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Can the DRST be successfully used in urban areas? Sounds like they are successful in rural areas. We have two nest boxes. One now has a VanErt trap because two babies were killed by a HOS. The other has 5 eggs we want to protect. The HOS has not returned to the original box. We were thinking of trying the DRST if it will work in our small yard. Anyone have experience with this?
I’m in the middle of a city, and the DRST has trapped >300 HOSPs… So, yes, it will work in the city.
The key is finding the right spot in your yard and the right bait for the birds in your area. And it’s best to start with some decoys if you catch one with the VanErt trap.
Chris
Toledo, OhioHello. I’m not sure where to ask a new question, so I’m using the reply function.
(When I click on the Forum Guidelines link, the page is broken.)My Question: I just ordered a DRST. We have a terrible sparrow problem and I am at my wits end. They are taking over our lives. My hope is to trap as many I can and then release them in a rural area, away from people, where they won’t cause anyone anguish. How far away should I release them?
Thank you!
Hello Chrissy – can you tell me where the “Forum Guidelines” link is that’s broken?
Central NY
TMB StudiosI wish I could, but I cannot find the page. I find this site is quite tricky to use. Sorry, I can’t seem to locate it, I think it may have been something I saw prior to registering.
Chrissie. Trap those little troublemakers! I’ll give you some hints for your DRST.
1. Not only put seed in the bait area but also sprinkle the landing pad and on the top where there’s a little wood and around the base of the trap. This is to get them coming to the trap area. Later maybe just sprinkle some on the landing pad and of course bait area.
2. Use white millet or a mixed seed with plenty of white millet. Here they aren’t fond of the red kind. If that doesn’t try all the other suggested bait ideas.
3. Place the trap where your birds are perching. Mine was right under a fence and then later I moved to their favorite shrub and now I have it under my feeder.
4. Once you get one, keep it alive and well by putting bird cage feeders (with hooks) in with food and water. These will serve as decoys and will draw other birds in more than the food will.
5. Get a Van Ert trap too. That’s a inbox trap and you can easily trap a HOSP that is trying to nest in your box with that trap and then transfer it to the holding area of the DRST.
6. I took HOSP far away at first but finally realized I was causing problems elsewhere and so started disposing of them. I can PM you later with an easy method using ether (starter fluid).Tammy
Thank you so much Tammy for these tips. I cannot wait for the trap to arrive. Since using the trap have you noticed an improvement / decrease in population? I need some hope :-)
Chrissie. I’ve noticed a HUGE decrease in HOSP population. I used to see 50 in my yard several times during the day. Now 10 is a lot. You’ll love the trap!
Tammy
Hello Tammy,
I’ve had my DRST out for about a week, no luck yet, but I’ve read quite a few suggestions that I haven’t yet tried. I have starter fluid ready, but haven’t thought out a good (and safe) way to use it. Could you PM me?
Thanks –
MaryHello,
I’m new to this forum and looking for some advice and encouragement. I have a terrible house sparrow problem. It’s all because a neighbor has 5 feeders in his yard; he has been unresponsive to my entreaties to remove the feeders. He’s in his 80’s, I’m sure he cannot hear their annoying endless chirps.
I’ve had a DRST trap out for a couple weeks, with millet, popcorn, and now white bread, in various places in my yard — no success. I’ve ordered two VanErt traps … can anyone tell me if the sparrows will be interested in them in August? I believe they are done breeding.
Also, if I do trap some, I understand that starter fluid is a good way to dispatch them, but I’m not sure of the method. Can anyone clarify this for me?
I use to have a nice quiet yard, peppered by the occasional native bird song, especially in spring. Now, all I have is the constant noise of hundreds of house sparrows, I am in anguish!
Thanks in advance for any help and encouragement.
Mary
Have you elevated the trap off the ground a bit, Mary? I always find it works better on a low table or bench, or even an upturned storage bin, as long as it appears to have a “floor” underneath. It isn’t unusual for it to take two weeks or more for the birds to lose their fear of this new “object” in the yard. Try to pick a single spot, and don’t move it around too much. You want them to become used to seeing it so that they’ll stop viewing it as a being suspicious. If you keep moving it, they will continue to be afraid of it. Once you have a single bird trapped in it, you’ll see it will attract more.
I’m not sure how successful the Van Ert traps will be this late in the season, although you might get a HOSP interested in a roosting spot, and then you’ll have your decoy.
Someone will probably answer your dispatch question by private message, as – in the interests of being young-user friendly – we don’t discuss specific dispatch methods in detail on the open forum.
Central NY
TMB StudiosThank you so much for your suggestions. I just finished placing it in a new spot after studiously observing their behavior, and reluctantly put up a feeder right by it, to draw them in. They are very well fed by two neighbors, on either side of me, so I’m hoping they take notice of the new dining establishment. I’ll keep it in the same spot now and will cross my fingers.
Thanks again!!
Mary
Hi, Mary. Sorry that I didn’t see this earlier. I keep mine in one place for awhile but if I don’t have any activity then I move mine. Right under a feeder is a great plan, but watch carefully and make sure you check and release any native birds yet you catch. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between the sparrows so really know our sparrows.
Another idea is to put it right near a shrub, or a fence post.
Now is a GREAT time to trap because there are so many juvenile house sparrows around. I’ll be glad. Help you with euthanizing them with starter fluid. Personal Message me.
I keep my trap on the ground but Blaine recommends that you raise it off the ground. So try both.Tammy
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