Keeping birds off the TV antenna

Forums › Off topic › Keeping birds off the TV antenna

quebec

852 posts

Ultimate Geek

#215452 28-Jun-2017 10:09

I should have probably noticed this before but recently while checking condition of the color steel roof I noticed that the area around the TV antenna is absolutely disgusting, covered with lichen and quite a lot of it, starting from where the antenna is and going all the way down to the gutter and spreading across as well. According to the roof cleaner guy who is supposed to spray the chemical (Bio-Shield) in a few weeks on the whole roof, this lichen is caused by bird droppings hence it's there in such large scale near the antenna.
Now, I am seriously considering removing the antenna but I am not too comfortable going up the roof myself. Anyone got any other suggestions as the roof guy said as long as the antenna is there I will keep having this issue.

SaltyNZ

8219 posts

Uber Geek

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2degrees

Lifetime subscriber

#1808111 28-Jun-2017 10:27

4000V ought to do it.

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solutionz

589 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1808115 28-Jun-2017 10:32

http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/outdoor-garden-conservatory/gardening-landscaping-supplies/pest-weed-control/auction-1357201086.htm

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#1808116 28-Jun-2017 10:35

Hotfoot https://store.nzfarmsource.co.nz/catalog/hot-foot-bird-repellent-gel-300g/205268

Or enclose it in white bird netting, with spacers to stand it off the elements.

Or fishing line, with spacers to stand it off the the elements.

Or try some streamers - if that's cosmetically acceptable.

Mike

Paul1977

5041 posts

Uber Geek

#1808117 28-Jun-2017 10:36

What sort of antenna is it? If it is an old combo or VHF with the long elements then birds are more attracted to it. VHF is no longer needed, so you could replace it with a UHF only antenna which will not attract as many birds.

I've never noticed any birds on our UHF antenna, which looks like this:

tehgerbil

1102 posts

Uber Geek

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Subscriber

#1808125 28-Jun-2017 10:41

A dozen zip ties pointing out like a hedgehog. They wouldn't want to risk their wings getting caught so don't land.

Works quite well for cyclists and won't alter your signal.

Inspiration

Bung

6477 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1808131 28-Jun-2017 10:53

Paul1977:

What sort of antenna is it? If it is an old combo or VHF with the long elements then birds are more attracted to it. VHF is no longer needed, so you could replace it with a UHF only antenna which will not attract as many birds.

I've never noticed any birds on our UHF antenna, which looks like this:

We've had birds sitting on the UHF boom and the reflector. I've run some nylon fishing line from the reflector down to the end of the boom and used some bamboo satay sticks to keep them off other bits.

+1 to the zip ties :-)

Wiggum

1199 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1808145 28-Jun-2017 11:01

Stick the antenna inside the ceiling.

It may even work under a steel roof.

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quebec

852 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1808147 28-Jun-2017 11:06

Paul1977:

What sort of antenna is it? If it is an old combo or VHF with the long elements then birds are more attracted to it. VHF is no longer needed, so you could replace it with a UHF only antenna which will not attract as many birds.

I've never noticed any birds on our UHF antenna, which looks like this:

It's UHF

quebec

852 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1808148 28-Jun-2017 11:07

Wiggum:

Stick the antenna inside the ceiling.

It may even work under a steel roof.

I like this idea as there is enough space in the attic. Just a matter of going on the roof which i am not too comfortable with, might bend some steel tiles. Also, wonder how the wire is going through the roof, will it require re sealing and how the antenna is fastened to the roof. Don't wanna cause any damage?

Wiggum

1199 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1808162 28-Jun-2017 11:38

quebec:

Wiggum:

Stick the antenna inside the ceiling.

It may even work under a steel roof.

I like this idea as there is enough space in the attic. Just a matter of going on the roof which i am not too comfortable with, might bend some steel tiles. Also, wonder how the wire is going through the roof, will it require re sealing and how the antenna is fastened to the roof. Don't wanna cause any damage?

Get hold of someone with a drone to take some photos. :-)

Walking on steel titles is a bad idea, they will normally just bend. If the antenna is mounted close to the end of the roof you may just be able to climb up onto a ladder and see, without going onto the roof.

It may pay to check first if its going to work under your steel roof before pulling it all down.

Geektastic

17942 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#1808362 28-Jun-2017 16:46

Cover the antenna with bird lime.

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#1808379 28-Jun-2017 17:09

Wiggum:

Walking on steel titles is a bad idea, they will normally just bend. If the antenna is mounted close to the end of the roof you may just be able to climb up onto a ladder and see, without going onto the roof.

If you walk where there are nails you won't have an issue. I was 120kg and I didn't leave dents.

Just don't fall off