Turkey vultures, also known as buzzards, are large birds of prey that are found throughout much of North and South America. While turkey vultures play an important role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion, they can become problematic for homeowners due to their droppings, smell, and tendency to damage property.
Why Get Rid of Turkey Vultures?
There are several reasons why homeowners may want to get rid of turkey vultures:
- Droppings – Turkey vultures produce large amounts of droppings that can damage vehicles, buildings, and other property. The acidic droppings can also kill vegetation.
- Odor – Groups of turkey vultures feeding on a carcass emit a foul stench that can be quite overpowering for nearby homes.
- Damage – Turkey vultures will sometimes pick at roof shingles, window screens, and other building materials which can lead to costly repairs.
- Intimidation – Large flocks of turkey vultures circling overhead can be intimidating for some people.
- Health Risks – Turkey vulture droppings may harbor bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, posing a potential health risk.
Methods to Get Rid of Turkey Vultures
There are several methods that can be effective for removing turkey vultures:
Remove Food Sources
Turkey vultures are attracted to carrion and other decaying organic material. Eliminating food sources such as roadkill and dead livestock on your property will help make the area less appealing. Promptly disposing of dead animals and thick brush piles where carcasses may lay hidden is key.
Use Effigies
Life-sized fake vultures or owl effigies can help deter turkey vultures from an area. Move the effigies around every few days so the birds don’t become accustomed to them. Adding predator eyes to the effigy can make them more lifelike and intimidating to the birds.
Reflective Objects and Sounds
Reflective objects such as aluminum pie pans, old CDs, or reflective tape hung near roosting areas can help scare off vultures. Noisemakers, clapping hands, or other loud sounds when the birds are present helps reinforce that they are not welcome. automatically-activated water sprinklers triggered by the birds’ movement or lasers are other options.
Netting
Installing netting over window screens, eaves, poles, or other roosting spots can prevent access and eliminate perches. A grid spaced close enough so birds cannot squeeze through is ideal. Sturdy materials like stainless steel or UV-resistant polypropylene last longer than basic bird netting.
Anti-Roosting Spikes
Specialized roost preventers made of stainless steel spikes or slopes can be installed on ledges, roof peaks, sign edges and other areas to remove a turkey vulture’s ability to land. The birds will avoid these uncomfortable perching spots.
Repellents
There are a number of chemical bird repellents on the market made to discourage turkey vultures and other nuisance birds. Products usually contain the active ingredient methyl anthranilate which causes irritation and discomfort when ingested or contacted. Use according to label instructions and reapply frequently for best results.
Trapping and Relocation
Live trapping of turkey vultures, while regulated, can be done with appropriate permits from your state wildlife agency. Once trapped, birds must be relocated at least 100 miles away and released. This method may provide temporary relief but needs to be repeated as new vultures are likely fill the void.
Limit Roosting Areas
Discouraging roosting on your property helps make the area less appealing to vultures. Trimming trees branches back 7 feet removes roosting locations. Sealing openings to attics and crawlspaces prevents access. Other tactics include installing rooftop wire grids spaced less than 2 feet apart or hanging wind chimes near common perch locations.
Prevention
Making your property less inviting to turkey vultures can help reduce problems down the line:
- Promptly clean up any food waste
- Use covered trash cans and keep lids tightly sealed
- Pick up fallen fruit and vegetables from gardens
- Remove dead trees, stumps, or fallen logs
- Clean up brush and keep landscaping well-maintained
- Install vulture-deterrent devices before nesting and roosting begins
- Use care when handling dead pets or livestock
Legal Considerations
Turkey vultures are federally protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This makes it illegal to harm, kill, or even harass turkey vultures without proper permits. Non-lethal scare and harassment tactics are acceptable but lethal options including shooting or poisoning birds are not. Trapping and relocation requires permits. Always check your state and local wildlife regulations before taking any measures to control turkey vultures.
When to Seek Professional Help
In some cases, a severe turkey vulture problem may require professional assistance. A wildlife control expert can assess your property, identify roosting areas, and implement tailored vulture control solutions. They have access to specialized equipment, bird repellents, and detailed knowledge of legal regulations and best practices. The investment can be well worth it for effective long-term turkey vulture abatement.
Conclusion
With persistence and an integrated pest management approach, turkey vultures can be safely deterred from becoming a nuisance around your home. Removing food sources, installing physical barriers, using repellents, and modifying roosting sites can help make your property less attractive to vultures. Preventative maintenance and prompt action when vultures first start appearing improves control. Turkey vultures provide an important ecosystem service by removing carrion, so non-lethal management solutions remain the best option in most cases.
