What to do about crows eating apples out of your trees?

Crows are known for their intelligence and adaptability, and they can quickly become a problem for fruit growers. Here are some strategies you can use to keep crows away from your apple trees:

1. Exclusion:

- Netting: Cover your trees with bird netting or row covers to physically prevent the crows from accessing the apples. Make sure the netting is securely attached and there are no gaps where the crows can squeeze through.

- Tree Guards: Install tree guards or collars around the trunks of your trees. These guards should be made of a material that crows cannot easily climb, such as metal or plastic.

2. Scare Tactics:

- Noise Deterrents: Hang shiny objects, such as old CDs, pie tins, or wind chimes, from your trees. The reflections and noise can scare away crows.

- Predator Decoys: Place fake owls or hawks near your trees. These decoys can deter crows because they are natural predators.

- Scarecrow: Create a scarecrow and place it in your orchard. Crows may be wary of approaching the area where the scarecrow is present.

3. Taste Deterrents:

- Hot Pepper Spray: Mix hot pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with water and spray it on your trees. The spicy taste can deter crows from eating your apples. Reapply the spray after rain or heavy watering.

- Bitter Sprays: Certain commercial sprays containing bitter substances can also be effective in deterring crows.

4. Trapping and Relocation:

- Live Traps: Set up live traps baited with apples or other attractive food. Once you catch a crow, release it at least several miles away from your property to prevent it from returning.

- Relocation Services: If the crow problem persists and you are unable to manage it yourself, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service to trap and relocate the crows.

5. Removal of Attractants:

- Pick up Fallen Apples: Regularly pick up any fallen apples from the ground. Crows are attracted to easy food sources, and removing fallen apples will help reduce their presence.

Remember that crows are protected under federal law, so lethal control methods are not generally recommended and may require special permits. Always check with local wildlife authorities before using any deterrents or taking any actions to manage crows.