Red-winged blackbirds are a common sight across much of North America. The males are unmistakable with their jet-black bodies and bright red and yellow shoulder patches called epaulets. While these birds can be fun to watch, they can also become a nuisance for homeowners. Red-winged blackbirds are very territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting areas. They often build nests in backyard ponds, gardens, and landscaping. As they defend their territory, red-winged blackbirds will damage plants and flowers, harass pets and children, leave droppings everywhere, and make a lot of noise. Homeowners looking to control red-winged blackbird populations have several effective options. Here is an overview of techniques for keeping red-winged blackbirds away from your yard and garden areas.
Remove Food and Water Sources
The first step in controlling red-winged blackbirds is to eliminate access to food and water sources. Red-winged blackbirds are omnivores and will opportunistically feed on seeds, fruits, insects, amphibians and more. To discourage red-winged blackbirds:
- Clean up any spilled bird seed, fallen fruit and berries, andaccessible compost piles.
- Make sure trash can lids are tight fitting.
- Remove any pet food dishes left outside.
- Change water frequently in bird baths and outdoor pet water bowls.
- Consider removing bird feeders or moving them away from the house.
By removing these attractive food sources, you can encourage red-winged blackbirds to look elsewhere for meals.
Modify Landscaping
Certain types of landscaping are ideal nesting spots for red-winged blackbirds. You can make your yard less hospitable by:
- Allowing dense shrubbery and brush to grow in around ponds and fencelines.
- Removing any overgrown groundcover near the house.
- Pruning trees to remove low hanging branches.
- Mowing lawns frequently to limit tall grasses and weed growth.
Red-winged blackbirds prefer more open nesting areas with a mix of shrubs, water and grassy vegetation. By keeping your landscaping tidy and eliminating dense brush, you remove ideal nesting habitat.
Use Repellents
There are several commercial products available that can effectively repel red-winged blackbirds:
- Reflective tape – Mylar tape flashes in the sunlight and creates a disco ball effect that scares away birds.
- Fake predatory eyes – Predator decoys placed around the yard mimic the eyes of hawks and owls.
- Scent repellents – Capsaicin and methyl anthranilate are chemicals naturally found in chili peppers that irritate birds’ pain receptors.
- Sound devices – Motion-activated noisemakers, ultrasonic repellers, and predatory bird distress calls deter blackbirds.
Always be sure to carefully read and follow product instructions when using repellents. Positioning multiple types of repellents around your property creates an unpleasant environment that blackbirds will avoid.
Scare Devices
Startling blackbirds with scary sights and sounds can cause them to avoid your yard:
- Hang old CDs or Mylar balloons that reflect light and move in the breeze.
- Set up inflatable tube men, predator decoys, or scare-eye balloons.
- String aluminum pie pans or old CDs together to create noisy wind chimes.
- Use a water spray bottle to squirt birds that land on feeders or vegetation.
The key is unpredictability – scare devices that pop up randomly or make unexpected noises work best. Change locations regularly and alternate different devices to maximize effectiveness.
Protect Individual Plants
To protect prized fruits, flowers and vegetables, you can block access to individual plants by:
- Covering plants with netting or floating row covers.
- Putting mesh bags or nylon footies over ripening fruit.
- Wrapping thorny branches or prickly wire fencing around plants.
Concentrate these anti-blackbird methods on your most valuable garden plants. Use natural barriers like netting and thorns over toxic chemical repellents when possible.
When to Take Action
It is important to implement control measures at the appropriate times to have the biggest impact on blackbird behavior:
- Early spring – Remove overwintering nests and habitat before breeding season starts.
- Late spring – Stop blackbirds from building nests using repellents and exclusion.
- Summer – Protect ripening fruits, berries, and vegetables with netting and noise.
- Fall – Eliminate food sources when blackbird flocks gather and are most problematic.
- Winter – Continue repelling blackbirds at feeders and from sheltered roosting areas.
Consistency is key – regularly using multiple control tactics in problem areas will lead to better results over time.
Best Practices
Here are some key tips for successfully keeping red-winged blackbirds away:
- Start early before birds establish territories and nests.
- Use multiple techniques like removing habitat, frightening devices, and repellents.
- Focus efforts near the house, in the garden, and around prime nesting spots like water features or overgrown vegetation.
- Be patient and persistent as it can take weeks or months to retrain bird behavior.
- Avoid harmful methods like poisons or shooting birds which are illegal and ineffective.
Integrated pest management using multiple humane harassment tactics tailored to your property works best for long-term control of problem bird pests like red-winged blackbirds.
Pros and Cons of Control Methods
Habitat Modification
Pros:
- Environmentally safe for people, pets, and other wildlife
- Permanently eliminates nesting and shelter sites
- Low cost once initial changes are made
Cons:
- Does not deter birds in the short term
- Can be labor intensive for large properties
- Must be continued regularly to maintain unappealing habitat
Frightening Devices
Pros:
- Can immediately scare away problem birds
- Low cost for homemade solutions
- Variety to use keeps birds guessing
Cons:
- Birds may eventually habituate and ignore devices
- Requires diligent movement and adaptation of devices
- Can be noisy and annoying for neighbors
Chemical Repellents
Pros:
- Fast-acting on contact with birds
- Long-lasting odor and taste deterrent effects
- Commercial products are convenient to apply
Cons:
- Does not eliminate nesting habitats or food sources drawing birds in
- May need to reapply frequently
- Potential toxicity if overapplied or used incorrectly
Conclusion
Red-winged blackbirds can certainly be a nuisance, but there are effective strategies for training them to stay away from your yard and garden. The keys are persistence, variety in techniques, and focusing on eliminating nesting habitats and food sources. Scare devices, reflective deterrents, and taste repellents can provide immediate relief while habitat modification carries long-lasting effects. Timing controls to nesting and feeding seasons maximizes impact. With an integrated pest management approach, homeowners can successfully reclaim their outdoor spaces from destructive blackbirds.