When bird netting a building, it pays to use a quality net that is built to last.
Bird control work offers professional pest managers a strong sales opportunity, but if you get it wrong, the losses can be equally significant. This is never more so than when bird netting a building.
Bird netting is one of the most versatile solutions for bird control, providing a discreet yet effective barrier against all species of birds and in all pressure situations, without harming the birds. Netting puts a stop to the presence of bird droppings from virtually anywhere on a property, including ledges, eaves and utility enclosures. It is usually the most cost-effective solution for large areas such as open-air roofs and loading bays.
Installation can be complicated, so pest managers must perform a careful inspection and think it through properly from the beginning. With good planning, it is a very easy proposition. Seven core elements need to be considered to ensure a long-lasting application. Firstly, determine where to secure the corner attachments. Secondly, look at the intermediate attachments to hold the cable tight to the wall, then proceed to the perimeter cable. The fourth element is to look at the turnbuckles that are required to tension the net. This is followed by securing ferrules to the cable with a ratchet crimper. Lastly, net ring loops then fasten the net to the cable before the most essential aspect is considered – ensuring the use of a quality net.
“Far too often we have seen cases where pest managers have attempted to make cost savings by using a cheaper net, only to find that once tensioned and exposed to the elements, the net tears. The cost of repairing these tears can negate any profit made on the installation, especially if specialist access equipment needs to be hired,” observed Steve Broadbent, regional director for Ensystex.
“A properly tensioned net performs well and is less visible. Avithor Net, which costs a little more, provides the highest quality protection and comes with a full ten-year warranty.”
The benefits of superior netting and thorough workmanship were demonstrated in a complex installation performed by the specialist team from Flick Anticimex at a government building in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Led by Chris Durward, the team faced a difficult installation due to the nature of the building’s construction and the varying heights of neighbouring buildings.
The decision was taken to install an Avithor Net supported by posts fabricated by Flick Anticimex. Mr Durward explained, “We went with Avithor Net as we are well aware of the risks of using lower cost options, and at Flick Anticimex we consider it essential to offer our clients the best possible results, no matter the complexity of the installation. Avithor Net meets our specifications and we appreciate both the quality of the materials provided by Ensystex and their technical support in the field, where it matters.”
When it comes to the installation of Avithor Net, Mr Broadbent offered pest managers some advice. “All netting attachment must be done in one direction only. Never attempt to work from opposite ends and meet in the middle – this is a recipe for disaster.”
When attaching Avithor Net, pest managers should begin working from one corner and attach the net with net rings in a straight, even row in one direction. After one metre, they should go back to the same corner and attach one metre in the opposite direction so that the net is firmly fixed in that corner. Then finish net ringing one of the rows entirely, preferably the longest side, before going back to the beginning corner and attaching that side. With the top and one side finished, there’s the option to either fix the bottom or the other side. When the net is completely secured to the cable, the pest manager must check the tension of the cable.
Ensystex offers a complete range of bird management solutions with, as Mr Broadbent advises, “technical specialists resident in every state of Australia on hand to provide full training and support from quotation to installation.”
