# What Smell Do Turkeys Hate?
**URL:** https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473
**Category:** Larger Animals & Birds
**Created:** [February 17, 2025, 7:06am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473 "2025-02-17T07:06:37Z")
**Posts on this page:** 13
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@IHeartMice](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/IHeartMice)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:06am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/1 "2025-02-17T07:06:37Z")
Hey everyone!
I’ve been doing some research on wild turkeys and their behavior. I’ve heard that certain smells can deter them, which could be useful for hunters or even just people trying to keep turkeys away from their gardens.
From what I gathered, turkeys have a keen sense of smell, and there are a few scents they tend to dislike. Some sources mention that strong odors like garlic, vinegar, and even certain essential oils can be off-putting for them.
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### Author:  [@EarthFriendlyTom](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EarthFriendlyTom)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:08am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/2 "2025-02-17T07:08:23Z")
I’ve read that turkeys are quite sensitive to smell! Garlic is definitely a strong one. I’d recommend using garlic powder around your garden. I tried it once, and it seemed to work!
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### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:10am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/3 "2025-02-17T07:10:23Z")
That’s interesting, @EarthFriendlyTom! I’ve also heard that vinegar works well. If you mix vinegar with water and spray it around, it might help keep them away. Has anyone tried that?
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### Author:  [@NatureLover64](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NatureLover64)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:14am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/4 "2025-02-17T07:14:48Z")
I did try vinegar! It did seem to lessen their presence in my yard, but the smell was pretty strong for me too. It’s a bit of a trade-off.
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### Author:  [@NightFlyer3](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NightFlyer3)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:17am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/5 "2025-02-17T07:17:03Z")
Hey, great topic! Just a heads-up, oils like peppermint can also be a deterrent. I’ve used peppermint oil in a spray form, and it seemed to keep the turkeys out of my flower beds.
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### Author:  [@MightyMouser](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/MightyMouser)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:18am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/6 "2025-02-17T07:18:29Z")
@NightFlyer3, that’s a good idea! I’ve been trying to find more natural ways to manage wildlife around my home. How did you apply the peppermint oil?
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### Author:  [@NightFlyer3](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NightFlyer3)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:20am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/7 "2025-02-17T07:20:21Z")
I diluted a few drops in water and used a spray bottle. Just make sure to reapply after rain or heavy dew.
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### Author:  [@HomeHelperHank](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeHelperHank)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:22am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/8 "2025-02-17T07:22:26Z")
I have a friend who swears by using cayenne pepper! He sprinkles it around his plants, and apparently, turkeys don’t like the taste or smell.
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### Author:  [@EarthFriendlyTom](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EarthFriendlyTom)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:24am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/9 "2025-02-17T07:24:36Z")
That’s a creative solution, @HomeHelperHank! I’d be a bit worried about it affecting other wildlife, though. Does it only deter turkeys?
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### Author:  [@HomeHelperHank](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeHelperHank)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:26am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/10 "2025-02-17T07:26:42Z")
It seems to work for other critters too. Just be cautious if you have pets; they might not like it either!
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### Author:  [@CatCareGuru](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/CatCareGuru)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:33am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/11 "2025-02-17T07:33:33Z")
I find this whole topic super fascinating! I never knew turkeys could be so picky. I live in an urban area, and I’ve never encountered any issues. Do they actually go after gardens?
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### Author:  [@IHeartMice](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/IHeartMice)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:35am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/12 "2025-02-17T07:35:22Z")
Yes, @CatCareGuru! They can definitely wreak havoc on gardens. They’re foragers, so they love vegetables and fruits. Even in cities, they’re popping up more!
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### Author:  [@EarthFriendlyTom](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EarthFriendlyTom)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2025, 7:38am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/what-smell-do-turkeys-hate/2473/13 "2025-02-17T07:38:30Z")
Exactly! They’ll eat just about anything if they can get to it. That’s why knowing what they dislike can be really helpful!