Nest box trap for Coates WatersEdge

[Guest]

I finally figured out a way to trap HOSP which were trying to move into my new WatersEdge Suites. Thought I'd pass this along for others who may have the same problem. None of the traps sold on the usual sites fit this particular house, so it is a problem.

I cut a piece of 1/4" plywood to the same size as a door panel. Then I cannibalized the trap mechanism from a "Universal Nest Box Trap" sold in the PMCA Shop. Unfortunately, it isn't universal enough to fit this house. The mechanism can be removed by simply unscrewing the three bolts which attach it to the front of the trap - so it can be reassembled later if need be. I then drilled holes in the piece of plywood to correspond to the correct placement for the entry hole and trap mechanism attachment bolts. Now I have a door panel which I can substitute for the regular panel when I need to trap a sparrow.

I was also wondering if anyone has any experience using the nest box trap designed for the Super Gourd on the Big Bo gourd by S&K. I have had good luck using this trap with my Super Gourds, and was thinking of replacing my Troyer horizontal gourds (which are not compatible with any traps) with the Big Bo gourds. I would like to try the Big Bo gourds but don't want any housing or gourds that I can't keep sparrows out of.

I also learned of another modification I needed to make to the WatersEdge Suites. Last evening we had a squall line move through with rain,wind, thunder, etc. I saw one of my martins really struggling to get through the SREH on this house. The porch is polished aluminum and very slick, especially when wet, and this guy could not get in the house. He finally gave up and flew over to a stand of trees, where I guess he spent a cold, wet night. First thing this morning I went to Lowe's and got some tread tape (like heavy sandpaper with adhesive backing) to add to the porches and to the inside entry to give the martins some traction. They seem to need that when getting through SREH.

Peggy

[John Miller]

Peggy

Sounds like you have made a version of the "Spare 'O Door" trap that works so well in Trio houses.

I had wondered if one could just pop out the little perch on the porch of Coates houses in order to slip in the universal trap, but I'm not sure. The porch holder tab might still be in the way.

John Miller

[Guest]

In fact I based my home made device on the Trio Spare-O-Door which I've used in the past on Trio houses. I tried every way I could to get the Universal trap to fit, but ended up having to just fabricate my own trap. Whatever works!!!

[Guest]

...I had wondered if one could just pop out the little perch on the porch of Coates houses in order to slip in the universal trap, but I'm not sure. The porch holder tab might still be in the way.

John Miller

I've got three Universal HOSP Traps in my Coates houses, and that is exactly how I inserted them. Pop off the porch rail, bend the porch clip to one side, and insert the trap. Only problem is, it's very difficult to see whether the trap has been sprung when it is inside the house. I stand off a little ways and use a pair of binoculars to see whether the trap has engaged or not.