During this time of the year, turkeys are everywhere you turn: roasting in the oven, handprint paintings hanging on your fridge, and even turkey trot themed 5Ks. But one place you won’t want to find them is in your yard! Flocks can grow large within city limits since the predator population isn’t as developed as open country. With a range of up to 20 pounds each, a flock of 30 birds can scratch some serious damage into your landscaping. Gobble down these tips to protect your home from fowl play!

First, you’ll need to determine what is attracting the turkeys to your property. Bird feeders can invite several other types of hungry creatures to your home, including turkeys. If this is proving to be a convenient food source for them, remove the feeders until the season has passed. Politely remind neighbors not to feed wildlife, it is illegal in California after all. Turkeys also enjoy seeds, berries, nuts and insects. They will till up the ground with their claws to unearth these tasty snacks and peck clean your bushes and trees. If it’s not gobbling that they’re doing in your garden, they may have discovered a resting roost within your yard. Just like chickens, turkeys like to perch in high places like bushes and branches, some even flocking to the roof or on top of your car.

Establish yourself at the top of the pecking order with these deterrents. If turkeys are throwing mulch or dirt around your property or onto sidewalks, you can lay down mesh fabric or chicken wire over these areas. If they are ravaging certain plants, install tree guards to block them out. Be especially careful to shield newly planted seeds you’ve recently put in the ground by also setting up a fence perimeter to obstruct these pesky poultry. Another alternative is staging 3D “predators” like fake coyotes or scarecrows. Turkeys are not fond of water, so simply spraying with the hose in their direction can send them packing. Flash tape, or streamers, are brightly colored and make crackling sounds when blown by the wind and are known to scare off turkeys. Put up an eviction notice to their roosting spots with this arsenal of defense!

Though it might have been initially exciting to see these gobblers gallivanting out your front window, the allure has probably since faded and their presence become a nuisance. Don’t send yourself on a wild goose chase trying to clean up your landscaping in their wake, make them quit cold turkey with these trot-stopping tips and enjoy your poultry next to a side of mashed potatoes!