What are bird deterrents used for?
Field scarecrows, also known as bird deterrents, are designed to protect agricultural crops from damage caused by birds such as starlings, crows, pigeons and seagulls. These devices are indispensable at various stages of cultivation, such as sowing, growth and ripening of fruit or cereals. Birds can cause significant damage, especially in areas where vineyards, orchards, cereals and vegetables are grown, compromising crop yields.
Sparrow scarers are suitable for use in:
- Professional agriculture: they protect large agricultural surfaces, such as orchards or wheat fields, where bird damage could compromise productivity.
- Industrial or airport areas: they keep birds away from areas where their presence could be a hazard or intrusion, such as airport runways or industrial facilities.
- Semi-professional and domestic use: they can also be used in small vegetable gardens and gardens to protect crops from small birds.
In addition to limiting physical damage to crops, these tools reduce the risk of plant contamination by birds, which can carry pathogens.
How are field bird scarers made?
Bird deterrents are designed to work in a simple but effective way. There are different models, but all models share key components that define their operation and effectiveness.
The main components of a scarecrow for vegetable gardens include:
- Main body or support structure: the physical structure can be made of durable materials such as galvanised steel or high-strength plastic, capable of withstanding the elements. This structure supports the device and facilitates its installation in open fields.
- Power supply system: in gas models, power is supplied by propane or butane cylinders that generate the fuel needed to create loud bangs. In battery-powered models, power can be supplied by batteries or solar panels, making the device self-sufficient.
- Sound generator: The most important component in many models is the sound generator. In gas models, a pyrotechnic system produces loud bangs that mimic gunshots, scaring birds away. In electronic models, loudspeakers emit high-frequency sounds or predator calls that are annoying to birds.
- Control system: advanced devices are equipped with an electronic control unit that allows the frequency of the bangs or sounds to be programmed. Some models include motion sensors or timers to activate only when necessary, increasing energy efficiency and system life.
- Supports and anchors: to ensure stability even in difficult weather conditions, deterrents are often equipped with fixed or mobile supports that keep them firmly on the ground or on other surfaces. These supports are designed for quick and easy installation.
How do bird deterrents work?
While relentless urbanisation has relegated many animal species to extremely small areas and mowed many of them to the definitive disappearance, it has also created a natural home for some types of birds, such as pigeons. For this reason, there is an urgent need to find a solution to keep them away without causing them any physical or psychological harm.
Technological innovation has finally produced safe and effective systems to accomplish this task, one of which is bird deterrents: this is currently the only environmentally friendly solution for permanently removing pigeons, sparrows, hawks and starlings from roofs, terraces and squares.
Here is how the main types of bird deterrents work:
- Electronic gas-powered sparrow repellent: this device uses a gas cylinder (propane or butane) connected to an explosion generator. When the gas is released and ignited by a spark, it produces a loud sound similar to a gunshot. The sudden, powerful noise is highly effective in keeping birds away from large agricultural areas. These models are programmable, allowing you to adjust the frequency of the explosions, often every few minutes. The intensity of the sound can be adjusted according to the specific needs of the field or crop to be protected.
- Starlings repellents: these devices focus primarily on sound and visual deterrence methods specific to starlings, which tend to form large flocks. They use high-frequency sounds, often inaudible to humans but annoying to birds, or recordings of the calls of natural predators. Some models are also equipped with flashing lights to increase effectiveness, especially at night when birds seek safe shelter.
Advantages of field bird scarers
Bird deterrents offer a number of advantages over other crop protective methods, such as physical nets or chemicals. They work on the basis of practical, non-invasive and low environmental impact solutions, making them an optimal choice for those looking for an effective way to protect their fields and orchards from bird attacks.
Compared to other solutions, the advantages of scarecrows for vegetable gardens include:
- Extensive and automated protective system: compared to the use of nets or cover systems, scarecrows cover large areas without requiring complex installations. The automated system, especially in electronic and gas models, ensures continuous protective coverage without the need for constant monitoring.
- Low environmental impact: unlike pesticides or chemical solutions, scarecrows do not release toxic substances into the environment, reducing the negative impact on surrounding fauna and flora. This makes them a safe choice for both the environment and agricultural operators.
- Adaptability to different bird species: different models can be adjusted according to the type of bird to be repelled. The loud bangs of gas-powered devices are effective against large species such as crows and seagulls, while electronic systems with high-frequency sounds are specifically designed for smaller birds such as starlings and pigeons.
In addition, sparrow repellents offer further operational advantages:
- Reduced crop damage: by limiting bird access, these devices significantly reduce product losses, protecting crops during crucial growth stages such as sowing and ripening. This translates into higher crop yields and lower costs for replacing damaged plantations.
- Low maintenance: the most advanced models, especially those powered by solar panels or battery-powered, require little maintenance. Once installed, they work autonomously and only require periodic intervention to replace gas cylinders or clean sensors.
- Long life and weather resistance: the materials used to construct scarecrows, such as galvanised steel or reinforced plastic, ensure long life and resistance even in difficult weather conditions, such as rain, wind and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Types of field scarecrows
Bird deterrents are divided into different types based on how they work and the method they use to scare birds away from crops. Here is a list of the main types of field scarecrows available:
- Electronic gas scarecrow: uses loud bangs to scare birds away.
- Starling repellents: specialised devices for repelling starlings and small birds.
Electronic gas scarecrow
The electronic gas field scarecrow is the ideal counterpart to a deterrent. While the latter is designed to work in inhabited areas, the scarecrow is designed to perform its duty mainly in orchards, vineyards, vegetable gardens and rice fields. It can offer protective coverage over areas of up to 4 hectares.
Whereas the deterrent uses sound waves, the gas scarecrow repels animals such as birds, rodents and game by producing detonations. The models on sale in our catalogue are equipped with multiple, interchangeable detonations - adjustable via the electronic system - and a photocell that automatically turns the machine on at sunrise and off at sunset.
The device works by simply connecting it to a 12V battery-powered system. To produce the detonations, however, it is necessary to connect the machine to a cylinder of LPG propane or butane gas. A 13 kg cylinder is capable of emitting over 30,000 detonations.
The detonations produced by the scarecrow reach a noise emission of 140 dB and can be adjusted from a minimum of one per minute to a maximum of one every 15 minutes.
Starlings repeller
The bird repeller is an electrical device that emits harmless acoustic signals capable of keeping birds at a distance, with an effective range that can reach 3000 s.q. m.
The bird repeller operates automatically; the only adjustment to be made is the volume. The device is also equipped with a photosensor that activates only during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset. It operates by emitting sound waves for about 30 seconds, with intervals that can be selected according to the desired programme.
The bird repeller on sale in our catalogue has 8 songs and 4 different programmes, each with a different sound depending on the species of bird you need to repel.
All the functions of the bird repeller can be selected from the convenient rear panel equipped with an LED display.
Technical characteristics of bird deterrents
Field sparrow repellents are distinguished by a series of technical features that determine their effectiveness and use in agricultural contexts. The main features vary depending on the type of repellent, but there are common elements that allow you to choose the most suitable model based on your specific crop protective needs.
Here is a list of the main technical features:
- Power supply: can be gas, battery-powered, or solar-powered, affecting autonomy and maintenance requirements.
- Sound power: measured in decibels (dB), this determines how effective the device is at keeping birds away.
- Control and programming system: allows you to adjust the frequency and intensity of the bursts or sounds emitted.
- Construction materials: these affect the durability and resistance of the device in adverse weather conditions.
- Coverage area: indicates the surface area protected by the device, which is important for choosing the right device for the size of the field.
Power supply system
Bird deterrents can be powered in different ways, depending on the type of device.
- In gas models, power is supplied by propane or butane cylinders, which provide the fuel to generate loud bangs. This solution is very effective for covering large areas, as a single cylinder can last for days or weeks, depending on the frequency of the bangs.
- Electronic models are powered by battery-powered batteries or, in more advanced devices, by solar panels. Solar energy allows for continuous use without the need for frequent recharging, making these models ideal for those who want a low-maintenance solution.
Sound power
Sound power is one of the most important characteristics for the effectiveness of a bird deterrent. Measured in decibels (dB), the power of the sounds emitted by gas or electronic devices can vary considerably.
- In gas models, the bursts can reach powers of over 120 dB, simulating the sound of gunshots or explosions. This level of sound is sufficient to scare away large birds, such as crows or seagulls, from extended surfaces.
- In electronic models, on the other hand, the sound can be emitted in the form of specific frequencies that are annoying to smaller bird species such as starlings or pigeons. The ability to adjust the intensity of the sound is crucial for adapting the device to the specific needs of the field.
Guide to purchasing scarecrows for vegetable gardens
When purchasing a field bird repeller, you need to consider the size of the area to be protected, the type of birds you want to repel and the specific maintenance and operational requirements. The choice of the best bird repeller also depends on your budget and the required duration of use.
Here are some key considerations for your purchase:
- Power source: gas models offer high sound power and cover large surfaces, while battery- or solar-powered electronic models are more suitable for those looking for a low-energy, low-maintenance solution.
- Frequency and intensity of sounds: it is useful to choose devices with the option of programming the frequency of sounds or bursts, so that birds do not become accustomed to the noise.
- Coverage area: the surface area that the deterrent can protect is a critical factor, especially for large plots. Check the range of the device based on the size of the field.
- Maintenance required: some models require more maintenance (such as replacing gas cylinders), while those battery-powered models require less intervention.
Recommended customer types
- Professional farmers: those who manage vineyards, orchards or large cereal crops can opt for electronic gas-powered bird repellents, thanks to their high sound power and extended coverage. It is useful to choose models with advanced programming to protect crops throughout the year.
- Industrial or airport managers: in areas where the presence of birds can be a hazard, such as airports or industrial plants, long-range electronic deterrents with the ability to emit sounds at specific frequencies that disturb different species of birds are recommended.
- Hobbyists and small farmers: for those who own vegetable gardens, gardens or small crops, a battery- or solar-powered electronic deterrent is recommended. This type of device offers adequate protection with a lower investment and minimal maintenance.
The best brands of bird repellents available on AgriEuro
Choosing a reliable brand is essential to ensure the effectiveness and durability of a field bird repeller. AgriEuro offers some of the best brands specialising in bird repellent devices. Here is a list of the most renowned brands:
- Ferroni: Ferroni is a brand known for producing sturdy and reliable gas-powered scarecrows, ideal for use on large agricultural surfaces thanks to the power of their sound explosions.
Why buy scarecrows for your garden on AgriEuro?
Buying bird deterrents on AgriEuro offers several advantages that make the shopping experience practical and secure. In addition to its wide selection of products, AgriEuro guarantees services and support that optimise the entire purchasing process.
Here are the main advantages of buying from AgriEuro:
- Fast and free shipping: orders are handled by AgriEuro logistics centres, ensuring fast shipping at no additional cost.
- Availability of spare parts: AgriEuro offers the possibility to order spare parts for every product purchased, ensuring the maintenance and durability of the device over time.
- Attentive and personalised after-sales service: AgriEuro's customer service offers continuous support, helping you choose the right product and resolving any technical issues.
Buying from AgriEuro means being assured of quality service, with the opportunity to choose from the best brands and take advantage of comprehensive assistance at every stage of purchase and use. Visit the website and discover the current offers to protect your crops effectively and sustainably!
FAQs on scarecrows & bird deterrents
1. What can you use to keep birds away?
There are several practical and technical solutions to prevent birds from entering cultivated areas. The main objective is to create a hostile or unpleasant environment for birds, using devices that act on several levels: visual, auditory and tactile.
- Traditional scarecrows: human or predator silhouettes placed in fields to mimic the presence of a threat.
- Electronic deterrents: devices that emit high-frequency sounds or the noises of predators, such as hawks or eagles, to scare birds away.
- Gas scarecrows: produces loud bangs similar to gunshots, which scare birds away from large surfaces.
- Protective nets: these physically cover crops, preventing birds from reaching the fruit or seeds.
- Reflective tape: long strips of metallic material that reflect sunlight, disorienting and scaring birds.
2. What can you put in your garden to scare birds away? What repels birds?
In a vegetable garden, it is essential to use solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly, without damaging plants or crops. Birds can damage crops, especially during the ripening stage, by eating seeds, fruits or shoots. Here's what you can install in your vegetable garden to scare birds away:
- Visual sparrow repellents: silhouettes of predators or moving objects, such as kites or flags, which use movement and wind to scare birds away.
- Reflective tape or wire: installed between rows of crops, these strips create reflections and noise in the wind, making the environment uncomfortable for birds.
- Sound deterrents: small electronic devices that emit sounds at regular intervals to disturb birds.
- Lightweight nets: physically covering plants with protective nets helps prevent direct access by birds without damaging crops.
- Natural repellent sprays: solutions based on essential oils such as garlic or pepper, which create an odour that is unpleasant to birds.
3. What smells bother birds?
Although birds do not have as developed a sense of smell as other animals, they are sensitive to certain odours that are unpleasant to them and can be used to keep them away from crops. Here are some odours that bother birds:
- Vinegar: the pungent smell of vinegar is unpleasant to many types of birds and can be sprayed on surfaces or plants to keep them away.
- Cayenne pepper: Pepper has a strong odour that birds find irritating and can be sprinkled around plants.
- Garlic: The aroma of garlic is effective in repelling not only birds, but also other small animals that could damage crops.
- Cinnamon: another smell that bothers birds, it can be used in powder form or as an essential oil.
- Citrus essential oils: Lemon and orange emit aromas that keep birds away.
