Crops - Deterrents Deterrents



Scarecrows

The intention of scarecrows is to cause wariness in wildlife using a human-model, which can be automated or still.

Scarecrows were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri Scopoli) damage to sunflower seeds in Punjab, India (Dar and Vashishat 2022) but no effect was observed in either of two trial sites (RR = 0.97 and 0.95). Another study from Punjab, India (Kler 2001), found scarecrows to reduce damage to pea pods from rose-ringed parakeets and house crows (Corvus splendens) compared to control fields (RR = 0.20).

A mechanical, gas operated, pop-up scarecrow (SC) coupled in synchrony with a Purivox (R) Double-John (DJ) propane exploder, referred to as the “SC-DJ” was evaluated for its effect in reducing blackbird damage on sunflowers in North Dakota, USA (Cummings et al. 1986). Between three trial sites, a damage reduction of 78 % was observed between the treatment and control periods.

Beringer et al. (2003) evaluated the effect of an animal-activated scarecrow with sound (AAS) to deter white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) damage on soybean plants in Missouri, USA. They found that the plant weight difference between study areas and corresponding exclosed areas was 470g less in treatment plots compared to control plots. Habituation of deer to the AAS was observed, indicating that the effect may primarily be short term.

Referenced papers
Beringer, J., VerCauteren, K. C., & Millspaugh, J. J. (2003). Evaluation of an Animal-Activated Scarecrow and a Monofilament Fence for Reducing Deer Use of Soybean Fields. Wildlife Society Bulletin (1973-2006), 31(2), 492–498.
An animal-activated scarecrow (AAS) with sound to deter white-tailed deer from soybean reduced the loss of plant weight
Cummings, J. L., Knittle, C. E., & Guarino, J. L. (1986). Evaluating a pop-up scarecrow coupled with a propane exploder for reducing blackbird damage to ripening sunflower. In Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference (Vol. 12, No. 12).
A combination of a Purivox® Double-John carousel propane exploder and CO2 pop-up scarecrow operated in synchrony were deployed at one unit per 8 to 10 acres, and at one unit per 4 to 6 acres, reduced blackbird damage on sunflower.
Dar, M. H., & Vashishat, N. (2022). PREVENTING ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET (Psittacula krameri Scopoli) DEPREDATIONS TO SUNFLOWER USING ECOFRIENDLY MANAGEMENT METHODS. Agricultural Research Journal, 59(1)
Scarecrows did not reduce rose-ringed parakeet damage to sunflower
Kler T.K. (2001). Protecting the pea (Pisum sativum L.) from bird attack using eco-friendly methods. Pestology.
No link available. Scarecrows reduced the risk of rose-ringed parakeet and house crow damage on pea pods