Since birds are more apt to leave a newly-established roosting site, prompt action greatly reduces the time and effort required to successfully relocate unwelcome birds.

• Environmental or Habitat Modifications
• The use of “Frightening Devices”

HABITAT MODIFICATIONS

Thinning or pruning of vegetation. Removing protective cover discourages birds from roosting. Thorough pruning is the first step we recommend as a lasting and less expensive strategy for making your trees less attractive to flocking birds.

Tree Netting. It’s been our experience that this method often proves too expensive, unsightly and temporary. Therefore, we usually do not recommend tree netting as a sound and lasting method for habitat modification.

Thermal Fogging. A safe and humane bird dispersal method using pulse-jet thermal foggers. Designed for the precise application of liquid solutions over open areas.

FRIGHTENING DEVICES

The key to success with frightening devices is timing, persistence, organization and diversity. No single technique alone is effective, so we recommend the integration of numerous and varied techniques. We utilize Audio Systems, Pyrotechnics, Exploders, Hawk kites, Helikites, Light Lasers and Radio-controlled Flying Hawks, as well as other miscellaneous auditory and visual frightening devices.

Audio Systems of broadcasted alarms and distress calls are very effective in frightening many species of birds, and are useful in both rural and urban situations. Calls are amplified and broadcasted, and the units are periodically moved to enhance effectiveness.

Pyrotechnics have long been employed in bird frightening programs, and our technicians are trained to handle them with safety and caution in mind.

Automatic LP Gas Exploders (such as Zon Guns), are a reliable source of timer-controlled, unattended sound for frightening birds from roost sites.

Hawk Kites have been studied extensively on agricultural crops since 1979, resulting in significant reductions in the presence and damage caused by migratory birds.

Helikites are a combination of kite and helium-filled balloon offering an erratic flight pattern that is perceived as a danger by most species of birds, and can protect a large area.

Light Lasers are a humane bird scare device that consistently disperses many species of birds. It is directional and used as part of a diverse and mobile bird dispersal operation.

Radio-controlled Flying Hawks are proven highly effective in dispersing large flocks of birds from passing through airspace, resting on open bodies of water or from any location where access can be an issue.

• Consulting: We assess your property and devise an effective dispersal and management program customized to your unique needs.
• Installation: Our experienced technicians install devices needed to disperse and manage your bird populations.
• Maintenance: We maintain and execute on-going or seasonal dispersal programs with our experienced technicians.
• Maintenance Training: If you prefer, we can even train your own personnel how to maintain ongoing or seasonal aspects of your dispersal program.

Bird Gard Pro is designed for smaller applications with coverage up to 1.5 acres. It features a built-in amplifier and speaker in a durable and weather-resistant housing that mounts easily to a post or fence using the included bracket. The built-in sound chip contains 8 different sounds based on your specific needs. Click here for help in identifying the birds causing you problems.  Bird Gard Pro effectively covers a cone shaped area approximately 300 feet x 200 feet (91.4 x 61.5 meters).

Applications

• Viticulture
• Fruit Trees
• Vegetables
• Small Farms
• Fish Farms
• Residential Yards
• Warehouses
• Industrial
• Hangers
• Stores and Shops
• Ships, Boats and Yachts
• Small Marinas

System includes

• Generating unit with built-in speaker
• Built-in sound chip with 8 different sounds
• Power adapter with 50 feet (15 meters) of cable
• Weatherproof enclosure
• Mounting bracket

Optional accessories

• External speaker for greater flexibility in extending protection around obstacles, irregular crop configurations and in structures such as barns and marinas. (The optional external speaker DOES NOT increase total coverage area)
• 5-watt solar panel to keep your battery continuously charged
• Battery cables with clips

Operation

• The Bird Gard Pro is pre-set on DAY, SHORT, RANDOM – all that is required is that the speakers and power are connected and the unit turned ON
• Once the Bird Gard Super Pro is up and running, it can provide 24-hour protection
• A light sensor operates the unit during daylight or night time or both
• The battery must never be allowed to die
• A deep cycle battery in excess of 100 amps is recommended

Solar Panel (Optional)

• Solar panel eliminates the need to periodically recharge the 12-volt battery
• Solid-State design requires no maintenance

Maintenance

An occasional spray with electrical contact cleaner over the connection points and switches will ensure years of trouble free use.

Storage

In the off-season the system should be stored in an insect proof container (e.g. a taped up box) to ensure that insects, ants or wasps don’t build nests inside the control box or speakers as this may render the system inoperable. 

Technical Specifications

• Shipping Box Dimensions:  12 x 7 x 5 inches (30.5 x 17.38 x 12.7 cm)
• Shipping Box Weight: 3 lbs, 4 oz. (1.5 kg)
• Frequency Range:  2,000 – 10,000 Hz
• Power Input:  12VDC (500 mA) 
• Power Adapter 110/220VAC 
• Sound Output: 100-105dB @ 1 meter
• Output Pattern: Cone shaped
• Output Coverage: Approximately 300 x 200 feet (91.4 x 61.5 meters)
• UL/CUL/CE Listed:  EPA Establishment Number 075130-OR-001

ABSOLUTE SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
If you are not completely satisfied with the operation, quality or results of using ANY Bird Gard product, simply return the product to the place of purchase within 1 year for a prompt refund of your purchase price.

Bird Gard Pro Plus features two high power amplifiers and two external speakers for crystal-clear digital output.  The solid-state electronics are mounted inside a NEMA rated control box that is suitable for most any weather condition. The Bird Gard Pro Plus is fully programmable, with adjustments for volume, specific sound combinations, daylight, night, or 24-hour operation.  Every six seconds a randomly selected sound is broadcast at a randomly selected frequency out of a randomly selected speaker.  It sounds like there are many different birds in distress spread throughout the protected area. Also included are four different random features that vary the sound, the sound duration, length of time between sounds and the sound location so birds don’t get accustomed to the sound pattern.

The sound chip is located on the face plate so it can be easily changed in the field for protection against a greater variety of birds. Please click here for help in identifying the birds causing you problems. The controller electronically modulates calls so it sounds like different injured birds of the same species.

The control unit mounts easily to a post or pole using the included mounting hardware and bracket, and features two built-in amplifiers for high-volume, crystal-clear digital sound output. The two weatherproof speakers with cable allow many diverse sound coverage patterns, including long narrow applications.  Each speaker effectively covers a cone shaped area approximately 300 x 200 feet (91.4 x 61.5 meters).

Applications

• Viticulture
• Fruit Trees
• Vegetables
• Small Farms
• Fish Farms
• Residential Yards
• Warehouses
• Industrial
• Hangers
• Stores and Shops
• Decks of Ships
• Boats and Yachts
• Small Marinas

System includes

• Generating unit with (2) built-in amplifiers
• (2) external speakers (each with 100 feet [30 meters] of cable)
• Weather-resistant NEMA-rated enclosure
• User replaceable sound chip with 8 sounds
• Mounting bracket
• Power adapter with 50 feet (15 meters) of cable
• Battery cables with clips

Optional Accessories

• 15-watt Solar panel to keep your battery continuously charged
• External speaker for greater flexibility in extending protection around obstacles, irregular crop configurations and in structures such as barns and marinas. (The optional external speaker DOES NOT increase total coverage area)

Operation

• The Pro Plus is pre-set on DAY, SHORT, RANDOM – all that is required is that the speakers and power are connected and the unit turned ON
• Once the Bird Gard Pro Plus is up and running, it can provide 24-hour protection
• A light sensor operates the unit during daylight or night time or both
• The battery must never be allowed to die.
• A deep cycle battery in excess of 100 amps is recommended

Solar Panel (Optional)

• Solar panel eliminates the need to periodically recharge the 12-volt battery
• Solid-State design requires no maintenance

Maintenance

An occasional spray with electrical contact cleaner over the connection points and switches will ensure years of trouble free use.

Storage

In the off-season the system should be stored in an insect proof container (e.g. a taped up box) to ensure that insects, ants or wasps don’t build nests inside the control box or speakers as this may render the system inoperable.

Technical Specifications

• Shipping Box Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 10 inches (30.5 x 25.4 x 25.4 cm)
• Shipping Weight: 7 lb. 10 oz. (3.5 kg)
• Frequency: Range 2,000 – 10,000 Hz
• Power Input: 12VDC (1 AMP)
• Power Adapter: 110/220VAC
• Sound Output: 105-110dB @ 1 meter
• Output Pattern: Cone shaped
• Output Coverage (Each Speaker): Approximately 300 x 200 feet (91.4 x 61.5 meters)
• UL/CUL/CE Listed: EPA Establishment Number 075130-OR-001

Deer Shield Super Pro is specially designed to repel deer from vineyards, crops, orchards and other commercial growing operations as well as airfields and commercial landscaping.  Digital recordings of aggressive, hostile and territorial deer trigger a primal fear and flee response, effectively controlling deer.  Sounds are broadcast through high fidelity weather-resistant PA-type speakers.  One, two, or four speakers may be used depending on the size of the area needing protection from deer.  Each speaker protects up to 1.5 acres (0.6 hectare).

Deer Shield Super Pro deer repellent system incorporates multiple random features designed to prevent habituation to the sounds.  The solid-state electronics are mounted inside a weather-resistant housing suitable for most any weather condition.  With all four speakers connected, every six seconds a randomly selected sound is broadcast at a randomly selected frequency out of a randomly selected speaker.  With two speakers connected the sounds will alternate between the two speakers.  The generating unit mounts easily to a post or pole using the included mounting hardware and brackets.

Deer Shield Super Pro repels deer from:

• Vineyards
• Orchards
• Commercial Crops
• Commercial Landscaping
• Air Fields

System includes:

An occasional spray with electrical contact cleaner over the connection points and switches will ensure years of trouble free use.

Technical Specifications:

Deer Shield Pro is ideal for repelling deer from yards, gardens and landscaping.  Deer Shield Pro is also proven effective at getting rid of deer from crops, vineyards and orchards by disrupting their normal feeding patterns.  Deer Shield Pro uses digital recordings of aggressive, hostile and territorial deer, broadcast through high fidelity weather-resistant speakers to trigger a primal fear and flee response, effectively controling deer.

A built-in motion sensor activates the deer deterrent sounds only when deer are present.  The range of the motion detector can be adjusted from 25 feet to 75 feet.  The detachable high fidelity weather-resistant speaker can cover up to 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares).  Deer Shield Pro is fully adjustable for volume, motion sensitivity, sound duration, and day, night or 24-hour operation.

Deer Shield repels deer from:

• Residential Yards
• Flower and Vegetable Gardens
• Commerical Landscaping
• Viticulture
• Crops
• Orchards
• Small Farms
• Airfields

System includes:

• Generating unit with detachable PA speaker
• Infrared motion detector
• Built-in sound chip with 8 different sounds
• Power adapter with 50 feet (15 meters) of cable
• Weather-resistant enclosure
• Mounting bracket

Optional accessories:

• 5-watt solar panel to keep your battery continuously charged
• Battery cables with clips

Operation:

• The Deer Shield Pro control unit can be mounted to a post or any stationary object.  The included speaker can be attached to the control unit or mounted remotely with the included 10 feet (3 meters) of cable.
• Once the speaker cable and power are connected adjustment can be made for day, night or 24-hour protection
• Motion sensor sensitivity and volume should be initially set to the maximum range possible to provide the greatest deer deterrent coverage possible.  Once the deer’s feeding habits are changed both sensitivity and volume can be reduced.

Solar Panel (Optional):

• Solar panel eliminates the need to periodically recharge a 12-volt battery
• Solid-State design requires no maintenance

Maintenance:

An occasional spray with electrical contact cleaner over the connection points and switches will ensure years of trouble-free use.

Technical Specifications:

• Shipping Box Dimensions:  12 x 7 x 5 inches (30.5 x 17.38 x 12.7 cm)
• Shipping Box Weight:  3 lbs., 4 oz. (1.5 kg)
• Frequency Range:  100 – 5000 Hz
• Power Input:  12VDC (500 mA)
• Power Adapter:  110/220VAC
• Sound Output:  100-105dB @ 1 meter
• Output Pattern:  Cone-shaped
• Speaker Output Coverage:  Approximately 300 x 200 feet (91.4 x 61.5 meters)
• UL/CUL Listed:  EPA Establishment Number 075130-OR-001

Bird Gard Super Pro is our most popular unit and features four high power amplifiers and four external speakers for crystal-clear digital output. The solid-state electronics are mounted inside a weather-resistant control box suitable for most any condition. The Bird Gard Super Pro is fully programmable, with adjustments for volume, specific sound combinations, daylight, night, or 24-hour operation.  Every six seconds a randomly selected sound is broadcast at a randomly selected frequency out of a randomly selected speaker.  It sounds like there are many different birds in distress spread throughout the protected area. Also included are four different random features that vary the sound, the sound duration, length of time between sounds and the sound location so birds don’t get accustomed to the sound pattern.

The sound chip is located on the face plate so it can be easily changed in the field for protection against a greater variety of birds. Please click here for help in identifying the birds causing you problems. The controller electronically modulates calls so it sounds like different injured birds of the same species.

The control unit mounts easily to a post or pole using the included mounting hardware and bracket, and features four built-in amplifiers for high-volume, crystal-clear digital sound output. The four weatherproof speakers with cable allow many diverse sound coverage patterns.  Each speaker effectively covers a cone shaped area approximately 300 x 200 feet (91.4 x 61.5 meters).  A 4-speaker metal enclosure can be substituted for the individual speakers to protect an area approximately 600 x 600 feet (182 x 182 meters).

Applications

• Viticulture
• Orchards
• Agriculture
• Farms
• Large Fish Farms
• Livestock Feedlots
• Industrial
• Hangers
• Marinas

System includes

• Generating unit with four built-in amplifiers
• Four external speakers, each with 100 feet of cable (30 meters). Optional 4-speaker metal enclosure can be substituted for the 4 individual speakers.
• Weather-resistant enclosure
• User replaceable sound chip with 8 sounds
• Mounting bracket
• Power adapter with 50 feet (15 meters) of cable
• Battery cables with clips

Optional Accessories

• 15-Watt solar panel to keep your battery continuously charged
• 4-Speaker metal enclosure may be substituted for the (4) individual speakers

• The Super Pro is pre-set on DAY, SHORT, RANDOM – all that is required is that the speakers and power are connected and the unit turned ON
• Once the Bird Gard Super Pro is up and running, it can provide 24-hour protection
• A light sensor operates the unit during daylight or night time or both
• The battery must never be allowed to die
• A deep cycle battery in excess of 100 amps is recommended

• Solar panel eliminates the need to periodically recharge the 12-volt battery
• Solid-State design requires no maintenance

And the snakes are crawling.

Calls about reptiles in backyards — and front yards, houses and attics — are popping up about as fast as oak catkins are falling. Ed Lessard, president of the South Texas Herpetology Association, stays busy answering the phone this time of year.

“I had five calls yesterday,” Lessard said on a recent warm day. The calls concerned other reptiles, too — frogs, lizards and tortoises — but snakes present the most concern to gardeners just venturing outdoors to trim and plant after a winter that left landscapes in need of work.

Spring is when snakes emerge from burmation, a reptilian equivalent of hibernation, said Tom Regnerof Town Lake Construction in Austin. “They wake up and establish new homes,” he said, adding he receives calls about snakes from March through August.

One small rattlesnake might have been hunting for a home or food when Kerrville resident Carolyn Roup spotted it under a trailing rosemary bush she was trimming. “I had had laryngitis for 12 days, but I managed to attract my husband’s attention,” Roup said. John Roup caught the snake with special tongs and put it in a plastic tub.

Lessard’s advice to people who see snakes: Do not panic.

“Snakes are very beneficial, so we tell people to leave them alone. Some people will. Some will prefer that we just come get it. If the snake is in the grass in their backyard, and they have small kids and are not sure what kind of snake it is, we will probably go.”

In addition to finding snakes in flower beds and around rocks, gardeners might be surprised to find the reptiles cozying up to the compost pile. If the pile is heating properly, snakes will crawl on top to get warm, especially on cool mornings, Regner said.

Deter them by surrounding the pile with silt fencing, a black fabric used for erosion control. It’s available in 2-foot heights at home improvement stores.

Snakes do not dig, so they won’t go under it, Regner said.

You also can put an electric wire around the pile. Snakes will recoil when they touch it.

Another option is to bury a 10-gallon, smooth-sided bucket in the ground near the compost heap. If a snake falls in, it won’t be able to get out. Use a stick to raise the handle and carry the bucket away.

Most of Lessard’s calls are about diamondback rattlesnakes and rat snakes, which resemble the rattler. The rat snake is grayish when young and turns black as it ages. Older rat snakes also sport a red hue between their scales.

“But if you see that, you are too close for most people’s benefit,” Lessard said.

The rat snake is one of few Texas snakes that climbs trees. It goes searching for birds, which make up about half its diet.

Lessard says if the snake is in a tree, some 20 feet high, it is harmless to people.

The “harmless” label is not a no-bite guarantee. Although a venomous snake has never bitten him, not so for rat snakes.

“I have gone out of a second-story window to catch one on a limb. I try to grab them by the head, but the Texas rat snake will get you quicker than you can get them.”

Lessard has not been bitten by a venomous snake in his 30 years of handling them. Snake catchers use special tongs or hooks, never bare hands. They put the snakes into large buckets with ventilated tops.

“It’s a matter of having respect for them,” he said.

Barbara Elmore is a gardener and writer in Fredericksburg. Her garden and home newsletter is available at www.digandletdig.com.

IF YOU SEE A SNAKE

Stop moving if you hear a snake, then back away from it slowly. An added warning: Rattlesnakes are learning not to rattle. “The ones that don’t get caught are learning to be quiet,” said Tom Regner, who removes snakes from residences in Austin.

Recognize venomous snakes. Texas has four types: rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes and cottonmouth water moccasins. Residents in and around San Antonio are most likely to see the coral snake and the rattlesnake.

Clean up: Get rid of weeds, boards, and junk, which attract rats, lizards and frogs. “Snakes will go where there is warmth, shelter, and to look for animals to eat,”  Regner said.

Removal: If you need help removing a snake, call the City of San Antonio information line at 311 or 210-207-6000. Or visit the South Texas Herpetology Association Web site, www.kingsnake.com/stha. STHA volunteers do not charge for snake removal. They do accept donations to cover transportation costs. In Austin, Regner can be reached through his Web site, www.batspecialist.com, to give estimates for snake removal.

By Barbara Elmore – Special to the Express-News
Web Posted: 04/10/2010 12:00 CDT

Bird Gard Super Pro Wireless is ideal for areas where running cables are not practical or where large areas need to be protected.  A single Transmit/Control unit operates an unlimited number or Receive/Speaker units within a 1,000 foot (330 meter) line of sight radius.  The solid-state electronics are mounted inside a weather-resistant control box suitable for most any condition. The Bird Gard Super Pro wireless is fully programmable, with adjustments for volume, specific sound combinations, daylight, night, or 24-hour operation.  Each Receive/Speaker unit contains four high power amplifiers and four speakers enclosed in a metal housing for crystal-clear digital output in any weather. As bird pressure increases, additional Receive units may be added to especially difficult problem areas where birds may be attacking.

The sound chip is located on the face plate of the Transmit/Control unit so it can be easily changed in the field for protection against a greater variety of birds. Please click here for help in identifying the birds causing you problems. The controller electronically modulates calls so it sounds like different injured birds of the same species.

Please note:  High-voltage electrical transmission lines and cell phone towers in close proximity may interfere with the operation of the Super Pro Wireless unit.  In these situations, the regular Super Pro unit (wired version) must be used.

The Transmit/Control unit mounts easily to a post or pole using the included mounting hardware and is powered by either 110/220VAC or 12-volt battery.  Each Receive/Speaker unit effectively covers a circular area approximately 600 feet. (185 meters) in diameter  Each Receive/Speaker unit is powered by a 12-volt battery (not included).  Optional solar panels are available to keep batteries trickle charged to keep batteries from dying.

Coverage

Bird Gard Super Pro Wireless Transmit/Control unit broadcasts up to 1,000 feet (308 meters) line of sight in any direction. Each Receive/Speaker unit covers up to 6 Acres (2.4 hectares)! You can use unlimited Receive/Speaker units within the 1,000 foot (308 meter) radius.

Applications

• Viticulture
• Orchards
• Agriculture
• Farms
• Large Fish Farms
• Livestock Feedlots
• Industrial
• Hangers
• Marinas

System includes

• One Transmit/Control unit with a range up to 1,000 feet. (308 meters) line of sight
• Weather-resistant enclosure
• User replaceable sound chip with 8 sounds
• Mounting bracket
• Power adapter with 50 feet (15 meters) of cable
• Two Battery cables with clips
• One Receive/Speaker unit with 4-speakers enclosed in weather resistant metal housing (requires 1/2″ OD metal pipe for mounting [not included])

Optional Accessories

• Additional Receive/Speaker units
• 15-Watt solar panel to keep batteries continuously charged

Operation

• The Bird Gard Super Pro Wireless is preset on DAY, SHORT, RANDOM – all that is required is that the speakers and power are connected and the unit turned ON
• Once the Super Pro Wireless is up and running, it can provide 24-hour protection
• A light sensor operates the unit during daylight or night time or both
• The battery must never be allowed to die
• A deep cycle 12-volt battery in excess of 100 amps is recommended

Solar Panel (Optional)

• Solar panel eliminates the need to periodically recharge the 12-volt battery
• Solid-State design requires no maintenance

Maintenance

An occasional spray with electrical contact cleaner over the connection points and switches will ensure years of trouble free use.

Storage

In the off-season the system should be stored in an insect proof container (e.g. a taped up box) to ensure that insects, ants or wasps don’t build nests inside the control box or speakers as this may render the system inoperable.

Technical Specifications

• Shipping Box Dimensions:  19 x 13 x 7 inches (48.3 x 33 x 17.8 cm)
• Receive/Speaker Dimensions:  8 x 8 x 4 inches (20.32 x 20.32 x 10.16 cm)
• Unit Weight:  11 lbs. 10 oz. (5.3 kg)
• Frequency: Range: 2,000 – 10,000 Hz
• Power Input: (Transmit unit): 12VDC (1 AMP) Power Adapter 110/220VAC
• Power Input: (Receive/Speaker unit): 12VDC (1 AMP)
• Sound Output: 105-110dB @ 1 meter
• Output Pattern: Circular
• Output Coverage (Each Receive/Speaker unit): Approximately 600 feet (91.4 meters) in diameter
• UL/CUL/CE Listed: EPA Establishment Number 075130-OR-001
• FCC ID: XGA-0045T

ABSOLUTE SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
If you are not completely satisfied with the operation, quality or results of using ANY Bird Gard product, simply return the product to the place of purchase within 1 year for a prompt refund of your purchase price.

Town Lake Construction, LLC
1712 East Riverside Drive #293
Austin, TX 78741

(512) 444-5955 Office

(512) 444-8780 Fax

You can also reach us by email with the following form:

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Town Lake Construction, LLC offers wildlife control services on a contractual basis to corporate clients. Contract services allow you to budget for a service that assures you that any wildlife situations that pose potential liability issues with tenants, students, customers and/or employees, will be addressed consistently, immediately and professionally.

With contract services, you receive a tailored analysis geared to address your specific issues and concerns with wildlife invasion on your property. We submit a bid for retrofitting correctable issues. Many of our clients are so pleased with our modifications to control unwanted wildlife; they feel confident in retaining our continued services for resolving any future wildlife issues.

Under contract, Town Lake Construction offers greatly expanded services, which include:

• 24/7 immediate response, on-call Wildlife Removal
• Odor removal
• Raccoon removal
• Feral cat removal
• Water-proofing
• Drivet repair
• General construction