AllSOPP HELIKITES BIRD CONTROL
Three Reasons For You To Use Helikites
Effectiveness
Huge areas controlled. Up to 10 Ha. ( 25 Acres ). Wild hawk predators constantly reinforce natural fear. No shooting required !
Silent
No complaints. Environmentally Friendly !
Save Money
Low Cost to Buy and Run !
ALLSOPP HELIKITES RELIABLE BIRD CONTROL
| Until now, bird control has always been a hit or miss affair, with old fashioned scarecrows or even the more modern bangers and wailers giving very variable protection, making it impossible for farmers to rely on them for long to counter expensive and often crippling crop losses. Birds are unpredictable and planning for them is very difficult. The scientifically designed, patented Helikite is the first and only bird control system that really works well over a long period of time because wild birds find it extremely difficult to overcome the innate terror of predatory hawks that Helikites create. Real hawks reinforce, so habituation is very unlikely - even after months without shooting. If you have a difficult bird problem the powerful Helikite is probably the only scaring system really capable of protecting your livelihood. |
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| Gloucestershire landfill site 4th Oct, 1994, without Helikite |
Same site, with a Helikite - No birds! |
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SILENT BIRD CONTROL
With the Helikite angry neighbours, frightened livestock, and visits form the noise complaints authorities are things of the past. Noise is not required for effective bird control. Sight is the major sense in birds and so they are affected far more by the correct visual stimulus than by anything they hear - just like the human fear of snakes and spiders. You can site a Helikite next to populated areas where noisy bangers or wailers would cause objections. Local people will appreciate your concern for them and environment. You will get a better night's sleep as well! Silent control is unique to the new Helikite and it makes birdscaring feasible in may previously impossible situations - like pig or cattle units, in grain stores or near homes. Humane to all, and safe - no explosive gas. The revolutionary Helikite allows bird control where none was possible before.
FULL FARM PROTECTION, AT 1/4 THE COST
The unique Helikites can fly at great heights (up to 60 meters). This enables them to be seen over hills or hedges and to have excellent birdscaring ability over vast areas - far more than is usual with any other method. A Helikite is cheap to buy. You can buy four for the average price of one propane banger or wailer. This will save you hundreds of pounds or dollars and the vast coverage of each Helikite means that you can afford to protect the entire area of your vulnerable crops. Are you fed up with putting an expensive squawk box at one end of the filed only to see the birds feeding at the other end ? Then total bird control using economical Helikites is for you.
SIMPLE TO USE
| 1 Fill balloon from balloon-gas cylinder |
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2 Push balloon into Helikite & velcro it in |
| 3 Unreel line & Helikite flies |
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Bird Control You Can Trust
| The Helikite is the only birdscareer that can work reliably for months in a row without any significant habituation. This is because it locks into ancient instinctive fears by mimicking a hawk as it hovers and moves 200 feet with or without wind. |
What is a Helikite ? A Helikite is a lighter-than-air combination of a special kite and a disposable helium filled mylar balloon. It was conceived in 1993 by zoologist and agronomist Sandy Allsopp because farmers and scientists had found flying kites exteremly effective at scaring birds but needed something that would fly in no wind. There are two different types available :The Vigilante Helikite for temperate climates and the Lightweight Helikite for hot climates and tree fruit. A Helikite comes with 5 spare balloons, carbon-fibre spar, special high strength flying line, a flashing "Irritape" tail, a long red tale, clips, swivels and full instructions.
 Example above shows area controlled by just one Helikite flying above oilseed-rape or cereals against pigeons or rooks. |
What other birdscarer controls birds over such huge areas as this ? What other birdscarer is as inexpensive per acre ?
Compare this feature's chart closely before you buy !
Unrivalled Bird-Control Experience And Data
Check out your own bird-control situation against our unique acreage chart. Depending on the type of bird and the food value of the crop the area protected by one Helikite varies. This is common to all birdscarers. The following table shows the acreage of protection over which the Helikites have proven to be effective against wild birds.
You will not see a chart as detailed as this from any other birdscarer manufacturer. They may prefer to give you vague promises of the area protected by their scarers. We prefer quantitative, observed data. Helikites control more than twice the area of most scarers. This chart might change slightly over time as we obtain new information from farmers or scientists, but as far as we know, it is the only such chart in existence. We are always interested in any birdscaring data you have. Please ring us.
| Type of birdUse / Crop |
Acres ( 1ha = 2.5 acres ) |
Rooks / CrowsEmerging Cereals |
15 |
|
Laid Cereals |
15 |
| Landfill Sites |
1 - 6 |
|
Farm Buildings |
5 |
| Pig / Cattle Units |
2 - 5 |
| Drilled Maize |
10 - 15 |
|
Strawberries |
10 |
|
|
Wood PigeonsOilseed-Rape |
20 - 25 |
| Emerging Cereals |
20 - 25 |
| Peas |
20 |
| Young Cabbages |
15 |
| Beans |
15 |
| Laid Cereals |
15 - 25 |
| Drilled Maize |
15 - 20 |
|
|
StarlingsCherries / Fruit Crop |
5 |
| Strawberries |
7 |
| Farm Buildings |
1 - 5 |
| Cattle Units |
1 - 3 |
| Type of birdUse / Crop |
Acres ( 1ha = 2.5 acres ) |
| Small Birds |
Grapes / Bush Crop |
3 - 5 |
| Strawberries |
3 - 5 |
|
|
ComorantsFish Farms |
10 |
| Rivers |
400 meters |
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|
Local GeeseOilseed-Rape |
25 |
| Grass Cereals |
20 |
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|
GracklesFruit Farms |
5 |
| Rice |
10 |
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SeagullsLandfill Sites |
1 - 6 |
| Building Sites |
2 |
|
| Migratory GeeseGrass / Cereals |
30 - 50 |
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| PheasantsWoodland Edge |
1 - 5 |
|
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Herons ( UK )Fish Farms |
10 |
| Type of birdUse / Crop |
Acres ( 1ha = 2.5 acres ) |
Cost Comparisons
The following example shows the costs per acre to protect 100 acres of emerging cereals or oilseed rape for 4 years against pigeons by three different mainstream birdscaring methods:
1. Vigilante Helikites
which cost £104 each and protect 25 acres each.
Therefore 4 units are required.
4 x £104 + helium gas of £62 = £478
for one season.
Therefore assuming the units last 4 years and 40 x £7 extra spare balloons are needed over the last 3 years:
4 x £104 Vigilante Helikites +
4 x £62 helium +
£280 extra spare balloons =
Total cost: £944 overall |
2. Large steel flashing windmill birdscarers
which cost about £300 each and cover about 10 acres each.
Therefore 10 units are required.
Therefore assuming the units last 4 years with no extra running costs:
Total cost: £3,000 overall |
3. Noise producing bird-scarers
which cost about £350 each and protect about 10 acres each.
Therefore 10 units are required. Therefore assuming the units last 4 years with no extra running costs:
Total cost: £3,500 overall |
| Total cost: £944 overall |
Total cost: £3,000 overall |
Total cost: £3,500 overall |
The comparison in the bar chart below shows the relative costs
measured in
£ per acre per year for scaring during
one season (in green) and also over
four seasons (in red).
Comparative Birdscarer Research
In scientific trials, Helikites and traditional kites have always outperformed other birdscarers.
University Field Trials
In 1981 and 1982 at Reading University, Fazlul Haque.A.K.M. and Broom.D.M. showed that traditional delta kites gave virtually 100% control of pigeons on spring cabbages when operated with dedication. They state, "Damage in fields with a gas banger exceeded that in fields with a kite, especially in severe winter weather."
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1981 (Mild winter) |
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1982 (Severe winter) |
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Unprotected |
Banger |
Kite |
Unprotected |
Banger |
Kite |
| % Severe damage
| 14.7
| 1. 3
| 0. 6
| 14.7
| 14. 7
| 1. 3
|
The damage done to the kite field occurred only when the kite could not be flown. The two scientists also tried humming line but found it to be ineffectual.
They summarise by saying:
"Our extended trial in 1982 suggested that pigeons do not habituate to a kite over periods of at least three months and hence it seems that a kite can be a better means of controlling woodpigeon damage."
It was obvious from this trial that the limitation of traditional kites for bird control was not their ability to scare birds, but rather their inability to stay in the air for long and their need for frequent re-launching. This is why the first Allsopp Helikite was invented in 1993. Helikites fly in no wind and relaunch themselves automatically after rain. This greatly extends the time possible for bird-control and almost eliminates maintenance.
European Field Trials In 1998 a European Community trial was done in Ireland comparing all methods of bird control. The bird problem there is so acute that winter peas had been virtually abandoned and pigeon damage alone halved Irelands potential pea tonnage for many years. Helikites proved to be the most reliable birdscarer.
Their summary states:
"The Allsopp Helikite was found to be highly effective in reducing pest damage in two studies carried out by the Kildare Pest Control Group in Ireland. The Helikite was installed on two sites; 9 and 2.5 hectare fields of combining peas. Prior to installation, the incidence of pigeons was monitored at a constant average of approximately 9 pigeons per hectare. This was reduced to zero by the presence of the Helikite at both sites. During the 25 and 28 day intervals respectively between installation of the Helikite and the harvesting of the crop, no habituation to the device was observed at either site."
Winter peas are now being successfully grown in Ireland protected by Vigilante Helikites.
What about Helium?
Balloon Gas is at least 98% helium plus 2% or less impurities. It is far cheaper than pure, laboratory grade helium and is very suitable for Helikites. It is easily available via Allsopp Helikites who will arrange for it to be delivered to your door direct from our gas supplier. There are two sorts of gas cylinders best suited for use with Vigilante and Lightweight Helikites:
A) Midget Widget Balloon Gas Cylinder. Cost £69.50 for 10 + £85 Returnable Deposit.
These Midget Widget bottles are only 14 inches by 2 inches in size and each weigh only 1.3Kg. They come in packs of 10 along with a free plastic regulator valve. It take two Midget Widget bottles to fill one 38 inch diameter Mylar balloon with enough over to top-up the balloon over its lifespan. Remember, each Helikite pack contains 5 spare 38 inch Mylar balloons – so one pack of 10 Midget Widget bottles goes well with one Vigilante or Lightweight Helikite pack). These tiny cylinders are perfect for someone with only one or two Vigilante or Lightweight Helikites. They are small enough to fit in a jacket pocket, or glove compartment of a Land Rover and are great for topping up birdscaring Helikites flying situated far away in the middle of a muddy field.
B) Mighty Widget Balloon Gas Cylinder. Cost £70.50 + £85 Returnable Deposit.
These cylinders contain 2.2 cubic metres of balloon gas compressed within a volume of 10 litres and will fill about 12 of the 38 inch Mylar balloons used in the Lightweight and Vigilante Helikites. They are 3ft tall, 6 inches wide and each weigh 17Kg. They need a separate brass regulator valve that is available direct from Allsopp Helikites Ltd.The gas in the Mighty Widget cylinders costs about half the amount per cubic metre of that contained in the Midget Widget cylinders, however they are not so handy. They are good for people with several Vigilante or Lightweight Helikites as they save gas cost. They can easily be strapped on the back of an ATV for transport into the fields.Obviously, the perfect solution for people with several Vigilante Helikites is to fill the balloons initially with cheap balloon gas from a Mighty Widget cylinder, and also to have some Midget Widget cylinders on hand to conveniently top-up the balloons over time. This is not such an extravagance because the deposit system used to ensure the eventual return of the cylinders means that there is minimal cost involved in keeping these cylinders for a long time. Compare this to the industry standard cylinder rental system where a 10 litre helium cylinder will cost about £60 per year to rent – this adds up over the years and is why Allsopp Helikites Ltd recommends Widget cylinders.
Examples Of The Vigilante Helikite At Work
- Pigeons On Brassica Crops
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"I have been using Helikites now for six weeks and thought that I would let you know that I am finding them very effective in controlling pigeons on brassica crops. Control seems to be around 15 acres. They have so far deemed themselves more effective than gas guns or other sorts of pigeon control I have." D.J. Dawson, Farm Manager, John Saul Ltd, Linconshire, England. Letter, dated 5th July 1995. |
- Pigeons On Peas
| "Dear Sir, Just a short note to say how pleased we are with the Helikite. It has successfully kept a thirty acre field of peas clear of woodpigeons for the last month - and continues to do so. Yours faithfully, J. Letham," R.J. Letham and sons, Berwickshire, Scotland. Letter dated 7th August 1995. |
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- Starlings Roosting Near Churchyard
"Dear Sir, This is to inform you that we purchased one of your balloons[Helikites] and installed it in the churchyard at our Town Church where there is a very large tree. Each year from about October to March, tens of thousands of starlings roosted overnight in this tree with the consequent problem of their droppings on the grass and on the adjacent road and footpath. To our great surprise, the balloon hovering overhead [it was flown from the church tower] scared these birds away and the tree has been empty since the balloon was installed. The starlings moved to another area of St. Helier where the problem of the droppings is not so important and they will migrate away from Jersey in the next few weeks or so. Yours faithfully, J. Gray." Town Surveyor, St. Helier, Jersey. Letter 5th Feb 1996.
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Seagulls On Landfill Site Duncan Newall and Richard Taylor, site managers for U.K. Waste, a division of Waste Management Inc. have been using Helikites and rockets to scare birds off landfill sites since 1993 and say " We find the Helikite very good at keeping seagulls away once the rockets have dispersed them and would certainly recommend them for other landfill sites with bird problems." Waste Management Institute Journal 1995.
- Other Customers Include : ADAS; Scottish Agricultural Science Agency; US Dept. Of Agriculture; University of Nottingham; HRI Kirton; HRI Efford; Danish Agricultural Advisory Centre; Dansk Research; Plant Breeding International; ICI (Zeneca); Germains(UK); Vitacress Salads; Amal-Gro; Bransden Farms; G&J Peck; R. Struthers Farms; Triffit Nurseries; Bathurst Estate; Sharps International Seeds; Royal Sluis; William G. Sutherland; Betteshanger Farms; Sir Michael Colman Farms; Montana Vineyards; Test Valley Vineyard; Hyde Vineyard; "La Source" Holiday Resort; Courtaulds Chemicals; Uniroyal Chemicals; Biffa Waste; Greenways Waste Management; Thames Waste Services; Antrim County C.
This is just a very small selection of a few of our thousands of customers worldwide. Vigilante Helikites can be posted anywhere and are presently exported to over a dozen countries, from the arctic to the tropics. Which means that today the provision of superb, silent and reliable bird control anywhere on Earth is just a phone call away for you.
Telephone +44 (0) 1725 518750 or FAX +44 (0) 1725 518786.
Birdscaring Cartoons
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