Bahrain could soon see a shift from traditional straw scarecrows to smart, technology-driven pest deterrents, as authorities move to better protect farms, nurseries and gardens from attacks on crops, trees and plants.
The Southern and Muharraq Municipal Councils have unanimously approved a proposal submitted by five MPs led by Strategic Thinking Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who is also chairman of Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee. The proposal urges the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry to actively support farmers, horticulturists and gardeners in tackling escalating pest problems.
Mr Al Salloom said the issue was no longer limited to birds pecking at crops, but had expanded to a wider range of threats that traditional methods were failing to deter.
“Farmers today are facing repeated attacks that directly affect productivity, income and food security,” he said. “Static scarecrows are no longer enough. Animals and birds adapt quickly, and we must help our agricultural sector move towards smarter, more effective solutions.”
Some experts agree. Aviaway bird control services, for example, suggests the effectiveness of scarecrows depends on the pests. For example, some migratory birds dropping into Bahrain are easily scared off by scarecrows, but regular inhabitants such as pigeons and seagulls are not as easily frightened.
They work by tricking birds and animals into thinking a human is present, triggering their natural fear of predators, but their effectiveness fades as animals get used to them. In general, scarecrows work best when used in combination with other deterrents, it added.
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