Urban Birdproofing Solutions

Case Study — Using BirdWire Correctly

The post and wire proofing system is very effective for pigeons and larger bird species like gulls. But that is only if correct methods and hardware are used. Installers need to be familiar with how to undertake the work correctly. Ace regularly replace this non-standard example by retrofitting with the correct post and wire products or with Avipoint bird spikes.

What is wrong in the photos #1 and #2 below?

• Flimsy wire upstands
• Slack wire or fishing cord
• The low height of the wire
• An amateur proofing effort

or this

The Better Option: The Ace Bird Wire system would normally specify multiple rows of 316 grade SS posts, nylon coated SS wire or SS Gull wire, crimped off and tensioned at a maximum of two (2) metres between posts. Tensioning is achieved through fitting a little SS micro-spring for each pair of posts. The heights of posts is normally different in each row, starting at 90mm for outside row and perhaps 150mm for the second row. This configuration is to unsettle birds trying to get onto the proofed ledge or parapet.

The example below of the Ace Bird Wire system was installed on the Old Government Buildings in Wellington. It is part of the 6500M of BirdWire fitted on this heritage building. The posts are 1.5M apart. They are fitted into nylon bases which were glued to the lead sills. A micro-spring tensions the wire between each pair of posts. Spacing of rows was 100mm when done over 12 years ago. Today, if there was a heavy presence of pigeons the row spacing would be 75mm.

12 year old Ace BirdWire is still providing effective protection!

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