Dealing with Peafowl

Helpful Tips to Discourage Peafowl from Returning to Your Property

• Avoid planting young tender seedlings in areas you do not want peafowl to visit or cover the plants until they’re well established.
• Peafowl will avoid certain repellents.
  Cat repellent and mothballs around planting beds, porches, and along walkways may be an effective means of repelling peafowl. Caution should be used so as not to allow young children or animals to ingest the repellents.
• Peafowl are afraid of dogs.
  Walk your dog around the property and neighborhood.
• Peafowl does not like water.
  Water is one of the best-known deterrents for peafowl. The intermittent use of sprinklers or a hose with a jet nozzle will act as a negative reinforcement for the birds. Also, consider a motion sensor activated water spray, such as the Scarecrow, which is battery operated and covers an area of about 35 feet and can be connected to your garden hose. It’s available online or at garden stores, such as OSH.
• Peafowl likes to eat seeds, bugs, and worms.
  Avoid open compost and manure sacks. If you wish to compost, use a covered compost bin and keep the composting area clean.
• Peafowl likes to eat wild birdseed, bread, and pet food.
  These are delectable treats to peafowl. Once they’re hooked, it’s difficult to wean them. It’s a good idea to remove any leftover pet food immediately or feed pets indoors.
• Peafowl likes to eat young tender seedlings.
• Peafowl prefers to roost in safe areas, such as overhanging trees.
  Trim or thin overhanging trees to deter peafowl. The Canary Island Pine is a favorite resting spot because of its sturdy horizontal limbs and ample cover.
• Some tips from other residents:
  • Scare the peafowl. Chase them off your property consistently for a few days.
  • Sprinkle coyote urine (purchased at feed stores) around the perimeter of the property.