Turkeys Create Real Property Damage

Wild turkeys aren’t often thought of when someone is dealing with wildlife damage or other removal issues. However, even though wild turkeys can bring a family to the window for a look once in a while, they can do damage to crops, though many of the reported damage that is thought to be caused by turkeys is done by other animals. For the most part, turkeys are known to eat berries, grapes, and mature corn in fields. They are also reported to cause damage to golf courses and newly established lawns.

For this and other reasons, removing wild turkeys is a request that many homeowners have during certain times of the year. Before you head out to the woods around your house with a shotgun in hand, however, it’s important to note that wild turkeys are a protected species and that means that you are not permitted to shoot and kill any wild turkeys, whether they are on your property or not. If you are unable to get rid of wild turkeys from your property, then call Westchester Wildlife your neighborhood experts for advice and help.

Don’t Feed or Kill Wild Turkeys

There are alternatives to removing wild turkeys from property. Even though these creatures are protected, there are some things that you can do to remove them from your property. The first thing is to determine if a neighbor is feeding the turkeys. Most wild birds, such as wild turkeys, will flock to the location that offers them the best source of easy food. Many homeowners find the wild turkeys to be interesting and even pleasing, and they leave food out for them to eat from time to time. If you know of a neighbor who is doing this, then it’s important to approach the neighbor in a friendly manner and explain the damage that the turkeys are doing to your property and ask them if they would consider not feeding them anymore.

If that does not work, or you are unaware whether any of the neighbors are feeding the turkeys, then you could –if your property isn’t too large- construct a fence to discourage them from entering. It’s important to note, however, that wild turkeys, even though they don’t fly often, have the ability to fly quite high and far. If they are intent on entering your property, then a fence won’t be much of a deterrent.

Look for bird feeders in the area and if there are some that are used regularly, make sure that the area underneath them is clean most of the time. This will remove one foraging temptation from the wild turkeys. Seek out plants and flowers that the turkeys find appealing and replace them with varieties that the turkeys do not care for.

Getting rid of wild turkeys can be a great challenge for some homeowners, but before you make any rash decisions, or any costly ones, be certain that any damage that your property is sustaining is coming from wild turkeys and not some other animal. If you are intent on getting rid of wild turkeys and you are unable to through some of the methods mentioned, then call on experts — Westchester Wildlife  — or advice and help. We are the seasoned experts who have assisted countless homeowners throughout the area deal with nuisance wildlife in legal and humane ways. We can help you too.