anyone else had squirrels gnawing aluminum excluder doors?
Over this winter I found where a squirrel has gnawed off the points on a couple of aluminum excluder doors. I have ordered replacements, but have not installed them until I can get a predator pole guard. I have an older 3 piece telescoping round Trio pole. Has anyone else experienced this? I will post pictures of the damaged doors later.
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4th Gen Martin Fan
- Posts: 1498
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:19 pm
- Location: TN/Collierville
- Martin Colony History: I have been exposed to purple martin sounds in utero when my mother went out to get my father away from his martin colony.
I played around the martin colony every summer and watched as my father maintained his colony. In the late 50's until the 70's he did not notice European Starlings in south Texas.
When old enough, I helped maintain his colony. My primary task was eliminating English House Sparrows with a 1956 Benjamin 317 .177 air rifle.
When I settled into my own home, I started my first colony with an original Trio Castle and Trio Grandpa. When I moved again, I did not put up any martin houses. Frustration with European Starlings in the Southeast US was overwhelming.
Found PMCA Forum and learned about modern enlarged compartments and SREHs.
Inherited my father's last martin house, a Trio Grandma, modified it to modern specifications and have had good results since then.
Ben,
I think that this topic covered the question about height of pole guards above the ground very well.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... hth+height
Your basic decision will be whether to get the quick release pole guard for round poles vs. the adjustable pole guard A.
Either will work to have the bottom of the pole guard 4 ft. above the ground but it will be a matter of how easy nest checks will be without the quick release pole guard.
I chose the quick release pole guard for round pole even though it is more expensive.
I am glad I did spend the extra money. It is worth it when you start to do regular nest checks.
Of course, I have the Trio MSS8 (Grandma) which used the rope/pulley system to lower the house.
You specifically asked about the telescoping pole system.
I vaguely remember that Larry Melcher had a unique way of attaching his pole guard that utilized the pole guard A. He is a lot more knowledgeable than me about how to do it.
I suspect that others will have better ideas than I will.
Mark.
I think that this topic covered the question about height of pole guards above the ground very well.
http://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewt ... hth+height
Your basic decision will be whether to get the quick release pole guard for round poles vs. the adjustable pole guard A.
Either will work to have the bottom of the pole guard 4 ft. above the ground but it will be a matter of how easy nest checks will be without the quick release pole guard.
I chose the quick release pole guard for round pole even though it is more expensive.
I am glad I did spend the extra money. It is worth it when you start to do regular nest checks.
Of course, I have the Trio MSS8 (Grandma) which used the rope/pulley system to lower the house.
You specifically asked about the telescoping pole system.
I vaguely remember that Larry Melcher had a unique way of attaching his pole guard that utilized the pole guard A. He is a lot more knowledgeable than me about how to do it.
I suspect that others will have better ideas than I will.
Mark.
Mark.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
Firm believer in HOSP/EUST Control, Enlarged Compartments, SREHs, Pole Predator Guards, Owl/Hawk Guards, Mite/Parasite Control, Housing Insulation, and Vents for Compartment Cooling.
PMCA Member.
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Craig Haddox
- Posts: 444
- Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:13 pm
- Location: Missouri Washington
I use a 6in.round 5ft.length of PVC pipe on all of my poles. It has kept my colony safe the past 6 years I have been using it.