Blog Layout

Do Turkeys Eat Ticks?

Dennis K.

 
With Thanksgiving approaching, you may be thinking more about turkeys than you normally do. And all this thinking about turkeys may have you wondering, “do turkeys eat ticks?”. You can’t find anything about the topic on social media and none of your friends seems to know for sure. Well, don’t worry, we have the answer.  

The answer to this burning question is, YES! Turkeys do eat ticks! Their sharp eyesight and acute hearing make them talented tick gobblers. Both domesticated turkeys and all five subspecies of wild turkeys in the U.S. eat ticks and a cornucopia of other problematic insects. For that, we are truly thankful.   

 

A single, full-grown turkey can consume 200 or more ticks per day, under the right conditions. A female turkey can raise a clutch of   4 to 17 poults every year, which means after one year of reproduction, her turkey family (two generations, including her and her mate) could eat up to 3,800 ticks per day, altogether. That’s way more ticks than most other birds consume. All of this gobbling up of ticks helps keep the population from getting too out of control, which can help reduce the spread of tick-borne diseases.  

 

Can wild turkeys control the tick population?   

 

Wild turkeys can be beneficial because they eat ticks that are on the ground, in the grass, in low vegetation, and even on their bodies during self-grooming. Even though these birds are also tick hosts (i.e., ticks latch onto them), they tend to eliminate more ticks than they spread.   

 

Turkeys also eat other bugs, mollusks, and small creatures that can be irritating to humans and/or harmful to gardens. These include slugs, stink bugs, grasshoppers, snails, beetles, caterpillars, and small snakes. They also eat praying mantises, which are tick-eaters themselves—but turkeys are better at tick control than any bug ever could be (sorry, praying mantises).  

 

If you’re interested in attracting wild turkeys to your property,   there are several ways to do it. For example, you can create areas for dust baths, scatter food (like cracked corn) on the ground, and create protected nesting sites. Just keep in mind that turkeys will undoubtedly gobble up all your birdseed in the process. They can even be aggressive during mating season.   

 

All this talking turkey may have you wondering if there are any other birds that eat ticks? Yes, many!   

 

These birds are known to seek out ticks as a favored food source. They could be considered true tick predators—especially the oxpecker!    

 

However, there are many other birds that eat ticks less frequently. Many will eat a tick if they come across one when foraging, so they are not considered true tick predators, like the turkey. Numerous ground-dwelling birds, including smaller songbirds, also fit this description.   

 

Although turkeys and other birds certainly do their part to control the tick population in many areas, they can’t be counted on to do it all. And with tick populations—as well as   Lyme disease cases —increasing in many areas of the country due to climate change, it is important to take the job of tick control into your own hands.   

 

 

The pros at 247 Local Pest Control are experts when it comes to controlling pest populations like mosquitoes and ticks. We provide top-notch tick control services that help protect you, your family, and your pets from ticks and Lyme disease. To learn more about our natural barrier sprays or to schedule an appointment call, (833) 220-1001, or visit us online today!  

 

THE PERKS OF WINTERIZING YOUR LAWN FOR FALL
By Gary H November 13, 2023
THE PERKS OF WINTERIZING YOUR LAWN FOR FALL Did you know winterizing your lawn for fall could save you time and money come spring? The term “winterizing” simply means preparing your lawn and especially the roots for cold temps. All the while giving the grass the nutrients needed for regrowth once it warms back up.… The post THE PERKS OF WINTERIZING YOUR LAWN FOR FALL appeared first on 24/7 Local Pest Control.
LITTLE-KNOWN DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE PAPER WASP AND YELLOW JACKET
By Matthew S November 12, 2023
LITTLE-KNOWN DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE PAPER WASP AND YELLOW JACKET Tue, While the yellow and black markings may scare some people away from the paper wasp, they are relatively low on the scale of harmful damages to homes and humans. Unless an individual has an allergy to the yellow jacket sting. Commonly known… The post LITTLE-KNOWN DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE PAPER WASP AND YELLOW JACKET appeared first on 24/7 Local Pest Control.
FROST IN COMING, PROTECT YOUR SHRUBS, TREES, AND LAWNS
By Jason K November 11, 2023
FROST IN COMING, PROTECT YOUR SHRUBS, TREES, AND LAWNS Thu, 12/06/2018 There is a chill in the air and that means the frost season is about to hit the Southeast region, including Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Whether you are located in the extreme South or more northern portions of the area, your yard is affected… The post FROST IN COMING, PROTECT YOUR SHRUBS, TREES, AND LAWNS appeared first on 24/7 Local Pest Control.
IT’S COLD AND MICE WANT IN; HELP KEEP THEM OUT
By Kevin M November 10, 2023
IT’S COLD AND MICE WANT IN; HELP KEEP THEM OUT Tue, 12/11/2018 The temperatures are dropping and the chill in the air has come to stay this season. But what does this mean for the safety of your home and family? Aside from keeping yourselves warm, it means mice other wildlife critters want in! Mice… The post IT’S COLD AND MICE WANT IN; HELP KEEP THEM OUT appeared first on 24/7 Local Pest Control.
INDOOR PEST CONTROL TIPS: HOW TO KEEP BATS AT BAY
By Anthony D November 9, 2023
INDOOR PEST CONTROL TIPS: HOW TO KEEP BATS AT BAY Tue, 12/18/2018 Bats are more than just something from Halloween stories that act as spooky decor. Here in the Chattahoochee Valley, they can be a major wildlife control concern. Put the festive pieces aside, bats can be a real nuisance in the South, and the… The post INDOOR PEST CONTROL TIPS: HOW TO KEEP BATS AT BAY appeared first on24/7 Local Pest Control.
FLIES
By Adam L. November 8, 2023
Say goodbye to pesky flies with our expert control solutions. We provide effective methods tailored to your needs, ensuring a fly-free environment. Contact us today!
BED BUGS AND TRAVEL: HOW TO SPOT THE DANGERS
By Roy K. November 7, 2023
BED BUGS AND TRAVEL: HOW TO SPOT THE DANGERS Up until the last few years, bed bugs, which are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of people and animals, were considered to be a problem of the past. Recently, infestations have become an issue again, and the chances of taking them home with you after… The post BED BUGS AND TRAVEL: HOW TO SPOT THE DANGERS appeared first on 24/7 Local Pest Control.
ARMADILLOS
By Willie J. November 6, 2023
Safeguard your property from armadillo intrusion with our expert control services. Trust us for effective solutions and peace of mind. Contact us today!
DON’T LET THE BED BUGS BITE
By Keith D. November 5, 2023
Protect your home from bed bugs with our effective solutions. Rest easy with our expert services ensuring a peaceful sleep. Say goodbye to bed bug worries today!
ANTS
By Justin B. November 4, 2023
Discover reliable 24/7 ant control services tailored to your locality. Our experts ensure effective pest management solutions for a pest-free environment. Contact us now!
More Posts
Share by: