterrent foil is also known as holographic flash tape. This kind of visual deterrent creates a visual distraction zone to distract, disorientate and scare the birds away. It is designed from commercial grade Mylar. Mylar is a brand name for a certain type of stretched polyester film. Mylar is often used in shiny helium-filled balloons, space blankets and protective plastic coatings. The holographic flash tape is a non-sticky, 2-inch wide tape that comes in a 150-foot roll. It is easy to install and can be cut into strips.
The iridescent bird deterrent foil is designed to reflect sunlight causing the birds to be annoyed by it. It also makes a crackling sound when it moves with the breeze. It can be applied to branches of trees, vines, plants, trellises, sprinkler risers and other visible and elevated structures. If you are on a dock, you will often times see this foil tape blowing in the breeze from the tops of the masts of the boats. Boaters often battle with the pest birds, especially the gulls. Using flash tape is one way they get rid of them from landing on the boats in the dock. It enables boat owners to take off sailing when they get to the boat instead of washing off all the bird droppings first, then taking off on a day’s adventure.
Many vineyards us holographic flash tape to protect the rows of grapes during harvest season. The tape is attached to the plants so the loose ends can flap in the breeze. The movement, color, and sound of the tape keeps the birds flying on by to find a different food source.
The foil tape can also be applied linearly where pest birds land and roost, making access to the area unappealing to them.
The iridescent bird deterrent foil, Mylar flash tape, foil tape are many names for the same type product. Using this form of bird deterrent will utilize three methods of bird control, visual, sound and physical barrier.