I have a newfound respect for grape growers. Finally, after two years of succumbing to black rot, I managed to aggressively spray my six grape vines that now have very nice fruit. The berries must be good since they are visited by a non-stop wave of birds. With only six vines and dozens of interested spectators, I wonder how growers with acres of vineyards deal with the bird problems.
We have come across solutions during our travels. In Texas we learned that one vineyard introduces road kill to the side of the vineyard. The road kill attracts birds of prey and those birds seem to persuade others to keep their distance. Then there are vineyards that utilize different netting procedures. Others try different sounds such as gunshot or bird distress sounds. Every now and then we’ll observe a vineyard with balloons keeping a watchful eye on the vines.
Since we had success with netting keeping the dear and groundhog from eating all our zucchini and cucumbers, we decided to give the netting a try. It looks easy but proved more difficult to put on than I imagined. On three occasions we found a bird inside the netting just waiting for us to release it. A few more grapes were missing. Since birds are such a pain with six vines, I can’t even imagine the havoc they play with acres of vines.
The grapes are not yet ready to harvest. They have good acid levels, but need to develop higher sugar levels. Apparently the birds must like the acid over the sugar. I am pondering putting out a tray of birdseed in hopes the birds will go for the seed over the grapes. However then I’m going to have to contend with squirrels. It’s amazing that growers can get grapes to the wineries.
Hi. Curious to know how or if your bird seed attempt worked out. We’re just now clearing land in anticipation of putting in vines next year. Thus, I’m all over the internet raking in all info I can find on such problems as wild life. We’ve got a heard of deer ourselves which, until next Spring (when we put the vines in), have served as calming, inspirational sightings. While my wife looks forward to each sighting, I’m behind her rubbing my chin with thoughts of how to get rid of them. Anyway, glad to have come across your site and wish you all the very best in your vineyard. Frank
Frank,
With birds netting seems to work best, but the grapes have to be covered before the birds discover their whereabouts. Even still we have birds discover where they can enter the netting, so did a chipmunk. Birds have been our worst problem as far as animals go. Hurricanes and the rain train did just about as much damage. I haven’t tried bird seed here because we have a large population of squirrels and they would get to the bird seed before the birds.
As far as deer are concerned, they will claim the vineyard as theirs and stare you down if you walk into it. Two possibilities to try is a high fence or an electric fence. One grower, here in Maryland, installed an electronic fence. He then put out bait. The deer went after the bait and were shocked. They learned to stay away from the bait and fence. However they could easily jump over the fence but haven’t made that connection, yet.
Terry