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How To Get Rid Of Crows: Best Ways to Scare and Kill Them

Perhaps no bird is as smart and cautious the crow. Crows can solve puzzles, count and are able to easily outwit humans. You may be surprised to learn that crows can even imitate human voices. “Nothing is unreal as long as you can imagine like a crow,” the poet Munia Khan wrote as just one of many authors who has poetized these mysterious birds. But in our everyday life, we get to know them in a different way — as pests. In rural areas crows inflict damage to crops, in particular, by pulling up sprouts or attacking small animals such as lambs. Also, crows spread a bacteria that can kill baby pigs and should be taken into account by those engaged in swine breeding. Most concerns are associated with crows being a nuisance pest and causing problems related to roosting sites and feeding habits in urban areas that can cause human health issues as well.  To help you eliminate these problems, we will elaborate on how to get rid of crows and some surprising recommendations given by scientists.

Which is the best way to kill crows? How to poison a crow IF it is legal? If you don’t want to harm the birds, learn how to scare away crows using a variety of solutions. Below, we also offer useful guidelines on the ways to keep crows out of the garden as they can damage it – especially when roosting in the vicinity. In addition, you may find helpful our review of TOP-9 products with best ratings.

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9 Best Crow Repellents & Deterrents

Let’s be honest. Crows are a pain. The noise, the poop, the torn up garden… It’s enough to drive a person crazy. The bad news: crows are very crafty. The good news: there are things we can do to win the battle. Below you will find a review of the most popular products used to keep crows away from the property. You will read about our top picks ranging from bird gels that create a sticky surface will discourage crows from stepping on the treated area; foil tapes with irritating sight and sound; Chemical Concentrates affecting the bird’s nervous system. We also offer the choice between plastic and steel bird spikes and take a look at a solar-powered scarecrows. A frightening balloon with 3D eyes can also be of interest to you. To protect the garden, heavy duty bird netting and popular motion activated sprinklers will surely be useful for you on your quest to save the garden.

1. Gardeneer By Dalen Natural Enemy Scarecrow SOL-R Action Owl

One of the most successful prevention solutions to crow damage in the garden is to put a scarecrow “owl”. Unlike the old stationary scarecrows, this model of an owl is solar-powered which enables its almost consistent movement. Some secondary movements are from wind. Therefore, the product is absolutely environmentally friendly and affordable to keep running. Forget about batteries! The moving head has a solar battery  installed on top. You can also set a timer depending on how often crows visit your property.

Scarecrow owl from crows: photo

The product has plenty of satisfied purchasers – most seeing success literally over night! If you haven’t already, scroll back up in this article to see that the research supports this type of deterrent.  The StopPestInfo Scientific Review Team only has the suggestion to install the Owl in a manner that it can be moved throughout the seasons in order to prevent the birds from being habituated to the device.

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Read what other customers have to say here

2. Bird Steel & Plastic Spikes

Creating physical barriers is a commonly used method to keep birds away. Different types of spikes, plastic and metal, are commercially available. When comparing plastic polycarbonate spikes and stainless spikes, both by the trusted brand Bird-X, we see that they have a few attributes in common. Both of them cover the area of 10 feet in length and are designed to prevent birds from landing on surfaces. They are durable and labeled for repelling crows among other pest birds.

Bird-X Plastic Polycarbonate Bird Spikes Kit: photo
Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes Kit: photo

The key difference is material they are made from and the structure. The plastic spikes have extra branches for deterring small birds while the steel ones seem to target larger birds. Also, the stainless product comes with a ten-year warranty, whereas the plastic one is limited to five years. Plastic spikes are fixed to surfaces with nails or included adhesive.

Bird-X Plastic Polycarbonate Bird Spikes Kit with Adhesive Glue. Price:  Check the current price

Both of the products are highly rated by experts and purchasers. The steel one is more popular worldwide and can be seen on most tall public buildings and at all international airports – being described as effective and durable. It is noteworthy that plastic spikes are described as most practical for homeowners. One suggestion from the more sensible of the StopPestInfo team is that the metal ones are easily spray painted using commonly available paint specifically for metals. This extra step will make them blend into the exterior decor of your home preserving its beauty and charm.

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Bird-X Stainless Steel Bird Spikes Kit, Covers 10 feet. Price:  Check the current price

3. Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion Activated Sprinkler

Another internet-wide best seller is the Orbit Motion-Activated Sprinkler made popular for its ability to deter a wide range of pests from insects to animals and birds. It works by sprinkling the water towards any moving thing it has detected with the specialized sensor. The device has two modes of detection depending on the time of day. This hi-tech sprinkler avoids wasting water and energy. Apart from deterring pests, the device can be used just as a sprinkler to irrigate your garden or lawn.

Electronic Repeller Orbit 62100: photoThere is no doubt that this is a popular product. The team here at StopPestInfo appreciates the versatility of this particular sprinkler. It is a great tool to have no matter who the pest-of-the-month happens to be! We even recommend people use it for deer, foxes, crows, and even to scare the neighborhood kids out of your precious raspberries! Our StopPestInfo Editorial Staff would like to point out that this sprinkler allows the gardener to use the scientific principles recommended above of unpredictable locations and surprise when deterring birds.

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Price:  Check the current price

4. HEAVY DUTY Bird Netting

A guaranteed way to protect your garden is to place this durable, extra-strong net over the top and sides. The manufacturer claims that the netting will effectively keep away crows and other birds from the crops. Its size is 7.55 by 65 feet which is large enough to cover a considerable area of the vegetable or fruit beds.

HEAVY DUTY Bird Netting: photo

This is a perfect protection for blueberry and strawberry, as well as for tomatoes and fruit trees. The evident advantage is that the netting does not stick to the leaves of the plants and is easy to re-use season after season. Also, while being a lightweight material, this polypropylene netting is strong, durable in direct sunlight and hard to tear.

This popular and durable product continues to be a bestseller with good reason. The Team here at SPI likes this product for two reasons. First, because science supports the barrier method against crows (and you know how much we love science!). And secondly, because it can be deployed by the gardener at the correct time. For example, keeping a net over a fruit tree during spring during pollination would be counter productive. Plus, other birds, especially in the spring, eat caterpillars out of the fruit trees. So place this net during fruiting for best bird repelling results.

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5. Bird-X Bird Stop Liquid Bird Deterrent, 1-Gallon

This repellent is a concentrate creating an invisible barrier meant to deter birds from the treated area. The manufacturer claims that the product keeps away crows and some other birds. It works by irritating the bird nerve system through the effect of methyl anthranilate, an active ingredient derived from grapes. The compound is bitter by taste and offensive by smell and makes the birds feel disturbed. The product is labelled for application to surfaces located outdoors only. Feel free to use this repellent in the garden as it is food-grade and is safe when applied on corn, trees, fruits etc.

Bird-X Bird Stop Liquid Bird Deterrent: photo

Consumer experiences vary on this product despite the scientific evidence. It is an impressive and unique product. The SPI Editorial Staff would like to point out that the cost could be split among multiple gardeners in your area and the results discussed as a group to determine the effectiveness and keep costs down during experimentation. The true power of this product will be seen when used as an additional layer of deterrent against these very adaptable bird.

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6. Bird-X Terror-Eyes Inflatable Bird Scare with 3D eyes

Crows are not able to ignore this bird scare ball with huge 3D eyes which seem to be moving. According to the manufacturer, this product is labelled for a number of birds including crows. The ball has the size of 24 inches and has an effective range of one thousand square feet. In addition, when the wind blows, the ball moves making the predator presence more realistic. The manufacturer suggests that the ball which mimics the natural predator should be used in combination with other scare methods so that the affected birds will start perceiving their roosting site as being unprotected. To use the ball, just tie it to any pole. The strings are included in most product varieties.

Bird Scare with 3D eyes: photo

Gardeners generally suggest that the ball works “OK” in conjunction with other deterrents. The good news is that this solution is affordable. If it doesn’t scare the birds, the kids will have a good time tossing it around the backyard! The StopPestInfo Scientific review team wants to remind gardeners everywhere that a little experimentation will be required to find what works best in your area for your situation. This is a low tech, low maintenance solution that could be an important piece to the puzzle.

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7. Bird B Gone MMTBG Transparent Bird Gel, 10-Ounce

This product contains polybutane as an active ingredient which is has a wide range of industrial applications including being a plasticizer and is used in production of sealants, coatings and the like. The bird gel is transparent and does not detract from the appearance of your home or garden area of application. This is a sticky contact repellent making the crows feel uncomfortable when walking upon the treated area.

Bird B Gone MMTBG Transparent Bird Gel: photo

One tube will be enough to cover an area of about ten feet long, with the effect lasting for half a year. The manufacturer claims that the product works both for small and large birds. Another advantage of the gel is that it is non-toxic and can withstand extreme temperatures. How does it work? The gel sticks to the feet of crows and they cannot get it off easily, something that discourages birds from stepping on the treated area again.

The SPI Editorial staff likes the functionality of this product for specific scenarios and locations. For example: What if crows are trying to roost on your bedroom window sill and your choices are either long metal spikes obscuring your view from bed or a subtle layer of clear non-toxic goo needing occasional wipe-up and replace?

Crows are very intelligent and will remember the uncomfortable time they experienced while temporarily stuck in goo. Many consumers enjoy the innovative alternative to spikes. Apartment dwellers who are not able to install spikes will most likely be able to use the gel as it does wipe up.

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8. Bird-X Irri-Tape Holographic Iridescent Foil Bird Scare Tape

This holographic foil tape sized 2 inches in width and 25 feet in length is designed to repel birds by irritating them through sight and noise. It reflects sunlight and at the same time produces disturbing metallic sounds when it is windy. According to the manufacturer, the product works against a number of birds, including crows. An advantage is that the tape can be fixed in different way, whether by being tied to a pole, wrapped around plants or hung in the places most visited by crows.

Bird-X Holographic Scare Tape: photo

Bird-X has a long service life, does not require maintenance and can be easily cut to desired size. It is recommended for use in gardens, patios and other outdoor places exposed to the sunlight and wind. When an amazing food source is nearby (fruit tree) or this tape is the only deterrent (not recommended to be used solo) crows are more motivated to overcome this kind of a psychological barrier. The SPI Scientific Review Staff indicates the necessity to implement a comprehensive approach especially near a food source.

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Products To Keep Crows Away: Comparative Chart

ProductType
Gardeneer By Dalen Natural Enemy

solar-powered owl scarecrow
Bird-X Plastic Bird Spikes Kit
Bird-X Plastic Polycarbonate Spikes Kit min: photo

plastic polycarbonate, physical barrier
Bird-X Steel Bird Spikes Kit

stainless steel, physical barrier
Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer

Motion Activated Sprinkler
Heavy Duty Bird Netting

polypropylene netting
Bird-X Bird Stop Liquid Bird Deterrent

concentrate, one gallon
Bird B Gone MMTBG Transparent Bird

gel, 10 ounce
Bird-X Irri-Tape

foil tape

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1 thought on “How To Get Rid Of Crows: Best Ways to Scare and Kill Them”

  1. There’s another case that doesn’t seem addressed here at all. I have a flock of crows that is harassing a hawk’s nest in a big tree about a hundred yards away. The flock makes a lot of noise for hours at a time, and sometimes thirty or forty birds gather and I’m mildly concerned too many perching on the power lines may bring one down. And sometimes they’ll walk my roof perching and pecking at everything. But 95% of the time they are on adjacent properties or public objects. And I feel sorry for the hawk!

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