Bird Buffer® Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES THE BIRD BUFFER WORK?

For the Bird Buffer to be effective, the birds must be exposed to the release of small particles called nano-particles by flying through the area that is exposed. The nano-particles released at 90 mph over 150’ circular area as high as it is wide. When the birds fly through breathing faster, only small amounts irritates birds eyes and mucous membranes without risk to their health. The Bird Buffer works on all birds, dependent of their flying activity. They do not consume the product to be effective. It may take several exposures by flying through the nano-particles for the birds to learn to leave the area completely.

The grape like scent is fragrant and has a pleasant “grape slurpy smell”. The automated “on/off” Bird Buffer keeps the nano-particles fresh so no chance of deterioration or residue. The Nano-particles are so tiny they never land with any air movement, causing them to continually move. Small amounts of product (2 oz per day of use as directed) is enough to stimulate a reaction when the birds are flying.

What would keep the birds away?

Placement of Bird Buffers at the upwind side of the roof top assists and carries the vapor over the top of the factory to the birds. Or the machine can be hung under an eve or overhang.

What if the birds don't leave right away?

If the birds have been there a long time, they may need a one-two punch to get them uncomfortable to the point that they want to leave the area. When birds have food and other droppings on the ground to "keep" them there, we suggest implementing each morning for 15-20 minutes for the first two weeks, a thermal fogger called the Birdbuffer TF, which uses the same fluid called Rejex-it®.

What's the difference between the Birdbuffer® Q2 and the Birdbuffer TF Thermal Fogger?

The difference being that the BirdBuffer Q2 produces a constant, virtually invisible, dry vapor type haze, whereas the fogger produces a thicker, more potent fog. After three months into the program, the active birds leave the area. Some birds can withstand discomfort on a temporary basis. But as time goes on, they start to realize this discomfort was not going away, in fact, it increased with the thermal fogger. The birds become more and more sensitive to the bird control vapor and leave the area.

Is there more than one type of machine?

Birdbuffer LLC now offers several units like the new BirdBuffer Q2, a vapor machine with digital timer and easy fill, the Buffer TF, a handheld thermal fogger to get rid of stubborn birds, and the Bird Buffer TD, a smaller indoor version of the Q2 system. You can see all these products at www.birdbuffer.com

Why should I worry about bird droppings at my factory?

Researchers at the University of Florida (UF) Emerging Pathogens Institute have identified Salmonella (from birds and their droppings) as one of the Top 10 riskiest food disease-causing microorganisms with these costly and potentially life-threatening bugs. Their report lists a number of illnesses, costs, and overall public health burden of specific microbes in particular types of food—such as Salmonella from birds.

How dangerous is Salmonella?

Salmonella is listed in the top five leading bugs resulting in being the leading disease-causing bug overall, causing more than $3 billion in disease burden annually. While the Food Safety Modernization Act broadly directs the FDA to adopt a more preventative, risk-based approach, it doesn't spell out exactly how this should be done.

How can we reduce risks?

Birdbuffer LLC suggests prevention of birds in the given area reduces bird droppings and their activity which attracts these types of bugs. Keeping bird control of pesky birds is challenging, but necessary if clean environments are needed for food production.

Contact www.birdbuffer.com to find out more about how you can prevent bird population from hurting your business. Keep bird control under control with Birdbuffer products.

Normally most of the birds will come and stay only until about sunset and go when sunrise, so will the BirdBuffer machine work?

Yes. The timer is set so during this flying in and out time, the birds will gain major affect. It becomes affective when the birds learn this location is where they have the difficulty. During the night while they sleep (roosting), the machine is not running. The vapor at night is not going to affect them until they fly. So it wastes power and fluid. Each morning when they fly out, the machine has already created a vapor cloud (invisible). When the birds fly through the vapor cloud, it gives them memory. When they come back, the BirdBuffer Q2 has another vapor cloud ready for them to fly in. This gives them memory again. Each time they fly through the vapor cloud, they remember.

HOW DO I USE Rejex-it® IN THE BIRD BUFFER?

Familiarize yourself with the operation of your Bird Buffer or read the operating instructions for additional information. Pour Rejex-it® directly into the formulation tank of your Bird Buffer and operate the unit as directed by the manufacturer of the equipment. For best results use a very low timed, automated setting. If you use high settings the atmosphere becomes "too saturated". Extremely Low settings on the Bird Buffer generate a "dry" nano-particle which penetrates bushes and trees for several acres or indoors will penetrate shelves, eves, piles of product or around crates without leaving a residue. The Bird Buffer can be very effective on large open areas and structures, indoors and outdoors.

If the birds stop coming, should the Bird Buffer with fog combination turn on to prevent the birds coming back?

Just the BirdBuffer Q2 would be needed. Normally the fogging is only needed with smaller birds or birds that had been nesting at the beginning. Once the old nests are removed and the area is cleaned up without any signs of bird activity (droppings, feathers, nests), you maintain good results by turning down the timer on the Birdbuffer Q2 to release less vapor cloud. This also uses less fluid. At this stage, no more handheld fogger is necessary.

Use of the handheld fogger is important for smaller birds or when faster results are needed for a few weeks. If there are nests hidden and they are not found/ removed, the birds will continue to come back. Birds keep coming to the nests until they mature and fly away or they are removed. But it stops new birds from wanting to nest in the same area.

Nesting swallows are more difficult and require a year program to make progress. With both the Birdbuffer Q2 and the Birdbuffer TF, they continue to make nests and are very difficult to stop the first time. Each season gets less and less. If this area is a common nesting area for swallows and the swallows coming in are ready to nest, we classify them as nesting birds. This makes it very challenging.

CAN THE WIND BE JUDGED WITHOUT A SMOKE WINDICATOR?

Use of a good cigar for constant output helps. Or a small smoke machine. For $11/can, its’ the best ability to demonstrate to the client how the haze will travel and where it goes. Also for placement of the machine during business hours. Remember, The Bird Buffer® comes out and goes up and down and sideways 50’ covering 100’ cube area right away (100 x 100 x 100).

WHAT IS THE CAPACITY OF THE RESERVOIRS?

One gallon

HOW WOULD I FORECAST THE AMOUNTS OF REPELLANT NEEDED PER MONTH?

Figure about 1 gallon each 4 weeks.

IS THE HEATER NECESSARY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?

The unit has an internal heater included. If the temperature drops below 55ºF, the internal heater keeps it warm enough to operate to 35ºF. If the temps get below 35ºF you would need to have an optional external heater down to 5ºF. Below 5º is a special unit for extreme cold.

CAN A FREIGHT ESTIMATE BE PROVIDED SO I CAN BUILD IT INTO MY PRICES?

The unit/cover is about $90.00 to $95.00 to ship ground

IS THE COVER NECESSARY FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS?

Yes, protects from rain, sun, snow, other weather factors

IS THIS APPLICATION ONLY BEING USED AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF CUSTOMER TRAFFIC?

Not used at night, only morning and evening when birds are trafficking in & out of the targeted area. Usually 4 hours at sun-up and then 4 or five hour prior to sun-down when birds fly. Doesn’t affect the birds when they are roosted.

CAN YOU PROVIDED ME WITH THE PRODUCT NAME?

http://www.birdbuffer.com/about_fluid.htm

I NEED TO REVIEW THE MSDS AND THE LABEL

http://www.birdbuffer.com/pdf/birdbuffer_msds.pdf

Rejex-it® IS ONLY 40% MA. THE OTHER 60% IS UNSPECIFIED. WHAT ARE THESE OTHER COMPOUNDS?

Food Grade Soy Oil.

DO I HAVE TO DILUTE THE PRODUCT?

Rejex-it® Bird Repellent is used without any dilution. It is an naturally occurring formulation made from grape extract concentrate which does not mix with water. It is a registered product for approved use with bird control and cannot be changed in its composition.

HOW MUCH DO I NEED?

Bird Buffer requires very little product. Generally 2 oz are enough to cover 3-5 acres per day when automated to release particles for 20 sec. each 2.5 minutes, 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours at evening before dark. Pour only 2 quarts of fluid into the top fill tube to begin. Check the level with the dip stick to be certain you have not overfilled. With one gallon Rejex-it® you can effect approximately 3-5 acres for one month. With experience and automation, less product is used as the birds find new nesting and roosting places to go.

WHAT ABOUT WORKER EXPOSURE REQUIRING MONITORING?

Testing was completed and is being used with 450 employees for over 2 years at a food packing facility. Primus Labs did the inspection which passed with flying colors. The amount of product being introduced is so low, it’s a refreshing grape scent. See the Thomas Produce Testimonial.

We can give you Joe Glavach's telephone number if you would like to discuss it.

THE PRODUCT IS A RESPIRATORY IRRITANT AND THE MSDS MENTIONS A CONCERN FOR ASTHMATICS?

Asthmatics are susceptible to any change in atmosphere or dust. If a concern was made for the smell of manure or fertilizer, then you would have to address it. This is food grade product that is all natural, approved by EPA, FDA and USDA. Only 1 ounce per 4 hours is used for bird control (only operates 8 hrs/day or 2 ounces).

WHAT SETTING DO I NEED FOR THE CYCLE-TIMER?

Rejex-it® can be used in both small areas to keep birds away from re-infestation, or large areas to remove them permanently. The electric Bird Buffer timer should be set to operate for a few hours in the morning and a few hours at night in large open areas. Just "set it and forget it" for one month. There is a 24 hour clock and a cycle-timer for on/off repeating operation. The 24 hour timer should be set for 4 or less hours in the morning (after daylight), and 4 or less hours in the evening (before dark) or for short periods when birds are most active. For large warehouses without large open walls, only use for 20-30 minutes per day.

The cycle-timer turns on and off. With the remote control, set it by depressing the yellow and red button, then set the upper knobs to 11:00 position on the left knob and all the way on for the right knob. This will give you 1 minute on and 4.5 minutes off. The unit always starts in the off position.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET BIRD CONTROL?

Usually 2 weeks are sufficient to control established flocks of birds from the treated area. It takes time for the birds to find a new home and new feeding grounds. After the first 2 week operation, some birds may return when the particles have subsided. So subsequent operation of the unit (setting the timer for less and less each month) continues to be reduced as the number of birds decreases that return. You may find that 1 or 2 "scout birds" will test the area weekly to see if the particles are still in the air. Since particles are invisible, birds can't visually see when the particles are there or not, so the birds will assume the particles are there all of the time, yet continue to have one or two scout birds "test" the area.

It must be considered that only a fraction of the birds in a flock will be continually returning to test to feel if the effects are still present. On subsequent days, smaller release of particles will lead to permanent bird control. Guaranteed 100% roosting bird control.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO HAZE?

Best results are achieved when birds congregate in the early evening and settle down for the night, or in the early morning when they look for their preferred feeding grounds. It is important to expose as many birds as possible to the nano-particles in the air in the beginning of the operation. In subsequent applications releasing the nano-particles, the birds will leave much faster and it will take longer for them to return.

WILL YOU ASSIST WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THE MACHINES?

We will be very happy to fly out during the installation and assist in choosing the right location if you desire.

GIVEN THAT THE FOGGER MUST BE 5 FEET FROM BUILDING SURFACES AND CAUTION SHOULD BE MADE AROUND PAINTED SURFACES — I HAD ENVISIOED PLACING THE UNIT DIRECTLY UNDER THE EAVES, ABOVE OUR SHIPPING/RECIEVING DOORS — WHERE SHOULD THE SPECIFIC PLACEMENT BE, IN LIGHT OF THIS REQUIREMENT?

Older equipment has a mist that is wet and leaves film. They used a gallon per day or more. We have refined and filtered the output with high amounts of air to separate the 5 micron particles to only affect the birds when they fly. It’s not strong enough to stimulate birds when they are sitting. They have to fly and breathe fast enough to get any stimulation from the Bird Buffer and then it takes days or even weeks to retrain the birds.

Using this installation plan below, and testing wind direction for overall area coverage, we normally try to obtain roof coverage that will still affect the ground area. We use a can of smoke called “Windicator” to see the wind movement for best position. See our Installation Plan.

WILL THE BIRD BUFFER HAVE LIMITATIONS IF PLACED INSIDE A WAREHOUSE WITHOUT AN EASY EXIT TO THE OUTSIDE?

Without a clear exit for the birds, this product will only guard from outside on the roof. It would place an umbrella around the area that retrains birds not to come to this area. Mostly they must land somewhere when they know they can enter or see a truck when it pulls up then prepare to fly in.

The method used with the Bird Buffer is to be invisible so the birds cannot outsmart it, figure it out, or go around it.

ARE THERE LIMITATIONS FOR BUILDINGS IN EXPOSED AREAS WHERE WINDS ARE FREQUENT

After completing the Installation Plan, the photos are looked over and agreements are reached to see that this will be successful. If we don’t think conditions are correct, we don’t want to install it. It has to work and does 96% of the time.

Winds can actually help spread the material if not constant.  Birds communicate and can become stimulated from over an acre away.

Our business is built on word of testimony’s.  No one to date has a bad installation.  Smaller birds do take longer.  The larger the bird, the faster the results.

IF I DECIDE TO TRY THE BIRD BUFFER, DOES THE CONDITIONS RELATE TO UNEXPECTED BIRD BEHAVIOR, ETC?

Birds are always unexpected and behavior is never the same. But so is the surprise of when the output of the BirdBuffer will be present…and it’s invisible, so it is a surprise.

Nesting is not counted in results. If birds are nesting, they will be too determined to feed and will continue to nest. But the BirdBuffer will reduce new birds from joining in and when the nesting season is complete, they will leave the area also. It’s best to have the BirdBuffer installed prior to nesting season. This will prevent the desire to come back. Getting the area free of any bird droppings, feathers or other signs of bird activity is also very important to stop the desire for birds to return.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF LEASING PROGRAM?

The full lease program that was offered through a leasing company was for a minimum of 3 years. Each Pest Control Operator has there own lease or rental program with different ranges of time. The shortest period has been 3 months that we have heard of. With that rental, a monthly service contract and refilling of the machine is part of their program.

WHY SHOULD I USE AN EXTERMINATION COMPANY, SUCH AS AN AUTHORIZED/LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR?

There are many authorized/licensed Pest Control Operators who carry the full warranty and guarantee of our product when they purchase the equipment through us. They have been well trained in bird handling, trapping and clean-up. So with their service comes more than Bird Buffer®, LLC can offer you from our location. If you decided to do other work in reference to capture of critters, or if a bird was trapped in a room and cannot fly out, they have the equipment and know how to do the complete job. We have worked with many Pest Control Operators for several years. Call for an operator in your area.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH SMALLER BIRDS IF I DON'T WANT TO USE THE THERMAL FOGGER AT THE BEGINNING LIKE YOU STATED?

Instructions for setting the timer should be 30 sec on every 2 minutes while the fan is operational (unless the 24 hr clock is in an “OFF” position). The Birdbuffer should be “on” before sunrise (or open the doors) and or 10 minutes before you open the doors and shut down 10 minutes before you shut the doors (after sunset). This will be sufficient amount of product in the air. Since the product can stay airborne for several hours when indoors, it is not necessary to do more. Going too much, or too fast is not a good idea. I know you want a reaction, but being safe is not being sorry. A little goes a long way and lasts a long time.

Smaller birds need stimulation to flap their wings, so even a small wad of tin foil thrown in the air gets them to fly instead of roost or float. This makes a big difference in the reaction time and can help them get the extra stimulation to fly out and tell their friends not to come in. At this point we want them to leave, because that's when they tell the other birds not to come in. If you trap, shoot, capture small birds during this period, it signals other birds they didn't come out, so it must be a party in there, lets all go. By letting them fly out, they tell the other birds not to go now, but wait till the lead or scout gives the "all clear". Their training exercise will require one or two scouts to continually check the site to see if anything has changed. This is the part that makes letting them go back outside hard for some to understand when you're trying to get rid of them, but works the best for this application.

Remember we discussed a dose of heavy smoke (with a thermal fogger) 5 times the first week to get a start up reaction to small birds that is necessary for their sensitivity. But you have stated that would not be possible at this time. Maybe some time in the future or when workers are not in the factory/hangar?

HOW DO I ORDER FLUID FOR THE MACHINE EACH MONTH? IS IT AUTOMATIC?

The fluid will be on account, so "Due on Receipt" is our only terms (normally 25 days payment).

The fluid would need to be ordered each time as we do not know the consumption level of each factory. We can place you on an annual contract so that you get a lower pricing, then send fluid each quarter so that it automatically arrives when we think its due. But usually that is scheduled after you have operated the unit for 2 months to see the consumption level. As you get better and better response, you can reduce the amount of consumption by increasing the off time on the timer (usually after 6 months to 4 minutes off).