Lakefront Seagull Deterrent Options
If you own a lakefront home with a boat hoist and dock system, you will inevitably have to figure out how to deter several residents whose presence is less than ideal and unfortunately they like to share your slice of heaven on the lake. In this article we will cover how to specifically keep seagulls from roosting on your boat hoist canopy. The seagull is one of many that populate the waterfront; however, they are easily the most annoying. For the most part they keep to themselves, yet they have the unfortunate habit of occupying any horizontal space near a food source where they feel safe. This horizontal space typically is the boat hoist canopy that protects your pride and joy family watercraft. Seagulls have horrible manners and don't mind their own stench so they will cover your boat hoist canopy with their waste. The smell and disgust factor is easily on the high end of the disgusting chart making using your boat less enjoyable.
Chances are you may have encountered these birds/waterfowl or at least their evidence and often the only way to keep them off of your property is by running around, waving your arms and yelling in their direction. However, this rather undignified method is also limited in its effectiveness as the seagull will simply move away and then return when you have gone about your business.
One of the best ways to keep these creatures off of your boat, lift, and dock is to install some sort of seagull deterrent that will completely eliminate the possibility of being able to land upon your boat hoist canopy.
Other methods seek to scare the birds off, and these, as we will discuss, tend to be ineffective or limited at best. Two of these use wind action to create their movement and thus scare away the offending birds, while the other prevents them from landing on your canopy. We will discuss the cup style from Gull-B-Gone®, which is comprised of stainless steel cups set at the end of steel rods that spin on a central axis. Another type uses a flag or pendant set on a pole that creates a movement unpleasant to gulls and geese, and the third style from SEAGULL STOPPER® uses transparent fishing line strung over the top of your lift canopy to prevent the birds from landing. By far the only solution that offers 100% coverage of your boat hoist canopy and 100% effectiveness with or without wind.
Wind Related Deterrents
Dori Pole:
The pennant or flag deterrent from Dori Pole® is considered one of the most stylish systems available. This system was developed initially as an advertising method at festivals as the flags stood high above crowds and due to their bright coloration and versatility caught the eye, and it didn’t take long before they were used in providing an excellent medium for displaying information. These pennants have been in service for a while and it was noticed that birds tended to avoid the areas in which they were in place. The pendant or flag style of deterrent is a very versatile system; employed in land and waterway applications. The pendent attaches to the end of a very long pole and can be installed anywhere that the pole can be properly inserted into the ground.
Although somewhat effective, relying on the wind to create motion isn't the best option and you can hardly cover the entire canopy surface. Seagulls will begin to test the situation and once they realize there is no danger they are back in full force even when the wind picks back up.
Gull-B-Gone:
After years of trial and error and plenty of arm waving, the most effective method of deterring birds is still motion. Geese and gulls are skittish, they do not like erratic movement and shy away from areas in which all is not still. So, a moving system is somewhat effective. The swiveling cup system from Gull-B-Gone® employs the wind to rotate its lateral arms and thus create the necessary movement to frighten any offending birds.
Theoretically this movement will also scare them away as they fly over looking for a nice place to land, that is, your canopy. The theory goes if they are afraid to fly over your boat lift they won’t crap all over it. This system is very effective and you are probably familiar with its design. The system attaches to the uprights of your lift and extends out over the top of your canopy. It will attach to round or square frames and comes as a set of two, with six extension arm and cup assemblies.
Mechanical & Maintenance Issues
Given the mechanical nature of its design, that is, screws, pivot points, using natural elements, i.e. the wind, to move the arms, these types of motion related deterrents are prone to vibration and eventually fail over time. This vibration has been known to cause the set screws to fall out allowing the extension arms to detach. Another issue is that the vibration can cause the cups to twist, fill with water, and thus stop turning or sag and rest or rub on the canopy itself. However, it should be stated that these developments are a result of time; the system is effective but may not last as long as other systems.
Again, although somewhat effective for a period of time, relying on the wind to create motion isn't the best option and you can hardly cover the entire canopy surface. Seagulls will begin to test the situation and once they realize there is no danger they are back in full force even when the wind picks back up. They will roost on the ends of the canopy or the spaces in between your coverage area. Your Seagull problem will not be completely resolved only slightly diminished.
What is a 100% Effective Seagull Deterrent for Your Boat Hoist Canopy?
Seagull Stopper®
The last system we will discuss is from SEAGULL STOPPER®. This system differs from the others we have covered primarily in its method of deterrent. Both the Dori Pole® and the Gull-B-Gone® systems are “motion” systems, using wind action to create movement and keep the birds away. The SEAGULL STOPPER® Seagull Deterrent System, on the other hand, could be called a “static” deterrent in that it does not rely on movement but rather obstruction. The system consists of four uprights that attach magnetically to the corners of your canopy vinyl, transparent fishing line is then strung together in a perimeter and X pattern.
Easy Universal Installation
SEAGULL STOPPER® attaches magnetically so there are no tools or retrofitting needed ahead of time to allow it to work on your boat hoist.
Simply place the support plate on top of your canopy frame but below your canvas and place the magnet-and-staff assembly above your canvas directly over the plate. Magnetic force clamps the staff assembly to your canopy. Finish the installation by slipping the transparent fishing line through the loops on the staffs. It is that easy!
This system works under the theory that if the birds can’t land then they can’t mess up your canopy. The SEAGULL STOPPER® seagull deterrent system can employ as many staff assemblies as necessary increasing the amount of obstruction, and making it an option for those with larger canopies, custom lift designs, or larger bird populations.
WHY SEAGULL STOPPER WORKS
While seagulls can land most anywhere they choose, they feel safe where they can move forward to take off and fly away. The transparent fishing line suspended above and around your canopy by the staffs of SEAGULL STOPPER® is a hindrance to the bird's flight. If seagulls were to land they would feel threatened by the confinement provided by SEAGULL STOPPER®. Consequently, birds will avoid a canopy with SEAGULL STOPPER® installed upon it.
As with any solution there are benefits and detriments. These systems have all been tested “in the field” and have all earned followers and detractors, either related to their functionality or design. Some people are happy with the “in motion” designs while others prefer the simplicity and reliable effectiveness of the “static” design. The “in motion” deterrents are both encumbered by the same thing, when there is no wind their motion either diminishes significantly or stops all together, eliminating their effectiveness. The static system however produces no motion so according to the formula “motion equals deterrent” this system finds fewer adherents, as it does not necessarily keep the birds from flying over and messing up your canopy. The other major difference is versatility as well as aesthetics. Motion related options can be distracting, tacky, and undesirable. The SEAGULL STOPPER® relatively small magnet and staff assemblies in the corners of your canopy are less obtrusive visually and the fishing line is transparent so unless you are really looking for it the deterrent is nearly undetectable. Once SEAGULL STOPPER® is installed you will basically have a nice clean canopy top free from birds and their associated mess and bad habits.
