Animal Deterrents: From Low to High Tech Solutions
In the delicate balance of nature and human habitation, conflicts with wildlife are inevitable. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a farmer tending to crops, or simply a homeowner looking to protect your property, the need for effective animal deterrents has become increasingly apparent. As we coexist with the diverse array of creatures that share our spaces, finding ways to manage these interactions becomes crucial for both human and animal well-being. Visual, audio, and physical barriers emerge as the unsung heroes in this ongoing struggle, offering a humane and sustainable means of preventing damage and fostering harmonious cohabitation. Visual Deterrents Visual deterrents are powerful tools in managing human-wildlife conflicts, exerting their effects primarily through the manipulation of visual stimuli. These deterrents work by exploiting the visual system of various species, causing them to react with their natural instincts and modifying their behavior without causing harm. For example, the use of reflective materials, predator decoys, or flashing lights can startle and intimidate animals, deterring them from approaching specific areas. Visual deterrents leverage animals’ visual acuity and perception to create an environment that appears threatening or inhospitable. While their effectiveness can vary based on the target species and specific circumstances, visual deterrents offer a non-lethal and environmentally friendly solution to mitigating conflicts and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. However, it’s crucial to adapt these deterrents to the specific needs and behaviors of the animals in question to achieve the desired impact without causing unnecessary stress or harm. Low-Tech Holographic Tape Holographic tape deters wildlife by reflecting sunlight and creating dynamic, shimmering patterns that disorient and intimidate animals, acting as a deterrent to prevent them from approaching or causing damage to the area. Decoys & Kites Decoys and Kites deter wildlife by mimicking the appearance and movement of predators or other threatening species, creating a visual illusion that triggers a fear response in animals, encouraging them to avoid the area and reducing potential conflicts with humans or crops. High-Tech Margo AirScare The Margo AirScare, with its dynamic and erratic movements, deters wildlife visually by creating an unfamiliar and intimidating presence, discouraging animals from approaching or causing damage to the area through the unpredictable and visually disruptive display. Audio Deterrents Audio deterrents are tools employed in wildlife management to influence animal behavior through sound stimuli. These devices emit sounds that are often unpleasant or threatening to the target species, aiming to create an aversive environment and discourage them from specific areas. The effectiveness of audio deterrents relies on the animals’ sensitivity to sound frequencies, their adaptability, and their ability to associate the emitted sounds with potential threats. Common audio deterrents include ultrasonic devices, loud noises, or recorded predator calls. When used thoughtfully and adapted to the specific needs of the wildlife in question, audio deterrents can serve as a humane and non-lethal method to manage human-animal conflicts and promote coexistence in shared spaces. Low-Tech Whips Whips deter wildlife by creating loud cracking sounds and rapid movements, intimidating animals and establishing a perceived threat, prompting them to avoid the area and reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflicts. Blaster Siren Blaster Sirens deter wildlife by emitting loud, high-pitched noises, startling animals and creating an auditory disturbance that prompts them to move away from the source, helping to prevent potential human-wildlife conflicts. High-Tech Margo Squawk Box The Margo Squawk Box deters wildlife by emitting recorded sounds of natural predators, inducing fear and creating a perceived threat that encourages animals to avoid the area, minimizing potential conflicts with humans or livestock. Physical Barriers Physical barriers play a pivotal role in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts by creating tangible obstacles that discourage animals from accessing specific areas or exhibiting unwanted behaviors. Examples include electric fencing and bear spray, which are designed to offer protection without causing permanent harm. In essence, physical barrier deterrents offer a proactive approach to human-wildlife coexistence, providing a humane and effective means of protection. However, it’s crucial to use these deterrents responsibly, ensuring they are properly installed, maintained, and used in accordance with ethical wildlife management practices. Low-Tech D-Straps D-Straps deter wildlife by securing the lids tightly, preventing access to the contents and minimizing odors, thus discouraging animals from foraging through the trash. Bear Spray Bear spray deters wildlife, particularly bears, by releasing a powerful spray that causes temporary discomfort, irritation, and disorientation, discouraging the animal from approaching or attacking. High-Tech Electric Fencing Electric fencing deters wildlife by delivering a non-lethal yet deterrent electric shock upon contact, creating a psychological barrier that discourages animals from attempting to breach or cross the barrier.
Do Visual Pyrotechnics Scare Birds?
Birds rely on their sight more than any other sense, so it’s no surprise that our visual pyrotechnics provide great results for wildlife managers at airports, landfills, and beyond.
How Effective Are Bird Lasers?
Bird lasers produce a large visible point of light that can be used to scare away problem birds. Do They Work? Bird Scare Laser works when a bird species associate visible laser light with predator-like behavior and flee when they see it. The most effective bird lasers use a wide beam rather than the narrow beam of a standard laser pointer. Green beams tend to deliver the best results. How They Are Used Bird scare lasers have many applications but are especially effective for moving birds from roosts. At Margo Supplies, we’ve tested them on various North American pest species with excellent results. They work particularly well on Canada Geese. Handheld units are also useful in areas where more invasive audio deterrents aren’t practical. They’re commonly used around warehouses, barns, and airport terminals to safely move birds without noise or disturbance. When and How to Use Bird Laser The best time to use these produxts is at dawn and dusk. Treating roosting sites during these times gives birds an opportunity to relocate before nightfall. Diurnal species usually won’t leave roosts in total darkness, no matter how much pressure you apply, so start treatment as soon as they return. When aiming, move the beam slowly toward the roosting site. Birds perceive the laser as a predator, so always leave them an escape route. Indoors, use the beam to “herd” birds toward an open exit safely. Legal Limits and Power Restrictions While they are highly effective deterrents, many regions restrict the use of high-power lasers. In Canada, handheld lasers must have an output of 5mW or less (Class 3a or lower). Our Fly-Away Laser meets these requirements. Lower power levels limit visibility in bright daylight, but these tools still work well in low-light conditions—exactly when most roosting activity occurs. High-power lasers, on the other hand, can pose safety risks, especially near airports. The Role of Bird Lasers in Integrated Control Like any deterrent, they have both advantages and limitations. They should be used as part of a broader bird control strategy. Combining multiple deterrents allows your team to respond to different species and conditions while preventing birds from becoming accustomed to a single method. See our selection of aviation specific non-lethal bird deterrents here Add to cart Bird Scare Laser – Adjustable Beam Affordable and powerful, while still being safe for both humans and birds Class 3A Laser is the most powerful laser legal for use in Canada Up to 200m (650ft) night… $25.98 – $39.95Price range: $25.98 through $39.95 Add to cart
Bird Repellent: How to Keep Unwanted Birds Away with a System-Based Approach
Birds can cause serious damage to agricultural crops, disrupt industrial operations, and even threaten human safety, such as during airplane bird strikes. Unfortunately, when birds find safe places to roost, food, or other high-value attractants, they become difficult to remove. Fortunately, using non-lethal deterrents strategically can chase birds away and prevent them from returning. Classes of Bird Deterrents Bird deterrents fall into three main categories: Audio, Visual, and Active. By combining options from each class, you can build an effective bird control system. This approach can protect anything from backyard blueberry crops to major airports worldwide. Although some bird species respond better to specific stimuli, this strategy works for nearly all species. How Deterrents Work Deterrents trigger involuntary stress responses in birds by making them feel threatened. The stronger the perceived danger, the more likely birds are to avoid the area. We call this a “landscape of fear.” To succeed, the fear must outweigh the attractants that brought birds to the area. Using deterrents from all three classes prevents habituation and keeps birds away long-term. Deterrent Classes Explained: Audio Audio deterrents use loud noises to startle and scare birds. For example, our Margo Electra Propane Cannons emit 120 decibels (dB), similar to a shotgun blast. All bird species respond to this sound. Move the cannons regularly to prevent birds from getting used to them. You can also pair propane cannons with our Squawk Box speaker systems, which mimic the cries of distressed or injured birds. This teaches birds to associate your area with danger. Sound combinations are available for most North American bird species. Visual Visual Deterrents Birds rely heavily on eyesight to fly, find food, and detect predators. Visual deterrents exploit this by using reflective materials, lights, flashing, or predator simulations. For instance, predator effigies or decoys trick intelligent prey species into thinking hunters are nearby. As a result, birds avoid the area, convinced it is unsafe. Active Active deterrents respond to birds directly and often combine audio and visual effects. For example, our 15mm pyrotechnic scare cartridges create loud noises and visual effects, flying 30m–380m (90–1250+ ft) through the air. By combining different cartridges, you create more chaos and prevent habituation. We also offer the strongest hand-held bird control lasers allowed in Canada. Geese, in particular, react immediately to the unusual light patterns. By using deterrents only when needed, you make it harder for birds to adapt. Like all tools, different tools to repel birds have their strengths and weaknesses. Don’t leave any safe havens in your control area; active and immediate use of deterrents prevent birds from being rewarded. The best bird control programs combine audio, visual, and active deterrents.