Is there anything worse than cockroaches? I had a bad run with them in my last apartment, and they were so disgusting, I had to pack up and move!
If you’ve got a big yard, these creepy critters can take up residence there too. And once they find their way inside your home, getting rid of them can be a real challenge.
In these situations, help is needed – even from the sky! Luckily, many birds are eager to visit your garden and snack on some cockroaches (yucky, I know).
Today, we are going to go through a list of birds that can help eliminate cockroaches. Stick around to find out more!
1. Pigeons Like To Snack On ‘Roaches
I know that pigeons are not exactly the feathered friends you’d want as permanent yard guests. Their droppings can turn your garden into a mess, they’re smelly, and they might even ruin surfaces (you know what I mean).
And let’s be honest, nobody wants to deal with the health risks they bring.
But did you know pigeons are basically living garbage disposals? They’ll munch on anything, including awful cockroaches.
If you don’t mind the downsides and want to attract them into your garden, start with pigeon decoys first (you can find them on Amazon for a couple of bucks!).
Next, add a water feature like a bird bath to catch their eye. Dried cracked corn and some sunflower seeds should be enough to attract them.
Soon, pigeons will start showing up, eating everything on the menu (including cockroaches).
2. European Starlings Like Them, Too
Starlings can be a bit of a mixed bag.
On one hand, they’re fantastic at snacking on cockroaches, which is a plus, of course.
On the other hand, they’re not exactly the best guests for your garden.
They often show up in huge flocks, which means loud noise (especially when they all gather together), and most gardeners tend to avoid them because they can do a number on their crops (they’ll eat the roaches and your grapes).
However, starlings are adored because of their sky dance called murmurations – they fly and swirl fast, making an incredible performance up in the air.
If you’re set on attracting them, they have a taste for softer treats like suet cakes or unshelled nuts. Just be prepared for the noise and the potential crop damage!
Related: These 5 Eye-Catching Birds Will Make Your Yard Their Favorite Spot
3. Barn Owls Get The Munchies At Night
If you live in a rural area, then you already know about barn owls.
These beautiful creatures not only tackle pesky rodents, but also chow down on cockroaches.
If you’re lucky enough to have a barn or a hollow tree on your property, it might just attract these nocturnal creatures as they search for a cozy nesting spot.
To lure these owls, you could set up a nesting box or even DIY one if you’re feeling crafty. Place it in a barn or silo to give these owls a safe, attractive home.
Related: 3 Best Ways To Attract Owls To Your Yard And Enjoy Their Magical Hooting
4. Blue Jays Will Hunt Down All Those Nasty Bugs
Blue jays might not always be the quietest or most polite guests in our gardens (they’re known for their loud calls and dive-bombing antics when they’re nesting).
But here’s the silver lining: these feisty birds are also great at hunting down cockroaches and other bugs. So, if you’re dealing with these unwanted critters, blue jays can be a natural solution.
To lure them into your yard, I would recommend stocking up a feeder with unshelled peanuts (they’ll happily take care of the shells). Sunflower seeds are another favorite treat.
Consider all the pros and cons, and figure out if attracting Blue jays is worth it.
5. Pileated Woodpeckers Can Peck Away Roaches
Ahh, woodpeckers, those lovely birds with prominent red crests… They are literally everywhere, from rural woodlands to suburban backyards.
If you’ve got trees, you’ve likely got woodpeckers!
And they’re not just pretty to look at – they’re also great insect predators. Their diet often features carpenter ants and other ants, but they won’t turn down termites, flies, or even cockroaches.
Want to attract these lively birds to your yard? Set up a bird feeder with suet during the cooler months, and you might just see them pecking away.
Nuts and seeds are also a hit with them, so keep some on hand for a varied diet.
If you need more help, be sure to check: If You Want To Attract Woodpeckers To Your Backyard, Just Use These 3 Methods
6. Don’t Skip Out On Ring-Necked Pheasants
Did you know that pheasants are quite the foragers?
Turns out, these magnificent birds have a varied diet, munching on everything from roots and berries to seeds and insects like cockroaches. They particularly ramp up their insect-snacking in the summer.
If you have pheasants around your area, make your yard even more inviting by planting trees and shrubs such as crabapple, elderberry, snowberry, or chokeberry.
They’ll also appreciate some extra snacks such as oats, sunflower seeds, and even some kitchen scraps. Give them the goods and they’ll get rid of the bad.
7. Add Some Charm And Get Rid Of Roaches With Ducks
Strange but true, ducks can do an amazing job at controlling pests in your yard.
My neighbors have ducks and ponds in their yard, and they never seem to have any issues with critters like crickets, worms, and even cockroaches.
It was always fun to look at them, too – these delightful creatures can really add some charm to the garden!
To entice wild ducks, set up a decoy in the pond and create nice resting spots like logs and rocks along the edges. But you can also consider raising baby ducks on your property.
Either way, ducks can be a fun and practical way to manage icky roaches while enjoying their lively presence in your garden.
8. American Crows To Scare Away The Bugs
I know crows are scary, but they can be an unexpected ally in the garden (did you know that they are one of the smartest creatures in the bird world?).
That being said, they are also great hunters and will eat anything from small animals to the occasional cockroach. They also don’t shy away from rummaging through garbage cans and compost piles, so they might even come across roaches there.
While scarecrows are designed to keep these clever birds away, you can attract them with a few simple tricks such as leaving out pet food or peanuts.
9. American Robins Have A Thing For Baby Roaches
If you live in North America, you’ve probably spotted some American robins up in the sky. These are lovely birds that often visit our gardens for some snacks.
These charming birds have a taste for more than just berries – they also munch on insects like earthworms, spiders, and even baby cockroaches.
If you want to lure them in, traditional bird feeders with seeds and nuts won’t do the trick. Instead, set up an open tray feeder with live mealworms or some fresh fruit.
This will make your garden a tasty stop for robins and give you a chance to watch them enjoy their favorite treats (and also maybe a roach or two along the way).
Also read: Attract These 16 Mosquito-Eating Birds To Your Garden And Enjoy A Buzz-Free Summer
10. Magnificent Peafowls Are Quite The Insects Hunters
Keeping peacocks and peahens isn’t for everyone (it definitely isn’t for me), but if you have a large yard or rural space, these stunning birds can be quite the insect hunters.
Peacocks and peahens enjoy munching on cockroaches, along with a diet of berries, small reptiles, and other foraged goodies.
They’re a bit noisy, so they’re best suited for spacious areas where their calls won’t bother the neighbors (or get them for your yard if your neighbors don’t mind).
Since peafowl thrive in warmer climates (they come from India and Sri Lanka), they’ll appreciate a climate similar to their native home.
Regular deworming every two months and supplemental feeding will help keep them healthy and prevent them from wandering off in search of food.
11. Orioles Are Happy To Snack On Bugs
Got an elm tree in your yard? You might be in luck and attract Baltimore orioles!
These vibrant birds love nesting in elms and are happy to snack on cockroaches and other insects while they’re at it.
If you’re looking for a way to lure them in, you can consider placing halved oranges on a feeder (these birds have a sweet spot for citrus).
No feeder? No problem! Just hang an orange half from a tree branch, and you might find these beautiful birds making a regular stop in your garden.
12. Chickens Are For Eggs And Free Pest Control
If you have the space and friendly local regulations, then raising chickens might be a great way to get fresh eggs and get rid of cockroaches!
Chickens love to forage and will happily peck away at insects, including roaches. However, be aware that chicken coops can attract roaches if they’re not kept nice and clean.
My grandma used to have chickens for the eggs, but in the end, they were making so much mess that she had to give them away (such a shame!).
So, if you’re using chickens for minimizing bugs, just make sure to keep their area tidy to avoid adding more pests to the mix!
In these scenarios, every bit of help is needed. So, if you can attract some friendly birds that’ll help you eliminate cockroaches, why not take advantage of their natural pest control skills?
Also read: Grow These 9 Trees To Attract Songbirds Into Your Backyard