SURFACE PREPARATION
For long-term effectiveness (in excess of 2 years) it is essential that:
- The correct bead depth be applied.
- The correct application pattern is made.
The surface onto which the Hot Foot is applied must be clean and dry. If the surface is clean and dry enough to paint then it is satisfactory for the application of the gel.
Cleaning should be done to remove dust, dirt, flaking paint, bird droppings etc. Take great care when removing the droppings as they can be highly toxic. Hot Foot always strongly suggests the pretreatment with its own surface cleaner called Steriliz-It prior to the cleanup process.
It is absolutely essential that existing bird nests be removed completely, otherwise the female birds will try desperation moves to return to the nest and re-infestation will certainly occur.
Under no circumstances should Hot Foot Repellent (Gel) be applied in or around existing nests and do not use the product to repel protected or endangered species.
WHERE TO CUT THE NOZZLE OF THE CARTRIDGE
- Cut here at the first graduation mark to apply a bead of gel to repel birds the size of Sparrows.
- Cut here at the second graduation mark to apply a bead of gel to repel birds the size of Starlings.
- Cut here at the third graduation mark to apply a bead of gel to repel birds the size of Pigeons.
CRYSTAL COAT
Use Crystal coat spray to seal porous surfaces such as unpainted concrete, bricks, cement, tiles etc. prior to the application of the gel. If the surface is not porous such as steel, aluminum, painted surfaces etc. the pre-treating with crystal coat is not necessary. Always spray Hot Foot gel with Crystal Coat to prevent dust and dirt from absorbing the gel. One can of Crystal Coat will cover nine cartridges of gel.
HOT FOOT GET READY RECKONER
Use the following chart to assist you in determining how many tracks of Hot Foot Repellent (Ge)l are needed on ledges of different widths.
Single-Sided Ledge
| Width of Ledge | No. of Gel Tracks |
| 1"-6" | 1 |
| 7"-12" | 2 |
| 13"-18" | 3 |
| 19"-24" | 4 |
| 25"-30" | 5 |
| 31"-36" | 6 |
Double-Sided Ledge
| Width of Ledge | No. of Gel Tracks |
| 1"-3" | 1 |
| 4"-9" | 2 |
| 10"-15" | 3 |
| 16"-21" | 4 |
| 22"-27" | 5 |
| 28"-33" | 6 |
Coverage per tube One tube of Hot Foot Gel will give a coverage of approximately:
- 12'-15' x 3" against pigeons
- 20'-24' x 2" against starlings
- 30'-36' x 1" against sparrows
APPLICATION PATTERNS AND REMOVAL
APPLICATION
The track of gel applied at the leading edge should start 1/4" (6mm) back from this edge.
For wide ledges, multiple tracks should be applied as per diagram below.
REMOVAL
From tools: Remove bulk product by non abrasive scraping. Then apply a product such as WD 40 to remove the residue.
From Application Surfaces: Remove bulk product by non abrasive scraping. Then apply a low volatile solvent such as mineral spirits, turps etc. Check a small area first to ensure that the solvent does not remove paint etc. Do not use paint thinners.
From Skin and Hair: Apply a non allergenic cooking oil such as olive, peanut, safflower oil and work into a creamy consistency. Then remove using a non-alcoholic detergent such as dishwashing liquid, shampoo or similar.
From bird feathers: This should not occur if Hot Foot Gel is correctly applied. First apply a liberal amount of cooking oil such as Olive Oil, Peanut Oil etc. onto the gel. This will neutralize the stickiness. Then remove the residue using a mild household washing liquid.
HOT FOOT GEL APPLICATION
| Dimension A : | 1/4" |
| Dimension B: | For Pigeons 3"
For Starlings 2"
For Sparrows 1" |
| Dimension C: | For Pigeons 3"
For Starlings 2"
For Sparrows 2" |
PRECAUTIONS
- Beware of overhanging trees, shrubs etc. which can grow over and drop debris onto the gel. Such debris will render the application ineffective.
- Be especially wary of overhead, untreated surfaces where birds can drop droppings, nest material etc. onto the gel. This will also render the application ineffective after a short time.
- If you treat only one portion of a roosting surface, or only a few of all the roosting surfaces, then pigeons in particular will make repeated attempts to regain entry. Within 3-6 months, birds will have established an entry "corridor" into the application and a repeat application will be necessary. In partial applications, Deter Spikes should be used to surround the gel application so the birds have to over-fly them in order to gain entry.
- Surfaces which are less then 1.75 inches (4.5cm) in width are generally unsuitable for the application of Hot Foot gel to repel pigeons.
- Consider aesthetics. Over time the tracks of gel will darken as dust and dirt accumulate. If this visibility is a problem then use Hot Foot Springwire or Deter.
- Do not apply Hot Foot gel onto precious stonework, works of art or antiques, Statues etc. without first contacting Hot Foot for specific advice. Any damage can be extremely expensive to repair and under these circumstances it is best to use a physical barrier or use a suitable outdoor tape to place a non-permanent barrier between the surface and the gel.
APPLICATION TIME ESTIMATES
Application rates vary considerably depending on whether you are using a ladder, boom truck etc. as much time is wasted in moving this equipment.
Application is a lot faster when using the Hot Foot Battery Powered Caulking Gun or the Ezi-Flow Gun. With clear access to the application surface requiring no access equipment one person can apply 120ft. of Hot Foot Gel per hour using the Battery Gun. When not using this gun and working off a ladder only 40 ft. per hour may be achieved.
