Use of Monofilament Line, Reflective Tape, Beach-Balls, and Pyrotechnics for Controlling Grackle Damage to Citrus

Authors

• Alan R. Tipton, Texas A&I University, Kingsville, TX
• John H. Rappole, Texas A&I University, Kingsville, TX
• Arlo H. Kane, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
• Rafael H. Flores, Texas A&I University, Kingsville, TX
• Dave Johnson, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
• John Hobbs, Animal Damage Control
• Paul Schulz, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
• Sam Beasom, Texas A&I University, Kingsville, TX
• Joe Palacios, Animal Damage Control

Date of this Version

February 1989

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The effectiveness of monofilament line, reflective tape, beach-balls and pyrotechnics (propane cannons and shotgun scare shells) in reducing damage to citrus by great-tailed grackles was tested in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas. Results indicate that these treatments can produce reduction in damage. Whether the treatments are economically advisable for a grower depends on the history of grackle damage to the grove and grove size. Only large amounts of damage in large groves justify costs associated with implementation of these methods.