Vultures around a home can be unsettling, often marked by property damage, large accumulations of corrosive droppings, and intimidating masses of birds gathering on rooftops or trees. These scavengers are drawn to residential areas seeking high perches or food sources. In North America, the two species most frequently causing residential issues are the Black Vulture and the Turkey Vulture. The social Black Vulture is generally the primary culprit in property damage and aggressive roosting. The Turkey Vulture is often identified by its distinct, soaring flight pattern. Finding safe, effective, and legal strategies to encourage these birds to move away is the first step.
Understanding Vulture Protections and Behavior
Any attempt to remove vultures must acknowledge their protective status under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This federal law prohibits the pursuit, capture, or killing of these birds, their eggs, or their nests without explicit authorization. Homeowners must rely exclusively on non-lethal methods to deter them. Even when significant financial loss or damage occurs, a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required before lethal control can be considered, and only after non-lethal methods have been documented as unsuccessful.
Understanding the distinct behavior of the two species helps in developing an effective strategy. Turkey Vultures are largely solitary and locate carrion primarily through a keen sense of smell, flying with a characteristic teetering motion. Black Vultures are highly social and aggressive, locating food mainly by sight or by following Turkey Vultures. They are also more likely to target vulnerable live prey, such as newborn livestock. These social birds often form large, communal roosts on high structures like utility poles or tall trees, which is the source of most residential nuisance.
Immediate Deterrence Methods
The most effective initial response to a vulture presence is immediate, persistent harassment, often called hazing. This makes the birds feel unsafe and uncomfortable, encouraging them to find a new, permanent roosting site. Hazing must be carried out consistently for several consecutive days, ideally for one to two weeks, especially at dusk when the vultures attempt to settle into a roost for the night.
Visual Deterrents
Visual deterrents are successful non-lethal tools, particularly the use of a vulture effigy. The effigy, which can be real or artificial, should be highly visible and displayed by hanging it upside down with its wings spread in the problem area. This posture signals a threat to the highly social Black Vultures, causing them to immediately disperse. Other visual tools include reflective materials like Mylar tape or balloons. These can be tethered near roosting sites to create unpredictable movement and flashes of light that startle the birds.
Auditory Harassment
Auditory harassment should be deployed in conjunction with visual aids to maximize the deterrent effect. Loud noises from devices like air horns, pyrotechnics (where legally permitted), or a vigorous spray from a garden hose can be used to make the area undesirable. Harassment must begin as soon as the first birds arrive, as it is much harder to dislodge a large group once they have settled for the evening. Red lasers used at night have also shown success in disrupting roosts, though this method may require persistent use over multiple nights.
Eliminating Property Attractants
Long-term management requires modifying the property to eliminate the environmental factors that attracted the vultures. Since a primary attraction is a high, secure place to roost, structures must be made physically unappealing for perching.
- Install perch deterrents like bird wire, netting, or electric shock strips on exposed ledges, ridgelines, and high eaves.
- Thin out tall, dense trees frequently used for roosting to make the habitat less suitable.
- Cover vulnerable areas like chimneys or open vents with heavy-duty mesh or screening.
- Seal all garbage cans and dumpsters tightly, as food waste is a significant attractant.
Consistent removal of food sources is equally important for discouraging the birds from lingering. If a pet or wild animal dies on the property, the carcass should be immediately removed or buried to eliminate the carrion. If non-lethal efforts fail to resolve persistent issues involving property damage, contacting USDA Wildlife Services is advisable. They can verify the damage and assist in obtaining the necessary federal permits for legally controlled management options.