Bird Control

Web-adapted transcript from the video, “Managing Nuisance Birds” with pest expert Matthew S. Hess

The presence of birds within buildings can be a concerning issue that should never be overlooked. Apart from the potential noise pollution, their presence can lead to structural damage and unsanitary conditions. However, in their natural environment, birds are a crucial component of the ecosystem. Their innate ability to control pests, disperse seeds, and pollinate plants is indispensable. As a result, in the United States alone, 1,107 species of birds are legally protected. In many cases, both federal and state laws affect bird control practices. (fws.gov, 2023 list of protected birds)

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

Because birds are beneficial to the ecosystem, The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects most species, their nests, and their eggs. Even simply disturbing a nest could mean hefty fines or imprisonment. However, wildlife agencies can issue specialized permits to allow some birds to be controlled. This means in order to legally remove birds from a structure, it’s important to know the laws and stay within their bounds. Here at Four Seasons Pest Solutions, we specialize in providing nuisance bird control within those bounds.

The migratory bird act treaty of 1918 lists over 1,100 birds under federal protection.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 lists 1,107 federally protected birds.

Nuisance Birds and Health Risks

Although birds serve a vital role in maintaining a harmonious ecosystem, their presence inside a household can pose a nuisance and must be dealt with. It is important to prioritize the preservation of human life over that of animals, as the former holds more significance. Additionally, it is worth noting that birds are capable of transmitting over 50 diseases to humans. Some of those diseases can be fatal to humans. Birds can have varying effects on human interests, some beneficial, some neutral, and some harmful.

Nuisance wildlife control experts have multiple methods to bird proof your home to help reduce and eliminate nuisance birds. Furthermore, we have the expertise, equipment and knowledge to safely, effectively, humanely, and legally provide that control.

Common Nuisance Birds

The survival of pests and nuisance wildlife hinges on three fundamental requirements: food, water, and shelter. In the absence of any of these essentials, they are forced to relocate to another area. However, if even one of these prerequisites is available, your home becomes a prime target for these creatures seeking a place to nest and rear their young. Various locations in your home can serve as nesting sites. Attics, soffits, above outdoor lights, on window ledges, and many others, could be prime sites.

In our area, the most common birds that tend to become nuisances are house sparrows, pigeons, and starlings. Nevertheless, other bird species can also become a nuisance. These include barn and cliff swallows, blackbirds, ducks, geese, chimney swifts, woodpeckers, vultures, and others. Depending on factors such as location, season, and available food sources, any of these species could invade your space and necessitate professional control.

When it comes to managing nuisance birds, its importance, laws, risks, and prevention, sparrows will be among the top contenders.

Sparrows often build their nests in holes of buildings and other structures.

Pigeons are one of the most common nuisance birds when it comes to managing nuisance birds. Importance, laws, risks, and prevention.

Pigeons are a common nuisance bird within urban and suburban areas.

Starlings often become nuisance birds and must be controlled, especially in human dwellings

Starlings can enter attics and similar areas to roost and rear their young.

DIY Bird Control

Federal and state laws protect many bird species. Additionally, bird infestations pose potential health risks to humans. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to attempt DIY control measures. Bird droppings can contain various diseases that are transmissible to humans, highlighting the importance of knowing how to remove and prevent nuisance birds.

While there are a few simple DIY measures that one can take, it is important to keep in mind that these methods may only provide temporary relief. Such measures include utilizing electronic bird repellants, laser bird repellants, visual scares and predator decoys, or bird gels and taste aversion techniques. In cases where DIY control proves ineffective, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a wildlife control specialist like Four Seasons Pest Solutions.

Using DIY methods for managing nuisance birds can be beneficial in the short term but may not last very long.

Some DIY remedies may work for nuisance bird management short term.

Decoys may work for managing nuisance birds for a short time, but eventually the birds will realize there is no threat.

Decoys only provide short-term relief from nuisance birds before they realize there is no danger.

Bird Proofing and Prevention

The need for bird prevention and proofing arises when avian species start building nests around human settlements and other human-owned properties. Perching on buildings, pecking on wood and wood trim, and gaining access to human-occupied buildings are only the initial signs of their invasion. The harmful impact of birds includes contamination and destruction of food and crops, as well as damage and destruction of valuable vegetation. Besides those things, birds are also capable of producing excessive noise, leaving behind excessive droppings, and causing unpleasant odors, thereby creating inhospitable or hazardous living conditions. To ensure human health and safety, it becomes imperative to implement prevention and bird proofing measures when birds start making themselves at home in these areas.

When birds become a nuisance, prevention and control methods must be introduced to deter them from human occupied areas.

If birds are frequently present on a roof ridge or other area, control measures may become necessary to avoid infestation.

Managing nuisance birds like woodpeckers can involve pest control measures to reduce food sources.

To prevent woodpecker damage, it is possible to carry out pest control measures that reduce their food sources.

Finding bird nests in or around a structure should prompt immediate measures for managing nuisance birds.

When nesting birds are present, control measures may need to be implemented to remove them and prevent future infestations.

The Challenges of Bird Proofing and Prevention

Preventing birds and bird-proofing can present difficulties depending on the type of bird causing the problem. For example, preventing starlings may require less effort than pigeon-proofing. The location where birds need to be kept out can also pose a challenge. Barns have more entry points than an average home, making it harder to prevent birds from entering. Additionally, preventing nuisance birds when they are outside is even more challenging.

Dealing with single incidents of bird control in farms, garden centers, large warehouses, greenhouses, and similar areas can be a tedious and often ineffective task if bird prevention measures are not in place. Unfortunately, implementing full-scale bird-proofing can be expensive, causing many to avoid it.

To address this issue, discouraging birds from landing and roosting can deter them. Licensed and trained wildlife control specialists like Four Seasons Pest Solutions can also implement trapping measures.

Controlling birds outside can be a challenging and never-ending task. Often, habitat modification is a best option. This allows birds to be present but disallows them access to food, water, and shelter.

Managing nuisance birds outside is a difficult task. Using habitat modification techniques to reduce food, water, and shelter is a best practice. This allows the birds access to property but prohibits access to the essential basics for survival.

Bird spikes are an effective deterrent for managing nuisance birds in almost any setting where human structures are being used as roosts.

Using bird spikes on man-made structures is a highly effective deterrent and control measure against nuisance bird roosting.

How to Get Rid of Birds

It is important to consider bird prevention and proofing even before experiencing any bird-related issues. By taking preventive measures, you can avoid the need for trapping and removing birds and the mess they can create.

Depending on the situation and level of infestation, various methods such as deterrents, exclusion, or habitat modification may be sufficient, while in the more severe cases, trapping and relocating the birds may be necessary. Regardless of the approach, a meticulous inspection by a trained bird control specialist is crucial, and appropriate clean-up and sanitation measures must be implemented to minimize any potential threats to human health and safety.

Inspection

Any bird control must begin with an inspection. The inspection will reveal the area of infestation, the type of nuisance bird, why the bird is present, and how to remove the bird and prevent future infestation properly and humanely. Identifying the species also determines whether the bird is federally protected and what measures can be legally taken.

Deterrents

There are various bird deterrents available that are intended to frighten birds away. These include animal decoys, noise-making devices, deterrent sprays, caulking, and other devices. While some of these methods may work effectively, the success is often temporary as birds eventually realize that there is no actual danger present.

In agricultural and similar settings, bird cannons can be an effective deterrent for managing nuisance birds.

In agricultural and similar settings, bird cannons can be highly effective for managing nuisance bird populations that can contaminate and destroy crops.

Exclusion

Every property is unique, and each has specific needs when it comes to excluding birds. Additionally, the type of bird species can affect the necessary exclusion methods. Consequently, bird exclusions can take on different forms ranging from simple crack and crevice sealant to more complex building repairs and alterations. Such exclusion measures may include bird netting and screens, bird spikes, repairs and sealants, electric bird tracks, chimney caps, and so on. Our experienced nuisance wildlife control technicians can help you throughout the entire process of taking back control of your property.

Netting fruits, vegetables and other plants can prove effective in managing nuisance birds and damage control.

In farms and agriculture settings, netting may help reduce crop damages.

When managing nuisance birds in commercial and industrial settings, netting can be used to exclude birds from certain areas.

In commercial and industrial settings, bird netting and spikes can prove an effective exclusion method for some areas.

Chimney caps exclude birds from entering the chimney to nest.

Chimney caps and vent caps can effectively exclude birds from entering to nest.

Bird spikes on practically any ledge can prevent bird roosting and nesting.

Most settings will allow bird spike use on about any ledge. Smaller, almost unnoticeable spikes are also available for sensitive settings and aesthetic pleasure.

Habitat Modification

There exist several ways to modify a habitat to make it less hospitable for birds. These methods can involve altering the natural surroundings or a man-made structure. A variety of techniques can be employed to modify the habitat, beginning with the removal of any attainable sources of food and water. This can range from carrying out pest control to eliminate grubs and other insects, to taking out bird feeders and bird baths. Additional measures such as clearing fruits from beneath trees, getting rid of twigs and grass clippings, and eliminating roosting ledges for birds could also be implemented. The goal of habitat modification is to diminish the three crucial requirements for a bird’s survival: food, water, and shelter. In the absence of these necessities, birds will not be able to survive and will eventually seek out a more hospitable environment.

Removing sources of water, like bird baths, can help reduce the possibility of nuisance birds by eliminating one of their essential necessities for survival.

Water sources can be removed to help reduce the likelihood of nuisance birds.

Bird feeders and other food sources that birds can rely on must be removed or placed a great distance from man-made structures to avoid possible nuisance bird problems and the mess they leave behind.

Removing or reducing food sources help manage nuisance birds and prevent infestation.

Bird houses placed a great distance from man-made structures can help reduce the likelihood of nuisance birds by allowing them a specific place to nest. However, other nesting and harborage sites should be removed.

Eliminating shelter from human occupied zones is key. Additionally, alternative shelter can be provided away from human occupied areas. These measures can effectively aid in managing nuisance birds.

Reducing naturally occuring food sources like fruits, nuts and seeds, also helps manage nuisance birds.

Naturally occurring food sources like fruits, nuts, and seeds should be cleaned up to avoid inadvertently feeding nuisance birds.

Removing or reducing sticks, twigs, leaves, and similar items, managing nuisance birds can be better achieved by limiting nesting material.

Eliminate sticks, twigs, and leaves from lawns to reduce nesting materials.

Removal and Control

Different bird species require different methods of bird control. Generally, the most effective approach is to make the area less attractive to birds, which discourages them from landing, roosting, or nesting on your property. In some cases, such as when birds are trapped inside or using chimneys, we may need to physically remove them before securing the entrance. If necessary, we can use live traps for humane removal and relocation. For persistent problems or flocks of birds, deterrents, exclusion, habitat modification, or a mixture of these may be necessary. Whatever the situation, we will work with you to develop a safe and effective solution to your bird control needs.

Cleanup and Sanitation

After removing the birds and nests and implementing control measures to prevent their return, it may be necessary to perform cleanup and sanitation. If the birds had been nesting inside or outside the building, they could have left droppings, feathers, nesting materials, and parasites. To prevent the spread of disease and the risk of parasite infestation, it is crucial to thoroughly clean and sanitize the area to ensure the safety of humans.

Cleanup when managing nuisance birds is an important and integral part of the job and must be done by professionals to reduce potential disease transmission to humans.

Bird droppings on structures should be professionally cleaned and sanitized after successful nuisance bird control efforts.

Nesting material can be tough to remove and cleanup. Additionally, mites and other parasites can be present making the task more difficult.

Bird nest cleanup and sanitization can be a difficult task, especially when parasites are present. Professional cleanup and sanitization should be sought in some cases.

Bird droppings can cause significant damage to man-made structures and other items and must be properly cleaned and sanitized to prevent damage and disease spread.

Manmade structures and items can suffer significant damage from acidic bird droppings, which should be promptly removed.

The Importance of Bird Control

Controlling birds, especially in areas where humans live, is crucial for our health and safety. When birds become a nuisance in places where people frequently visit, our well-being can be put at risk. Although something as simple as birds perching on a sign may seem like an insignificant matter, their droppings can reduce visibility, thereby causing potential accidents.

Birds can pose many hazards to human health and safety, including diseases, parasites, illnesses, potential accidents, and even structure fires due to their highly flammable nesting materials. Their acidic excrement can also cause potentially serious damage to structures. It is important to take immediate measures to reduce these potential threats whenever birds are present in areas frequented by humans.

Proactive Bird Control

Birds often choose man-made buildings and structures to nest because humans inadvertently provide these creatures with the three necessary things for survival. Furthermore, roofs, ledges, signs, chimneys, garages, sheds, barns, soffit, decks, vents, lights, poles, and other similar areas are often out-of-sight and out-of-mind. We may also allow birds to roost and nest, thinking that no harm will come from it. However, by being proactive and addressing nuisance bird behavior before it has time to be passed to the next generation, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of such behavior and preserve human health and safety.

Bird feces indoors must be immediately removed and measures taken to manage nuisance birds to preserve human health and safety.

Bird droppings indoors must be immediately removed and measures taken to manage nuisance birds to preserve human health and safety.

Large nests can sometimes be found in uninhabited areas and require cleanup, sanitation, and disposal.

Large nests can sometimes be found in uninhabited areas. Nests are highly flammable, making removal of utmost importance.

Droppings from nuisance birds are a direct threat to human health and safety and should not be allowed to remain in public areas accessed by humans.

Droppings from nuisance birds in publicly accessible areas are a direct threat to human health and safety. Managing nuisance birds should therefore be a top priority.

What to Do if You Suspect a Bird Problem

Hearing chirping, flapping, pecking, and other bird related noises from inside could mean you have a bird infestation. If you suspect a bird infestation it’s crucial to promptly address it. Numerous bird species are federally protected and also contribute to the ecosystem. Furthermore, bird infestations can pose significant health risks if improperly handled. To prevent breaking laws, killing birds, or becoming sick, it’s essential to have trained personnel managing nuisance birds.

When birds are present in or around a home or other structure, especially in large numbers, it could be proof of a nuisance bird problem.

At Four Seasons Pest Solutions, we specialize in dealing with nuisance wildlife, bird control, and pest services you can trust. Our professional inspectors and control technicians are highly trained and qualified. We can locate and remove problematic birds and their mess while preventing future infestations.

To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, please CONTACT US and speak with one of our specialists.