Bio-Acoustic Bird Scarers:
How They Work & Installation Advice

Bio-acoustic bird scarers use recorded bird distress calls to encourage pest birds to move away from an area. They're a useful option for sites where traditional bird proofing methods, such as netting or spikes, aren't practical.

Getting the best results comes down to choosing the right calls, positioning the speakers correctly and making sure the system is set up for the birds you're trying to deter.

How Do Bio-Acoustic Bird Scarers Work?

Bio-acoustic bird scarers use recorded bird distress calls to discourage birds from remaining in an area. Played through speakers at set or random intervals, these calls signal potential danger and encourage birds to move away.

Some systems also use bird of prey calls to reinforce the warning. Choosing the correct calls for the target species is important, as different birds respond to different sounds.

Before Installing a Bio-Acoustic Bird Scarer

Before choosing and installing a bio-acoustic bird scarer, it's important to assess the site and identify the bird species causing the problem.

Consider whether a physical bird proofing solution, such as netting or spikes, may be more suitable. Remove accessible food sources where possible and check for nesting activity, taking relevant wildlife legislation into account.

The size, layout and background noise of the site should also be considered when selecting a suitable system.

BirdAlert bio-acoustic bird scarer system

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Bio-Acoustic Bird Scarer Installation Tips

Where you position the equipment and how you set it up can make a big difference to how well it works.

1. Position Speakers Carefully

Speakers should be installed as high as possible, ideally above the areas where birds normally settle.

If speakers are positioned too low, birds may simply move to a higher point on the building.

For larger spaces, particularly those over 400m², you may need multiple speakers to spread the sound evenly. The same applies to buildings with dividing walls or lots of background noise.

Top tip: Never point outdoor speakers upwards. Position them horizontally or facing downwards so rainwater can drain away from the speaker’s internal components.

2. Choose the Right Distress Calls

Different bird species have different distress calls, so make sure your system is set up for the birds you're trying to deter.

Some systems allow several calls to be played in sequence, which can be useful where more than one species is causing problems.

3. Get the Volume Right

Louder isn't always better!

The aim is to play distress calls at a natural volume, similar to the sounds birds would make themselves.

If possible, adjust the volume while birds are present. Start low and gradually increase it until you see them reacting to the calls.

4. Set the Playback Intervals

Most bio-acoustic bird scarers allow you to choose how often the calls are played.

Random playback intervals are generally recommended, as they make the sounds less predictable.

5. Check the Control Unit Location

Position the control unit somewhere you can easily access it for adjustments and maintenance.

If your system uses a daylight sensor, keep it away from security lights, streetlights or other artificial lighting that could interfere with its operation.

6. Keep Power Supplies Protected

Depending on the system, bio-acoustic bird scarers can be powered by mains electricity or a suitable battery.

Always keep power adaptors and batteries protected from the weather using appropriate enclosures, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Getting the Best Results

Bio-acoustic bird scarers can be a useful part of a bird control programme, but they work best when the site is properly managed too.

Remove food sources where possible, deal with access points and consider whether additional bird proofing is needed.

It's also worth keeping an eye on bird activity after installation. You may need to adjust the speaker positions, volume or playback settings to get the best results.

Need Help Choosing a Bird Scarer?

Not sure which bio-acoustic bird scarer is right for your site?

Our team can help you choose a suitable system and advise on speaker positioning, installation and getting the best results.

Bio-Acoustic Bird Scarers: How They Work & Installation Advice