Topic: uses for video tape?

[caroline7758]

Someone on my local freecycle was offering some video tapes and included the suggestion that the tape might be useful for allotments. i'm guessing he was thinking of using it like cotton to keep birds off. Any other ideas?

[tim]

No - as a 'hum' line.

[caroline7758]

say what?????

[cambourne7]

Hi

A hum line is where you use a bit of the tape and pull it over a bed and the wind catches it and it makes a humming noice which is used to scare birds.

I also use tape instead of twine, or a great way to start a bonfire the tapes go up fast and hot.

camourne7

[caroline7758]

Ah, all becomes clear! Will hold on to my tapes, then!

[tim]

It is said that a hum line should be put in place before the crop is planted - & set about 18" high.

[teresa]

If you add a twist in the tape it not only hums in the wind but shimmers as well, birds dont like it.
Works a treat for me, great for using up old tapes which dont play anymore.
Also 2ltr pop bottles on short canes they rattle in wind stagger them between rows birds dont like that either. then theres the CD's they shimmer and move. I am the poor relation down our lottie ha ha.

[caroline7758]

Thanks for the ideas. I've used Cds before but they always seem to cut through the string in the end. Any suggestions for making them last longer?

[teresa]

I use the nylon coloured string ( cheep stuff ) double thinkness, or you could try fishing line,  thats strong I use it to hang Xmas cards on the wall, just  a line across the wall cannot see it an pop cards on. Could do the samd on lottie string across and knot the CD's spaced out.
Ok I am full of bright idea's ha ha but some work ;D

[tim]

Like so?

[teresa]

Oh Tim thats a lovely pic, I am not that cleaver yet hee hee, old wire coat hangers come to mind? :D