Large, frightening birds, turkey vultures, also called buzzards, take pleasure in causing noise, destroying things, and leaving carcasses lying around.
Turkey vultures are accustomed to coexisting with people and consuming our trash. They are usually observed by the side of the road or in agricultural fields. They are unlikely to be in your backyard, though, unless something has died or you own a sizable, attractive property.
Turkey Vultures are large dark birds with long, broad wings. They are larger than all other raptors, with the exception of eagles and condors, thanks to their long “fingers” at the tips of their wings and long tails that extend past their toe tips when in flight. Turkey vultures lift their wings slightly when they soar, creating a “V” in the sky. Although Turkey Vultures appear black from a distance, they are actually dark brown up close, with a light bill and a red, featherless head. They soar in small groups and roost in big flocks. Occasionally, they can be discovered on the ground in little groups, gathered around trash cans or roadkill.
Turkey vultures, while ecologically important scavengers can be a nuisance when they congregate around your property. Their presence can be unsightly, noisy, and potentially damaging. Fortunately there are numerous effective methods for deterring and removing these birds without causing harm. This guide will delve into the most effective strategies for getting rid of turkey vultures, including exclusion techniques, visual and auditory deterrents, and habitat modification.
Understanding Turkey Vultures
Before exploring removal techniques, it’s crucial to understand the behavior and habits of turkey vultures. These large birds are primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion and playing a vital role in the ecosystem by preventing the spread of disease. They are social creatures, often roosting and foraging in groups Their keen sense of smell allows them to locate carcasses from afar, and they have a distinctive bald head and red neck
Effective Removal Techniques
Exclusion Techniques:
- Bird Shock Track: This electrified tape effectively deters vultures from landing on ledges, roofs, and other perching spots. The mild shock discourages the birds without causing harm.
- Bird Spikes: These strategically placed spikes prevent vultures from roosting on narrow surfaces. Consider the Extra Tall Bird Spikes for added effectiveness.
- Bird Netting: This physical barrier can be used to exclude vultures from accessing specific areas, such as roofs, balconies, and fruit trees.
Visual and Auditory Deterrents:
- Scarecrow Kites: These realistic bird-shaped kites mimic predators and effectively deter vultures. Choose kites with bright colors, eye-like patterns, and a large wingspan for maximum impact.
- Owl Decoys: Position realistic owl decoys in areas frequented by vultures to mimic their natural predator. Move the decoys periodically to enhance their effectiveness.
- Sonic Cannons: These propane-powered devices emit loud blasts that scare away vultures and other nuisance birds.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These water-based deterrents effectively discourage vultures from landing and foraging on lawns and gardens.
- Reflective Surfaces: Hanging reflective objects, such as CDs or foil strips, creates flashing light that disorients and scares away vultures.
- Laser Deterrents: These devices project moving light patterns that mimic predators, effectively deterring vultures from approaching.
- Predator Mylar Balloons: These balloons feature reflective surfaces and predator-like eyes, creating a visual and psychological deterrent for vultures.
Habitat Modification:
- Remove Food Sources: Eliminate potential food sources, such as carrion, garbage, and pet food, to discourage vultures from lingering in the area.
- Secure Trash Cans: Ensure trash cans are tightly sealed and secured to prevent vultures from accessing food scraps and waste.
- Clean Up Spills and Odors: Regularly clean areas where food spills or strong odors may attract vultures.
- Remove Roosting Sites: Prune dead branches, remove tall weeds, and eliminate other potential roosting spots for vultures.
- Modify Lighting: Avoid leaving bright lights on at night, as this can attract vultures.
Professional Assistance:
If DIY methods prove ineffective, consider seeking assistance from a professional wildlife control company. These experts can assess your specific situation, develop a customized removal plan, and implement effective strategies to deter and remove vultures.
Additional Considerations:
- Legality: Always ensure your chosen removal methods comply with local and federal wildlife regulations.
- Humane Treatment: Prioritize humane techniques that deter and remove vultures without causing harm.
- Persistence: Be patient and persistent with your chosen methods, as it may take time to achieve lasting results.
By implementing these effective removal techniques and understanding turkey vulture behavior, you can successfully deter these birds from your property. Remember to prioritize humane and legal methods, and seek professional assistance if needed. With patience and perseverance, you can reclaim your space and enjoy a vulture-free environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a turkey vulture?
Turkey vultures are large birds with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. They have a distinctive bald head and red neck, and their wings are held in a V-shape when soaring.
Are turkey vultures dangerous?
Turkey vultures are not typically aggressive towards humans. However, they can be a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers.
What attracts turkey vultures to my property?
Turkey vultures are attracted to carrion, garbage, and other food sources. They may also be attracted to tall structures, such as trees and buildings, which they use as roosting sites.
How can I prevent turkey vultures from returning?
Once you have successfully removed turkey vultures from your property, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from returning. This includes eliminating food sources, securing trash cans, and modifying your landscaping to remove potential roosting sites.
Tips for Getting Rid of Turkey Vultures
Despite the fact that they are legally protected because of their vital role in the environment, it’s understandable why people would not want them around their homes.
You should observe turkey vultures for a period of time each day if you’re attempting to figure out how to get rid of them. To keep buzzards away from your home, observe what they’re doing and where they’re roosting.
Finding out where they like to spend their time is one of the most important things to do. This will assist you in deciding which tools to use, where to concentrate your anti-buzzard tactics, and how to control birds.
If you need a vulture removed quickly, humanely, and effectively, contact us today!
Here are some of the most effective and humane ways to get rid of turkey vultures:
Most birds respond well to loud noises and scare tactics for bird removal and deterrents, and because turkey vultures are protected by state laws, you can’t use guns to scare them away. A sonic cannon, on the other hand, accomplishes the same goal without harming the birds. This propane-powered gadget emits incredibly loud sound blasts to frighten pests away from your home. Note that this is best used to frighten buzzards and ducks away from large, open areas. The loud boom it makes is 130 decibels, which may scare birds up to 10 acres away–so if you use it in the suburbs, expect neighbors to knock on your door. Note that using a sonic cannon to get rid of buzzards is not a quiet strategy! 130 decibels is LOUD and equivalent to a jet take-off or a gunshot at close range.