How to Get Rid of Pesky Turkey Buzzards Once and For All

Turkey buzzards, also known as turkey vultures, can be a real nuisance for homeowners These large, intimidating birds tend to gather in flocks and can cause damage to your property. While turkey buzzards play an important role as scavengers in the ecosystem, nobody wants them destroying their roof or leaving an unsightly mess in their yard

The good news is that there are several effective, humane ways to deter these problematic birds and reclaim your property With a combination of proven buzzard control strategies, you can finally get rid of those unwelcome scavengers for good

Why Turkey Buzzards Become a Nuisance

Before getting into buzzard deterrent options, it helps to understand what attracts them in the first place. Turkey buzzards have an excellent sense of smell and can detect rotting carcasses from remarkable distances. They perform the helpful task of clearing away dead animals that would otherwise spread disease.

However, this also means buzzards will readily home in on any decaying animals or meat scraps on your property. They may also be drawn to cat or dog food left outdoors. And once they discover a food source, they will keep returning.

Buzzards also need places to roost, preferring secluded, high vantage points like the tops of trees, roofs, and ledges. Their droppings are acidic and can damage buildings. They may also rip shingles or caulk away to access hiding spots.

By removing attractants and roosting spots, you can make your property far less appealing to unwanted turkey buzzards.

5 Surefire Turkey Buzzard Deterrent Strategies

1. Eliminate Food Sources

The number one way to deter buzzards is eliminating anything dead or decaying on your property. This includes animal carcasses, bones, meat scraps, and even dead fish floating in garden ponds. Promptly clean up any roadkill or predator leftovers.

Also prevent access to garbage cans and be sure to bag meats and fish scraps before disposal. Don’t leave pet food outdoors. With their food source removed, buzzards will look elsewhere.

2. Install Physical Barriers

Stop buzzards from roosting in unwanted areas by installing physical barriers:

• Bird netting – Drape heavy-duty bird netting over rooftops, ledges, or trees to block access. Leave a 1-foot gap between net and surface.

• Porcupine wire – Fasten this spiky wire to ledges, roof edges, signage and anywhere else buzzards perch.

• PVC poles – Insert pipes into gaps between chimney flues, roof beams and other small spaces to prevent entry.

3. Use Scare Tactics

Create a visual distraction zone by hanging Visual Deterrents, such as the Flash Tape, Predator Eye Balloon and Reflective Eye Diverters.

Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinklers are a good option for keeping turkey vultures off patios, decks or yards.

The built-in sensor detects buzzard movement up to 35 feet away, then lets loose a startling 3-second burst of water. Vary the location of sprinklers to keep birds on their toes.

4. Apply Repellent Gels

Non-toxic bird repellent gels make roosting areas uncomfortable. Apply a bead of gel along beams, ledges, railings, signage and anywhere else buzzards frequent.

The sticky, tacky texture and mild irritation encourages them to move on. Reapply monthly for continued effectiveness. Popular odor-free gels include Bird-X Avian and Bird B Gone.

5. Use Predator Decoys

Turkey buzzards are understandably skittish around predators. Set up lifelike predator decoys such as hawks, falcons or owls where buzzards frequent. Make sure the decoy is appropriately sized.

Change the decoy’s position regularly so it appears threateningly real. Adding motion triggers and sounds adds greater impact.

When to Call in a Professional

For severe turkey buzzard problems, don’t hesitate to call a wildlife control professional. They have specialized equipment, deterrents, and access solutions to clear large numbers of stubborn buzzards.

Professionals know how to legally and humanely remove roosting sites and nests when necessary. They can also install commercial-grade deterrents like the Bird X Sonic Bird Repellers.

Turkey Buzzard Control Tips

• Inspect for dead animal carcasses or rotting fish if buzzards suddenly appear. Prompt carcass removal is key.

• Hang old CDs, mylar balloons or reflective tape near roosts to scare with flashes of light.

• Apply repellent gels monthly for continued effectiveness. Reapply after heavy rain.

• Set up motions sprinklers and decoys where buzzards are currently a problem, not just areas they’ve roosted in the past.

• Use physical barriers like bird netting, porcupine wire and PVC to block buzzard entry points. Seal gaps and crevices.

Maintain Vigilance Against Pesky Buzzards

With persistence and the right combination of deterrents, you can successfully get rid of destructive turkey buzzards on your property. Just be sure to maintain vigilance; prompt carcass removal, sealing entry points, and reapplying gels will keep those unwelcome scavengers from returning.

Implement a multi-pronged approach using both repellents and exclusion solutions tailored to your specific situation. And don’t hesitate to call in professional support if buzzards still insist on loitering on your property after diligent control efforts.