How to get rid of wild turkeys

You wake up to the sound of loud, raucous gobbling outside your window. You groggily stumble out of bed and peer through the blinds, only to see a group of wild turkeys strutting around your front yard.

As annoying as it may be to have these birds invade your space, it’s important to remember that it’s not their fault – they’re just looking for food and shelter, like any other animal. However, that doesn’t mean you have to put up with their presence indefinitely. If you’re wondering how to get rid of wild turkeys, here are a few tips to try.

1. Remove any food sources

One of the main reasons that wild turkeys are attracted to residential areas is the availability of food. If you have bird feeders in your yard, consider removing them for the time being. It’s also a good idea to secure any outdoor trash cans and compost bins to prevent the turkeys from scavenging for scraps. If you have fruit trees or bushes, make sure to regularly pick up any fallen fruit. By reducing the food sources available to the turkeys, you can discourage them from hanging around your property.

2. Use visual deterrents

Another effective way to keep wild turkeys at bay is to use visual deterrents. These can be anything that catches the attention of the turkeys and makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Some options include:

• Mylar balloons or streamers: These shiny, reflective objects can be hung up around your yard or garden to create an unstable, unpredictable environment for the turkeys.
• Plastic owls or other predatory decoys: Turkeys are naturally wary of predators, so placing a fake owl or other predator in your yard can help deter them from coming too close.
• Fencing: If you have a vegetable garden or other area that you want to protect from wild turkeys, installing a fence can be an effective solution. Turkeys can’t fly over very high fences, so a fence that’s at least five feet tall should do the trick.

3. Use physical barriers

In addition to visual deterrents, you can also use physical barriers to keep wild turkeys away from certain areas of your property. Some options include:

• Netting: If you have fruit trees or berry bushes that you want to protect from turkeys, consider installing bird netting over the plants. This will prevent the turkeys from getting to the fruit, while still allowing sunlight and water to reach the plants.
• Slippery surfaces: Turkeys rely on their feet to get around, so slippery surfaces can be an effective way to deter them. You can use products like Tanglefoot or Bird-X Balcony Guard to create a sticky, slippery surface that the turkeys won’t want to walk on.
• Water sprayers: Turkeys don’t like getting wet, so setting up a motion-activated water sprayer in your yard can help keep them away. Just be sure to aim the sprayer away from any plants or flowers that you don’t want to damage.

4. Use noise deterrents

Turkeys are sensitive to noise, so using noise deterrents can be an effective way to get rid of them. Some options include:

• Ultrasonic devices: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans, but can be very irritating to turkeys.
• Loud noises: You can also try making loud noises yourself, such as clapping your hands or using a whistle, to scare the turkeys away.
• Music: Some people have had success using music as a deterrent for wild turkeys.

5. Use chemical deterrents

If all else fails, you may want to consider using chemical deterrents to keep wild turkeys away from your property. Some options include:

• Repellents: There are several commercial repellents on the market that are designed to deter turkeys. These products can be applied to plants, fences, or other areas where you want to keep the turkeys away.
• Bird spikes: These pointed metal spikes can be installed on ledges, roofs, or other areas where turkeys like to roost. The spikes make it difficult for the turkeys to land or perch, which can discourage them from returning.

6. Consult with wildlife professionals

If you’re having a particularly difficult time getting rid of wild turkeys, it may be helpful to consult with a local wildlife professional. These experts can offer advice and assistance on how to humanely and effectively deter the turkeys from your property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several steps you can take to get rid of wild turkeys, including removing food sources, using visual and physical deterrents, and even consulting with professionals. With a little patience and persistence, you can enjoy your backyard free of these feathered intruders.

Remember, it’s important to approach this problem humanely and with the well-being of the turkeys in mind. While it may be annoying to have them around, they are still wild animals and deserve to be treated with respect. With these tips, you can find a solution that works for both you and the turkeys.