Innovative bio-acoustic bird deterrents
Ravensbourne in North Greenwich has seen a 100% reduction in two bird species, the Lesser black-backed gull and Feral pigeons since the innovative bio-acoustic deterrent system was installed in July 2016.
“A wonderful and innovative solution to prevent a number of H&S and maintenance problems we had been facing at Ravensbourne. The team from Beaver Pest Control were professional, proactive and provided a very effective response and solution. I am very happy with the results and would certainly recommend their services and indeed the bio-acoustic bird deterrent solution.”
Andy Combe, Regional Account Manager, ENGIE
The building
Ravensbourne is an innovative, industry-focused university sector institution with a hugely talented community of staff, students and creative businesses. Based in North Greenwich in close proximity to the O2 Arena, Ravensbourne specialises in design, media and fashion courses. The striking open plan building was designed for collaboration and creative working – winning the prestigious RIBA award for the most innovative higher education building in London in 2011.
The Problem
Due to its proximity to the River Thames and location in North Greenwich the building provided shelter for a number of bird species. In particular the Lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) had become a problem causing damage to the service plant insulation on top of the building as seen in this picture.
The gulls were also nesting on the parapets which in strong winds became a Health & Safety issue, when parts of nesting materials and occasionally eggs would be blown onto the ground below.
The challenges
The roof measures 102m in length and comprises of two individual plant areas which are located on different levels.
Innovative bio-acoustic bird deterrents
Our challenge was to design a system which would offer equal coverage of the entire roof thus deterring birds from the open areas as well as from the expensive plant.
The solution
Beaver Pest Control LLP working in partnership with GSL Cleaning Ltd were tasked by ENGIE, the facilities provider for the building, to find a long-term solution. 
Having carefully considered all available options we proposed the installation of a bio-acoustic bird deterrent system.
The system works by using pre-recorded distress calls which are randomly broadcasted via each of the three individual channels to create the impression of predator movement. The system automatically varies the time and the volume of the broadcast which creates the perception of natural sound levels and predator movement. All of this imitates the birds’ natural behaviour.
These systems are some of the most sophisticated in the world using a combination of biology and acoustics to create a technology which disperses problem bird species in a humane manner.
The maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) @ 1m is 84dB with a maximum effective operating distance on full volume of 100m. This does depend on wind direction and ambient conditions.
One of the benefits of the system is that the calls are not intrusive and are unlikely to be noticed by the students or the general public.
Result
The system has been very successful in removing the birds from the building. Within two weeks of the system being fully operational, we were able to report to the client that the roof was clear of birds. We are now six months into the installation and the building continues to be free of birds.
To find out more information on bio-acoustic systems please contact Beaver Pest Control – www.pestcontrolservices.co.uk or call one of our specialists 0208 355 3443.
