Laser Bird Deterrent Saves Hawke’s Bay Kiwifruit Orchard from Seagull Invasion

In a remarkable turn of events, a kiwifruit orchard in Hawke’s Bay has found an innovative solution to a persistent seagull problem—using a high-tech laser system to keep the birds at bay.

Simon Horsfall, a farmer in the sunny Hawke’s Bay region, owns a 60-hectare kiwifruit orchard. His goal is to protect the fruit from hail, wind, and birds, so he uses overhead nets. But this method backfired when over 600 seagulls turned the orchard into a nightly sanctuary.

The birds caused serious problems, including contamination of the crop, fruit damage, and hygiene issues during harvest season. Horsfall described the situation as a nightmare, with tens of thousands of dollars lost in fruit and cleanup efforts.

Desperate for a solution, Horsfall partnered with local bird control expert Michael Krause. Krause introduced him to the AVIX Autonomic Laser Bird Deterrent, a system developed by the Dutch company Bird Control Group. This automated, environmentally friendly tool uses green laser beams to scare birds away without harming them.

The principle behind the laser deterrent is simple yet effective. Birds, which rely heavily on sight, perceive the green laser light as a physical object. As the laser moves toward them, it triggers their natural fight-or-flight instinct, causing them to flee.

Once installed in Horsfall’s orchard, the system had an immediate impact. Within days, seagull numbers dropped significantly, and over time, the birds stopped visiting altogether.

“The laser changed everything,” Horsfall said. “It was immediate, effective, and far more sustainable than netting or other deterrents.” He estimated savings of over $105,000 per year from reduced fruit loss, lower cleanup costs, and improved harvest quality.

The system has already been adopted in over 100 countries worldwide and is gaining popularity in agriculture, airports, and industrial zones for its efficiency and eco-conscious design.

As climate conditions change, so does bird behavior, making crop protection more important than ever. The AVIX system offers a safe, innovative solution for growers looking to protect their crops and workers from bird-related issues.