COVER STORY
The Problem Due to its proximity to the River Thames and location in North Greenwich the building provided shelter for a number of bird species. In particular the Lesser black- backed gull (Larus fuscus) had become a problem causing damage to the service plant insulation on top of the building as seen in the picture below.
The gulls were also nesting on the parapets which in strong winds, became a Health & Safety issue when parts of nesting materials and occasionally eggs would be blown onto the ground below.
The system works by using pre-recorded distress calls which are randomly broadcasted via each of the three individual channels to create the impression of predator movement. The system automatically varies the time and the volume of the broadcast which creates the perception of natural sound levels and predator movement. All of this imitates the birds’ natural behaviour.
These systems are some of the most sophisticated in the world, using a combination of biology and acoustics to create a technology which disperses problem bird species in a humane manner. The maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) at 1m is 84dB with a maximum effective operating distance on full volume of 100m. This does depend on wind direction and ambient conditions.
In towns, gulls will often favour large and flat roofs, mainly in industrial and commercial districts.
The Challenges The roof measures 102 metres in length and comprises of two individual plant areas which are located on different levels.
Our challenge was to design a system which would offer equal coverage of the entire roof thus deterring birds from the open areas as well as from the expensive plant.
The Solution Beaver Pest Control LLP working in partnership with GSL Cleaning Ltd was tasked by ENGIE, the facilities provider for the building, to find a long-term solution. Having carefully considered all available options we proposed the installation of a bio-acoustic bird deterrent system.
www.tomorrowsfm.com
One of the benefits of the system is that the calls are not intrusive and are unlikely to be noticed by the students or general public.
The Result The system has been very successful in removing the birds from the building. Within two weeks of the system being fully operational, we were able to report to the client that the roof was clear of birds.
Andy Combe, Regional Account Manager at ENGIE, said: “A wonderful and innovative solution to prevent a number of H&S and maintenance problems we had been facing at Ravensbourne. The team from Beaver Pest Control were professional, proactive and provided a very effective response and solution. I am very happy with the results and would certainly recommend their services and indeed the bio-acoustic bird deterrent solution.”
www.pestcontrolservices.co.uk
TOMORROW’S FM | 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66
