Fruit crops have always been at risk of damage caused by birds, but a West Australian orchardist has found a solution using laser technology. Sam Licciardello, who grows apples, pears, plums, peaches, and nectarines, was losing up to 20% of his crops each year to birds. He turned to laser bird-deterrent technology as a solution.
The machine projects lasers in a pattern onto the fruit trees, operating 24 hours a day, scaring the birds enough to keep them off the fruit and away from the trees. The laser machine can be programmed with a pattern to suit the orchard’s layout and can be adjusted as needed. However, after a trial last season, Mr. Licciardello noticed that the birds seemed to learn the laser pattern after 10 days.
“I’d scramble it and change it, and [the birds] would have to sit back and learn it again,” he said. “You’ve gotta be really on top of it and adjust your program to suit.” Despite the birds learning the pattern, Mr. Licciardello believes that the laser system will become even more efficient over time.
The use of laser technology in protecting fruit crops from birds is a novel approach that shows promise. Not only does it protect the crops, but it also does so without harming the birds. This approach represents a win-win situation for both the orchardist and the birds.
In conclusion, laser bird-deterrent technology is a promising solution for orchardists facing the problem of bird damage to their fruit crops. The ability to program the laser machine with a pattern to suit the orchard’s layout and adjust it as needed makes it a flexible solution. With the potential to become even more efficient over time, it is definitely worth considering for those looking for a solution to this age-old problem.
