Baboons are protected — and highly emotive. Here’s a humane way to create safe distance.

In many Western and Eastern Province; Limpopo and Far North; and Zimbabwe and Botswana communities, baboons are more than “a nuisance problem”. They’re a protected species and a high-emotive subject, which often causes conflict in baboon-colonised areas.

Some residents demand removal. Others refuse any approach that could cause harm. Staff and security teams sit in the middle, trying to keep people safe while keeping the peace.

But the goal most communities actually share is simple: Create safe distance between humans and baboons — without harm.

The real issue is boundaries (not “bad animals”)

When baboons become comfortable around people, boundaries collapse. They start targeting the same human hotspots again and again:

• staff and guest dining areas

• refuse and food waste zones

• access routes and walkways

• roofs, structures and nearby roost areas

Once a troop learns that human spaces are rewarding (food, shelter, routine), the behaviour repeats.

A humane option: high-frequency behavioural deterrence

There is a practical, non-lethal option that helps re-establish distance: high-frequency soundwave systems designed as a behavioural deterrent.

In plain terms:

• the system creates an unwelcome “protected zone” in the areas you want kept baboon-free

• over time, the aim is to build avoidance behaviour

• it’s designed to deter without harming baboons

These systems are also typically described as generally inaudible to most humans during normal operation (site-dependent).

What to expect (and what not to expect)

This is not a magic wand. Outcomes depend on:

• site layout (open terrain vs confined spaces)

• correct placement and coverage (gaps matter)

• and importantly: attractants

A key reality: food rewards override deterrence.

If there are strong attractants close to the protected zone, baboons may keep testing the boundary — even if deterrence is in place. Common attractants include:

• pet pellets left in bowls outdoors

• wet waste that isn’t contained

• bird feeders placed near the home or dining areas

If you want a baboon-free zone, keep these to a minimum and place feeders well away from the areas you want protected.

Start simple: protect the zones that matter most

For residential situations, it usually makes sense to protect one or two priority zones first:

• the roofline / access point

• a high-conflict area (kitchen door, refuse zone, dining area, walkway)

Then expand coverage if needed based on behaviour and site layout.

DIY options and paid advice (so you don’t get stuck)

If you want to approach this in a structured way, our Residential page includes:

• DIY device options and pricing

• a short slide guide explaining the system

• a paid advice option for site-specific recommendations (to ensure correct placement and coverage)

Visit: Monkey Bizness https://www.monkeybizness.co.za/residential (From there, you can view the slide guide, DIY options, and the paid advice route.