Symterra is a bird control technology company that provides humane, non-physical bird deterrent systems for commercial and industrial facilities. Our solutions help reduce nesting, roosting, contamination, and operational disruption without harming birds.

How does Symterra’s bird deterrent system work?

Birds are biologically optimized to navigate. There’s a special protein in their eyes, mineral crystals in their beaks, and wave receptors in their ears, eyes, and brains. Together, these elements provide every bird with an “internal GPS.” The Symterra system emits an electromagnetic frequency that disrupts that GPS. When in range, birds are temporarily unable to judge speed, direction, and distance — which is annoying, but not harmful. Discouraged from landing, the birds simply continue their search for a good place to roost, nest, or forage. For more details, visit our How It Works page.

Is this technology effective?

Yes, our system has been proven to be highly effective. If you’ve got birds landing in an unwanted area — just about any unwanted area — our bird deterrent system can help. It has been successfully implemented in various industries, including agriculture, aviation, and waste management. Our customers have reported significant reductions in bird-related issues since implementing our system. For real customer stories, visit our Testimonials page

Is the electromagnetic frequency safe?

Absolutely. Our bird deterrent system is designed with safety in mind — it won’t hurt birds or humans. The electromagnetic technology used is non-invasive and doesn’t emit any harmful radiation. We’ve also met all industry standards for safe operation around humans and electrical equipment, as certified by the FCC and CE.

Will it interfere with other electronic, communications or electrical systems?

No. Thankfully, our system only interferes with birds. Since it doesn’t emit any radio frequency or ultrasound waves, the Symterra system won’t interfere with other electrical equipment. It creates an electromagnetic field using an oscillator that operates at 120 hertz in the audio frequency spectrum, creating a 5-to-6-foot field. Our system also has Electromagnetic Compatibility Certification meeting requirements for compliance certification in the USA (FCC) and Europe (CE).

How much does it cost?

The cost of our bird deterrent system depends on various factors, such as the size of the area to be covered and the specific requirements of the installation. We offer customized solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. Please Contact Us for a personalized quote.

Does Symterra provide installation support?

Absolutely. We’ll provide all the training you need to ensure a smooth installation. We can also refer you to an authorized reseller for hands-on support.

How big is the Symterra System?

Our system components are discrete, and the system can be scaled to fit most spaces and property types. Here are a few specifics you’ll want to know before installation: – The reactor is 11 x 14 cm. – Each capacitor is approximately 6.3 cm high by 2.5 cm wide. – One reactor will serve to create a field covering approximately 600 linear feet.

Where can it be installed?

The Symterra system can be installed just about anywhere. Restaurants, stadiums, warehouses, billboards, homes, office buildings, hotels — you name it, our technology can protect it.

How Birds Use Magnetic Field Navigation & Internal GPS

Name: Symterra
Brand: Symterra Pulse
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Quick Answer

How does bird navigation affect deterrent strategy?

Birds use memory, magnetic fields, visual cues, and environmental signals to return to familiar locations. This is why basic removal or short-term scare tactics often fail. A stronger bird deterrent strategy must disrupt the patterns birds use to land, roost, nest, and return.

Birds have long fascinated scientists with their remarkable navigational abilities. Whether migrating thousands of miles or finding their way home from unfamiliar territories, birds demonstrate an extraordinary sense of direction and location. This navigational prowess is attributed to several specialized biological elements that function together like an internal GPS. These elements include special proteins in their eyes, mineral crystals in their beaks, and wave receptors in their ears, eyes, and brains.

How Birds Use Magnetic Fields to Navigate and Why It Matters for Deterrence

Birds use the Earth’s magnetic field as an internal compass to guide their movement, especially during migration and daily navigation. Specialized cells in their eyes and beaks help them detect magnetic direction, allowing them to sense location, orientation, and distance. This ability helps birds return to the same structures repeatedly once they identify a location as safe. Understanding this behavior explains why some deterrent systems work better than others, especially those that disrupt navigation rather than just blocking access.

Why Birds Return After Removal

Removing birds from a property does not erase the location from their memory. Birds often return because they already know the site provides safety, shelter, food access, or nesting opportunities.

Their internal navigation systems help them find the same structures again. Roof edges, beams, ledges, signs, equipment areas, and covered spaces become familiar landmarks. Once birds connect those areas with safety, they keep testing the site.

This is why cleanup alone is not enough. Droppings, nests, and debris may be removed, but the behavior remains unless the property no longer feels safe or useful to the birds.

For a deeper look at this behavior, read why pigeons keep coming back.

Specialized Proteins in the Eyes: Seeing Direction

A key component of birds’ navigational system is a specialized protein called cryptochrome, found in their eyes. Cryptochrome is sensitive to blue light and is believed to play a crucial role in the birds’ ability to detect the Earth’s magnetic field.

When exposed to light, cryptochrome undergoes a chemical reaction which researchers believe enable birds to perceive magnetic fields as visual patterns or colors. This capability is particularly useful during migration when birds travel long distances and need to maintain a consistent direction.

Magnetic Crystals in the Beak: Built-In Compass

In addition to the cryptochrome in their eyes, birds also possess magneto-receptive abilities due to the presence of magnetite crystals in their beaks. Magnetite is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly sensitive to magnetic fields.

These crystals act like tiny compasses, allowing birds to detect the direction and intensity of the Earth’s magnetic field. The precise mechanism by which these crystals aid navigation is still under investigation, but it is clear that they provide critical information for orientation and movement.

Wave-Based Navigation: Reading the Environment

Birds’ navigational systems are enhanced by wave receptors located in their ears, eyes, and brains. These receptors are sensitive to various environmental cues, including infrasound waves, which are low-frequency sound waves that can travel long distances and provide information about landscape features. Additionally, birds can detect polarized light, which helps them determine the position of the sun even when it is obscured by clouds.

The integration of these wave receptors with the magneto-receptive capabilities from the beak and the visual information from the eyes enables birds to create a comprehensive map of their surroundings. This multi-sensory approach allows birds to navigate with remarkable precision, even over vast and challenging terrains.

The ability of birds to navigate with such accuracy and precision is a testament to the sophisticated biological systems they possess. The specialized proteins in their eyes, the mineral crystals in their beaks, and the wave receptors in their ears, eyes, and brains all contribute to an internal GPS that guides them through their incredible journeys. Understanding these mechanisms not only sheds light on the marvels of avian navigation but also inspires further research into the complex interplay between biology and the Earth’s magnetic field.

How Symterra Pulse Uses This Science

Symterra bird deterrent systems work by disrupting these finely-tuned navigational systems. By emitting electromagnetic waves, these systems interfere with the birds’ ability to detect magnetic fields and other environmental cues, making the area unattractive and confusing for them to navigate. As a result, birds are deterred from settling or roosting in areas protected by Symtera, effectively reducing bird-related nuisances and damages.

Science-based bird control

Stop birds before they return to the same spot

Birds use natural navigation systems to return to familiar structures. Symterra Pulse helps disrupt those patterns with a humane deterrent system built for long-term commercial bird control.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do birds always return to the same spots?

Birds return to the same spots because they rely on memory and environmental cues to navigate. Once a location is proven safe and suitable, they build habits around it. Over time, that spot becomes part of their routine or territory.

How do birds find their way back to the same location?

Birds use a combination of natural navigation systems to return to familiar locations. These include sensing the Earth’s magnetic field, detecting sunlight patterns, and using environmental signals. Together, these systems guide them back with high accuracy.

What is meant by a bird’s “internal GPS”?

A bird’s internal GPS refers to the biological systems that help it navigate and stay oriented. These include light-sensitive proteins in the eyes, magnetic minerals in the beak, and sensory receptors that detect environmental signals. These systems work together to create a mental map of their surroundings.

How do birds use the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation?

Birds can detect the Earth’s magnetic field through specialized biological structures. This helps them understand direction and position during flight. It acts like a built-in compass that guides movement over long distances.