by Alex A. Kecskes
One of the most popular pest
bird deterrents currently on the market is the Electric Track. These easy-to-install systems were designed for homeowners, property managers and facilities managers who want to effectively
bird proof their property.
Ideal for deterring pigeons, sparrows, gulls, starlings, crows and many types of birds, Electric tracks impart a very convincing but innocuous electric jolt that birds will long remember. The tracks are highly efficient in keeping pest birds off ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, I-beams, eaves and signs. The best electric tracks feature a low-profile design and measure just 1/4-inch at their highest point. These tracks are available in four colors--grey, stone, black and terracotta--to blend in naturally with their surroundings.
Top
bird control experts recommended using electric tracks that feature a flow-thru design to prevent water from damming up on rooftops. The best electric tracks incorporate a tin-plated copper-knitted wire mesh in a continuous “tube-in-tube” stocking design. This allows for greater conductivity, strength and reliability. The copper mesh is also resistant to corrosion and highly resistant to alkalis and acidic environments.
Before installing electric track, you must heed these Warnings:
- Do not install electric track in areas where it may come in contact with people.
- Do not use electric track bird control systems in and around gas stations, or in any area where there is even a remote possibility of contact with flammable liquids, vapors or fumes.
Electric tracks can be easily installed on most any flat or curved surface. Before installing any bird deterrents, the surface should be clean and entirely dry. Thoroughly remove bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. (Birds are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.”) Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases caused by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.
Installing a
bird control electric track system requires some basic electrical knowledge. Determine whether you’ll need a Direct Wire, Solar Charger or Super Charger Direct as follows:
Solar Charger covers up to 300 linear feet of track and lead wire (make sure you have a southern exposure for this one).
Direct Charger covers up to 500 linear feet of track and lead wire. This type of charger must be protected from the elements and placed in a waterproof box.
Super Charger Direct covers up to 2,000 linear feet of track and lead wire e. This type of charger must be enclosed in a waterproof box.
Measure the width of area to be covered to calculate number of track rows you’ll need as follows:
For single-sided ledges or surfaces that have a back wall or window:
For 1” to 4” wide area, use1 row of track.
For 5” to 8” wide area, use 2 rows of track.
For 9” to 12” wide area, use 3 rows of track.
For double-sided ledges or surfaces like parapet walls, run a row on each side of the surface as close to the edges as possible.
For 1” to 6” wide area, use 1 row of track on each side.
For 7” to 15” wide area, use 2 rows of track on each side.
For 16” to 28” wide area, use 3 rows of track on each side.
Bird control electric track typically comes in 100-foot kits. The track is packed in a box that lets you play out the track as you install it. Use polyurethane adhesive to secure the track to the mounting surface. Apply adhesive to the entire underside of the track to ensure a secure bond. Be sure to allow the adhesive to cure thoroughly during installation. The adhesive must be completely dry (cured) before the track system will be effective.
