A U.K.-based company has developed technology inspired by scarecrows to prevent the accumulation of guano — otherwise known as seabird droppings — from offshore oil and wind platforms.

The aptly named company and device, both of which are called Scaretech, works much like traditional scarecrows deterring birds from feasting on crops in a field. Yet, on an offshore platform, the mannequin-like figure dressed in oil rig gear serves to deter seabirds from leaving guano on the surface of oil platforms.

Source: Scaretech

According to the company, the Scaretech mannequin prevents birds from depositing the guano, which creates surface hazards along platforms ranging from potentially slippery conditions to concealing markings designed to guide helicopter pilots landing on the platform. Additionally, oil rig workers are inhaling the guano, which could have future health implications.

Powered by solar panels, the foam, steel and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mannequin emits loud noises at random intervals along with bursts of high-intensity strobe lights to discourage the birds from gathering along the structure.

So far, the device has completed a 12-month trial at a U.K. offshore wind farm that reported guano accumulation has been almost entirely eliminated. Based on that success, Scaretech plans to make the device available to the offshore sector via a monthly rental option.