As the fall season arrives, many gardeners are busy tending to their pumpkin patches in anticipation of Halloween festivities. However, some may find that birds have taken an interest in their crops as well. Birds can potentially cause damage to ripening pumpkins and squash, leaving gardeners wondering how to protect their hard work.
Will birds eat pumpkin plants?
The short answer is yes, birds can and will eat parts of pumpkin plants, especially seedlings, flowers, ripe fruit, and seeds. Many bird species are naturally attracted to seeds and fruit as food sources. While birds do not actually eat the leaves, stems, vines, or rinds of pumpkins, they may peck holes in ripening pumpkins to access the flesh and seeds inside.
Some of the most common backyard birds that may feed on pumpkin plants include:
- Sparrows
- Starlings
- Crows
- Finches
- Woodpeckers
- Blue jays
While most birds will not cause significant damage, large flocks descending on a pumpkin patch could quickly destroy ripening gourds. Nuisance birds like crows and starlings may be the biggest threat to monitor.
Why are birds attracted to pumpkin plants?
Birds are naturally drawn to pumpkins and other vegetable plants for a few key reasons:
- Seeds – Pumpkin seeds are a high-fat food source that birds seek out, especially in fall when they are building energy reserves for winter.
- Flesh – The flesh of ripening pumpkins is soft and nutrient-dense, making it an attractive food source.
- Color – Bright orange pumpkins stand out and attract attention from birds.
- Water content – Pumpkins hold a lot of moisture that thirsty birds can access.
In addition to the appeal of pumpkins themselves, backyard bird feeders may draw in birds that then also notice nearby pumpkin plants. Their natural foraging behaviors lead them to explore and take advantage of any readily available food sources.
What kind of damage can birds cause?
Birds can inflict several types of damage on vulnerable pumpkin plants:
- Eating seeds and seedlings – Birds may dig up and eat newly planted pumpkin seeds before sprouts have a chance to establish.
- Picking at flowers – The pollen and nectar in pumpkin flowers may attract hungry birds who then damage the bloom.
- Holes in rinds – Birds will often puncture holes in ripening pumpkins with their beaks to reach the interior flesh and seeds.
- Removal of stems – Some birds may try to remove whole pumpkins by breaking off the stem.
- Quick decay – Holes and ruptured rinds allow decay and rot to set in quickly on exposed pumpkins.
Just a few peck holes or one damaged seedling may not make much difference. But extensive damage from hungry flocks of birds can quickly add up to destroyed crops. Early prevention is key to avoid issues.
How to keep birds from eating pumpkins
Here are some tips to protect ripening pumpkins from bird damage:
Scare devices
- Scarecrows – Position scary scarecrows in the garden to frighten birds away.
- Fake predators – Set out decoys or inflatable owls, hawks, snakes, etc to scare birds.
- Noisemakers – Windchimes, bells, clackers, etc will deter birds with sound and movement.
- Shiny objects – Reflective ribbons, old CDs, aluminum pie pans that spin and flash in the sunlight can scare birds.
Exclusion techniques
- Row covers – Cover pumpkin vines with mesh fabric row covers to create a protective barrier.
- Netting – Drape bird exclusion netting over the pumpkin patch.
- Caging – Build cages or boxes around individual pumpkins to create barriers.
Repellents
- Hot pepper wax – Apply this non-toxic spray containing capsaicin on and around plants.
- Garlic oil – Has a strong scent that repels birds.
- Predator urine – Applying fox or coyote urine granules may deter birds.
- Avian repellent sprays – Products like Bird-X are sprayed directly onto surfaces.
Population control
- Remove bird feeders attracting flocks to the yard.
- Use noisy bird distress calls to scare away problematic species.
- Trim trees and shrubs where birds perch.
- Use taste deterrents like garlic or chili oil on favored perches.
When to start bird control
Take preventative action early before birds develop patterns and cause damage:
- As soon as sprouts emerge – Use scare devices and mesh covers.
- During flowering stage – Protect pollinated flowers.
- When pumpkins start ripening – Cover individual fruits or entire patch.
- 1-2 weeks before harvesting – Birds will notice ripe pumpkins.
Be especially vigilant in monitoring for early bird damage at the start of the season to prevent repeat offenses.
Trapping problem birds
In some cases, it may be necessary to trap and remove individual nuisance birds causing repeated damage:
- Live cage traps – Humanely trap problem birds for relocation.
- Funnel traps – Allow birds in but not out of an enclosed area.
- Mist nets – Fine mesh nets temporarily trap birds unharmed.
Consult local regulations, as permits and restrictions may apply for trapping wild birds. Avoid harming birds whenever possible.
When to give up and harvest pumpkins
If all prevention efforts fail, it may be time to simply cut your losses and harvest pumpkins a little early before the birds claim them all. This may be the case if:
- Holes and damage render pumpkins unusable.
- Rot has set into damaged areas.
- Birds return daily with increasing destructive behavior.
- Multiple nests and large flocks make control impossible.
While not ideal, collecting usable pumpkins early can still salvage some of the crop. Continuing control efforts in future years can establish better protection over time.
Conclusion
Birds can present a frustrating challenge for pumpkin growers. However, a good defense plan using scare tactics, exclusion barriers, and repellents can outsmart the winged thieves. Persistence is key, as birds will likely test and look for weaknesses in any protection method. Adapting when needed and not allowing extensive damage to set the tone for the season gives pumpkins their best shot at making it from patch to porch.
