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Podcast: News For Reasonable People
Episode: LA Businesses Blast Loud Insect Sounds to Drive Away Homeless Encampments
Description: In Westchester, Los Angeles, a business has installed a speaker system called the Blue Chirper that plays loud insect noises—like crickets and cicadas—to deter homeless encampments.Local tenants say the sounds often exceed 90 decibels, disturbing nearby businesses and residents. Unhoused people in RVs report sleep disruption and stress, while business owners argue it’s a legal way to protect their property.This tactic is part of a growing trend in Southern California, where property owners have used everything from children’s songs like “Baby Shark” to classical music in attempts to push encampments away.