Managing Damage from Wildlife in Vineyards

Hello Wild Side Readers,

Vineyards provide habitat resources such as food and shelter to wildlife. Species such as deer, birds, and raccoons can cause damage through loss of fruit and foraging on new and existing shoots. The extent of damage varies by region in relation to climate, terrain, and wildlife species present. Often, an integrated approach using one or more management options can be effectively used to lessen and prevent damage from wildlife. Management options include exclusion such as netting and fencing, harassment such as acoustic and visual deterrents, use of chemical repellents, lethal techniques (trapping, hunting), and habitat modification. Habitat modification requires modifying the attractant, usually, food or shelter, within or nearby the vineyard. For example, eliminating tall grass or shrubby cover within and around the vineyard

I was recently invited to give a presentation at the 2023 Ohio Grape and Wine Conference. I discussed management options for preventing and mitigating conference from birds, deer, and raccoons in vineyards. Below are the slides that were presented, as well as several additional resources. I very much appreciated the invitation to present and hope the below information is useful!

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

Managing and Preventing Damage from Deer, Raccooons, and Birds – PowerPoint slide set

Fact Sheets and Online Resources:

• Midwest Grape Production Guide (updated version coming soon!)
• North Carolina Winegrape Grower’s Guide
• University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
• Nonlethal Bird Deterrent Strategies: Methods for reducing fruit crop losses in Oregon, Oregon State University Extension Service
•  An IPM Counting Guide for Common Problems of Grape in Kentucky, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
• Acoustic Scare Devices Tech Sheet – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Dealing with Nuisance Deer (info on fences) – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Apply for a Deer Damage Control Permit – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Attracting Predators to Vineyards (Remember: The habitat surrounding your vineyard should also fit the needs of the raptor you are trying to attract.)
  • American Kestrel Nest Boxes
  • Barn Owls Boxes
  • Perching Poles
  • Attracting Wildlife for Pest Control on Farmland – Natural Resources Conservation Service

References Research: