A smarter way to protect grapes during harvest
For vineyards across Central Otago, protecting ripening grapes from birds has always been a battle—and an expensive one. But a new tool in the bird control toolbox is helping change that. Thanks to Birdzout laser technology, local vineyard managers like Timbo Deaker of Viticultura are seeing real results—saving time, reducing costs, and keeping birds at bay.
The Challenge: Rising Labour Costs and Bird Pressure
Labour shortages and increasing costs are hitting the wine industry hard. With over 60% of vineyard costs tied to labour, vineyard operators are under pressure to innovate—fast.
One of the most time-consuming and expensive jobs? Installing bird netting. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars, requires a team of eight for setup, and adds 8–10% to annual per-hectare costs.
Other deterrents like gas guns and manual shooting raise noise concerns—especially near residential areas—and still don’t offer consistent protection.
The Opportunity: Smarter Bird Control with Lasers
While reading an industry magazine, Deaker came across a feature on laser bird deterrents—technology already used at airports and grain storage facilities. Inspired, he trialled two systems at different vineyards.
Only one proved successful—and that system came from Birdzout, a New Zealand company offering automated bird deterrent lasers.
The Birdzout system:
• Covers 300–400m radius in daylight
• Continuously pans, tilts, and sweeps to keep birds unsettled
• Works off-grid with solar-powered options
• Is completely silent and environmentally friendly
The light patterns disturb birds’ flight paths, encouraging them to leave—especially when used in combination with other methods like partial netting or visual deterrents.
The Result: Reduced Crop Loss and Labour Costs
Deaker now has Birdzout lasers installed at six vineyards across Otago. Even the lower-performing trial site still achieved better financial results than using nets alone.
• Reduced reliance on labour-intensive netting
• Lower operational costs
• Decreased bird damage (up to 10% crop loss in unprotected vineyards)
• No noise complaints or visual clutter
• Positive outcomes even in high-pressure areas
“We’re still use nets for the outer blocks, but lasers have become a major part of the solution. They’re quiet, low-impact, and they work.”
— Timbo Deaker, Viticultura
Looking for a More Efficient, Sustainable Way to Keep Birds Out?
Birdzout laser systems are helping vineyards and orchards reduce damage, lower labour costs, and maintain a cleaner, more appealing growing environment.
Talk to Birdzout today to see how laser bird deterrents can work on your site.
