Are birds pulling up your lawn?

Birds tearing up your lawn this winter? Learn why galahs, cockatoos, and sparrows are targeting your turf, how much damage they can cause, and what you can do to protect your grass from bird attacks.

Summary

If birds are pulling up chunks of your lawn, you're not alone. Many homeowners report damage during winter as granivorous birds, especially galahs and cockatoos, dig into Kikuyu turf in search of food. These birds aren’t looking for insects but are actually eating the underground runners of your lawn. While the damage is mostly cosmetic and your lawn will usually recover in spring, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are some deterrents and creative solutions that others have found effective—from motion-activated sprinklers to bitter-tasting sprays.

Why Are Birds Pulling Up My Lawn?

During winter, some birds struggle to find enough natural food in the wild. Certain granivorous birds—like galahs, cockatoos, and sparrows—have discovered lawns as a food source. They’re not after insects but are eating either seeds hidden in the thatch or the underground rhizomes of your lawn, particularly in Kikuyu turf.

These birds use their claws and strong beaks to dig below the surface and extract the thick, sugary runners beneath. Once they find a tasty spot, they’ll keep coming back—sometimes for years.

What Birds Are Causing the Damage?

Bird types can often be identified by their diet:

• Granivores (seed and plant eaters): Galahs, Cockatoos, Sparrows
• Insectivores (insect eaters): Swallows, Willy Wagtails, Magpies
• Carnivores (meat eaters): Kookaburras, Owls, Raptors

The main culprits during winter lawn damage are granivores. Their diet and behaviour mean they’re more likely to physically rip up parts of your lawn in search of food.

Is the Damage Permanent?

Most of the time, no. Kikuyu lawns are resilient and will recover once the weather warms up. Damage is usually superficial—although it can look unsightly and won’t repair until spring. In extreme cases, complete defoliation can occur, but the lawn will likely regenerate from existing rhizomes and seed in the soil.

What Can You Do to Stop It?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but several deterrents have worked for homeowners:

• Sprays like D-Ter: A safe, bitter-tasting solution that makes your lawn unappealing to birds.
• Motion-activated sprinklers: Devices like Sureguard scare birds away when they approach.
• Solar animal repellents: Products like Pestrol’s “Away Elite” use sound and motion to deter birds and other animals.
• Visual deterrents: Large plastic owls from hardware stores can scare birds off if moved regularly.

Real Feedback from Other Homeowners

• Tracey: “Motion-activated sprinklers worked wonders on our Kikuyu lawn. We use two and move them weekly.”
• Bill: “The Pestrol solar repeller stopped galahs and even deterred rabbits!”
• Paul: “A plastic owl from Bunnings did the trick for us—no more bird trouble.”

Have your own solution? Leave a comment and help others dealing with the same issue.

FAQ: Birds Damaging Lawns

Q: Why are birds only damaging my lawn in winter?
A: Winter offers fewer natural food sources, prompting birds to get creative. Kikuyu’s dormant state also makes it more vulnerable.

Q: Will they destroy my lawn permanently?
A: It’s very unlikely. Kikuyu is hardy and typically regenerates in spring, even after visible damage.

Q: Are there natural ways to deter birds?
A: Yes. Natural deterrents like D-Ter, motion-activated sprinklers, and visual scare devices can be effective without harming wildlife.

Q: Do these birds attack all grass types?
A: They tend to target Kikuyu more than other varieties due to its thick, sweet rhizomes.

Q: Should I feed the birds to stop them attacking my lawn?
A: While some people have tried offering seeds as an alternative, it can attract more birds and create dependency.