How to effectively get rid of Grackles
Grackles are known for their piercing calls and aggressive behavior, making them a nuisance to homeowners and gardeners. While they may be visually striking, grackles can quickly become a problem if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are several tried-and-true methods for getting rid of these pesky birds. In this article, we’ll explore the top tips and tricks for removing grackles from your property.
Section 1: What are Grackles?
Grackles are a type of blackbird that are known for their glossy black feathers and iridescent blue or purple heads. They are commonly found in North America, and are often seen in large flocks. Grackles are opportunistic feeders, and will eat a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, seeds, and small animals. While they may be admired for their striking appearance, many homeowners and gardeners view them as pests due to their aggressive behavior and tendency to damage property.
Section 2: The Risks of Grackles
While grackles may seem harmless, they can pose several risks to homeowners and gardeners. For example, grackles can damage crops and gardens by eating fruits and vegetables before they are ripe. They can also damage roofs and gutters by nesting and roosting in them. Additionally, grackles can spread disease to other birds and humans, making them a potential health hazard.
Section 3: The 13 Best Tips for Getting Rid of Grackles
1. Remove Food Sources
Grackles are attracted to areas where food is readily available. To deter them from your property, remove any food sources that may be attracting them. This includes bird feeders, pet food, and garbage cans. By eliminating these sources, you can discourage grackles from visiting your property.
2. Use Bird-Proof Feeders
If you want to continue feeding birds, consider using bird-proof feeders that only allow smaller birds to access the seed. These feeders have been designed to exclude larger birds like grackles who cannot access the food.
3. Scare Tactics
Grackles are scared of loud noises and flashing lights. Consider using scare tactics like reflective tape, strobe lights, and loud noises to deter grackles from your property.
4. Install Netting
Installing netting around your property can effectively deter grackles. This is especially useful if you have fruit trees that are attracting grackles.
5. Use Decoys
Using decoys can also be an effective way to deter grackles. Decoys can include plastic owls, hawks, or snakes. The idea is to scare the grackles into thinking there is a predator nearby.
6. Don’t Poison Grackles
While it may be tempting to use poison to get rid of grackles, this is not recommended. Poison can be harmful to other birds and animals, and can even be illegal in some areas.
7. Hire a Pest Control Company
If you’re struggling to get rid of grackles, consider hiring a pest control company. Pest control professionals can safely and effectively remove grackles using humane methods.
8. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Grackles are not fans of water. Consider installing motion-activated sprinklers that will spray water when grackles approach your property.
9. Use Sticky Repellents
Sticky repellents can be applied to surfaces where grackles have been roosting. The sticky texture will make it difficult for them to land, effectively deterring them from returning.
10. Provide Alternative Roosting Sites
Grackles are attracted to certain types of trees and shrubs. By providing alternative roosting sites, like trees with fewer branches or open limbs, you can discourage grackles from roosting on your property.
11. Use Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched sounds that are not audible to humans but are unpleasant to birds. These devices can be a useful tool in deterring grackles from your property.
12. Cover Pools and Spas
Grackles are attracted to bodies of water for drinking and bathing. Covering pools and spas can prevent grackles from accessing these areas.
13. Use Homing Pigeons
This may sound like an unusual method, but releasing homing pigeons near your property can effectively deter grackles. Grackles view homing pigeons as a threat, and will avoid areas where they have been released.
Section 4: How to Get Rid of Grackles and Blackbirds at Bird Feeders in 2021
Bird feeders can be a prime target for grackles and blackbirds. They are attracted to the seeds and will often overrun the feeder, making it difficult for other birds to access the food. Here are some tips for getting rid of grackles and blackbirds at bird feeders.
1. Use Feeders with Weight-Activated Closures
Weight-activated closures are a type of feeder that only opens when a smaller bird lands on the perch. Larger birds like grackles and blackbirds are too heavy to activate the closure, effectively excluding them from the food source.
2. Use Safflower Seed
Safflower seed is a type of seed that is unattractive to grackles and blackbirds. By using safflower seed in your bird feeder, you can effectively exclude these birds from accessing the food.
3. Reposition the Feeder
If grackles and blackbirds are still accessing your feeder, consider repositioning it. Place it near bushes or trees that are harder for larger birds to access.
4. Clear any Spilled Seeds
Grackles and blackbirds are drawn to spilled seeds that have fallen to the ground. Clearing any spilled seeds can help discourage these birds from returning to the area.
Section 5: Sick of Bully Grackles? Get Rid of Grackles Fast Proven Ways
Grackles are known for their aggressive behavior, making them a bully to other birds in the area. If you’re sick of grackles bullying other birds on your property, here are some proven ways to get rid of them.
1. Use Anti-Bully Feeders
Anti-bully feeders are designed to prevent larger birds like grackles from accessing the food source. They usually have a barrier that smaller birds can easily navigate, but larger birds cannot.
2. Use a Cage
Caging the bird feeder can be an effective way to prevent grackles from accessing the food. Cages can be purchased online or at pet stores, and can easily be attached to existing bird feeders.
3. Provide Alternative Food Sources
Providing alternative food sources can also be an effective way to prevent grackles from bullying other birds. By placing food on the ground or in a separate feeder, you can take the pressure off the main feeder and reduce the likelihood of grackles dominating the food source.
4. Cover the Ground
Covering the ground with mesh can prevent grackles from accessing any spilled seeds or food. This can help reduce their presence in the area and prevent them from bullying other birds.
Section 6: Pros and Cons of Grackle Removal
While the tips and tricks above can be effective at removing grackles from your property, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before taking action.
Pros:
– Reduce the likelihood of damage to property
– Decrease the spread of disease to other birds and humans
– Prevent the overconsumption of bird feed
Cons:
– Removal can harm other birds and wildlife
– Some methods may be illegal in certain areas
– Grackles play a role in the ecosystem and removing them can upset the delicate balance
Section 7: FAQs
1. Are grackles protected by law?
Grackles are not protected by law, and can be removed from your property using humane methods.
2. Can grackles spread disease?
Yes, grackles can spread disease to other birds and humans. It’s important to take precautions when handling grackles or cleaning up their droppings.
3. What should I do if I find a baby grackle?
If you find a baby grackle, it’s best to leave it alone. Baby grackles are often left alone by their parents for extended periods of time, and interfering with them can do more harm than good. If you are concerned about the well-being of a baby grackle, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance.
Section 8: Conclusion
In conclusion, grackles can be a nuisance for homeowners and gardeners. By using the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can effectively deter grackles from your property. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of grackle removal before taking action. As always, we recommend consulting with a pest control professional when dealing with potentially harmful wildlife.