Turkey vultures are large imposing birds that often become nuisances around homes and farms. With their intimidating appearance and unnerving habits like vomiting as a defense mechanism it’s no wonder many property owners want to get rid of them.
Fortunately, there are ways to humanely and legally deter turkey vultures without harming them. As turkey vultures are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it’s illegal to kill or harm them without a permit. Read on to discover effective turkey vulture control methods that will encourage these unwelcome guests to leave your property for good.
Remove Food Sources That Attract Turkey Vultures
The first line of defense against problematic turkey vultures is eliminating anything on your property that might attract them. Turkey vultures have an exceptional sense of smell and can detect carrion from up to a mile away. Make sure to promptly dispose of any dead animals, either by burial or removal to a landfill. Keep trash cans tightly sealed and avoid throwing away exposed food waste that could produce odors.
Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers
One of the most effective ways to scare away turkey vultures is by installing motion-activated sprinkler systems around your property. The sudden spray of water when turkey vultures land will startle them and convince them to move on. Position sprinklers on rooftops, fences, and anywhere else the unwelcome birds like to frequent.
Use Visual Scare Tactics
Turkey vultures have extremely sharp vision. Visual scare tactics that mimic predators or create disorienting effects can effectively deter them. Try hanging foil streamers, old CDs, or flashing holiday lights from trees and buildings. Predator decoys like owl statues or balloon replicas of hawks and eagles will also frighten turkey vultures away.
Remove Roosting and Nesting Areas
Cut down dead trees, trim overhanging branches, and block access to potential nesting spots like attics or sheds. Eliminating places where turkey vultures like to roost or build nests will take away their incentives to stick around. Install roosting spikes or electric shocking tracks for a temporary solution if you can’t fully remove roosts.
Use Noisemakers
Loud, unpredictable sounds will drive turkey vultures away from an area quickly. Banging pots and pans together is a simple noisemaker than can be used short-term. For more consistent and powerful noise, propane cannons, ultrasonic devices, and other electronic noisemakers are available. Just be mindful of neighbors if using noisemakers in residential areas.
Apply Repellent Gels
Non-toxic turkey vulture repellent gels can be smoothly applied to ledges, railings, rooftops, and other areas where turkey vultures tend to gather. The sticky gels make landing uncomfortable and birds won’t want to hang around. Reapply after rain or as needed until turkey vultures learn to avoid treated areas.
Get a Federal Depredation Permit
In extreme cases, a federal depredation permit may be warranted if no other solutions provide adequate turkey vulture relief. This allows for non-lethal harassment such as shooting to scare, nest/egg destruction, or live trapping and relocation. Obtaining a permit can be a lengthy process, so consider all other options first. If approved, follow all laws and restrictions exactly.
When to Call a Professional
Some turkey vulture infestations may require professional help, especially large roosts or nests in hard to reach places. Wildlife management agencies can provide referrals to reputable services. Make sure to avoid any company proposing illegal or inhumane vulture control methods. Professionals have specialized skills, equipment, and knowledge to address substantial turkey vulture problems.
With persistence using humane hazing and deterrent techniques, even severe turkey vulture infestations can be overcome. Don’t allow these imposing but federally protected birds to take over your property against your will. Implement a combination of these turkey vulture control tactics to reclaim your space and live vulture-free.
How to Scare Vultures Away
With the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, all vultures are safe in the United States and can’t be hurt by law. The vultures found in the U. S. look similar to vultures found in Europe, Asia, and Africa; however, they are of a different taxonomic family. While vultures in the U. S. cannot be harmed, humane control solutions are allowed for their removal from unwanted areas.
In order to keep buzzards away, there are several effective and humane ways to do so. All vulture control products manufactured by Bird-X, Inc. are legal, humane, green, and effective.
Physical barriers are the most effective way to keep birds off. Wherever applied; physical barriers eliminate the ability to land and perch. Stainless Steel Spikes install easily with Special Spike Adhesive, nails, screws or ties.
Bird nets creates a physical barrier. It works well to keep birds away because it keeps unwanted birds from going into places they aren’t supposed to be.
Covers up to 6 acres
The BroadBand PRO’s four speakers make sounds that people can hear and sounds that people can’t hear at the same time. These sounds confuse, disorient, and scare away pest birds, keeping them away.
The easy way to get rid of vultures without any harm
FAQ
How do you get turkey vultures to leave?
Why are vultures hanging around my house?
What are turkey vultures afraid of?
What smell do vultures hate?
How to get rid of turkey vultures on your roof?
To get rid of turkey vultures roosting on your roof, consider pruning the branches or cutting down old, dead trees where they are congregating. Another option is the use of buzzard roosting spikes, also known as pigeon spikes, which can be effective in preventing their roosting.
How do you stop a turkey vulture from flying?
Turn it on and watch as the vulture birds attempt to perch. The electric shock is not enough to hurt them, but it will shock them into flying off. Bird shock tape is the Best turkey vulture deterrent because it’s both effective and cost-effective. Buzzards come in large numbers, so you’ll need to protect a wide area.
How do I prevent turkey vultures from roosting on my property?
Physical barriers can play a significant role in preventing turkey vultures from roosting on your property. Bird spikes, available in plastic or stainless steel, can be installed on surfaces to deter birds from landing or roosting on them.
What is the best turkey vulture deterrent?
Bird shock tape is the Best turkey vulture deterrent because it’s both effective and cost-effective. Buzzards come in large numbers, so you’ll need to protect a wide area. A roll of bird shock tape can protect 50 feet worth of roosting space from destructive vultures roosting. 3. Install a motion-activated sprinkler system
How do you clean a turkey vulture nest?
To clean a turkey vulture nest, scrape out the nests, eggs, and droppings from under your eave or siding. You can use a long ladder with a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to clean eaves and soffits. Remember to wear protective eyewear when cleaning around the nest area as there is a risk of being hurt by falling debris.
How do you get rid of vultures in your home?
You can use reflective material to get rid of vultures hanging out in your home. The good thing about this turkey deterrent method is that it’s easy to DIY. You can crush balls of foil and hang them from the tops of tree branches like Christmas ornaments (although you can bet those birds won’t feel too merry about it).