How to Discourage Crows

Place a scarecrow in your yard. These old-fashioned devices are still among the best choices for discouraging crows. However, simply setting up a scarecrow and forgetting about it is inadequate because crows quickly become accustomed to scarecrows and learn that they're not real. Instead, move the scarecrow to different locations in your yard several times a week. Add decorations to your scarecrow. Put a hat on it, add streamers and find other ways to keep its appearance constantly changing.

Set up an animatronic owl in your yard. This is a modern take on the scarecrow that partially solves the problem of crows getting accustomed to a nonmoving object designed to scare them away. Many hardware and home stores sell these crow deterrents, which move their heads, mouths or bodies in response to movement. For best results, move the owl to different locations in your yard several times each week.

Use a bird repellent. Most hardware stores, as well as many online retailers, sell chemicals designed to repel scarecrows. Unfortunately, because scarecrows quickly acclimate even to unpleasant experiences, a bird repellent alone is unlikely to completely keep scarecrows away. Instead, use one in conjunction with a scarecrow or animatronic owl. By doing so, you create an environment that is inhospitable to crows and they will choose to nest somewhere more welcoming.

Turn on the radio in your yard. Mother Earth News reports that a study has indicated that crows can detect changes in musical style and sounds. By changing a radio station a few times a day, you can trick the crows into believing people are constantly filtering in and out of your yard. Crows are only active during the day, so you don't need to leave the radio on at night.