Page 33 - GrapevineMarApr 2022

Around The Vineyard

how they are used. They are designed to trigger other more effective methods, and in areas with
fear responses in the birds, which works better for few birds. Like the sound deterrents, they work
some species than others. They remain effective for better when moved throughout the vineyard week-
anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks, until the birds realize ly rather than kept in one spot.
they present no real threat.
Additionally, methyl anthranilate sprays have not
However, sound deterrents can work moderately been found effective in controlled, published tri-
to very well if used properly. They also work best in als. Methyl anthranilate is artificial grape flavoring
areas with moderate or smaller bird populations. which is considered distasteful to birds. However,
it does not seem to work in practice. The three
The best thing you can do to improve success with studies I found, one as recent as 2018, suggested
sound makers is to move them around. Change little to no benefit of methyl anthranilate sprays
their location and time intervals frequently before in vineyards – vines that were sprayed with meth-
the birds become accustomed to them. The biggest yl anthranilate had similar bird damage to the
mistake growers make is to keep them stationary. unsprayed vines. I suspect that if this chemical
were effective, it would be quite popular by now.
Here Are Some Other Key Tips:
Bird Control Lasers
• Since most bird species get used to sound
deterrents within 2-6 weeks, wait to set them Bird control lasers are beginning to emerge in
up until after veraison or until you notice bird some grape-growing regions and are sparking
activity in the vineyard. growers’ interest across the US. They emit lasers
throughout the vineyard to scare birds without
• Move the equipment throughout the vineyard harming any wildlife.
at least 1 time per week.
I look forward to seeing how well lasers work for
• Program your equipment to have variable time vineyards. Existing systems have not yet been thor-
intervals between calls or blasts. Cannon blasts oughly tested by objective in-field research, and
should vary between every 3-10 minutes. we cannot say how effective they are until more
research is done. For example, we need to learn
• Turn on the sound machines at sunrise and turn how long they remain effective and which species
them off at sunset. they control best. Right now, lasers may be best
suited for growers willing to experiment and able
• Observe local noise ordinances. Avoid using can- to afford the upfront cost.
nons at wineries when customers are present.
My main take from all of this is: Netting is still the
What Doesn’t Work for Birds? most effective bird control method, and you can
make it easier by following a few key tips. If you
Based on current field research, visual deterrents have sworn off netting, investigate sound-based
like balloons and ribbons are far less effective than deterrents next. Alter their location and frequen-
either netting or sound deterrents. A 2007 study in cy for best results. Don’t count too hard on visual
the Carneros AVA in California found that vineyards deterrents or sprays, which are unlikely to give ade-
using visual deterrents alone had 13% bird damage, quate bird control.
compared to only 2.3% damage when netting was
used. In a 2018 study, even inflatable tubemen – To read more analysis of bird control methods,
like the tall inflatables at car dealerships – failed to download Comparing Bird Control Methods for
significantly decrease bird damage. Vineyards and Berry Farms from University of
Minnesota Extension.
Visuals may help when used in combination with

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