Do sonic pigeon deterrents work?
In many urban areas, whether in a residential setting, commercial site, or public space, pigeons have become a problem species.
Property owners regularly have to repair the damage caused by pigeons as well as minimise the potential health risks associated with the birds’ presence.
As a result, many owners are now seeking safe, effective, and humane solutions to deter these birds.
One solution that has been gaining attention is sonic pigeon deterrents, but the question is, do they really work, and how effective are they?
What is a sonic pigeon deterrent?
You may have heard of pigeon deterrents like bird netting or bird spikes, but in recent years we’ve seen many customers opt to implement the more modern sonic deterrents.
So, what are they, and how do sonic pigeon deterrents work?
Sonic pigeon deterrents are devices designed to repel pigeons and other avian species using sound waves.
The device emits an unpleasant frequency that only the birds can hear, causing discomfort and discouraging them from roosting or nesting on your property.
This deterrent has become increasingly popular as, unlike physical barriers like netting or spikes, sonic deterrents are a less invasive method of bird control.
Types of sonic pigeon deterrent
There are a variety of sonic pigeon deterrent devices available on the market that can be installed in different areas of a property, from roofs to gardens.
However, there are two main types of electronic devices available: Ultrasonic and Sonic.
Ultrasonic devices
These emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear but irritating for birds.
Ultrasonic devices are regularly installed at properties used by members of the public or where individuals work, because they provide a discreet solution to deter pigeons without causing disruption or inconvenience to those on site.
This type of device is compact and can be installed easily in areas where pigeons gather.
Sonic devices
Sonic deterrents, also known as audible bird repellents, produce a clear sound, such as a hawk call or sounds that mimic cries of distress from another bird to scare or intimidate pigeons.
These devices are designed to mimic real natural threats, making it clear to the birds that this area is unsafe and that they need to nest further away.
How effective are sonic pigeon deterrents?
The effectiveness of any pigeon deterrent will vary depending on several factors, but in the case of sonic devices, these are the key factors to be mindful of when deciding whether it’s the right deterrent for your property.
Placement
Proper installation and placement of your sonic pigeon deterrent are crucial for ensuring your device works efficiently.
Devices should be strategically located where you have seen pigeons gathering, or in areas that would be desirable for nesting.
Sound Frequency
Not all pigeons will respond the same to sonic deterrents, and while most will be instantly deterred from spending long at your property, some may be less bothered.
Over time, birds can adjust to the frequency of low-intensity sounds emitted by ultrasonic devices, reducing the deterrent’s efficacy.
In those instances, you may need to change the frequency or increase the intensity of the sound.
Environmental conditions
If (like us!) you’re located in an area of the UK that’s more susceptible to wind and rain, you may notice your sonic deterrent isn’t as effective.
Extreme weather conditions may reduce the effectiveness of the deterrent because birds simply cannot hear the frequency being emitted.
In this case, we would recommend either adjusting the placement of the device or implementing additional deterrents better suited to your environment.
Bird behaviour
As mentioned above, every pigeon is different, so each bird’s behaviour can also influence how effective sonic deterrents are.
While most pigeons will be scared away by the sounds, others may be more resilient and happier to adapt to these conditions in order to nest.
Again, additional deterrents may be required in these cases to make your property less desirable.
So, do sonic pigeon deterrents work? We believe that sonic deterrents can be effective when used in conjunction with other bird control measures, such as bird netting or spikes.
Installation of sonic pigeon deterrents
For any pigeon deterrent to work effectively and act as a long-term solution to your bird problem, it must be correctly installed.
Here, we’ve detailed the key steps we would advise any property owner to take when installing a sonic device.
Assess your property
Start by conducting a thorough site assessment to identify the areas frequented by pigeons.
This is often done best by a professional bird proofing specialist who can determine the optimal placement locations for deterrent devices.
Installation
We always recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines for installing sonic devices.
This ensures that your devices will be securely mounted and positioned correctly to cover the area you want to target effectively.
Maintenance
To ensure your deterrent remains functional, it’s essential to carry out regular maintenance.
This may involve cleaning off any dirt and debris from the solar panels that power the device and removing any build-up around the unit to ensure its performance isn’t affected.
Monitoring
Once your device is installed, it is vital to monitor the effectiveness of your sonic deterrent and, if necessary, adjust where it is placed or even change the frequency.
Some pigeons are more resilient, and by modifying the frequency or the intensity of the sound, you may start to see improved results.
Need help with your pigeon population?
Sonic pigeon deterrents can be an effective tool in controlling pigeon populations, and when combined with other deterrents they provide a comprehensive solution to any bird problem.
Hawks can help with bird proofing, don’t hesitate to contact us today by dialling 0151 345 6854 or send an email to us at info@urbanhawks.co.uk and we’ll get straight back to you.