How to Drive Away Roosting Crows

Crows are among the most intelligent bird breeds.

Roosting crows are a problem for farmers nationwide. The American crow, fish crow, northwestern crow, and Mexican crow all reside in the United States. These large birds are easily recognized and loud. Although crows are omnivores and will eat almost anything, they love to feed on crops. There are many ways to drive away roosting crows effectively at an affordable cost.

Things You'll Need

• Motion alarm
• Hose
• Repellent
• Radio
• Tree trimmer
• Gun
• Bullets
• Corn
• Fruit shield
• Owl stand
• Scarecrow

Instructions

1. Scare the crows. This is easy and affordable. Playing recorded music that includes loud sudden noises and upbeat rhythms will work. Install motion-activated alarms that trigger loud sirens or flash light on the areas where the birds are roosting. Banging on tin cans and spraying the crows with a hose will also be affective. Set up scarecrows that resemble humans and owls, or train pets like dogs to bark at the crows. Shooting guns and using wood clappers also scares roosting crows.

2. Use a repellant like Fruit Shield on your crops. Fruit Shield consists of methyl anthranilate, and can be used on many fruit and vegetable crops. Other tactile repellents can be used in areas where crows roost and gather around your crops, like fence posts and around buildings. Specific states may have restrictions on certain repellents so call your local natural resource enforcement agency.

3. Hunt the crows with guns. Each state has a season in which crows can be hunted. Contact your local authorities for more information and dates. Although this is only for a short period of time it effectively gets rid of many crows, and temporarily scares other crows away from the area.

4. Eliminate the areas where crows like to roost. Trees with a lot of leaves are common for crow roosting. Trim the branches on the trees and thin out the greenery. Remove trees if possible.

5. Spread food like corn in areas far away from your crops. Change the areas frequently to keep the crow moving in different locations away from your crops. This may not permanently get rid of crows, but is a temporary solution while growing new seedlings.

Tips & Warnings

• Change frightening methods frequently to continue scaring the crows.

• Check your state for local laws and regulations.

References

• Cornell University; Frequently Asked Questions About Crows; Dr. Kevin J. McGowan; November 2010
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management; American Crows; Ron Johnson
• United Wildlife Control: Crow Control

Resources

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Crows
• The Ohio State University Extension; Crow Damage Management; February 2008