Is there a sound that keeps birds away?

There are a variety of methods that people use to try to keep birds away from certain areas. Making loud noises or sounds is one approach that is sometimes used for bird control. The premise is that certain sounds may be unpleasant or frightening to birds, causing them to avoid places where those sounds are present. However, the effectiveness of sound devices for bird deterrence varies quite a bit depending on the species of bird, the specific sounds used, and other factors.

Do ultrasonic bird repellers work?

Ultrasonic bird repellers are a type of device that claims to emit high-frequency sounds outside the range of human hearing but audible to birds. The uncomfortable ultrasonic noises are supposed to deter birds from the area. However, there is little scientific evidence that ultrasonic repellers are reliably effective for bird control. Many birds simply seem to habituate and get used to the sounds. Ultrasonic devices may work briefly in some cases, but often the results are very short-lived. For these reasons, ultrasonic bird repellers are generally not considered a very useful tool by professional pest control experts.

What about other electronic sounds and noise makers?

There are many electronic devices on the market that claim they can be used to scare away problem birds, including products that play prerecorded distress calls, predator sounds, or other bird alarm noises. However, as with ultrasonic repellers, birds may become desensitized over time. Most manufacturers concede that the effectiveness is temporary at best. These gadgets can sometimes deter birds for a little while, but they are rarely a permanent solution. Using recorded bird distress calls raises ethical concerns as well, since deliberately causing animals stress should be avoided when possible.

Auditory bird deterrents

Beyond ultrasonic and electronic sounds, there are some other types of sounds that may work better than others for repelling nuisance birds. Here are a few auditory bird deterrents and how effective they tend to be:

Banging pots and pans

Making loud banging racket by clanging pots and pans is one traditional auditory bird dispersal technique. The sporadic loud noises can startle and unsettle birds. However, the effect tends to be extremely short term since birds will usually realize they are not actually under threat. Once the banging stops, birds often return quickly. So this method generally provides only fleeting relief in moving birds away.

Alarms and sirens

Similarly to banging cookware, sirens and alarms can briefly scare away birds by their sudden loud volume and unpleasant sound. But birds become used to the noise over time. Routine use of alarms or sirens to deter birds is not considered effective for ongoing control.

Pyrotechnics and explosive sounds

Pyrotechnics designed specifically to startle birds, such as bird bangers and bird bombs, can be more successful than routine sounds. These explode with a flash and loud bang that frightens birds away. However, they are also only a temporary solution, and birds eventually get habituated if the sounds are used continuously. The noises may also disturb neighbors. But pyrotechnics can be a useful supplemental tool as part of a broader control program.

Predator vocalizations

Bird species often react strongly to the calls of their natural predators. Playing sounds of predatory bird cries can scare other birds away. However, the impacts are usually short-lived as birds recognize the calls are not from real threats. Predator vocalizations must be varied so that birds do not become accustomed. This approach is often not very effective by itself for ongoing bird deterrence.

When are sounds most effective for bird control?

While noises alone are rarely enough for permanent bird mitigation, they can be helpful as part of a comprehensive plan when combined strategically with visual deterrents and habitat modification. Here are some examples of how sounds may be incorporated effectively:

Enhancing visual deterrents

Adding alarming sounds to visual scares can enhance efficacy. Interactive decoys or models of predators that make noise when triggered by motion detectors are often more successful than silent decoys at deterring birds.

Training birds to avoid an area

Unpleasant sounds can be used strategically when first installing physical bird exclusion or deterrent devices to help train birds to avoid entering the protected area. Once birds learn to steer clear of the location, ongoing noise may no longer be needed.

Reinforcement and vigilance

Sporadic use of alarming sounds at random intervals can reinforce birds’ wariness and remind them that an area may be dangerous, rather than letting them become overly comfortable again. Being unpredictable is key.

Protecting crops

Propane cannons, bird bangers, or other frightful sounds can be deployed on temporary bases in crop fields to keep birds away from ripening fruit or grain. They are more effective if moved around periodically rather than remaining static in one place.

Supplement to habitat modification

Discouraging birds from roosting or nesting in an area requires altering the environment to make it less suitable. Harassing birds with noise early on when they first attempt to enter the space can teach them not to return.

Examples of sounds that may deter birds

Any extremely loud, unpredictable, or alarming sounds could potentially work for scattering problem birds, at least temporarily. Here are some examples:

• Explosions from propane cannons, bird bombs, or other commercial pyrotechnics
• Blasts from air horns, whistles, or other industrial noisemakers
• Bangings from pots, lids, sticks, or other objects
• Alarm calls or predator cries
• Sirens, buzzers, ringtones, or other electronic sounds

The specific sounds used will depend on the situation and type of birds. An agricultural field may warrant different deterrents than an office building roost. Consulting a wildlife specialist can help identify effective acoustic harassment options tailored to the context.

Disadvantages of bird deterrent sounds

Using noise for bird mitigation has some drawbacks that should be considered:

• Effects are often temporary since birds become desensitized
• Sounds must be varied and unpredictable to work best
• Can require ongoing effort to maintain efficacy
• May be disturbing to humans or pets in the area
• Raises animal welfare concerns if causing excessive distress to birds
• Damaging to birds if used near nests during breeding season

For these reasons, noise-based methods alone are rarely a complete solution. An integrated bird management plan should be developed that also modifies habitat and excludes food sources and nesting sites.

Legal restrictions on deterrent sounds

There are laws in many areas regulating the use of acoustic bird dispersal techniques. For example, propane cannons or explosives may be prohibited in residential zones or during certain nighttime hours. Be sure to check local ordinances to avoid violating noise control rules. Also research any restrictions during nesting periods. Getting the proper permits or authorization for deterrent devices is advisable.

Conclusion

Can sounds effectively keep birds away? Using alarming noise as part of an integrated pest bird control strategy can be helpful, but has limitations. The impacts of sounds are often temporary, so they should be combined with permanent solutions like exclusion and anti-roosting devices whenever possible. Consult a wildlife management professional to develop a customized plan that humanely discourages problem bird species while minimizing noise pollution and following all regulations. With strategic use of both acoustic deterrents and physical exclusion measures tailored to the situation, more lasting humane bird mitigation can be achieved.

References

Scientific sources on bird deterrent sounds

Resources on integrated bird management