Can you relate to having your freshly planted garden torn up by feasting flocks of birds? Or waking up to find your car covered in bird droppings thanks to the overnight roosting party on your roof? Birds can quickly go from picturesque to problematic when they become unwelcome pests around your home. But before you resort to harmful chemicals or messy traps, there is a humane solution – remote control noise makers designed specifically to scare birds away.
These clever devices utilize a variety of sounds from ultrasonic frequencies to predator calls and alarms that disturb and deter birds. The remote control allows you to activate the noise maker to shoo birds away on demand, or set it to motion activation. With options to tailor the sounds and volume, placement, and usage, a remote control noise maker can effectively become your new best bird repelling buddy.
This handy guide will explore the different bird-scaring sounds, features, device types, proper set up, and usage tips for success. Soon you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your yard again without it turning into a bird buffet or latrine. So say goodbye to those bothersome birds, and hello to peaceful surroundings!
Use Ultrasonic, Supersonic, and Audible Sounds to Scare Birds
A remote control noise maker chases birds away by bombarding them with a mixture of ultrasonic frequencies, audible distress calls, and alarming sounds. Birds have sensitive hearing across a wide range, so these noises disturb and confuse them to deter roosting, feeding, and nesting. Let’s look at the different options:
Ultrasonic and Supersonic Frequencies Disrupt Birds
Ultrasonic frequencies are very high-pitched, above the normal hearing range of humans. They create discomfort and disorientation for birds, causing them to avoid the area. These inaudible sound waves are an excellent “set it and forget it” option for all-day coverage or when noise pollution is a concern.
Supersonic frequencies work similarly but are at an even higher pitch. They offer better directionality so you can aim the sound waves precisely where birds are gathering. This makes supersonics ideal for targeting specific entry points.
Predator and Distress Calls Ruffle Feathers
Nothing strikes paranoia into birds like hearing the cries of predators like hawks, crows, or owls! Predator warning calls signal danger and will send frightened birds scattering instantly. Distress calls imitate birds in peril, making them instinctively avoid whatever threat is nearby.
The great thing about audible sounds is that you can rotate between different calls to prevent habituation. You can also mix in alarming sirens or sudden loud noises to catch birds off guard. Audible sounds are perfect when you need to periodically “shock and scare” problematic birds away.
Find the Right Sounds for Each Situation
When choosing deterrent sounds, consider your needs:
- Inaudible ultrasonic frequencies work well for all-day coverage to prevent roosting and nesting. They are less effective at startling birds away once they’ve already arrived.
- Audible predator and distress calls provide an immediate startling effect to scare off birds already causing problems in your yard.
- A combination of ultrasonic and audible sounds creates confusion and maximizes coverage throughout the day and night.
Specialized Devices Emit Bird-Repelling Sounds
Now that you know the types of noises that scare birds, specialized devices are designed to broadcast these sounds efficiently. Electronic bird repellers, sonic nets, and sounds boxes are a few options.
Electronic Bird Repellers Use Ultrasonic Frequencies
Electronic ultrasonic bird repellers are devices that transmit high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves to create an uncomfortable atmosphere that deters birds. There are hanging models, sprinkler-head attachments, and units that can be mounted on buildings or poles. Most models have settings to adjust the frequency, volume, and range. Ultrasonic electronic repellers provide a constant 360 degrees of coverage up to 1,000 square feet.
Sonic Nets Blanket Large Areas
Looking to protect an entire orchard, vineyard, or large building from pest birds? Enter the sonic net. Multiple speakers mounted around the perimeter of the area broadcast sounds in all directions. This essentially creates an acoustic net to block birds from entering. Sonic nets alternate between ultrasonic frequencies, predator cries, distress calls, and intermittent loud sounds. The combination covers up to one acre and prevents birds from becoming accustomed.
Sound Boxes Target Directional Areas
For targeting a specific troublesome spot, a sound box emits predator and distress calls in a directed area. Omnidirectional models project sound in a 360-degree radius, while directional speakers focus the sounds to beam outward. The directional ability allows you to aim where birds are approaching from. Sound boxes work well around gardens, ponds, patios, and other small gathering spots.
Key Features and Settings for Success
To optimize your device, tailor the settings and features for your particular bird problem. Here are the key options to understand:
Adjust Frequency for Specific Bird Species
Certain ultrasonic frequencies and distress calls work better for deterring specific bird species. For example, European starlings are highly sensitive to around 10-15 KHz ranges. Pigeons dislike the calls of crows and hawks. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and do some testing to find the optimal pitch.
Use Volume Control Without Annoying Neighbors
The volume must be loud enough to startle and scare birds, but not so disturbing that it creates noise complaints from neighbors. Start lower and gradually increase the volume while monitoring results. Ultrasonic frequencies don’t need high volumes to be effective since they are inaudible to humans.
Motion Sensor Settings Conserve Battery
Devices that operate on battery power will last longer when motion sensor mode is enabled. The sounds activate only when the sensor detects moving birds rather than running continuously. This also helps avoid habituation since sounds turn on sporadically.
Set Day/Night Options Based on Birds’ Schedule
Configure daytime, nighttime, or around-the-clock operation based on when the problematic bird activity occurs. Diurnal birds like pigeons will require daytime coverage. Nocturnal species need night settings. 24-hour operation provides full protection.
Add Flashing Lights for Extra Visual Scare
Devices equipped with strobe lights add a visual stimulus for extra scare factor, especially helpful at night. Motion activated flashes paired with sounds create a multi-sensory deterrent.
Proper Placement Is Critical for Success
Birds aren’t easily scared off their desired feeding grounds and roosts. Proper placement of your remote control noise maker is key to maximizing the coverage and irritation to effectively drive birds away.
Elevated Height and Angle Reach Birds’ Line of Sight
Mount the device above ground level – at the same height or higher than where birds are gathering. This places the sound and any flashing lights directly in their sightline. Angle the device to face the area birds are approaching from. Account for obstacles like buildings and trees that can block the sound waves.
Cover All Entry Points to Block Access
Birds will look for gaps in coverage, so install devices covering all possible entrance points. Position them along the perimeter, at corners, and anywhere birds currently perch or congregate. Completely surrounding gardens, buildings, patios, etc. forces birds to find somewhere else to go.
Choose the Best Power Source for Your Situation
For permanent installation, AC and solar power enable continuous use, unless motion sensor mode conserves battery. Battery-powered devices allow flexible placement, but will eventually need recharging or battery replacement.
Tips for Deterring Tough Bird Problems
Persuading problematic birds to leave and not return takes some clever techniques and persistence. Here are some pro tips to boost your success:
Frequently Rotate Sounds and Locations
Don’t use the same sounds or leave devices in identical spots for too long. Birds will become accustomed. Frequently change up the distress calls and move devices every few days to keep birds on their toes.
Layer Sounds for Multi-Sensory Effect
Use a combination of ultrasonic frequencies, distress calls, sirens, and other sounds. Overlapping high and low pitch layers creates confusion. Sporadic loud noises amidst other sounds prevents acclimation.
Adjust Settings Seasonally for Migrators
Bird populations and behavior change over seasons. As migratory birds arrive or leave, swap out their unique distress calls and alter sound frequencies and volume. This maximizes impact as species shift.
Eliminate Attractants from the Area
Removing food sources like seed or fruit, water, and nesting sites is key. If birds still have something drawing them in, noise makers alone often won’t solve the problem. Offer birds a more appealing area to gather elsewhere.
Incorporate Visual Scare Tactics
Deploy decoys like owls and snakes, reflective materials, flutter ribbon, and shimmering deterrents that create visual disruption to complement the sound effects.
Try Combining with Barriers
Physical barriers like wire netting, pointy wire strips, or parallel strands of fishing line can make it difficult for birds to access an area. Combining with sound deterrents encourages them to move on.
Supplement with Additional Control Methods
For severe infestations, adding humane trapping and relocation can remove stubborn flocks, allowing noise makers to keep new birds from returning as strongly.
Scare Away Birds for Good!
Battling problem bird infestations in your yard can seem daunting at first. But having the right tool in your arsenal – a remote control noise maker – can provide long-term humane bird control without traps or toxic chemicals.
Through properly adjusting and positioning the various sound effects to startle, confuse, and irritate birds, you will discourage them from congregating where they’re not wanted. Consistently changing up the sounds and placement avoids habituation. Following these tips and tricks optimizes your success in reclaiming your space for peace and relaxation, not birds!
So take control of your property again. Get one of these ingenious remote control noise makers to humanely send those pesky birds packing for good before they pluck your last nerve and the last grape off your vines!