A key MWDI Best Practice is to insure that predator guard protection is excellent. PVC sleeves and flashing wrap can work but most programs that use PVC sleeves do not enclose the top or bottom and snakes are able to move inside them easily. Raccoons can climb them as well although one program participant has success with PVC sleeves by adding strips of Nixalite. MWDI has not had time to try this and evaluate it more fully.
The guards are 26 gauge galvanized metal, 36” diameter, cone style w/ four flaps designed to fit around a 4x4 pole or similarly shaped sections.
We know from field experience that 4" sleeves do not deter raccoons and a 6" sleeve will not stop the larger ones from climbing up. At a minimum, we ask program managers to seal the top gap of any PVC sleeve and replace all 4" tubes. For those whose sleeve guards are too low or short, raccoons simply use them as step ladders to step on or pull themselves up.
There are several other type of guards but the cone shaped 3 foot diameter guard is considered to be a pragmatic, cost effective solution if the guard is adhered tightly to the pole with no gaps and surrounding vegetation is kept away.
Predator Guards for Sale
Suitable for wood duck nest protection.
Phoenix Metals was paying attention when the MD Wood Duck Initiative released key Wood Duck Hatchling conservation Best Practices from its research.
Members of our Leadership Team got together with Cliff Brown, Director of the MWDI, value engineered, and produced a steel guard to help protect the wood duck eggs from predators. They are considered to be a pragmatic, cost-effective solution, if the guard is adhered tightly to the pole, with no gapping, and cleared of close vegetation to more effectively deter snakes and rodents willing to make the jump.
Since 2012, over 4,000 guards have been produced by Phoenix Metals, and distributed across the United States to Wood Duck breeding areas in cooperation with the MDWI, helping to bring hatchling numbers up to conservationists’ expectations for the species.
The guards are unpainted 26 gauge galvanized steel, 36” diameter, ship flat with four, pre-cut, integrated flaps designed to fit conically around a 4”x 4” post.
$22 for 4" x 4" post
+ 6% Sales Tax for MD Residents = $23.32
Listed price does not include shipping.
To place an order:
Payment for orders that need to be shipped can be made directly to Phoenix Metals via credit card or check. Phoenix will indicate shipping costs at the time of the order. Credit cards are accepted.
Aaron Ward at 28867 Adkins Rd, Delmar, MD 21875 will coordinate delivery if possible or pickup arrangements for your predator guards.
For orders outside of MD, or in-state that require shipping or pickup at 1920 Portal St, Baltimore, MD 21224, contact:
Brian Wisniewski
Phoenix Metals
Phone: 410-633-0685 ext 18
E-Mail: brianw@wemakeduct.com
For MD local pick-up or delivery orders:
Send a check made out to Phoenix Metals, including sales tax to:
MWDI
ATTN: Aaron Ward
3021 45th St NW
Washington, DC 20016
For orders outside of MD, or in-state that require shipping, contact:
Brian Wisniewski
Phoenix Metals
Phone: 410-633-0685 ext 18
E-Mail:
brianw@wemakeduct.com
For direct payments to Phoenix Metals, contact:
Brian Wisniewski
Phoenix Metals
Phone: 410-633-0685 ext 1
E-Mail: brianw@wemakeduct.com
