Why Lasers Don’t work for Pest Bird Control.
Ok. It’s a bit of a misleading headline, especially considering we install laser systems to deter pest bird activity. But since you’re here, let me explain. “Some” lasers don’t work to effectively resolve bird control problems, particularly on commercial rooftop solar arrays.
Let’s start with the gimmicky. I’ve said many times in my 20 years in the bird business that gimmicky things don’t work. This means I don’t recommend fake owls for pigeons on a balcony, black wood cutouts in the shape of coyotes to keep geese off your lawn, or expensive ultrasonic audio devices to repel birds when birds do not hear ultrasonic noises.
How do I know? I mean, nobody has conducted exhaustive research or performed controlled experiments to prove these don’t work. To be honest, I don’t think the people who sell those things ever performed any studies to show they DO work either. But my evidence is real. I routinely find fake owls covered in bird droppings or birds cozying up so close to them because they do not perceive any threat. I have seen geese land and march around lawns with coyote effigies. And I have been to countless sites plagued by various pest bird issues in my career that have had audio boxes installed, both audible and ultrasonic. Ask yourself… Why would I, a bird control consultant, be at the site if those devices worked?
Same is true for gimmicky laser systems. I was invited to perform a consultation on a large commercial rooftop covered in solar panels covered in bird droppings. The roof was a full on rookery with upwards of 30-40 nests and a few hundred gulls present. What I found, in addition to the major bird infestation that depressed solar collection and energy production, were some of the things the client had previously tried including audible audio devices - one directly above an active nest - and laser devices that look more like something to create atmosphere on an 80’s dance floor than a bird deterrent.
Three different gimmicky bird deterrents all failed, which is why BCA was engaged to consult and provide a real solution.
This nest was built right below the squawking / screeching speaker installed to prevent bird activity.
During the day, I could see the devices used to project the red or green flashes were operating and lighting up. There was nothing to see though beyond looking right at the unit. They did not seem powerful enough to project light to an end point when competing with the ambiance of the natural daylight. At night, however, I could actually see the lighting effect (though not affect on birds) produced by these products. In the video below you will be able to see the difference between two types of “lasers” – one, the gimmicky flasher and the other, a solid beam Avix unit (by Bird Control Group) we installed that is programmed to patrol the roof and presents a real threat to potential invaders.
Stay tuned for the next update…
Or if you’d like to learn more about the proper use of bird control lasers, click here.