Get Rid of Crows
Crows are extremely intelligent and versatile birds that do well in a range of settings, such as cities, suburbs, and rural regions. As scavengers, they are vital to ecosystems, yet their presence can cause problems with people. Because of their loud calls, hostile behaviour during nesting season, and potential for property damage, crows can become a nuisance. For management and crow removal to be effective, it is crucial to comprehend their behaviour, habitats, and the threats they present. In such cases, crow exterminator services can help effectively mitigate infestations and prevent further issues.
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Identification of Crows
Crows belong to the Corvidae family, which includes other intelligent birds such as ravens, magpies, and jays. The most common species found across North America is the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos).
Key Physical Characteristics:
Size: 7.5-9 inches (19-23 cm) long, wingspan of 12-16 inches (30-40 cm).
Colour: Glossy black with an iridescent green and purple sheen; in winter, they develop white speckles.
Beak: Yellow in summer, turning dark in winter.
Tail Shape: Short and square, differentiating them from grackles or crows.
Vocalization: Loud, high-pitched chattering and impressive mimicry skills.
Crow vs. Raven – Key Differences

While crows are often confused with ravens, there are noticeable differences:
- Ravens are larger with a heavier, curved beak.
- Ravens have a wedge-shaped tail, while crows have a fan-shaped tail.
- Ravens produce a deeper, croaking call, unlike the crow’s sharper “caw.”
Breeding and Baby Season
Crows are monogamous, often forming lifelong bonds with their mates. They are also known for their strong family structures, where offspring from previous years help raise new chicks.
If these birds are nesting near your home or business and causing disturbances, a crow exterminator can assist in safely addressing the issue.
Nesting Season:
- Breeding Period: March to June is the primary nesting season.
- Egg Laying: Female crows lay 3 to 9 eggs, typically in early spring.
- Incubation: The eggs are incubated for around 18 days, primarily by the female, while the male provides food.
- Fledging: Baby crows (fledglings) leave the nest after 4 to 5 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for several months.
During the baby season, crows become particularly aggressive in defending their nests. They are known to dive-bomb perceived threats, including humans and pets if they feel their young are in danger. If this behaviour becomes an issue, professional crow removal services can help manage the problem safely and effectively.
Interesting Facts About Crows
- Crows Recognize Human Faces: Studies show that crows can identify individual humans, even remembering those who pose threats to them. This intelligence can make crow removal more challenging as they learn to avoid dangers.
- They Use Tools: Crows are among the few animal species known to create and use tools to access food.
- Impressive Memory: Crows have remarkable memories, allowing them to recall food hiding spots and even specific dangerous locations, which is why professional crow removal strategies need to be carefully planned.
- Complex Social Structures: Crows often live in tight-knit family groups, with offspring staying to help raise younger siblings.
- Mourning Rituals: When a crow dies, others gather in what appears to be a “funeral,” possibly to investigate the cause of death and learn from the event.
Habitat and Nesting Preferences
Crows are extremely adaptable and can thrive in various habitats. They prefer areas where food, water, and nesting sites are abundant.
Common Nesting Sites:
- Urban Areas: Crows often build nests in tall trees, but in urban environments, they may also nest on rooftops, utility poles, and building ledges.
- Suburban Areas: Residential neighbourhoods with mature trees provide ideal nesting locations.
- Commercial/Industrial Sites: Large, open structures like warehouses, parking lots, and stadiums may attract crows due to the availability of food and shelter.
- Natural Areas: Forest edges, farmlands, and wetlands are also common crow habitats.
Nesting Characteristics
Crows build large, bulky nests made of twigs, branches, grass, and even man-made materials like wires or plastic. The nests are often 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters) high, hidden within dense tree canopies or other elevated structures.
If you frequently spot these birds gathering in your area, searching for “crows near me” could help determine how widespread their presence is.
Identifying Crow Infestation Signs
Crows are social birds that often gather in large groups, especially outside the breeding season. While a few crows may not pose an immediate problem, a large infestation can lead to noise disturbances, property damage, and health risks due to droppings and debris. If an infestation grows, seeking help from a crow exterminator company can be the most effective solution. Here are the most common signs that may indicate a crow infestation on your property:
- Excessive Noise
Persistent Cawing: One of the most noticeable signs of a crow infestation is their loud, repetitive “caw-caw” calls. Crows are highly vocal birds and tend to be especially noisy during dawn and dusk, which are their peak activity times.
Aggressive Vocalization: During the breeding season (March to June), crows become even louder and more aggressive, especially when defending their nests.
Crow Gatherings: The sound of dozens or even hundreds of crows cawing together, often referred to as a “murder of crows,” can be overwhelming, particularly in residential areas.
- Accumulation of Droppings
Feces Under Roosting Sites: Crows tend to roost in the same spot regularly, often in large groups. This results in noticeable accumulations of white-gray droppings under trees, rooftops, power lines, or ledges where they perch.
Health Risks: Crow droppings can carry harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites, including pathogens that cause diseases like histoplasmosis. This is particularly concerning in areas with heavy buildup, such as sidewalks, patios, or vehicles.
- Property Damage
Garbage Scavenging: Crows are opportunistic feeders and are notorious for tearing open garbage bags in search of food scraps, leaving a mess behind.
Crop and Garden Damage: In agricultural areas, crows can cause significant damage by pecking at fruits, vegetables, and grains. Home gardens are also at risk, as crows will pull up seedlings and eat planted bulbs.
Structural Issues: They may peck at roof shingles, siding, or insulation materials when searching for nesting sites or food. If these damages become persistent, hiring a crow exterminator company can help mitigate the issue.
- Visible Nests
Large, Bulky Nests: Crows build messy nests made of sticks, twigs, and sometimes even man-made materials like wires, plastic, or fabric.
High Nesting Sites: Look for nests in tall trees, utility poles, chimneys, building ledges, or even on rooftops. Nests are often located 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters) above the ground and can be easily spotted once trees lose their leaves.
Multiple Nests: Unlike some birds, crows often nest in loose colonies, so if you spot one nest, there may be more nearby.
- Aggressive Behaviour
Territorial Defense: During the nesting season, crows can become aggressive towards humans and pets, especially if they perceive them as threats to their young. They may engage in “dive-bombing” attacks or swoop close to people’s heads as a warning.
Chasing Other Birds: Crows are known to harass other bird species, including hawks, owls, and songbirds, often chasing them away from their territory.
Feeding Habits of Crows
Crows are omnivorous scavengers, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. Their flexible diet is one of the reasons they thrive in so many environments, from rural farmlands to bustling cities.
What Do Crows Eat?
Insects & Invertebrates: Especially in the spring and summer, they eat a lot of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, grubs, worms, grasshoppers, and others.
Fruits & Vegetables: Crows enjoy a variety of fruits (berries, apples, pears) and vegetables (corn, peas), making them a common threat to gardens and crops.
Grains & Seeds: They feed on leftover grains in agricultural fields, including wheat, oats, barley, and corn.
Small Animals: Crows will eat small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and even the eggs and chicks of other birds.
Carrion: As scavengers, they eat organic debris, dead animals, and roadkill, contributing to the ecosystem by clearing away decomposing stuff.
Human Food Waste: In urban areas, crows are attracted to garbage, compost bins, dumpsters, and outdoor pet food. They can open containers, untie packages, and come up with inventive ways to get food because of their intelligence. This opportunistic feeding behaviour often results in an increased need for crow removal solutions in residential and commercial areas where crow removal company is highly needed.
Feeding Behaviour & Intelligence:
Tool Use: Crows are known to use tools to obtain food, such as sticks to extract insects from crevices. Their intelligence is one of the reasons why dealing with them can be challenging, often requiring the expertise of a crow exterminator to manage infestations effectively.
Food Caching: They often hide or “cache” food in the ground to eat later, showing remarkable memory for these hidden stashes.
Problem Solvers: Their ability to solve complex problems makes them one of the most adaptable birds when it comes to finding food in challenging environments. This problem-solving ability allows them to evade simple deterrents, making professional intervention from a crow exterminator necessary in some cases.
Potential Dangers of Crows
Crows are highly social birds, often gathering in large flocks, particularly outside the breeding season. Although their scavenging behaviours are advantageous in their natural habitat, they can be dangerous if they decide to roost or feed close to residences, places of business, or agricultural regions. Many property owners turn to a crow removal company to help manage infestations and prevent the risks associated with these birds. These risks can be divided into two primary groups: property damage and health dangers.
Health Risks Associated with Crows
Crows can carry and spread a variety of diseases and parasites due to their scavenging lifestyle. They are more likely to carry dangerous infections since they frequently eat trash, animal carcasses, and other waste products. A professional crow removal company can assess the extent of an infestation and implement safe and effective measures to reduce health hazards.
1. Disease Transmission:
Histoplasmosis: This respiratory disease is caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) found in bird droppings. When dried droppings become airborne, people can inhale the spores, leading to flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases, chronic lung issues.
Salmonella & E. coli: Crows can spread these bacteria through their feces, contaminating food, water sources, and surfaces. This can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses in humans, causing diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
West Nile Virus: While crows do not transmit this virus directly to humans, they are highly susceptible to it and can act as indicators of outbreaks in certain areas.
2. Parasites:
Mites, Lice, and Ticks: Crows can carry ectoparasites like mites, lice, and ticks, which may infest homes or spread to pets and other wildlife.
Internal Parasites: Their droppings can contain parasitic eggs or larvae, posing risks to humans, especially young children and those with compromised immune systems.
3. Allergies and Respiratory Issues:
Droppings and Feathers: Large accumulations of crow droppings can trigger allergic reactions or asthma-like symptoms in sensitive individuals. Additionally, the dust from dried feces and feathers can cause respiratory irritation when inhaled.
Property Damage Caused by Crows
Crows are curious and resourceful birds, often engaging in behaviours that can cause damage to residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. If you’re dealing with crows near me, it’s important to take proactive measures before they cause costly destruction.
1. Damage to Structures:
Pecking at Surfaces: Crows are known to peck at wood, roofing materials, and insulation. This can lead to damage over time, especially when they are trying to build nests or access food sources hidden within structures.
Clogged Gutters and Drains: Crow nests, often built with sticks, debris, and trash, can block gutters, downspouts, and ventilation systems, causing water damage and poor drainage.
Damage to Vehicles: Crows are notorious for pecking at car mirrors, windshield wipers, and rubber seals, often attracted by their own reflections.
2. Agricultural Losses:
Crop Damage: In rural and agricultural areas, crows can cause significant losses by feeding on fruits, vegetables, grains, and seedlings. They may pull up newly planted crops or strip ripened fruits from trees.
Livestock Impact: Crows have been known to harass young livestock, such as lambs and calves, and may even peck at open wounds, causing stress and injury to farm animals.
3. Garbage and Waste Issues:
Scavenging Behaviour: Crows are adept at ripping open garbage bags and scattering waste across properties in search of food. This not only creates a mess but can also attract other pests like rodents and raccoons.
4. Noise Disturbances:
Loud Vocalizations: Crows are extremely vocal, especially when roosting in large groups. Their constant cawing can be disruptive, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours.
Aggressive Behavior: During the nesting season, crows become highly territorial, often swooping at people or pets they perceive as threats. This can be intimidating and even dangerous in areas with high foot traffic.
If you frequently see crows near me and are experiencing property damage, consider a professional crow exterminator company to keep these birds from becoming a larger issue.
Crow Removal Process: How to Manage and Control Crow Infestations
Managing crow infestations requires a strategic and humane approach as crows become very protective of their nests and eggs. As this happens, crows may “dive bomb” passer byers to protect their nest and young. Therefore, control measures should focus on deterrence, habitat modification, and exclusion rather than direct harm. If you’re dealing with persistent crow issues, contacting a crow removal company can ensure effective and legal solutions to keep these birds away from your property.
- Habitat Modification
Reducing the factors that attract crows is the first step in effective control.
- Secure Garbage Bins: Use tight-fitting lids on trash cans to prevent crows from accessing food scraps.
- Cover Compost Piles: Compost bins should be sealed or covered with mesh to deter scavenging.
- Feed Pets Indoors: Pet food left outside is a strong attractant for crows. Feed pets indoors and clean up any spilled food promptly.
- Reduce Standing Water: Eliminate birdbaths, open water containers, or puddles where crows might drink or bathe.
- Exclusion Techniques
Physical barriers can prevent crows from nesting or roosting on your property.
- Bird Spikes: Installing bird spikes on ledges, rooftops, and fences makes it uncomfortable for crows to perch.
- Bird Netting: Use netting to protect gardens, fruit trees, and crops from crow damage.
- Wire Grids: Over open spaces like parking lots or rooftops, tensioned wire grids can deter large flocks from gathering.
- Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Since crows are intelligent and learn quickly, using a combination of deterrents increases effectiveness.
- Visual Deterrents: Items like scarecrows, reflective tape, predator decoys (e.g., fake owls or hawks), and holographic devices can discourage crows. However, crows may become accustomed to these, so rotate and reposition them regularly.
- Auditory Deterrents: Distress calls, loud noises, or motion-activated devices can scare crows away. Devices that emit ultrasonic sounds are also available, though their effectiveness varies.
- Professional Assistance
When crow populations become habitually entrenched in an area—especially near businesses, agricultural sites, or residential neighbourhoods—it may be time to call in pest control professionals. A crow exterminator company can assess the situation, implement tailored deterrent strategies, and ensure long-term protection from crow infestations.
Why Choose Professional Services?
- Professionals have access to advanced deterrent technologies and are trained in legal, humane wildlife management practices. A crow exterminator can assess the specific factors attracting crows to your property and develop a customized control plan.
- Crow behaviour can be complex, and a crow exterminator understands how to adapt techniques to prevent long-term problems.
When to Call for Help:
- Large crow roosts near residential areas
- Persistent property damage despite DIY efforts
- Aggressive behaviour during the breeding season
- Health hazards from droppings accumulation
Need Help with Crow Control? Contact Ridall Pest Control!
If crows are causing problems on your property, don’t wait for the issue to escalate. Our experienced team at Ridall Pest Control can help you manage crow infestations safely and effectively with our professional crow exterminator services.
Call us at 604-580-2847
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.ridallpestcontrol.ca
Let us help you reclaim your peace of mind with professional, humane crow exterminator services.
FAQ
How can I prevent crows from nesting on my property?
Regularly inspect your property for nests, especially in tall trees or structures. Remove potential food sources and use deterrents like bird spikes or netting. If the problem persists, professional crow exterminator services can provide long-term solutions.
Are crows protected by law?
Crows are not protected under the Migratory Birds Act, however, they are regulated by the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks and are also under the guidance of the BC SPCA and BC Humane Society. For legal and humane removal, contacting a crow exterminator company is the safest approach.
Do crows pose a threat to pets?
While crows are unlikely to attack pets, they may scavenge pet food left outdoors. It’s best to feed pets indoors and keep their feeding areas clean. If you notice increased crow activity, searching for crows near me can help you find local experts to manage the situation.
Can crows damage my garden?
Crows may peck at fruits and vegetables in gardens. Using netting or scare devices can help protect your plants. If crows are persistent, crow exterminator services can implement deterrents tailored to your needs.
What should I do if I find a baby crow on the ground?
Fledgling crows often spend time on the ground as they learn to fly. It’s usually best to leave them undisturbed, as the parents are likely nearby. If crows become a nuisance, a crow removal company can assess and address the issue efficiently.