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Top 5 Methods to Protect Corn From Crows

Crow

Crows will eat almost anything. Being omnivores, their diet includes anything they can get access to, from seeds to roadkill and everything in between. But as any corn-grower knows, a crow’s favorite snack is sweet corn. If you’re harvesting corn crops, it’s essential to protect your produce from hungry birds. Learn how to keep crows out of corn with the following five tips.

1. How to Keep Crows Out of Corn Seed

Corn

Crows are known to eat corn at any stage of the growing process. Oftentimes, they snack on the seeds before they even have a chance to grow. Toprevent crow damage, protect your corn by planting seeds deep into the ground. This way, birds won’t have easy access to your seeds. To ensure crows and other pest birds can’t reach your corn seedlings, plant your corn at least one and a half inches below the surface.

Related: Getting Ready for Farming Season

2. How to Keep Crows Out of Corn Using Visual Deterrents 

There are many visual tactics that can save your corn from crows. Visual deterrents work by using a bird’s natural instincts against it. This method of bird control makes birds feel threatened, making them fly away. Visual bird deterrents include, but are not limited to:

    • Windsocks. This contraption is known for identifying wind speed and direction. Due to its material waving in the wind, the disruption deters birds from the area. 
    • Decoys. Birds will stay away from areas where their predators have claimed. Placing a decoy predatory animal will scare birds away.
    • Scarecrows. Setting up a human-like mannequin in your cornfield can scare birds away from corn stalks. The illusion of a person working in the field deters crows and other birds. 
    • Reflective materials. Birds tend to avoid shiny materials. Placing reflective items near your cornfields is an easy way to deter them and keep your produce safe. 

Crows are smart and will easily notice any visuals that are clearly decoys. The biggest giveaway is when the item hasn’t moved for days. The birds will catch on to this and realize the item is fake and no longer fear it. For the deterrent to remain effective, you must continuously update the location or position of the decoy. 

Related: Do Scarecrows Really Work?

3. How to Keep Crows Out of Corn Seedlings with Sound Machines

Audio deterrents are another method to keep birds away from your corn fields. Using a variety of noises, these machines make birds feel in danger and leave. Sound machines can be used in a few different ways including:

  • Predatory bird calls
  • Bird distress calls
  • Loud or disruptive noises

Sound machines often use ultrasonic sound waves to play on a frequency only heard by birds. This way, the audio deterrent shouldn’t disrupt you or your neighbors. However, it is still important to be aware of your surroundings and test the sound machines in an open space prior to implementation.

Related: How to Get Rid of Crows Quickly and Humanely

4. How to Keep Crows Out of Corn Using Netting

Netting can be set up above your corn to protect it from hungry crows. Netting covers the top of your crop, stopping birds from being able to reach it. Different materials used for netting include:

  • Mesh
  • Nylon
  • Plastic
  • Spunbonded fabric
  • Stainless steel

Bird netting can be a quick fix but may require more work if you have a lot of plants to cover. This control method can be labor-intensive, costly and runs the risk of hindering plant growth.

Related: Pros and Cons of Fruit Free Netting

5. How to Keep Crows Out of Corn with Liquid Bird Repellent

Liquid bird repellent is an effective way to protect your corn from crows and other pesky birds. Spraying bird repellent can save you time with one application. Other tactics such as laying netting around your crops, updating decoy locations and other protection methods that may not work and can be time-consuming. 

Using a liquid bird repellent is a humane, simple way to stop crop loss. Liquid bird repellents are a non-toxic substance that acts like pepper spray for birds; it irritates their eyes, nose, and throat without harming them at all.

How Avian Can Help Keep Crows Away

Avian Control liquid bird repellent protects your corn without affecting your crops. This product lasts up to 2 weeks and has proven effective results. Our formula is safe to use around crops, animals and humans. For more information, contact us at 888-868-1982.

Top 5 Methods to Protect Corn From Crows