Economics of Damage and Control Go back to Crows
The economics of crow damage often center around a widespread controversy over whether crow feeding habits are harmful or beneficial. Some say that crows earn their keep by taking harmful insects and cleaning up carrion. Others say the damage done far outweighs any beneficial aspects. Despite some studies of the crow diet, little quantitative information is available on the overall economic impacts of crows. In addition, it appears likely that the economics of crows in relation to agriculture or people have changed from what they were 30 or more years ago when many crow studies were done.
At one time several state legislatures appropriated funds for bounties on crows and for bombing crow roosts, and suggested all-out efforts to eradicate the crow. Now, most state wildlife and agriculture departments report only a few scattered complaints of crow damage each year. At times, however, individual farms or crops do suffer severe damage, and concerns about large crow roosts in urban areas near people appear to be increasing. Individuals experiencing damage problems should weigh the costs of control against the amount of damage, then work with the proper authorities to develop a control program.
On the beneficial side, the crow diet includes large numbers of insects considered harmful to agriculture, as well as mice and carrion. In addition, their consumption of waste grain left in fields may help prevent undesirable volunteer corn in the following year’s crop. The fact that crows also eat snakes may be considered a benefit by some people.
Overall, crow and other bird problems can be difficult or frustrating to resolve satisfactorily with the methods and understanding currently available. Persistence and use of a variety of techniques may be necessary to help prevent damage. In addition, further research is needed to develop damage control methods based on an understanding of bird problems in relation to agricultural and urban landscapes and other natural resource systems where damage occurs.
Learn More About:
General Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior
Damage and Damage Identification
Legal Status
Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Please read more about us and our bird removal services . You can also learn about Cowleys history and understand why to choose Cowleys for bird exclusion. You can read about what physical or visual bird deterrents are used and what to do if nuisance birds are taking over your business.
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