Rodent Obstruction
through Drone-Enabled
Non-invasive Technology
Rodent pests pose a severe threat to agriculture, causing significant crop losses, contaminating soil, and spreading diseases1. Their burrowing and feeding habits damage roots, compromise crop quality, and reduce yields significantly. Traditional methods of pest control rely heavily on chemical pesticides, which harm beneficial species, reduce biodiversity, and create imbalances in ecosystems.
The RODENT (Rodent Obstruction through Drone-Enabled Non-invasive Technology) project proposes an innovative, non-invasive pest management solution. By utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) equipped with ultrasound speakers and thermal cameras, we aim to deter rodents effectively without relying on harmful chemicals2. The ultrasound waves, emitted within the rodents’ hearing range (8 kHz to 80 kHz), serve as a deterrent, while the thermal cameras enable precise rodent tracking and monitoring. This approach offers a chemical-free, environmentally friendly method of pest control, reducing the ecological footprint associated with pesticide use. It preserves biodiversity, prevents water pollution, and promotes agricultural sustainability by enhancing soil health and long-term productivity.
Challenges and how they will be addressed
Rodents pose a major threat to agriculture, causing:
- Up to 40% reduction in global crop yields annually.
- Increased dependence on harmful chemical pesticides.
- Degradation of biodiversity and soil health.
RODENT Solution: Drone-Mounted Ultrasound Technology
- Ultrasound Emission: Deters rodents using specialized frequencies.
- Thermal Monitoring: Real-time surveillance of rodent activity.
- Eco-Friendly Pest Control: Chemical-free, non-invasive, and scalable.
Tech components and data
- Drone-mounted ultrasound system: drones equipped with ultrasound speakers emitting frequencies to deter rodents;
- Thermal imaging cameras: used for real-time rodent tracking and monitoring pest activity;
- Autonomous flight planning: drones follow predefined flight paths for efficient pest control;
- Ultrasound signal processing: custom-designed sweep signal prevents rodents from habituating to the deterrent sound.
- 3D printed mounts: custom-designed mounts for ultrasound speakers and cameras, ensuring stable drone integration.
Expected outcomes
1
Drone-Mounted Ultrasound System: Repels rodents with frequency emissions.
2
Thermal Surveillance: Provides real-time rodent activity monitoring.
3
Reduced Crop Losses
4
Lower Pesticide Usage
5
Enhanced Soil Health and Biodiversity
6
Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination
About Poljoprivredno gazdinstvo - Jeličić
| Full name | Poljoprivredno gazdinstvo – Jeličić |
| Country | Serbia |
| Website | https://www.sumskimir.org/ |
| Contact Persons | Jovan Jeličić, Vasilije Kovačević |
| Contact’s email |
Poljoprivredno Gazdinstvo – Jeličić’s, Šumski Mir offers a retreat from the ordinary. Nestled in Deliblatska Peščara, a unique and protected natural reserve just 55 km from Belgrade, it’s a place where nature and sustainability come together. We organize workshops for youth and elders, focusing on renewable and organic farming, forest restoration, and beekeeping, fostering learning, growth, and a deeper connection to the environment. At the same time, we are dedicated to engaging and empowering the local community, providing them with the tools and knowledge to contribute to sustainable practices and thrive in harmony with nature.
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Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.