Starlings, robins, house finches and other bird species attack grapes.
The European Starling, which causes the most serious damage, resembles a blackbird but with a stockier build, speckled appearance, yellow bill and shorter tail. Juvenile starlings are grey-brown with grey bills. Starlings are a major factor in the decline of native bird species and cause serious crop loss to small fruits such as grapes.
A combination of two or three control methods is usually better than a single method in reducing crop damage. Begin bird control efforts as soon as birds begin to attack crops. Control methods may not be very effective once birds have established a feeding pattern in a vineyard.
Permits are required to kill all birds except for the following:
Provincial and federal legislation protects all other migratory birds.
Consult your local Conservation Officer for more information.
Stationary “scare crows” such as human figures or owl statues do not work. Flying hawk-shaped kites have more success. Move such devices frequently to maintain effectiveness.
Yellow plastic tapes or streamers, strung between poles above the vines, act as a visual repellent and may be effective in keeping birds out of vineyards. Twist the tapes or streamers every 3 m and attach to poles 12 m apart.
Cracker or whistler shells, propane exploders and electronic Av-Alarm or Phoenix Wailer Systems are quite effective in deterring a variety of wildlife without harming them, including deer, raccoons, rabbits and birds.
Persons working within 50 m of an Av-Alarm speaker should wear ear protection.
For maximum effectiveness, mount exploders or Av-Alarm speakers as high as possible to disperse the sound. It is usually best to alter the timing or location of these noisemakers periodically, or the pests may become accustomed to them.
Before deciding to use this equipment, be aware of restrictions that may apply under municipal bylaws. Some districts in B.C. have banned the use of noisemakers entirely, and the use of these devices may result in complaints from neighbours, particularly where farms are located adjacent to residential areas. See the Urban Issues and Right to Farm page for more information about resolving complaints.
To minimize noise disturbance to neighbours, adhere to the following guidelines for the use of propane exploders:
Recorded distress calls have proven highly effective in repelling starlings. Use a portable, automatic playback system to broadcast the distress calls. The components are a photocell, on/off switch, a duration and interval timer and a cassette tape deck with one or more speakers.
A modified Australian crow trap can catch large numbers of starlings when supplied with appropriate bait. Trapping may significantly reduce local flocks of starlings in early summer. However, trapping may be less effective in reducing migratory flocks of starlings in late summer. Care must be taken to release any non-target bird species.
Nest box traps, which have been recently introduced, will trap any cavity nesting bird, including bluebirds, swallows, small owls, woodpeckers and many other beneficial birds that control insect and rodent pests. It is very important to check nest box traps daily and release non-target birds.
It is illegal to trap non-pest bird species. This applies to all land tenures.
For information on the Starling Control Program for the Okanagan-Similkameen and to contact a local professional trapper, visit the BC Grapegrowers' Association website or contact their office at 1-877-762-4652.
A less labour-intensive way of reducing the starling population is to erect nest boxes around your property and simply remove the nest material every two weeks. Starlings will nest 2-3 times and produce as many as 15 young in a year.
By repeatedly removing the material from the nest boxes you will prevent population increase. This also avoids the problem of trapping non-target species.
Netting is a very effective method for protecting grapes from birds.
Plastic netting, installed on a system of poles and wires above the vines, can provide a bird-proof enclosure. Netting is a noiseless, non-toxic and non-lethal form of bird control that requires little maintenance once installed.
