Crows can be quite a nuisance. And one natural way to deter them is by using scents that they dislike. But what smells do crows hate? Read on to find out!
Pest Crows
Crows are often considered to be pests. In agricultural areas, they are well-known for causing crop damage leading to economic losses for farmers. They often raid backyard bird feeders and scare away smaller bird species.
Crows can also be incredibly loud, and leave quite a mess particularly when they gather in large flocks. For these reasons, many people attempt to deter crows especially using natural methods such as scents.
Are Crows Sensitive to Smell?
Birds in general are not known for their ability, to smell. However, crows along with other corvids such as jays and ravens do have a larger olfactory bulb in comparison to most other types of birds. The olfactory bulb is the part of the brain that processes different smells. They also have a higher number of olfactory receptors, the cells responsible for detecting odors.
Crows have been observed to be able to detect the smell of carrion and other food-related items. That being said the research on the ability of crows to smell is limited. In general, crows mainly rely on other senses such as their hearing and vision, both of which are excellent. In fact, a crow’s eyesight is among the best of all birds. And it helps them spot predators, find food, and navigate their environment.
Smells That Crows Hate
Just like crows can be attracted to the smells of certain foods, there are also smells crows hate. And they can be used to repel them. One of the most effective is methyl anthranilate. This is a chemical compound that is commonly used in bird repellents. It is actually also used as a food additive to make grape flavoring.
Methyl anthranilate has the scent of grapes, more specifically concord grapes. And crows along with several other birds considered to be pests hate the smell and taste of it. It is safe for humans, pets, and other wildlife and is often used to deter birds from agricultural crops and plants.
In addition, it is believed that crows hate the smell of garlic and strong-smelling essential oils such as peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus oil.
How to Use Scents to Repel Crows
If you’d like to repel crows using smells there are several ways to do so. Probably the simplest and most effective is to purchase a bird-repellent spray that contains methyl anthranilate. It’s typically sprayed directly on plants and in areas you want to deter crows and other birds.
And it usually needs to be re-applied every ten days or so, although if there is heavy rain it will need to be sprayed more frequently. Instead of manually spraying, another option are automatic dispensers that use cartridges of methyl anthranilate. These periodically spray the deterrent on their own, only requiring you to replace the cartridge about every sixty days.
Cloves of garlic can be placed around the areas that the crows frequent. However, you’ll need to remember that they rot quickly and will need to be replaced. Garlic oil is another option that you can spray in these areas.
To create a spray using peppermint, citronella, or eucalyptus oils add a few drops of one of the oils to a spray bottle and mix it with water. (Some people like to combine peppermint with eucalyptus.) And then spray it in the areas where the crows are congregating.
An alternative option is to soak cotton balls in the oil and place them where the crows are an issue. Be sure to keep in mind that the scents will fade over time and need to be reapplied. Also while essential oils are natural they need to be diluted, they can be harmful if used in large amounts or ingested.
Other Deterrent Options
If you are using scents to deter crows from an area there are a few more things you’ll want to consider doing. Removing or making inaccessible whatever is drawing them to your property such as sources of food, water, or shelter will be extremely helpful.
And while using smells crows hate to repel them can be effective, combining scent repellents with other methods can increase the chances of success dramatically. Visual deterrents such as dead crow decoys and reflective tape along with noise deterrents like windchimes or even bird cannons can help to keep the crows away.
Start Shopping for Crow Deterrents!
Golden Eagle Facts
The golden eagle is a large bird of prey. And there are many amazing things you’ll want to know about this species. So here are some of the top golden eagle facts. It's A Highly-Respected Species In The World Of Falconry Falconry is the sport of hunting animals using...
Eagle Facts
Eagles are big and powerful built birds of prey. There are many amazing things you’ll want to know about these truly spectacular birds. So here are some of the most interesting eagle facts. The Steller’s Sea Eagle Is The Largest Eagle Species In The World The...
Birds That Look Like Cassowaries
Cassowaries are big flightless birds native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. These wary critters are well-known for their brightly-colored heads which have a casque or “helmet,” on top. However, despite their unique looks, they are often confused with...
Birds That Look Like Rheas
Rheas are large flightless birds native to South America. These big grayish-brown birds are well-known for their long necks and for using their wings to help them balance and change direction when running. However, they are often confused with several other types of...
Birds That Look Like Emus
Emus are large, brown, flightless birds that are only found in Australia. These Australian icons are well-known for their size and unique looks. However, they are often confused with several other types of birds that have a similar appearance. So here’s a list of...
Birds That Look Like Ostriches
Ostriches are flightless birds with bare necks and heads. They are well-known for their ability to run at high speeds but also because they’re the largest species in the world. However, they are often confused with several other types of birds that have a similar...
Black Vulture Pictures
Black vultures aren’t typically thought of in a positive light. However, these important birds help to keep the environment free of disease and harmful bacteria by feeding on the remains of dead animals. But there are many more interesting things about them as well....
Coyote Facts
The coyote is a wild canine found in North America that’s typically about the size of a medium-sized dog. There are many things you’ll want to know about this wily species that’s famous for its intelligence. So here are some of the most interesting coyote facts. The...
Turkey Vulture Facts
The turkey vulture, also known as the turkey buzzard, is a bird of prey with a unique red head. There are many interesting things you’ll want to know about this commonly seen vulture species. So here are the most amazing turkey vulture facts. The Turkey Vulture Has An...
Turkey Vulture Pictures
The turkey vulture is a widespread and distinct-looking bird of prey. And there are many more amazing things about this special species. So we’ve collected some of the best turkey vulture pictures to show you just how unique they are. Turkey Vultures Sunning To warm...
Vulture Facts
Vultures may not be known for their good looks however they do play an incredibly important role in the food chain and when it comes to preventing disease. There are many other interesting things you’ll want to know about these often misunderstood birds as well. So...
Vulture Pictures
Vultures are birds of prey that play a vital role in the natural balance. These flying scavengers help to keep the environment clean and free of diseases. And there are many more interesting things about them. So we’ve collected some of the best vulture...
Black Vulture Facts
The black vulture is a large bird of prey. It ranges from the Mid-Atlantic States in the U.S. all the way down through Central and most of South America. This widespread species has many interesting things about it. So here are the top black vulture facts. The Black...
Crow Facts
Crows are a group of birds that belong to the family Corvidae. They are known for their extremely high intelligence and sometimes mischievous behavior. They are fascinating animals and here are some of the most amazing crow facts. Crows Roost In Large Numbers Crows...
Owl Facts
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey. These birds are known for their large eyes and ability to fly almost in total silence. But there are many other interesting things about them as well. Here are some of the most amazing owl facts. The Biggest Owl In The World According...
Alligator Facts
Squirrel Facts
Most people are familiar with squirrels. These bushy-tailed acrobats can often be seen right in your own backyard. So you’ll want to know some of these amazing squirrel facts! The Largest Squirrel Species In The World Is The Malabar Giant Squirrel This species is also...
Squirrel Pictures
Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that live in a wide range of habitats and maybe even your own backyard. There are many fascinating things you’ll want to know about these critters. So we’ve compiled some of the best squirrel pictures to help show you just...
Owl Pictures
Owls are birds of prey that are mostly nocturnal. And there are many interesting things about these solitary and silent hunters. So we’ve collected some of the best owl pictures to show just how amazing they really are. Barn Owl The barn owl has the widest range of...
Swan Pictures
Swans are a large type of waterfowl that are well-known for their beauty. These birds are not only attractive but there are also many fascinating things about them as well. So we’ve compiled some of the best swan pictures to help show you just how amazing they are....