Using the Marine Scare’m Hawk Kite Kit.
Using bird-scaring kites is an effective way to keep gulls away from your yacht, where they can damage the fibreglass. Seagull guano is so acidic it can stain fibreglass permanently. Here’s how to maximize the effectiveness of a Hawk Kite when flying it above your yacht.
- Choose the Right Kite
Predator Designs: Select kites that mimic predatory birds, such as hawks or eagles, as gulls are naturally wary of them.
Size and Visibility: Ensure the kite is large enough to be visible from a distance and can catch the wind easily. The Scare’m Hawk Kite is a good size a shape for this pupose. - Proper Setup
High Placement: Launch the kite high enough to give it visibility over your yacht and surrounding area. This mimics a real predator in flight.
Secure Anchoring: Make sure the kite is well-secured so it won’t easily come down or get damaged. - Movement and Positioning
Dynamic Movement: Kites that flap or move in the wind like the Scare’m Hawk Kite are more effective because not only do they fly like a real Hawk but they also make noise by flapping the trailing edge of their wings. So this is why we ensure the kite has features that create motion.
Change Locations: Move the kite to different positions regularly if it is very large yacht that you are protecting. Gulls can become accustomed to stationary deterrents, so varying the placement keeps them on edge. When they are placed on a yacht on a mooring in a river this is not so important as every time the tide turns the Hawk is changing it’s position. - Monitor and Adjust
Observe Gull Behavior: and keep an eye on gull activity. If you notice them returning, reposition or switch up your strategies.
Timing: Deploy the kite especially during times when gulls are most active, such as early morning or late afternoon and we have also found that Seagulls are particularly bad at the beginning of the season. If you can keep them away from your boat early in the season they will be much more likely to stay away for the rest of the summer. - Maintain Your Kite
Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your kite for wear and tear, and repair or replace it as needed to ensure it remains effective.
By effectively using bird-scaring kites in combination with these strategies, you can significantly reduce the chances of gulls defecating on your yacht. Enjoy your time on the water! Spending a couple of hours cleaning the boat every time you come down to spend a day on can be very hard work and dishartening .
Have a great time on the water without the worry of sitting on something nasty!!!