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BIRD CONTROL RESEARCH

In scientific trials, Helikites and traditional kites have always outperformed other birdscarers when flying high over crops. 

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."

1981 (Mild winter)1982 (Severe winter)

UnprotectedBangerKiteUnprotectedBangerKite

% Severe damage14.71. 30. 614.714. 71. 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.