AU2012201618B2 - Bird and animal repellant sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a sheet having a high level of pecking/chewing damage deterrence which, in the case the 5 sheet is pecked at or chewed on by a bird or animal such as a cockatoo or mouse, allows the obtaining of highly repellent effects at an early stage thereof, thereby making it possible to minimize damage to the sheet body, lengthen the replacement cycle of the sheet, and increase 10 the reliability of the sheet with respect to maintaining strength. The bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention is an irritant-containing laminate comprising a woven fabric or knitted fabric as a foundation cloth and a pecking/chewing damage deterrent 15 layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition on at least one side of said foundation cloth, wherein the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer contains specific amounts of capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles having a specific particle 20 diameter at a specific weight ratio.

Description

A ustralian Pateits Act 1990- Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title Bird and animal repellent sheet The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/0 11 5102 - la TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] 5 The present invention relates to a flexible sheet and flexible mesh sheet that deters pecking/chewing damage by birds and animals. More particularly, the present invention relates to an outdoor storage cover sheet for protecting harvests of agricultural crops, 10 grains, fruits or vegetables from damage caused by rain or birds, a tarpaulin sheet used in flexible containers for filling with rice, grains or food raw materials for storage or transport, a mesh sheet for use as a fence for preventing intrusion by birds and animals, or a cable 15 cover sheet for protecting electrical wiring, telecommunication lines and other indoor wiring of homes, buildings, athletic stadiums, large entertainment facilities or infrastructure facilities and the like from chewing damage caused by mice. 20 BACKGROUND ART [0002] When accumulated crops such as harvested wheat, barley, corn or sorghum are temporarily stored as is on 25 farmland, these accumulated crops have conventionally been completely sealed and stored using a simple method involving covering with a flexible cover sheet such as a synthetic resin-coated cloth in order to protect from pecking damage caused by birds and animals. Despite 30 this, cockatoos (Psittaciformes: cacatuidae) such as the sulphur-crested cockatoo, galah, long-billed corella or little corella, which thrive in areas around farmlands, sense the presence of these accumulated crops, poke through the cover sheet in groups, and cause pecking 35 damage to stored grain. Cockatoos have the habit of pecking objects or grinding their bills on objects in order to sharpen their bills, elastic materials such as -2 synthetic resin or synthetic rubber that are inherently preferred by cockatoos for pecking, and synthetic resin coated cloths in the manner of stored grain covers in particular are the perfect targets for both the feeding 5 behavior and pecking/grinding behavior of cockatoos. As a result of such group attacks by cockatoos, numerous holes are formed in the stored grain cover, thereby requiring time and effort to repair the holes or requiring the grain cover to be replaced with a new one 10 depending on the degree of damage. [0003] On the other hand, flexible containers filled with food raw materials and the like may be chewed on by mice during storage, and telephone lines, communication line 15 cables or cable covers and the like running through concealed locations may be damaged by mice chewing on them. This is due to the feeding behavior as well as the habit of mice of continuously chewing on any hard objects they can find in order to grind down their teeth that 20 grow continuously throughout their lives in the same manner as parrots. Chewing damage by mice has been successfully held to a minimum by containing a spicy irritant in the form of a capsaicin compound in the synthetic resin or synthetic rubber used for flexible 25 containers, telephone lines, telecommunication line cables and cable covers in order to prevent this chewing damage. This capsaicin compound is used by containing in microcapsules, and as a result of imparting pain to the mice for a predetermined amount of time due to the 30 released capsaicin compound instantaneously irritating the oral cavity, nasal cavity or eyes of the mice when the microcapsules are destroyed as a result of mice chewing on the protected object, all subsequent chewing behavior is deterred. A specific example of this 35 technology consists of a rodent chewing damage preventive fabric that uses a resin obtained by mixing 1.25% to 2.50% of capsaicin-containing melamine capsules into a - 3 vinyl chloride thermoplastic resin and dots the capsaicin-containing capsules on a breathable fabric (Patent Document 1). In addition, a rodent-repellent sheet is disclosed that is obtained by containing 5 microcapsules containing capsaicin in melamine resin at 1% by weight to 3% by weight in a film composition composed of low-density polyethylene and ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer, and then laminating this film onto both sides of a synthetic resin flat yarn cloth 10 (Patent Document 2). [0004] These technologies only demonstrate repellent effects when a mouse chews on a fabric or sheet and causes damage to the fabric or sheet. However, since the 15 shearing force caused by biting when a mouse chews on a fabric or sheet first acts to cause plastic deformation of the resin component, it is difficult for shearing force to act directly on destruction of hard capsule particles coated with melamine resin. Thus, since the 20 microcapsules are not easily destroyed and the capsaicin is not effectively released, the mouse repeatedly engages in several rounds of chewing behavior by the time it has learned the correlation between chewing behavior and pain, thereby resulting in extensive damage to the fabric 25 or sheet. Accordingly, even if it is possible for these methods to inhibit damage caused by mice, the fabric or sheet still ends up requiring repair, and may even be required to be replaced with a new one depending on the degree of damage. 30 [0005] On the other hand, with respect to technologies for preventing damage by birds, polymer insulators for preventing bird damage have been proposed in which capsaicin is coated on the insulator or capsaicin is 35 incorporated in a resin that coats the insulator, and the repellent effects thereof have been demonstrated in macaws (Patent Document 3). In addition, a waterproof - 4 coated film and waterproof layer that are resistant to damage by birds have been proposed that contain capsaicin or capsaicin microcapsules in roof waterproofing materials, and the repellent effects thereof have been 5 demonstrated in crows (Patent Document 4). These technologies only demonstrate repellent effects when a macaw or crow and the like pecks at an insulator or roof waterproofing material and causes damage thereto. However, in the technology described in Patent Document 10 3, effects can only be expected to last for a short period of time since the capsaicin component is lost as a result of being volatized due to the heat of the sun or being extracted by falling rain. In addition, in the technology described in Patent Document 4, since the 15 shearing force generated during pecking by birds acts to cause thermal deformation of the resin component, it is difficult for shearing force to act on destruction of the microcapsule particles, thereby preventing the capsaicin component from being effectively released. Thus, birds 20 repeatedly engage in numerous rounds of pecking behavior and grinding behavior by the time they learn the correlation between pecking behavior and pain, thereby resulting in extensive external damage to roof waterproofing materials. Accordingly, even if it is 25 possible for this method to inhibit damage caused by birds, the roof waterproofing material still ends up requiring repair, and may even lead to serious leakage problems depending on the degree of damage. 30 PRIOR ART REFERENCES Patent Documents [0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. H06-199620 35 Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. H10-044339 Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent -5 Publication (Kokai) No. 2005-142106 Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-330380 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention seeks to provide a bird and animal repellent sheet, such as an outdoor storage cover sheet for protecting harvests of agricultural crops, grains, 10 fruits or vegetables from damage caused by rain or birds, a tarpaulin sheet used in flexible containers for filling with rice, grains or food raw materials for storage or transport, a mesh sheet for use as a fence for preventing intrusion by birds and animals, or a cable cover sheet for protecting 15 electrical wiring, telecommunication lines and other indoor wiring of homes, buildings, athletic stadiums, large entertainment facilities or infrastructure facilities and the like from chewing damage caused by mice, wherein in the case birds or animals such as cockatoos or mice peck or chew 20 on these sheets, the birds or animals learn the sensation of discomfort and pain at an early stage thereof, thereby allowing the obtaining of repellent effects, as a result thereof, damage to these sheets can be minimized, the replacement cycle of the sheets is lengthened, and 25 reliability of the sheets with respect to retaining strength is increased. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS [00081 30 As a result of conducting extensive studies in consideration of the aforementioned present circumstances regarding bird and animal repellent sheets, the inventors of the present invention found that, in an irritant-containing laminate obtained by using a woven fabric or knitted fabric 35 as a foundation cloth and providing a - 6 pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition on at least one side thereof, by containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles having a 5 specific particle diameter in the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer at a specific weight ratio, and making the content of the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles based on the weight of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer to be a specific percent by 10 weight, in the case birds and animals such as cockatoos or mice peck at or chew on the sheet, repellent effects are obtained as a result of the birds and animals learning the sensation of discomfort and pain at an early stage thereof, thereby making it possible to minimize 15 damage to the sheet body, lengthening the replacement cycle of the sheet, and increasing the reliability of the sheet with respect to retaining strength, thereby leading to completion of the present invention. [0009] 20 Namely, the present invention is as follows: [1] A bird and animal repellent sheet that is an irritant-containing laminate comprising a woven fabric or knitted fabric as a foundation cloth and a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer composed of a 25 thermoplastic resin composition on at least one side of said foundation cloth, wherein the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer contains capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles containing a capsaicin compound (hereinafter also referred to as "capsaicin-containing 30 microcapable particles") and silicon compound particles having a mean particle diameter of 10 pm to 100 pm, within a weight ratio range of 1:1 to 1:5, and the content of the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles based on the weight of the pecking/chewing 35 damage deterrent layer is 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight. [2] The bird and animal repellent sheet according to [1], wherein the silicon compound particles are one or - 7 more types selected from the group consisting of glass powder, glass beads, glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu balloons. [3] The bird and animal repellent sheet according 5 to [1] or [2], further comprising a protective coating layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition not containing the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles on the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer. [4] The bird and animal repellent sheet according 10 to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the protective coating layer contains one or more types of silicon compounds selected from the group consisting of glass powder, glass beads, glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu balloons at 0.1% by weight to 25% by weight based 15 on the protective coating layer. (5] The bird and animal repellent sheet according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the capsaicin containing microcapsule particles are destroyed as a result of the silicon compound particles pressing against 20 and shearing the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles due to physical stimulation of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer, thereby effectively releasing a capsaicin compound contained therein. 25 As a result, in the case a bird or animal such as a cockatoo or mouse pecks at or chews on the sheet, the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention allows the obtaining of dramatic repellent effects by causing the bird or animal to learn the sensation of 30 discomfort and pain at an early stage thereof, thereby minimizing damage to the sheet body, lengthening the replacement cycle of the sheet, and allowing the obtaining of reliability with respect to retaining strength. 35 [0010] In the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention, the coarse silicon compound particles - 8 are preferably one or more types selected from the group consisting of glass powder, glass beads, glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu balloons. Due to the presence of these coarse silicon compound 5 particles, the destruction efficiency of the capsaicin containing microcapsule particles increases, and as a result thereof, discomfort and pain can be learned at an early stage and dramatic repellent effects are obtained as a result thereof, thereby making it possible to 10 minimize damage to the sheet body, lengthen the replacement cycle of the sheet, and allow the obtaining of reliability with respect to retaining strength. [0011] In the bird and animal repellent sheet of the 15 present invention, a protective coating layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition not containing the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles is preferably provided on the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer. Due to the presence of this protective coating layer, the 20 capsaicin serving as the active ingredient in the microcapsule particles is retained for a long period of time due to the effect of protecting the capsaicin containing microcapsule particles from stress brought about by rainfall and direct sunlight, or in other words, 25 allows the obtaining of stable pecking/chewing damage deterrent effects for a long period of time. [0012] In the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention, the protective coating layer 30 preferably contains one or more types of silicon compounds selected from the group consisting of glass powder, glass beads, glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu balloons at 0.1% by weight to 25% by weight based on the protective coating layer. Due to the 35 presence of this protective coating layer, in the case an animal or bird such as a cockatoo or mouse pecks at or chews on the sheet, repellent effects are further - 9 enhanced by imparting stress to the bird or animal associated with wear of the beak or teeth, and since damage to the sheet body can be minimized, the replacement cycle of the sheet can be lengthened and 5 reliability can be obtained with respect to retaining strength. [00131 In the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention, the capsules are preferably destroyed 10 as a result of the silicon compound particles pressing against and shearing the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles due to physical stimulation of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer, thereby effectively releasing the capsaicin compound contained 15 therein. As a result of this action, the destruction efficiency of the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles is increased, and as a result thereof, discomfort and pain can be learned at an early stage and dramatic repellent effects are obtained as a result 20 thereof, thereby making it possible to minimize damage to the sheet body, lengthen the replacement cycle of the sheet, and allow the obtaining of reliability with respect to retaining strength. 25 EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION [0014] According to the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention, in the case a bird or animal such as a cockatoo or mouse pecks at or chews on the sheet of 30 the present invention, dramatic repellent effects are obtained as a result of enabling the bird or animal to learn the sensation of discomfort and pain at an early stage thereof, and since makes it possible to minimize damage to the sheet body, lengthen the replacement cycle 35 of the sheet, and allow the obtaining of a highly reliable sheet with respect to retaining strength, the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention - 10 can be suitably used in applications such as an outdoor storage cover sheet for protecting harvests of agricultural crops, grains, fruits or vegetables from damage caused by rain or birds, a tarpaulin sheet used in flexible containers 5 for filling with rice, grains or food raw materials for storage or transport, a mesh sheet for use as a fence for preventing intrusion by birds and animals by installing around orchards or farms, or a cable cover sheet for protecting electrical wiring, communication lines and other 10 indoor wiring of homes, buildings, athletic stadiums, large entertainment facilities or infrastructure facilities and the like from chewing damage caused by mice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 [0014a] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated with reference to the following non-limiting drawings. [0015) FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cross 20 section of the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a cross section of the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention. 25 EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0016] Examples of the foundation cloth used in the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention include 30 textiles (woven fabrics) woven from synthetic fiber thread, natural fiber thread, inorganic fiber thread or blended fiber thread composed of two or more types thereof. Examples of synthetic fiber thread includes thread obtained from general purpose fibers such as nylon fiber, vinylon fiber, polyester 35 fiber, polyethylene fiber or polypropylene fiber, and preferably include thread obtained from high-strength, high elastic modulus fibers such as aromatic polyamide fiber or aromatic heterocyclic polymer fiber. Examples of natural - 11 fiber thread include cotton, hemp and kenaf. Examples of inorganic fiber thread include thread obtained from glass fiber, silica fiber, alumina fiber and carbon fiber. In the present invention, a flat woven fabric made of a 5 filament yarn or spun yarn obtained from a synthetic fiber is particularly preferable. Alternatively, a knit fabric obtained by Raschel knitting can also be used. The foundation cloth may be subjected to water repellency treatment, water absorption preventive treatment, 10 adhesive treatment or flame retardation treatment and the like as necessary, or may be subjected to immersion treatment or fixing treatment so as to insert the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles in the gaps between the synthetic fibers that compose the foundation 15 cloth. [0017] A foundation cloth used in the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention that is suitable for applications such as flexible containers or cable 20 covers is a plain weave fabric having inter-fiber porosity of 5% to 35% and preferably 5% to 25% using filament yarn of 278 dtex to 1666 dtex and preferably 555 dtex to 1111 dtex. In addition, a foundation cloth that is suitable for mesh sheet applications is a plain weave 25 fabric, mock leno weave fabric or Raschel knit fabric having inter-fiber porosity of 5% to 50% and preferably 5% to 35% using filament yarn of 222 dtex to 1666 dtex and preferably 555 dtex to 1111 dtex. In addition, a foundation cloth that is suitable for application as an 30 outdoor storage cover sheet is a plain weave fabric having inter-fiber porosity of 5% or less using spun yarn over a range of a 10 yarn count (591 dtex) to 60 yarn count (97 dtex), and particularly spun yarn of a 10 yarn count (591 dtex), 14 yarn count (422 dtex), 16 yarn count 35 (370 dtex), 20 yarn count (295 dtex), 24 yarn count (246 dtex) or 30 yarn count (197 dtex). More specifically, a spun plain weave fabric having a weave density of 50 to - 12 70 threads for the warp and 40 to 60 threads for the weft for an interval of 1 inch using 20 count single-ply yarn or 20 count two-ply yarn is suitable. [0018] 5 The pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer used in the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention is composed of a thermoplastic resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin, capsaicin containing microcapsule granules and silicon compound 10 particles. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include vinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride-based copolymer resin, olefin resin, olefin-based copolymer resin, urethane resin, urethane-based copolymer resin, acrylic resin, acrylic-based copolymer resin, vinyl acetate 15 resin, vinyl acetate-based copolymer resin, styrene resin, styrene-based copolymer resin, polyester resin, polyester-based copolymer resin and fluorine-containing copolymer resin, and one type of resin may be used alone or two or more types may be used in combination. Among 20 these thermoplastic resins, vinyl chloride resin (including soft vinyl chloride resin incorporating a plasticizer, stabilizer and the like) is used particularly preferably. Any of a processing method that uses these thermoplastic resin compositions by heating 25 and melting, a processing method that uses these thermoplastic resin compositions by dissolving in an organic solvent (followed by removing the organic solvent), and a processing method that uses these resin compositions by forming into an emulsion and coating 30 (followed by removing the water) can be applied to form the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer in the present invention. [0019] The capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles are 35 preferably microcapsule particles that coat and encapsulate one or more types of capsaicin compounds selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid - 13 vanillylamide, nonanoyl vanillylamide, decylic acid vanillylamide, nordihydrocapsaicin I, dihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin I, nordihydrocapsaicin II, homodihydrocapsaicin II, capsaicin, homocapsaicin I and 5 homocapsaicin II using a resin film such as a urea-based resin or melamine resin as a wall material thereof. Particularly preferable types of capsaicin include those that coat and encapsulate nonanoyl vanillylamide by using melamine resin for the wall material thereof. 10 Microcapsule particles having a particle diameter range of 10 pim to 30 pn are used for the microcapsule particles. The content of the capsaicin component contained in the microcapsule particles is preferably 25% by weight to 35% by weight. The content of the 15 microcapsule particles based on the weight of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer is preferably 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight and particularly preferably within the range of 0.1% by weight to 1.5% by weight. If the content of the microcapsule particles is less than 20 0.1% by weight, the pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect of the resulting sheet is inadequate, while if the content of the microcapsule particles exceeds 5% by weight, the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles may seep onto the surface of the sheet due to bleeding 25 and the like and problems may occur in terms of processing. [0020] One or more types of particulate materials selected from the group consisting of glass powder, glass beads, 30 glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu balloons (hollow bodies obtained by sintering and foaming vitreous volcanic ash) can be used for the silica compound, and the particle diameter range of these silica compounds is preferably 10 pn to 100 pm and particularly 35 preferably 50 pm to 100 pn. Among these particulate materials, amorphous particulate materials in the manner - 14 of glass powder, silica and silica sand are preferable, and in the case of silica, an amorphous particulate material having a secondary particle diameter (aggregated particle diameter) of 50 gm to 100 sm are preferable. In 5 addition, hollow body particles such as glass balloons or shirasu balloons include amorphous particulate materials that form sharp cross-sections when broken. The content of the silicon compound based on the weight of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer is preferably 0.1% 10 by weight to 25% by weight and particularly preferably within the range of 0.1% by weight to 15% by weight. If the content of the silicon compound particles is less than 0.1% by weight, the pecking/chewing deterrent effect of the resulting sheet is inadequate, while if the 15 content of the silicon compound particles exceeds 25% by weight, the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer becomes brittle, thereby impairing the durability of the sheet. [0021] 20 The pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer preferably contains the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and the silicon compound particles at a weight ratio during combined use of 1:1 to 1:5. A weight ratio during combined used of 1:2 to 1:3 is particularly 25 preferable. If the weight ratio of the silicon compound particles to the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles is less than 1:1, the pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect of the resulting sheet is inadequate, while if the ratio exceeds 1:5, the pecking/chewing 30 damage deterrent layer becomes brittle and the pecking/chewing damage deterrent effects of the sheet are inadequate. As a result of the silicon compound particles being present at this weight ratio, the silicon compound particles press against and shear the capsaicin 35 containing microcapsule particles due to chewing or pecking of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer by a bird or animal, thereby efficiently destroying the - 15 capsules and releasing the capsaicin compound, and enabling bird and animal repellent effects to be obtained immediately. [0022] 5 A protective coating layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition is preferably provided on the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer of the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention for the purpose of protecting the capsaicin-containing 10 microcapsule particles during long-term, outdoor use, and more specifically, to prevent deterioration of weather resistance as well as volatilization or elution and the like of the active ingredient. Examples of the thermoplastic resin composition used in the protective 15 coating layer include compositions composed mainly of one or more types of thermoplastic resins selected from the group consisting of vinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride based copolymer resin, olefin resin, olefin-based copolymer resin, urethane resin, urethane-based copolymer 20 resin, acrylic acid, acrylic-based copolymer resin, vinyl acetate resin, vinyl acetate-based copolymer resin, styrene resin, styrene-based copolymer resin, polyester resin and polyester-based copolymer resin, and these do not contain capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles. 25 Vinyl chloride resin (including soft vinyl chloride resin incorporating a plasticizer or stabilizer and the like) is particularly preferably used for the protective coating layer. The layer weight ratio of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer and the protective 30 coating layer in the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention is preferably 1.5:1 to 9:1, and particularly preferably 2.3:1 to 4:1. If the layer weight ratio of the protective coating layer is excessively low, the effect of preventing deterioration 35 of weather resistance of the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and preventing volatilization or elution and the like of the active ingredient during - 16 long-term, outdoor use is inadequate, while if the layer weight ratio of the protective coating layer is excessively high, the pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect of the resulting sheet is inadequate thereby 5 resulting in damage to the sheet by pecking or chewing. [0023] One or more types of silicon compounds selected from the group consisting of glass powder, glass beads, glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu 10 balloons (hollow bodies obtained by sintering and foaming vitreous volcanic ash) can also be contained in the protective coating layer at 0.1% by weight to 25% by weight based on the protective coating layer. If the content of the silicon compound particles is less than 15 0.1% by weight, the pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect of the resulting sheet is inadequate, while if the content of the silicon compound particles exceeds 25% by weight, the protective coating layer becomes brittle thereby impairing the durability of the sheet. The same 20 or similar silicon compound particles as those used in the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer can be used for these silicon compounds. As a result of containing silicon compound particles in the protective coating layer as well, the effect of the silicon compound 25 particles pressing against and shearing the capsaicin containing microcapsule particles due to a bird or animal pecking or chewing on the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer, the effect of destroying the capsules, and the effect of releasing the capsaicin compound are 30 further enhanced, thereby allowing the obtaining of immediate bird and anima repellent effects. [0024] Publicly known additives can be applied to the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer and protective 35 coating layer of the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention, such as incorporating a suitable amount of a known ultraviolet absorber or photostabilizer - 17 for long-term, outdoor use, incorporating a suitable amount of a publicly known flame retardant or fire extinguishing agent in order to protect articles or contents from fire when used in an outdoor storage cover 5 sheet, flexible container, mesh sheet or cable cover sheet and the like, subjecting to a known anti-soiling treatment for maintaining the appearance of the sheet, or incorporating a suitable amount of a publicly known rust proofing agent or antimicrobial. In particular, in order 10 to demonstrate a synergistic effect with the capsaicin containing microcapsule particles, a food component, chemical component or microcapsule particles in which they are contained that have irritating or paralyzing action, such as a spicy component, bitter component or 15 sour component, can be used in combination, or an odor can be imparted using a fragrance. [0025] Examples of methods for producing a flexible cover sheet used in outdoor storage cover sheet applications 20 for the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention include a method consisting of using a polyester spun plain weave fabric having porosity of 5% or less for the foundation cloth, immersing the foundation cloth in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl 25 chloride resin paste composition containing capsaicin containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles, and heat-treating the impregnated foundation cloth pressed with a rotating roller to form a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer on both sides of 30 the foundation cloth, and a method consisting of heat treating a foundation cloth that has been coated on the front and back sides by a known coating method such as knife coating, gravure transfer coating, rotary screen coating or clearance coating. In addition, examples of 35 methods for producing a tarpaulin sheet used in a flexible container application or cable cover application include a method consisting of laminating a film or sheet - 18 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles formed by calendar molding or T die extrusion on one side or both sides of a fiber foundation cloth with an adhesive layer interposed there 5 between, and a method consisting of thermal lamination on both sides of a fiber foundation cloth by means of inter fiber voids in the foundation cloth, while production can also be carried out by, for example, preliminary dipping treatment, preliminary coating treatment or combining 10 laminated film layers. In addition, examples of methods for producing a mesh sheet include a method consisting of using a polyester plain weave coarse fabric having porosity of 25% to 50% as a foundation cloth, immersing the foundation cloth in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition 15 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles, and heat-treating the impregnated foundation cloth pressed with a rotating roller to form a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer on both sides of the foundation cloth, and a method consisting of 20 heat-treating a foundation cloth that has been coated on the front and back sides by a known coating method such as knife coating, gravure transfer coating, rotary screen coating or clearance coating. The weight of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer is preferably 100% by weight or more based 25 on the weight of the foundation cloth. If the weight of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer based on the foundation cloth is less than 100% by weight, adequate bird and animal repellent effects are unable to be obtained. 30 EXAMPLES [0026] The following provides an additional explanation of the present invention using the following non-limiting examples and comparative examples. The test methods used to evaluate 35 sheets in the following examples and comparative examples - 19 are as described below. Test (1) Mouse Chewing Test (Visual Evaluation of Damage) After placing the test animal (mouse, Mus musculus 5 albino (ICR strain), 10 weeks old) in an individual cage and keeping in the cage for 8 hours along with a test piece measuring 3 cm wide x 30 cm, the first evaluation was carried out by observing the test piece for chewing marks. The evaluation method employed the evaluation 10 criteria shown in Table 1. After providing an interval of 3 days during which time the animal was housed normally, a second test was carried out (by caging the animal for 8 days) using the same test animal, an interval of 3 days during which time the animal was 15 housed normally was again provided, and a third test was carried out (by caging the animal for 8 days) using the same test animal. The results are shown in Table 3. [Table 1] Evaluation Criteria Score No chewing 0 Teeth marks present (damage to a degree that does not 1 expose the foundation cloth) Some chewing (damage to a degree that exposes the 2 foundation cloth) Chewing causing partial damage to the foundation cloth 3 Vigorous chewing causing particle rupture and destruction 4 of foundation cloth 20 Test (2) Measurement of Sheet Tensile Strength Tensile strength of the test piece of Test (1) was measured in compliance with JIS L 1096, and tensile strength retention rate based on tensile strength prior to carrying out Test (1) was calculated. This was used 25 to evaluate damage of the marks caused by chewing in Test (1), a strength retention rate of 90% or more was evaluated as "favorable pecking/chewing damage deterrent effects: A", 75% to less than 90% evaluated as "unsatisfactory pecking/chewing damage deterrent effects: 30 B", and less than 75% evaluated as "absence of pecking/chewing damage deterrent effects: C".

- 20 [00271 [Example 1] Foundation Cloth + 1 Layer: Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles/Glass Powder) 5 A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin 10 composition of "Formula 1" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and glass powder (particle diameter: 12 pm), and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 300 g/m 2 to produce a flexible sheet provided with a 15 pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer. R-731 (trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., particle diameter: 15 pm to 25 pn, active ingredient: NVA (N-nonanoyl vanillylamide), amount of active ingredient: 32% by weight) was used for the capsaicin-containing 20 microcapsule particles. The results of evaluating the flexible sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. [0028] [Example 2] Foundation Cloth + 1 Layer: Mesh Foundation 25 Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles/Glass Balloons) A polyester filament plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (555 dtex x 555 dtex)/(3 fibers/25.4 mm x 3 fibers/25.4 30 mm), basis weight: 60 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 2" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and glass balloons 35 (particle diameter: 50 gm), and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 70 - 21 g/m 2 to produce a flexible mesh sheet provided with a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer. The results of evaluating the mesh sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. In addition, the crow repellent effect 5 of this mesh sheet was also evaluated. [0029] [Example 3] Foundation Cloth + 1 Layer: Filament Foundation Cloth + EVA (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles/Silica) 10 A polyester filament plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (1111 dtex x 1111 dtex)/(17 fibers/25.4 mm x 18 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 150 g/m 2 . A film (thickness: 300 pm, 150 g/m 2 ) composed of an EVA resin 15 composition of "Formula 3" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and silica (secondary particle diameter: 18 pm) was produced using a calendaring machine, and the film was adhered to both 20 sides of the foundation cloth to produce a flexible tarpaulin sheet provided with a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer. The results of evaluating the tarpaulin sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. [0030] 25 [Example 4] Foundation Cloth + 2 Layers: Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles/Glass Powder) + Soft PVC Dip A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: 30 (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 1" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade 35 name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and glass powder (particle diameter: 12 pm), and the resin liquid was impregnated - 22 and coated onto the foundation cloth at 240 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. Next, this was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 4" shown in Table 5 2 containing only glass powder, and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated on the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer at 60 g/m 2 to produce a flexible sheet provided with a protective coating layer. The results of evaluating the flexible sheet obtained in this manner are 10 shown in Table 3. [0031] [Example 5] Foundation Cloth + 2 Layers: Mesh Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles/Glass Balloons) + Soft PVC Dip 15 A polyester filament plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (555 dtex x 555 dtex)/(3 fibers/25.4 mm x 3 fibers/25.4 2 mm), basis weight: 60 g/m This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin 20 composition of "Formula 2" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and glass balloons (particle diameter: 50 pm), and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 70 25 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. Next, this was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 5" shown in Table 2 containing only glass balloons, and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated on the 30 pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer at 30 g/m 2 to produce a flexible mesh sheet provided with a protective coating layer. The results of evaluating the mesh sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. [0032] 35 [Example 6] Foundation Cloth + 2 Layers: Filament Foundation Cloth + EVA (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles/Silica) - 23 A polyester filament plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (1111 dtex x 1111 dtex)/(17 fibers/25.4 mm x 18 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 150 g/m 2 . A film 5 (thickness: 300 pm, 150 g/m 2 ) composed of an EVA resin composition of "Formula 3" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and silica (secondary particle diameter: 18 pm) was produced using a 10 calendaring machine, and the film was adhered to both sides of the foundation cloth to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer. Next, a film (thickness: 150 pm, 75 g/m 2 ) composed of an EVA resin composition of "Formula 6" shown in Table 2 containing 15 only glass balloons was produced using a calendaring machine, and the film was adhered to both sides of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer to produce a flexible tarpaulin sheet provided with a protective coating layer. The results of evaluating the tarpaulin 20 sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. [0033] [Comparative Example 1] Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Glass Powder) A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the 25 following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 7" shown in Table 2 containing 30 only glass powder (particle diameter: 12 pm), and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 300 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. The results of evaluating the flexible sheet obtained in this manner are 35 shown in Table 3. [0034] - 24 [Comparative Example 2] Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles) A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: 5 (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 8" shown in Table 2 containing only capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: 10 trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.), and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 300 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. The results of evaluating the flexible sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 15 3. [00351 [Comparative Example 3] Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles + 5 pm Glass Powder) 20 A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin 25 composition of "Formula 9" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and glass powder having a particle diameter of 2 pm, and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 300 30 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. The results of evaluating the flexible sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. [0036] [Comparative Example 4] Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC 35 Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles + 200 pm Glass Powder) - 25 A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was 5 immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 10" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and glass powder having a particle diameter of 200 pm, and the resin liquid was 10 impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 300 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. The results of evaluating the flexible sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. [0037] 15 [Comparative Example 5] Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing Microcapsule Particles and Glass Powder at Weight Ratio of 1:0.5) A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: 20 (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 11" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade 25 name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and glass powder (particle diameter: 12 pm) at weight ratio of 1:0.5, and the resin liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 300 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. The results of evaluating the 30 flexible sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3. [0038] [Comparative Example 6] Foundation Cloth + 1 Layer: Spun Foundation Cloth + Soft PVC Dip (Capsaicin-Containing 35 Microcapsule Particles and Glass Powder at Weight Ratio of 1:20) - 26 A polyester spun plain weave fabric having the following structure was used for the foundation cloth: (591 dtex x 591 dtex)/(48 fibers/25.4 mm x 43 fibers/25.4 mm), basis weight: 230 g/m 2 . This foundation cloth was 5 immersed in a liquid bath of a soft vinyl chloride resin composition of "Formula 12" shown in Table 2 containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles (R-731: trade name, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) and glass powder (particle diameter: 12 pm) at weight ratio of 1:20, and the resin 10 liquid was impregnated and coated onto the foundation cloth at 300 g/m 2 to provide a pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer thereon. The results of evaluating the flexible sheet obtained in this manner are shown in Table 3.

- 27 [Table 2] Formula 1 Formula 2 Formula 4 Formula 5 Formula 7 Vinyl chloride resin 100 pbw 100 pbw 100 pbw 100 pbw 100 pbw Plasticizer (phthalic 58.25 pbw 58.25 pbw 58.25 pbw 58.25 pbw 58.25 pbw acid-based) Inorganic filler 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw (calcium carbonate) Stabilizer 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw Capsaicin-containing R-731 R-731 4.6 microcapsule particles 1.1 pbw pbw Silicon compound Glass Glass Glass Glass Glass particles powder balloons powder 3.3 balloons powder 3.3 pbw 13.8 pbw pbw 7.5 pbw 3.3 pbw Weight ratio of 1:3 1:3 capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles Formula 8 Formula 9 Formula 10 Formula 11 Formula 12 Vinyl chloride resin 100 pbw 100 pbw 100 pbw 100 pbw 100 pbw Plasticizer (phthalic 58.25 pbw58.25 pbw 58.25 pbw 58.25 pbw 58.25 pbw acid-based) Inorganic filler 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw 12.5 pbw (calcium carbonate) Stabilizer 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw 6.17 pbw Capsaicin-containing R-731 R-731 4.6 R-731 R-731 R-731 microcapsule particles 1.1 pbw pbw 1.1 pbw 1.1 pbw 1.1 pbw Silicon compound Glass Glass Glass particles powder powder powder (#5 pm) 0.55 pbw 22 pbw 3.3 pbw Weight ratio of 1:3 1:3 1:0.5 1:20 capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles Formula 3 Formula 6 EVA resin (VA=19 wt%) 100 pbw 100 pbw Lubricant 2 pbw 2 pbw Antioxidant 0.2 pbw 0.2 pbw Capsaicin-containing microcapsule R-731 2.5 pbw particles Silicon compound particles Silica 5 pbw Silica 5 pbw Weight ratio of capsaicin- 1:2 containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles - 28 [Table 3] Test Round 1st 2nd 3rd Ex.1 Visual evaluation of damage 2 1 0 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect A A A Ex.2 Visual evaluation of damage 2 1 0 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect A A A Ex.3 Visual evaluation of damage 2 1 0 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect A A A Ex.4 Visual evaluation of damage 2 1 0 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect A A A Ex.5 Visual evaluation of damage 2 1 0 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect A A A Ex.6 Visual evaluation of damage 2 1 0 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect A A A Comp. Visual evaluation of damage 4 4 4 Ex.1 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect C C C Comp. Visual evaluation of damage 3 2 1 Ex.2 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect B A A Comp. Visual evaluation of damage 3 2 1 Ex.3 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect B A A Comp. Visual evaluation of damage 3 2 1 Ex.4 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect B A A Comp. Visual evaluation of damage 3 2 1 Ex.5 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect B A A Comp. Visual evaluation of damage 3 2 1 Ex.6 Pecking/chewing damage deterrent effect B A A [0039] As a result of the mouse chewing test, although each 5 type of flexible sheet obtained in Examples 1 to 6 was observed to contain chewing marks accompanied by damage to a degree that exposed the foundation cloth, since 90% or more of the strength of the sheet body was retained, the damage was of a level that did not present problems 10 in terms of actual use. During the second round of the test, the sheets of Examples 1 to 6 were observed to demonstrate repellent effects at an early stage, and mouse chewing marks were not observed. In the third round of the test, repellent effects similar to those of 15 the second round of the test were observed. In contrast, since the sheets of Comparative Examples 2 to 6 were chewed on by the mouse resulting in partial damage to the foundation cloth during the first round of the test, the strength retention rates of the sheet body were 75% to 20 less than 90%, thus lacking adequate safety for actual use. During the second round of the test, although the - 29 sheets of Comparative Examples 2 to 6 were observed to demonstrate teeth-shaped damage to a degree that did not cause exposure of the foundation cloth, since 90% or more of the strength of the sheet body was retained, the 5 damage was of a level that did not present problems in terms of actual use. In the third round of the test, repellent effects were observed and there was no evidence of mouse chewing marks. In addition, in the case of the sheet of Comparative Example 1, which contained neither 10 capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles nor silicon compound particles, results were obtained indicating that this sheet did not demonstrate any chewing damage deterrent effects. According to these results, as a result of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer 15 containing specific amounts of capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles of a specific particle diameter at a specific ratio, the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention is able to repellent effects at a clearly earlier stage 20 than conventional pecking/chewing damage deterrent layers containing capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles only, thereby making it possible to demonstrate a relative reduction in chewing damage caused by mice, as well as enable long-term use while maintaining the 25 strength of the sheet body. [0040] In addition, a pecking test (repellency test) was carried out on a sulphur-crested cockatoo by using a cover sheet measuring 10 m (length) x 10 m (width) 30 consisting of an aggregate of the flexible sheets (present invention) of Example 1, a cover sheet measuring 10 m (length) x 10 m (width) consisting of an aggregate of the flexible sheets (non-countermeasure article) of Comparative Example 1, and a cover sheet measuring 10 m 35 (length) x 10 m (width) consisting of an aggregate of the flexible sheets (conventional countermeasure article) of - 30 Comparative Example 2 as grain storage cover sheets and covering harvested wheat that has been stored outdoors. The cover sheets were arranged by placing the outdoor storage area using the non-countermeasures article in the 5 center, and arranging the outdoor storage area using the article of the present invention and the outdoor storage area using the conventional countermeasures article in a row on both sides thereof while providing an interval of 2 m between each outdoor storage area. The test was 10 carried out on a farm in Yarrawonga, Victoria, Canada, the outdoor storage areas were exposed to attacks by sulphur-crested cockatoo for 20 days in November, and the number of sulphur-crested cockatoos and surface of the cover sheets were observed every 5 days. The number of 15 sulphur-crested cockatoos was determined by taking photographs every hour from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and counting the number of sulphur-crested cockatoos that stopped directly on the cover sheets for each of the aforementioned three outdoor storage areas, followed by 20 determining the average value of five observations. The number of sulphur-crested cockatoos numbered 100 to 300 birds during each of the observation periods on each observation day. In addition, damage to the cover sheets was assessed by defining a level of damage such that 25 marks where the cover sheet had been punctured remained as gouges as "slight", defining a level of damage such that the resin layer of the cover sheet was gouged out as a result of the surface being punctured many times as "minor", defining a level of damage such that holes 30 having a diameter of 3 mm to 10 mm were formed in the cover sheet as a result of the surface being punctured many times as "moderate", defining a level of damage such that the cover sheet was eaten away and holes having a diameter of 11 mm or more were formed therein as 35 "severe", and basing assessment on the level of damage that was most conspicuous over the entire cover sheet.

- 31 [Table 4] Number of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos Present Article of Present Conventional Non- Countermeasures Invention Countermeasures Article [Ex. 1] Article [Comp. Ex. 1] (Comp. Ex. 2) Day 1 28 33 39 Day 5 25 26 49 Day 10 14 17 69 Day 15 8 7 85 Day 20 6 8 86 [Table 5] 5 Level of Cover Sheet Damage Article of Present Conventional Non- Countermeasures Invention Countermeasures Article [Ex. 1] Article [Comp. Ex. 1] (Comp. Ex. 2) Day 1 Slight Slight Slight Day 5 Slight Minor Minor Day 10 Slight-Minor Minor Moderate Day 15 Slight-Minor Minor Severe Day 20 Minor Moderate Severe [0041] Since the cover sheet of the article of the present invention (Example 1) and the cover sheet of the conventional countermeasures article (Comparative Example 10 2) contained the same amount of capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles, both of the cover sheets were observed to demonstrate repellent effects on the sulphur crested cockatoos. However, the article of the present invention, which contained a specific amount of silicon 15 compound particles that satisfy specific conditions in the resin coating composition of the conventional countermeasures article, demonstrated higher repellent effects against the sulphur-crested cockatoos, and this was verified by a lower level of damage to the cover 20 sheet used for grain storage. Namely, in the case of the article of the present invention, the presence of capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles and silicon compound particles resulted in shearing and destruction of the capsules and efficient release of the capsaicin 25 compound, thereby making it possible for the sulphur- - 32 crested cockatoos to learn discomfort and pain at an early stage, and allowing the obtaining of higher time based effects resulting in deterrence of behavior consisting of pecking and biting the cover sheet in 5 comparison with the conventional countermeasures article. Although the article of the present invention and the conventional countermeasures article allowed the sulphur crested cockatoos to peck and bite the cover sheets to a certain degree to obtain the effect of repelling the 10 sulphur-crested cockatoos, the degree of damage to the cover sheets in return for this effect was not significant. In this test, the significant difference between the article of the present invention and the conventional countermeasures article was equivalent to a 15 level corresponding to 5 days less of attacks by the sulphur-crested cockatoos. In contrast, since the non countermeasures article (Comparative Example 1) only contained silicon compound particles in the resin coating composition, it did not demonstrate repellent effects on 20 the sulphur-crested cockatoos, and as a result thereof, holes resulting from pecking were formed in the cover sheet on day 15 of the test, thereby enabling the sulphur-crested cockatoos to peck away at the wheat. In addition, according to the results of momentary 25 confirmation of the number of sulphur-crested cockatoos that stopped in the three types of outdoor storage areas, roughly 70% of the total number of sulphur-crested cockatoos stopped in the area where the non countermeasures article was used on day 10, and the 30 occupancy rate of the sulphur-crested cockatoos increased to about 85% of the total starting on day 15 when holes were formed in the cover sheet. A characteristic of the sulphur-crested cockatoos that stopped in the areas of the article of the present invention and the conventional 35 countermeasures article in particular was that there were few birds that actually pecked or bit each of these cover sheets, and mainly consisted of birds that temporarily - 33 flew away from the large group of birds in the non countermeasures article area and rested in the other two areas. Although the test contains elements of uncertainty with respect to fluctuations in the number of 5 birds that arrived at the outdoor storage areas depending on the day and time period throughout the 20 day observation period, the level of damage to each of the three types of test sheets gradually increased due to the daily accumulation of new pecking and biting behavior 10 resulting from the new arrival of birds during the course of the test. In addition, there were no bodies of dead sulphur-crested cockatoos found at or around the test site during or after the test. 15 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [00421 According to the bird and animal repellent sheet of the present invention, in the case a bird or animal such as a cockatoo or mouse pecks at or chews on the sheet of 20 the present invention, since damage to the sheet body caused by that behavior can be minimized, the replacement cycle of the sheet can be lengthened, and a highly reliable sheet with respect to maintaining strength can be obtained, the bird and animal repellent sheet of the 25 present invention can be suitably used in applications such as an outdoor storage cover sheet for protecting harvests of agricultural crops, grains, fruits or vegetables from damage caused by rain or birds, a tarpaulin sheet used in flexible containers for filling 30 with rice, grains or food raw materials for storage or transport, a mesh sheet for use as a fence for preventing intrusion by birds and animals by installing around orchards or farms, or a cable cover sheet for protecting electrical wiring, telecommunication lines and other 35 indoor wiring of homes, buildings, athletic stadiums, large entertainment facilities or infrastructure facilities and the like from chewing damage caused by - 34 mice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS [0043] 5 1: Foundation cloth 2: Pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer 3: Capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles 4: Silicon compound particles 5: Protective coating layer (thermoplastic resin 10 composition) The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (5)

1. A bird and animal repellent sheet that is an irritant-containing laminate comprising a woven fabric or knitted fabric as a foundation cloth and a 5 pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition on at least one side of said foundation cloth, wherein the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer contains capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles containing a capsaicin compound 10 and silicon compound particles having a mean particle diameter of 10 pm to 100 pm, within a weight ratio range of 1:1 to 1:5, and the content of the capsaicin containing microcapsule particles based on the weight of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer is 0.1% by 15 weight to 5% by weight.

2. The bird and animal repellent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the silicon compound particles are one or more types selected from the group consisting of 20 glass powder, glass beads, glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu balloons.

3. The bird and animal repellent sheet according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a protective coating 25 layer composed of a thermoplastic resin composition not containing the capsaicin-containing microcapsule particles on the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer.

4. The bird and animal repellent sheet according 30 to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective coating layer contains one or more types of silicon compounds selected from the group consisting of glass powder, glass beads, glass balloons, silica, silica sand, zeolite and shirasu balloons at 0.1% by weight to 25% by 35 weight based on the protective coating layer.

5. The bird and animal repellent sheet according - 36 to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capsaicin containing microcapsule particles are destroyed as a result of the silicon compound particles pressing against and shearing the capsaicin-containing microcapsule 5 particles due to physical stimulation of the pecking/chewing damage deterrent layer, thereby effectively releasing a capsaicin compound contained therein. I.