Simple DIY Methods to Manage Wildlife

Remote Control Boats

We have all been sucked into the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) lifestyle that seemingly keeps getting more and more popular. Television networks such as HGTV, The Food Network, TLC, etc. have made a killing catering to our desire to take on projects that we may not be equipped or built for. In 2019 Home Depot even changed their entire tagline to “How Doers Get More Done” just to appeal to the DIY movement. When in doubt there is always YouTube where you can find a “How To” video to guide you from filing your taxes (reminder April 15th is around the corner) to building a She Shed, and even how to put together a model airplane that comes with directions.

In the world of Wildlife Management, we often run into situations where there are certain restrictions on how we can manage a nuisance species. Such examples are not being able to use firearms due to city ordinance or military bases, not being able trap because of laws and regulations in public parks, and even not being able to use a dog to harass geese or birds because of a dense human population. So, if you find yourself needing to manage wildlife but cannot depredate or trap, here are some DIY suggestions you may find extremely effective and simple to implement.

1. Remote Control Cars/Boats: This comes in handy if you find yourself needing to get rid of geese or ducks from taking over a pond or park. Obviously in most residential housing tracks or business complexes you will have storm water retention ponds which is a homing beacon for waterfowl nesting and resting. They can obviously cause tons of damage and leave quite a mess. Time to break out your kids toy remote control car or RC Boat and have some fun. We find that using multiple units to herd the geese or ducks into an area is the most effective way to scare them into not sticking around long or finding a new spot to destroy.
2. Scarecrows: Most Halloween or Fall enthusiast may have a few of these on their front porch for decoration but putting one along a pond edge or in a swampy area may do the trick for Geese and Ducks taking up residency and becoming an ongoing problem. We suggest moving it every other day to keep the nuisance birds from getting used to it.
3. Predator Calls: One amazingly effective way to get a flock of birds out of an area they should not be is the sound of a predator. Simply hook your phone up to your car stereo and play a soundbite from a predator like coyotes, hawks, etc. You can find these sounds on YouTube easily. (click here to listen) This is a method we find extremely effective on airfields where we can pull a vehicle alongside a flock of European Starlings, Rock Pigeons, Waterfowl, etc. and crank up the volume and watch them scatter.
4. Airsoft or Paintball Guns: When you have a stubborn species of wildlife that just will not get the hint that they are not welcome try using an airsoft gun or paintball gun. You can pick up each of these at any sporting goods store or even your local Walmart.  We highly suggest you use caution and take into consideration your surroundings for obvious safety measure but when you cannot depredate this is the next best thing.
5. Foghorn or Siren: Ever hear one of these up close? They are deafening and extremely effective for species with a keen sense of hearing. We find the best way to implement using a foghorn or siren is to be in a situation where you can either sneak in close or catch the species off guard.

For more suggestions or to talk to a Loomacres Staff Member about a specific problem you might be having, please fill out the field below and someone will contact you.

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