Conflicts with crows can take several different forms, whether garden raids or competition with others birds in your backyard. Some solutions require a little work on your part; others require only a shift in perspective.
To learn more about living with urban crows, including sources for crow-deterring products, download The HSUS "Urban Crows" fact sheet.
Theft from the garden: Generally, crows damage gardens in such slight ways that they can have a share and still leave us with plenty. Crow damage to corn may be an exception, however.
Visual deterrents are the first—and probably best—response. To ensure effectiveness, start using deterrents as soon as damage is observed. Bright and flashy objects such as pie tins and Mylar party balloons, which cost little, can be very effective at repelling crows. Garden stores often sell reflective Mylar or holographically embossed tapes that also deter crows.
Competition with other backyard birds: As natural predators of smaller birds and their nestlings, crows might have some negative effect on the songbirds in your sanctuary, but it is rare that they would dissuade other species from visiting, feeding, and nesting in your yard. Try to enjoy crows as you do your other backyard visitors.
Trash rummaging: Many animals forage through trash cans. Although crows may scatter trash during the day, scattering done in the night is more likely the work of dogs or raccoons. Solve either problem by using secure trash receptacles with tight-fitting lids or weighing the top down with a heavy object. Better yet, store cans inside a shed or garage in between pick-ups and place cans at the curb on the day of pick-up rather than the night before.
Roosts in undesirable spots: Successfully altering roosts or dispersing birds from them involves tactics that require experience and skill. Non-invasive strategies have been used successfully, providing that the timing is correct and that the measures used to disperse the crows are carefully planned and carried out. Although many states do not accord crows protected status, and the federal laws regarding migratory birds have been waived in regard to crows, there should be no efforts launched against them without tacit approval of federal and state authorities. For more information, contact us at wildlife@hsus.org.
