How Can We Help You Protect Your Crop?
To advise you on the best bird protection system for your particular crop protection requirements (i.e. vineyard, orchard, field, etc.), we ask that you fax or email us the following information:

1. A plot plan sketch of the block requiring protection, marking down the lengths of each side of the block. An aerial photograph is also acceptable. Be sure to include distance or dimension markings or information (i.e. 1,100 ft. x 1,400 ft.).
2. Show what surrounds your block. For example, include forests, fields, lakes or ponds, brambles or bushes, etc.
   
3. Be sure to include the positioning of homes, buildings (if any) and other factors which influence bird behavior, such as groves of trees, power lines, creeks or streams, other orchards or food sources, and their respective distances from the boundary of your crop or location.
   
4. If known, indicate the direction from which the birds are coming into your crop.
5. List the bird species in order of damage caused, since the sounds are selected according to species.
   

This should only take a few minutes to do, but will have a major difference in the results and effectiveness of the system we recommend.

Once we have this information, we will draw up a plan (at no cost to you), which will show:

1. The individual placement of each speaker throughout the block;
2. The model of units to use;
3. A cost estimate proposal.
   

Bird Gard Management Instructions
Acoustical bird hazing is a proven method of stressing or harassing birds away from a crop, food source or habitat. Most of our bird repelling systems are “species specific”. To obtain maximum control, our growers have found that by using a random sound mixture of harassment, distress and alarm calls, excellent results have been attained. Random, unexpected sounds will prevent the birds from becoming habituated to the sounds.  Active management control and understanding bird habits is the key to success.

Read all instructions prior to installation. For best results:

• Install the Bird Gard unit WELL before the crop begins to change color and birds are attracted. This creates a “KEEP OUT” area for most birds prior to harvest.  Once birds have tasted the ripe crop it is much more difficult to break their habits.  Bird Gard units should be installed and turned on two weeks before the crop becomes attractive to the birds.
  
  
• Remember that most birds feed from the outside perimeter of a crop and use tree cover to roost in and for observation. Place speakers 15-50 feet inside crop pointing OUTWARDS whenever possible.  Position more units/speakers along the perimeter of the crop, near tree cover, power lines, and water.  Heavy sound coverage is recommended at flight pattern entry points to your crop.
  
  
• If birds are roosting in nearby trees at night, the unit should be run 24 hours a day during initial set-up (if possible) in order to move the birds further away.
  
  
• Mount speakers approximately three (3) feet above tree or crop levels for maximum coverage. For taller trees (cherries, peaches, almonds, pecans, etc) additional speakers may need to be placed under the tree canopy.  Sound will disperse or reflect off solid barriers or thick brush. Mount control unit out of direct sun, if possible.
  
  
• When first installed, run the Bird Gard units at FULL volume and on SHORT/MEDIUM time off periods. This ensures “bird stress” and “harassment”.
  
  
• Watch and be aware of bird habits and their reactions. Check flight paths and re-adjust speaker locations accordingly. Check power source and unit settings often to insure continuous bird hazing. Be certain that the system is not turned OFF during crucial times.
  
  
• An optional solar panel is recommended for use with a 12 volt battery in order to ensure that the battery does not go dead at a critical time in terms of bird control.
  
  
• Whenever possible, run the Bird Gard unit at full volume.
  
  
• If you are using more than one Bird Gard unit, it is recommended to overlap the speaker coverage zones and use different sounds so that the birds experience greater harassment.
  
  
• Spray switches, sockets, and speaker jacks with white lithium grease or silicon two or three times per year in order to ensure years of trouble-free use.
  
  
• Store the complete system in a sealed carton during the off season.
  
  
• Remember that the Bird Gard system is a management tool. Effective results depend on your awareness of the local environment and attention to the system.  The fewer alternative food sources in the area the more bird pressure you will experience.  Be aware that under some situations of extreme drought or other adverse conditions, the pressure on the birds becomes so great that their survival instinct can overrule their fear of the Bird Gard sounds.  In these extreme cases, you will need to supplement the Bird Gard with more human intervention in your bird control program.

Be aware that under some situations of extreme drought or other adverse conditions, the pressure on the bird becomes so great that survival overrules any deterrent.