Success stories from some kiwifruit growers who have used our bird control solutions:
“Bird control during Gold Kiwifruit bud burst has been an important issue on our orchards so we contacted Pestgard for advice on the best solutions. We purchased a number of Super BirdXPeller Pro machines to get coverage over about 40 hectares of orchard. Plug-in micro chips were supplied with specially programmed sounds to repel the usual orchard birds. A few Bangers and Predator kites were also used. Some Mesurol was used but this was difficult due to the very wet season. Bud counts later on showed that there was no bird damage worth speaking of, and with the harvest now completed; the crop yields have been very pleasing. Other orchards in the area suffered significant bud damage from birds. We will definitely be investing in more bird control equipment from Pestgard to protect our other orchard areas.” - SC, Opotiki
“We had a small block of Gold Kiwifruit coming into maturity with no bird control system in place. We did not want to use Mesurol so looked for alternative options that were going to be economic and successful long term. A Super BirdXPeller Pro was purchased with the standard USA sound chip and also a customised sound chip to specially target our bird types. During bud burst, there were still quite a few birds in the trees but they seemed very reluctant to fly down into the vines. We suffered very little bird damage and are very pleased with the crop yields this season. There is a 30 hectare property right alongside us that extensively uses Mesurol and we were concerned that the birds would by-pass this property and attack ours. This did not happen and we will be looking at investing in more of this electronic bird control equipment for the new season.” - SM, TePuke
“Last season worked out very well for us with very little bird damage. We decided to invest in some specialized bird control equipment from Pestgard to protect 5 hectares of Gold Kiwifruit. Some Super BirdXPeller Pro units were purchased along with some Predator Kites. Plant & Food Research told us we had done well compared to other growers in the area that suffered from bird damage. We also used some Mesurol but not sure if this had much effect due to the wet season. We have another 5 hectares that needs protection from birds so will definitely be investing in more equipment this season.” - RR, TePuke
"After birds devastating my Gold Kiwifruit crop in 2009-2010 because of inability to keep good spray coverage up, due to continued wet weather: I decided to get serious about waging war on birds this season.
-Birds cost me in the previous season around $120k in lost crop.
-After a discussion with Pestgard I decided the only way to combat the bird problem was to be multi pronged, ie one method was not going to be completely successful; birds are too smart.
-The main method or front line attack on the problem is the “surround sounds”, ie the Super BirdXPeller Pro bird distress calls broadcast across the orchard associated with the flying of predator kites – Hawks, Falcons etc. This has kept the orchard devoid of bird damage through the green leaf bud break stage with no use of sprays.
-Every now and again we fog the orchard and surrounds with [Fog Force in] a [thermal] fogger mounted on an ATV and drive around the orchard at about 15-20kph. This moves the birds instantly.
-For the final stage of protection, as an insurance, we are spraying as the flower buds become visible.
-Bird damage has been negligible to non-existent using the above methods and it’s easy, constant, and inexpensive, after the initial outlay and definitely insignificant compared to crop loss.
The bird kites are so realistic when flying (also entertaining for the grandkids, when tied onto a fishing reel and line down the beach.) When first implemented the resident birds went nuts when they heard the Super BirdXPeller Pro going – it was amazing. I found that when first operated it took at least ½ an hour to 1 hour before the birds exited the orchard area completely. Initially they moved to the tops of the shelter before deciding that this was still too close for comfort and far too risky – but bolt they did. But rest assured they’ll be back the following morning until the machine is activated, then it is extremely satisfying to see them bolt again as soon as it is turned on."
- R McKay