A test conducted by CLM Research and Advice confirms that laser beams are an effective method to scare away birds from orchards.

The innovative Agrilaser bird repellent robot provides an automated solution and does not cause nuisance to nearby residents. CLM tested the Agrilaser Autonomic in an apple and pear orchard last summer. Before the test, the farmer experienced major damage from crows. After the deployment of the automated laser, the birds disappeared from the property, significantly reducing damage to the fruit. Fruit grower Arnold Bosgoed is positive: “After the deployment of the laser, the orchard became a lot quieter. The large groups of crows disappeared. I am very satisfied with the automated laser. The system is noiseless and the birds do not seem to get used to the laser beam. The installation was easy and it requires no maintenance.” The developers of the Agrilaser, Bird Control Group has started production of the system. “These results provide scope for testing the system on a larger scale,” says Joost Lommen, CLM researcher.

The operating principle

Birds perceive the laser beam as an imminent physical danger to which, unlike conventional techniques, birds do not get accustomed. A trajectory is programmed via a laptop or tablet, resulting in random sweeps in the designated area. Depending on weather conditions, an area of 100 hectares to 1,200 hectares can be kept bird-free. Thanks to the features, the robot can be configured to the dimensions of multiple areas and the desired operating periods throughout the day.

Steinar Henskes, CEO of Bird Control Group: “We are very pleased with the positive results of this test. Our team have worked for three years on the development of our laser technology, resulting in the Agrilaser Autonomic. We see many opportunities to deploy this system on agricultural land, large buildings and industrial sites.”