Bird Gard® Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do the birds become accustomed to the sounds?
A.
All Bird Gard products use a microprocessor that randomly emits the sounds in completely unpredictable patterns and at random time intervals. The new Super Pro also plays the recorded sounds at a randomly selected sound frequency (sounds like a different bird) and out of a randomly selected speaker, which further keeps the birds from acclimating to the sounds.
Q. What bird species are repelled by Bird Gard products?
A.
The units offer many different recording configurations. We have a growing library of recorded bird calls and custom combinations may be available upon request. The Standard (Agricultural) version includes the distress cries of the starling, robin, house finch, common grackle, ring-billed gull, blue jay, red-winged blackbird and the predator cry of the sharp-shinned hawk. The Marine version includes the distress cries of the laughing gull, ring-billed gull, herring gull, black-headed gull, California gull, glaucous-winged gull, double-crested cormorant and the predator cry of the marsh hawk. Please check with our customer service department to see if we can help solve your specific bird control problem. We currently have over 50 different custom recording combinations available -
Click here for the Complete List!
Q. What if I do not know the species of bird that is causing problems?
A.
Bird Gard products are species specific and it is very important to know exactly what species you are dealing with. If you do not identify your species correctly, our research indicates that the birds will typically not respond to the prerecorded distress cries.
Q. How would I determine the species that is causing problems for me?
A.
You may want to contact your local library, University Extension Service, Fish and Wildlife Agencies or a local chapter of the Audubon Society. One of these resources should be able to help you identify your bird species. Often, talking to your neighbors is helpful too. A useful website in identifying North American bird species is the U.S. Department of the Interior website for the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter.
Our customer service staff may also be able to help you identify specific bird species.
Q. Are the sounds output through the unit audible?
A.
Bird Gard products incorporate actual bird distress cries that are digitally recorded on a microchip. The distress cries are quite audible to humans. They sound like birds chirping. Each product is equipped with a volume control dial so that the sound can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness in the desired area of coverage and for user and neighbor comfort.
Q. How long until I see results?
A.
The length of time may vary, but typically the birds will leave the area within 14 days. In most cases, you will see results very quickly. Fruit growers will need to have the unit in operation two weeks before their crop begins to ripen.
Q. Will the sounds affect domestic animals or livestock?
A.
No animals are harmed by the Bird Gard sounds. Most domestic animals and livestock quickly get use to the sounds and are not negatively impacted.
Q. Is the unit weatherproof?
A.
Bird Gard products are designed for outdoor use and are completely weatherproof.
Q. Where should I place my unit for maximum effectiveness?
A.
The unit needs to face the area that is affected, and usually the unit is mounted on a wooden post or metal pole at a height of 4 to 6 feet above ground level. For an agricultural setting, the unit should be place 2 to 3 feet above the level of the crop. With crops that grow fairly high some speakers may need to be lowered so that sound is also protecting the area under the tree canopy.
Q. Will extreme temperatures cause any problems with the product?
A.
The units will operate normally between 32 F and 110 F.
Q. Do Bird Gard products come with a money back guarantee or a warranty?
A.
Yes, please visit our Warranty Policy page for full details.
Bird Gard® Management & Tips
Acoustical bird hazing is a proven method of stressing or harassing birds away from a crop, food source or habitat. Most of our bird repelling systems are “species specific”. To obtain maximum control, our growers have found that by using a random sound mixture of harassment, distress and alarm calls, excellent results have been attained. Random, unexpected sounds will prevent the birds from becoming habituated to the sounds. Active management control and understanding bird habits is the key to success.
Read all instructions prior to installation. For best results:
- Install the Bird Gard unit WELL before the crop begins to change color and birds are attracted. This creates a “KEEP OUT” area for most birds prior to harvest. Once birds have tasted the ripe crop it is much more difficult to break their habits. Bird Gard units should be installed and turned on two weeks before the crop becomes attractive to the birds.
- Remember that most birds feed from the outside perimeter of a crop and use tree cover to roost in and for observation. Place speakers 15-50 feet inside crop pointing OUTWARDS whenever possible. Position more units/speakers along the perimeter of the crop, near tree cover, power lines, and water. Heavy sound coverage is recommended at flight pattern entry points to your crop.
- If birds are roosting in nearby trees at night, the unit should be run 24 hours a day during initial set-up (if possible) in order to move the birds further away.
- Mount speakers approximately three (3) feet above tree or crop levels for maximum coverage. For taller trees (cherries, peaches, almonds, pecans, etc) additional speakers may need to be placed under the tree canopy. Sound will disperse or reflect off solid barriers or thick brush. Mount control unit out of direct sun, if possible.
- When first installed, run the Bird Gard units at FULL volume and on SHORT/MEDIUM time off periods. This ensures “bird stress” and “harassment”.
- Watch and be aware of bird habits and their reactions. Check flight paths and re-adjust speaker locations accordingly. Check power source and unit settings often to insure continuous bird hazing. Be certain that the system is not turned OFF during crucial times.
- An optional solar panel is recommended for use with a 12 volt battery in order to ensure that the battery does not go dead at a critical time in terms of bird control.
- Whenever possible, run the Bird Gard unit at full volume.
- If you are using more than one Bird Gard unit, it is recommended to overlap the speaker coverage zones and use different sounds so that the birds experience greater harassment.
- Spray switches, sockets, and speaker jacks with white lithium grease or silicon two or three times per year in order to ensure years of trouble-free use.
- Store the complete system in a sealed carton during the off season.
- Remember that the Bird Gard system is a management tool. Effective results depend on your awareness of the local environment and attention to the system. The fewer alternative food sources in the area the more bird pressure you will experience. Be aware that under some situations of extreme drought or other adverse conditions, the pressure on the birds becomes so great that their survival instinct can overrule their fear of the Bird Gard sounds. In these extreme cases, you will need to supplement the Bird Gard with more human intervention in your bird control program.
Be aware that under some situations of extreme drought or other adverse conditions, the pressure on the bird becomes so great that survival overrules any deterrent.
