Bird Netting Installation Instructions

You can download the pdf instructions to keep on your desktop: simply click here

Cutting the netting

Both BirdNet and Knotted Netting can be cut to the desired size and shape with a good pair of scissors - no special cutting tools is needed.

Before you cut, double check your dimensions. Make sure that you have allowed extra netting for perimeter fastening and overlap seams (6" min. for both). Always leave the piece of netting bigger than what you will actually need. Joining Nets Together at Overlap Seams;

For Bird Net: Overlap the netting pieces a minimum of 6". Install the plastic clips every 6" on both sides of the seam for its full length. Twist Locks, Net Ties or Poly Cord are recommended for sealing BirdNet seams. DO NOT use metal net rings to seal PollyNet seams.

Knotted Net: Overlap the netting pieces a minimum of 6". Use the Net Rings to seal the seam. Install net rings every 6" on both sides of the seam for its full length. The poly hardware seam fasteners can also be used for Knotted Net seams. Follow the spacing guidelines provided for the plastic clips.

Perimeter Fastening:

	For Bird Net: Roll the edges of the netting 2 or 3 times when installing BirdNet with Plastic Clips.
	For Knotted Net: Use Net Rings to fasten the Knotted Net to the perimeter cables. Plastic Clips can be used with the cables if desired.

Interior Support:

	Overhead Supports: Locate and utilize overhead pipes, beams, trusses, etc to help support the interior netting areas (away from the perimeter). Fasten to the overhead support items as often as possible. We recommend using the Net Ties, Poly Cord, Quick Tie Chains or the Net Savers for support hardware.
	Support Cables: Used when there is minimal overhead support. Bird netting should NOT be allowed to run more than 50 feet without support cables. We recommend installing support cables every 25 feet. For K-Net use Net Rings to fasten the netting to the cable. For PollyNet, use the Net Ties.

Fitting Around Obstructions:

Objects hang lower than the installed netting: DO NOT cut large pieces out of the netting. To fit the netting around objects (such as lights), make simple slits or X cuts just big enough to fit the object. If the obstruction is close to an outside edge, make a straight cut from the edge to the obstruction. If it's in the middle of the installation area, cut a slit or X in the net below the object. Pass the object through the mesh and seal the netting back together above/behind it. Use seam hardware to seal up the slit or cuts around the object.

Fit netting around objects:

Square/Rectangular objects along the perimeter (a column). Cut a simple "T" in the net that is the same width and depth as the column (see drawing). Use the excess netting of the "T" to fasten to the perimeter hardware (perimeter hardware must follow the shape and direction of the outside edges).

Round objects along or close to the perimeter (large pipe). Cut an "X" big enough to fit the diameter, then make a slit from the "X" to the closest edge of the netting. Use the excess netting of the "X" to fasten to the perimeter hardware (perimeter hardware must follow the shape and direction of the outside edges).

Installation Instructions:

I. Corner and Intermediate Attachments

A. Corner Attachments are under the most pressure, and must be the strongest part of the system or the entire system will fail. Corner attachments are used where the cables begin/end and where cable turns corners. Example: If you are netting off a square building, corner attachments would be place in the four corners of the building.

Examples of Corner attachments include:

For Wood: Galvanizes or Stainless Screw Eyes.
For Concrete: Expanding Net Bolts.
For Steel: Eye Bolts & Nut (This is the only item that needs to be drilled into the steel.)

B. Intermediate Attachments also hold the cable to the structure. The purpose of intermediate attachments is to hold the cable tight against the wall, i.e. prevent it from bowing and/or giving the birds room to enter/exit the area of coverage.

1. Installation of Intermediate Attachments should be every 2 feet. Note: For sparrows, swallows and smaller birds, intermediates should be placed mo more that 2 ft. apart, otherwise the birds may be able to get behind the gaps in the cable.

2. Examples of Intermediate Attachments include:

Anchor Rivets and Split Pins: MultiPurpose Cable Brackets. These can be used in wood or concrete frames. Advantage: Low Visibility as well as Strength.
Hilty Hooks which can be hammered directly into concrete. Advantages: strength, but larger head makes it more noticeable than anchor rivet and split pin option.
For Steel: Girder Clips. They are installed by hammering on to steel beam. Be sure not to hammer in all the way, or the cable won’t be able to run through jaw of the bracket.

II. Straining Wire/Cable & Ferrules

Once you have installed the corner and intermediate attachments, it is time to run your straining wire. Straining wire (or Cable) is available in either galvanized or stainless steel. Stainless cable (and hardware) is primarily used in areas that are near the ocean. Most installations will take galvanized wire and hardware. Ferrules are used at the first corner attachment and then later at the turnbuckle.

A. Run two copper ferrules through the end of the cable.

B. Loop the cable through the first corner attachment and back through the ferrules.

C. Secure/ crimp the ferrules to lock cable into place with a ratchet crimper. This will create a strong loop.

D. Run cable through all intermediate attachments and finally through the turnbuckle at the end of the cable run.

E. Repeat Step #C (i.e. loop and crimp cable through turnbuckle.) See Section III for correct method on installing turnbuckles.

III. Turnbuckles

Turnbuckles are available in galvanized or stainless steel (medium or large). Turnbuckles must be well anchored since they are exerting a great deal of tension on the cable/ straining wire.

A. Medium turnbuckles are designed for cables up to 75 feet.

B. Large turnbuckles are designed for cables 75 feet and above.

C. Installation:

Make sure to open the turnbuckle all the way.
Pull the cables as tight as possible through the turnbuckle before the loop is finally crimped. Take up as much tension as possible before crimping!!!
Tighten turnbuckle using a screwdriver, etc.
Be careful not to pull out your fasteners/ eyehooks when tightening the cable via the turnbuckle.

IV. Net Rings

Netting is attached to the straining wire/ cable with net rings (using a Net Ring Tool). Similar to a stapler, the Net Ring Tool holds a cartridge of approx. 50 net rings. A. Net Ring one loop per square for 2” net. ¾” net may suffice with every square, depending on the installation and pest bird problem.

You can download the pdf instructions to keep on your desktop: simply click here