Practical comparison between ultrasound, nets, lasers and visual solutions, with a focus on BirdGard bioacoustic technology.

Managing birds that damage crops, industrial warehouses, boats or urban areas is a constant challenge. There are many solutions on the market — ultrasound, nets, lasers, visual scarecrows — but not all offer the same effectiveness.

In this article we compare the most common methods and explain why BirdGard bioacoustic bird scarers stand out as one of the most effective, long-lasting and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Most common methods to repel birds

1. Ultrasound

They emit frequencies almost imperceptible to the human ear but disturbing for some species.

• Advantages: no noise pollution in inhabited environments.
• Limitations: variable response depending on species; many birds adapt; limited coverage.

2. Nets and physical barriers

Nets and anti-roosting spikes physically block access to ledges, vineyards or solar panels.

• Advantages: immediate effectiveness due to physical blocking.
• Limitations: installation and maintenance; aesthetic impact; risk of trapping if poorly installed.

3. Laser bird scarers

A beam that birds perceive as a moving object.

• Advantages: useful indoors or in low light.
• Limitations: less effective in full light; requires clear line of sight; class 3B lasers are potentially dangerous and require professional use as they can cause eye injuries or skin burns if directed at people.

4. Visual devices

Balloons with eyes, fake owls or hawk-shaped kites try to scare with visual stimuli.

• Advantages: inexpensive and easy to install.
• Limitations: birds often get used to them if not combined with other methods.

5. Sound bird scarers: BirdGard bioacoustic technology

BirdGard bioacoustic scarers use alarm calls, predator cries and species-specific distress sounds. They create an environment perceived as dangerous that birds instinctively abandon.

• Based on instincts: immediate reaction to calls of their own species and predators.
• Less habituation: random playback in timing, tone and sequence.
• Humane and ecological: no chemicals and no harm to wildlife.
• Versatile and scalable: from small gardens to airports.
• High fidelity: real recordings indistinguishable from natural sounds.

BirdGard models and coverage

• BirdGard Pro – up to 0.6 hectares — Info: https://www.birdgard.es/en/bird-gard-pro.html
• BirdGard Pro Plus – up to 1.2 hectares — Info: https://www.birdgard.es/en/bird-gard-pro-plus.html
• BirdGard Super Pro – up to 2.4 hectares — Info: https://www.birdgard.es/en/bird-gard-super-pro.html
• BirdGard Super Pro Amp – up to 12 hectares — Info: https://www.birdgard.es/en/bird-gard-super-pro-amp-mega-blaster-pro.html

All BirdGard devices come with a 3-year warranty and are built to withstand demanding conditions.

Quick comparison table

Method	Best use	Strengths	Limitations
Ultrasound	Indoors, specific control	Silent	Variable response by species; habituation
Nets/spikes	Buildings, solar panels	Physical blocking	Installation/maintenance; aesthetics
Laser	Indoors or low light	Targeted deterrence	Less effective in full light; class 3B requires professional use
Visual	Outdoor support	Low cost/easy to install	Habituation if not combined
BirdGard Bioacoustics	Professional use, large areas	High effectiveness, scalable, chemical-free	Audible sound (requires time/zone management)

Which method should you choose?

• If you need a specific and low-cost solution, visual devices or nets can help.
• For urban areas where noise is an issue, ultrasound or lasers may be useful, within their limitations.
• For professional, effective and long-term control, BirdGard bioacoustic scarers are usually the best choice: they reproduce high-fidelity natural sounds that birds cannot ignore.

Key tip: before installing any system, clean the area thoroughly (droppings, feathers, nests). Creating an “aseptic” environment greatly increases effectiveness.

The combination of a BirdGard with a Hawk Scarecrow (visual kite) produces a synergistic effect: birds hear and see the predator, increasing effectiveness.

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Need help? We are the exclusive distributors of BirdGard in Spain, Italy and Portugal. We help you size the ideal solution. Delivery in Spain: 1–2 working days.

See all devices: https://www.birdgard.es/en/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bioacoustic bird scarer?

A device that plays high-fidelity alarm calls and predator sounds so birds perceive the area as dangerous and move away.

How is it different from ultrasound?

Bioacoustics triggers natural instincts and reduces habituation with randomised sequences. Ultrasound shows a variable response depending on the species.

Can it bother people or pets?

The sounds are audible. You can manage them with schedules and by positioning the speakers to minimise disturbance in sensitive areas.

Are class 3B lasers safe?

They require professional use: class 3B lasers can cause eye injuries or skin burns if directed at people.

Is it better to combine multiple methods?

Yes. Bioacoustics + Hawk Scarecrow (visual) produces a strong synergistic effect.

What is the coverage of BirdGard models?

BirdGard Pro (0.6 ha), BirdGard Pro Plus (1.2 ha), BirdGard Super Pro (2.4 ha) and BirdGard Super Pro Amp (12 ha). Links above.

What warranty do BirdGard devices have?

3 years warranty.

Is there an important preliminary step?

Yes: thoroughly clean the area (feathers, nests, droppings) before installation to improve effectiveness.