Nite Guard Discourages Predators

Nite Guard Discourages Predators MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Pest Animals 25-2-28 Jim and Betty Meyer, Princeton, Minnesota, sell several hundred thousand ringneck pheasants each year as well as about 30,000 partridge. The birds are kept in outside pens. And at night, Great Horned Owls and other predatory birds were regular visitors. "We were running a regular 7-11 store for predators," he says. "They were flying away with our profits." Because most predatory birds are protected by Federal and/or state governments, the Meyers couldn't do much to eradicate them. "All we can do is discourage them from hunting on our farm," Jim Meyer says. After trying several other ideas, they found that small, flashing red lights would scare the birds away. They designed a small solar-powered unit that could be mounted anywhere. It worked so well they arranged to manufacture the lights and solar chargers. They call it the Nite Guard. "There are no batteries to wear out and you don't have to run electric wiring to it," he points out. While the lights flash, they're not strobes, so they don't really call attention to themselves, like lights on ambulances. "Owls and other night predatory birds are very wary. They usually perch in a tree or on a pole to look over an area before they'll attack. This small flashing light is enough to signal danger to them, so they avoid the area," Meyer explains. At the same time, the lights are so small and subtle that most people don't notice them unless they look directly at them. Several lights can also be used to keep raccoons, deer and other animals out of gardens, orchards and flower beds. They're also somewhat effective against weasels, foxes, and coyotes. "They don't work for every pest," he says. "The higher the intelligence level, the quicker the animals adapt to the lights. But if they're spaced properly around a sweet corn patch, they'll keep raccoons from stealing the crop." It takes only an hour of bright sunlight to store up enough electricity to keep the lights going all night long. And on cloudy days, six hours of daylight will do the job. Nite Guard lights measure 2 1/2 by 2 by 1 in. One light will protect about an acre in one direction. You may need additional lights to shine in other directions. They last for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years and sell for $19.95, post paid. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Oakwood Game Farm, Inc., Box 274, Princeton, Minn. 55371 (ph 800 328-6647; Website: www.niteguard.com).

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