Crow Facts
Crows are a commonplace bird species and can be found in countries all over the world.
Crows lay eggs in March, but they will mate from March until June. It is possible for crows to live up to 20 years. They’re opportunists, so they have a diet composed of insects, small animals like frogs, rodents, grains, fruits, worms, or whatever happens to be in your garbage can. They’re social birds, so you’ll often find them in large flocks that grow as seasons progress. Crows can also transmit diseases.
Crow Damage
These birds are found almost everywhere, and have probably woken you up in the morning at some point. Open fields, meadows, orchards, and similar spaces are perfect for nesting. Crows also have adapted to living in the suburbs and cities, taking up residence in parks and trees. The most distinct feature of crows is their loud, screeching “caws” they emit. Crows build their nests out of various items like sticks, twigs, bark, feathers, cloth, and string. You might find crow nest on telephone or utility poles and in tall trees. Crows are known to poke holes in garbage bags in search of food. They can also peck through insulation, and even puncture rooftops.
Crow Infestation
These noisy nuisances like to travel in giant flocks — sometimes up to 25,000. Crows can be unbearably loud and annoying. If a large number roosts together, they can sometimes break tree limbs. Aside from the noise, crows in large numbers can leave a mess of droppings and damage property. They may poke holes in rooftops, as well as garbage bags left outdoors, spilling trash everywhere. Crows also will get their beaks into crops like vegetables and grains, having a particular fondness for corn. They will also feed on bird eggs, as well as immature poultry. It is also possible for these birds to spread diseases through their droppings. Crows can transmit Histoplasmosis, a disease of the lungs, to humans, cholera to birds, and gastroenteritis to pigs.
Types of Crows
Crow Identification
Crows range from 17 to 21 inches long. They can usually be identified by their fan-shaped tails. Their beaks, feet, and feathers are entirely black.
Crows on the Roof & in the Chimney
Crows are attracted to trash, waste, and roadkill. Make sure to secure your trash and cover your composts. Feed pets inside and make sure to clean up bird feeders regularly. It’s very rare that a crow would end up in your home. If they do, it’s by accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove crow nests?
Thinning out trees to reduce nesting sites may be one way to reduce the crow population in your neighborhood. Without branches to construct their nests on, this will cause crows to leave and find shelter elsewhere.
Scaring them away with loud noises like fire crackers or alarms may get them to leave. Lights, bright objects, or animal models can also ward them off. If that doesn’t work, turning on the hose and spraying the flock will definitely upset them.
To stop them from congregating in the first place, make sure no one is encouraging the crows by feeding them. Always clean up any loose foods, grains, or garbage so these birds aren’t attracted to your property.
Ultimately though, do-it-yourself methods can be fruitless and even dangerous. To ensure the safety of everyone on the property and to keep the issue from recurring, it’s best to have a licensed professional confront a crow nuisance.
What are the benefits of professional crow pest control?
A pest management professional has the equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a crow problem. Removing crows from a property can be challenging, especially if the flock is particularly large or expanding. A pest management professional can identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the crow infestation.
If crows are causing trouble in your neighborhood, home, or property, contact us. Our technicians can remove the wildlife nuisance and help you regain control of your property and sanity.
