The black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a medium-sized heron that is found throughout much of the world. As their name suggests, these birds are most active at night, making their nests in trees or shrubs near sources of water where they forage for food. While beautiful to observe in the wild, black-crowned night herons can cause problems when they take up residence near homes or businesses. Their loud calls can disrupt sleep, and their droppings can damage landscaping and property. If a black-crowned night heron has made itself at home near your home or business, here is a guide on different methods you can try to encourage it to relocate.
Why get rid of black-crowned night herons?
There are a few main reasons you may want to remove black-crowned night herons from your property:
- Noise – Their loud, repetitive squawking can be very disruptive at night when trying to sleep.
- Mess – Their droppings are acidic and can kill vegetation and damage paint and metal fixtures.
- Aggression – They can become aggressive while nesting and may attack if they feel threatened.
- Health Risks – Their droppings can accumulate and pose a health hazard if allowed to build up.
- Damage – They sometimes tear apart insulation or decorative features on buildings for nest material.
If the herons have taken up residence near your home, the noise and mess may make removal preferable for your quality of life. Getting rid of the herons humanely and legally should be the priority.
Non-lethal and humane control methods
Since black-crowned night herons are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to kill, capture, sell, or keep them as pets. Thankfully, there are several humane and non-lethal methods that can be effective for discouraging these birds from sticking around.
Remove food sources
Black-crowned night herons like to be near water where they can find food like small fish, crustaceans, frogs, and more. Make your property less appealing by:
- Getting rid of any fish ponds or bird feeders.
- Making sure trash bins are sealed so they cannot scavenge for scraps.
- Using deterrents to scare away frogs and fish in garden pools or ponds.
- Letting vegetation around water sources grow tall to make fishing more difficult.
By removing easy access to food, the herons are more likely to move elsewhere.
Use decoys and laser lights
Placing decoys of predators like owls or hawks near your home may frighten off night herons. Solar powered laser lights that sweep randomly can also startle the birds and make them wary. Just be sure not to constantly shine lasers directly at the birds, as this can harm their eyes.
Install bird spikes
Bird spikes placed on ledges, signage, roof peaks, or anywhere the birds like to perch can deter them from landing and roosting there. The spikes don’t harm the birds, but make it impossible for them to comfortably settle in those spaces.
Use predator sounds
Playing recordings of sounds from predatory birds like hawks, eagles, or owls can scare the herons away. Try combining these predator calls with other harassment techniques for added effectiveness. Just be sure not to over-use recordings constantly, as the birds can eventually become accustomed to the noise.
Sprinklers & water jets
If the herons are roosting in certain trees or areas of your property, motion activated sprinklers or water jets can give them an unpleasant surprise each time they try to land. After being startled by the spray a few times, they’ll likely move on.
Harass at roosting sites
Walk through areas where they roost at night while shouting loudly, clapping hands, and shining bright flashlights. This disruptive harassment will discourage them from settling in to roost in the area. Persistence is key, so repeat regularly when they are active.
Exclusion techniques
If the non-lethal harassment techniques aren’t working, more hands-on exclusion methods may be required. Always check local laws and regulations before utilizing exclusion methods.
Netting
Netting placed over ponds, roosting sites, or potential nesting spots can physically block the birds from utilizing the area. The netting must be installed properly so that birds cannot become trapped or entangled. Mist nets specifically made for bird exclusion are a good option.
Wire grid
A grid of parallel stainless steel wires can be installed over ledges, roofs, and other surfaces to prevent perching. The thin wires are usually spaced 2 inches apart, which allows access by smaller birds but excludes larger nuisance birds. This method is often used on architectural ledges of buildings.
Roost alterations
Pruning back tree branches or removing vegetation around known roosting sites takes away protective cover. Installing anti-perching spikes on ledges, roof peaks, signs etc also makes previously used resting places unusable. Physically blocking access to nesting spots also encourages the birds to move elsewhere.
Removal of nests/eggs
As a last resort, removal and destruction of any nests or eggs on your property may be permitted by local wildlife authorities. This will ensure the problem is not compounded by offspring. However, removal of active nests and eggs should always be avoided if other options are still available.
Chemical repellents
There are a couple types of chemical repellents that may discourage night herons:
Methyl anthranilate
This compound naturally occurs in grapes and is used to create artificial grape flavoring. Birds have a natural aversion to methyl anthranilate. It can be sprayed onto surfaces or used in fogging devices. Reapplication is needed after heavy rain.
Anthraquinone
Formulated from plants, anthraquinone repels birds by creating gastrointestinal discomfort that they associate with the areas where it is applied. It is naturally averse but non-toxic to birds. Reapplication is also needed after rainfall.
Both of these repellents are non-toxic to the environment or wildlife when used properly. Follow all label instructions carefully. Combining chemical repellents with exclusion methods can improve effectiveness.
Conclusion
Black-crowned night herons are beautiful birds, but can become a nuisance for homeowners when they decide to take up residence in an unsuitable location. Getting rid of the herons humanely and legally should always be the priority. Start with non-lethal harassment techniques, then progress to exclusion methods if needed. In some cases, repellents may also help to discourage stubborn birds. With patience and persistence, the herons can be convinced to move on to a more appropriate habitat. Just remember to always abide by local wildlife laws and regulations when implementing any control methods. The key is finding the right balance between humanely removing the birds and simply relocating the problem elsewhere. With some strategic effort, you can have your property back to yourself in no time.