[wisb] Re: RFI - Birds getting into engine compartment - some solutions
- From: Madison Audubon Society <masoffice@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: masoffice@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:43:07 -0600
Here's a compilation of advice (thanks, everyone!) just in case any of
you encounter this problem in the future:
1). As soon as he pulls into the drive and gets out of the truck, he
should prop the hood all the way open. This will make the engine
compartment much less warm and secure. After dark, he should be able to
go back out and close the hood without the birds moving to the truck
from their alternate night-roost. OR...
2). Use a bright, mechanic's trouble-light or a Holiday flood light to
illuminate the engine compartment from the inside or from below.
3). He may wish to try parking the truck elsewhere (e.g. in the street)
temporarily. This may get the birds to abandon this roost and develop a
habit of roosting elsewhere.
4). The ultrasonic bird repellers are kinda' pricey and I have not heard
from anyone who has tried them, so can't comment on them.
More than one person suggested opening the hood immediately to cool the
engine and take the "roof" away.
Other suggestions were to:
* drape the truck with a vehicle tarp [although sparrows would likely
sneak in through any small gap]
* sprinkle a little bloodmeal on the ground where he parks the truck
(this repels rabbits, not sure about birds)
* trap the sparrows
* put a noisemaker of some sort - a radio should do the job - under the
hood of the truck when it's not in use [remember to take it out before
driving!]
* provide alternative roost sites in the immediate area by planting
shrubs or putting up a roost box nearby
* clean the garage [!]
I will ask him to report back and let us know if and how these potential
solutions work.
Thanks again for all your input,
Karen
Madison Audubon Society wrote:
> Here's some additional info (the man who e-mailed just called):
>
> He lives in the Green Bay area, has an F150 pickup with lots of space
> for birds to get into, and his neighbor feeds the birds. When he pulls
> into his drive, 20-30 house sparrows swoop in from next door and get up
> into the engine where it's warm. He bangs on the hood to get them out
> before starting the engine again, but they're making a huge mess.
>
> He mentioned trying Bird-X, an ultrasonic bird repeller (has anyone
> tried this?), as he does NOT want to use any kind of pesticide or other
> lethal means.
>
> Other thoughts, ideas?
>
> Madison Audubon Society wrote:
>
>> Wisbirders - Any advice for the person who sent me this RFI? - Thanks in
>> advance.
>>
>> Karen
>>
>> Karen Etter Hale, Executive Secretary
>>
>> Madison Audubon Society
>> 222 S Hamilton St, Suite 1
>> Madison, WI 53703-3201
>> 608/255-BIRD (2473)
>>
>> /--Making Time for Birds/
>>
>> *************
>> I would like your recomendations of how to control birds that are
>> damaging my vehicle by perching in the engine compartment I don't want
>> to hurt them just keep them out of the engine compartment they are
>> going to the bathroom all over the engine and when the engine warms up
>> that's all I can smell.thank you very much
>> ************
>>
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