How To Get Rid Of Nuisance Birds

Bird watching is a beloved pastime and seeing birds flutter around is a joy for many people. But when certain birds (particularly starlings, sparrows, and pigeons–the most common roosting birds in cities and suburbs) occupy inappropriate places, they quickly become nuisance pests. Before we dive into different bird removal and exclusion methods, let’s get to know a little more about these creatures.

The common roosting birds are known to be very adaptable to their environment and are able to find shelter in buildings, barns and many other structures. They eat the food that they find in garbage cans and around parks.

Mating and Breeding Habits

Pigeons lay eggs throughout the year and can raise many broods of one or two young. Starlings on the other hand will raise two to three broods per season, which each have four to six young. House Sparrows also raise two to three broods, but only in the spring and summer and with three to seven young at a time.

Nesting Habits

Roosting birds generally will gather in large numbers in any holes that they can find in man-made structures like highway signage as well as trees. They are also known to build their nests in the eaves of buildings.

Roosting birds can carry and transmit disease including toxoplasmosis, encephalitis, and Salmonella. Their droppings can also cause further disease, including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.

It is when roosting birds gather in large quantities that they start to cause damage. This damage is not necessarily always structural damage, but is usually messy and unsanitary due to their droppings. They can also cause quite the mess by getting into garbage.

When they do cause structural damage, it can be anything from roofs and ceilings to attics and automobiles. Generally, this damage is caused by droppings which are very acidic and can eat into different materials.

There are some common myths about ways to remove birds including that it is not possible to catch them. Catching birds can actually be known as one of the most effective ways to remove them.

There are several removal methods that you can use to rid an area of birds. These methods are always more effective than baiting or killing birds, which is something that should never be done.

Laws and regulations may be different depending on your area. However, in general there are many species of birds that are protected by regulations that prohibit landowners from removing birds themselves. Approval must always be granted, which means that a licenced wildlife control company can step in to help take care of the removal process. It is never ok to kill a species of bird as a removal method.

Baby bird season generally takes place from mid-April to September. Baby birds are known to grow up very quickly, leaving their nests even before they can fly. Always be sure to look out for baby birds when seeking to remove a bird’s nest as it is common for them to occupy them. Baby birds need their nest in order to grow, stay protected and stay fed by their mother.

A common method for removing birds is with a one-way excluder door. The excluder door works by allowing the birds to exit out of an entry point on a structure. The door is installed over the entry point using the mounting tabs, letting the birds easily push through the clear acrylic door without being able to return immediately after.

Before using an excluder door, be sure to perform a thorough inspection of the side vents, roof, and attic of the structure. It is always best to wait a few days after installing the door for the birds to leave. The process can take time so it will be important to stay patient.

Baby birds can be found in these areas and can potentially be harmed if not handled carefully. Be mindful of baby bird season and make use of a fake nest should baby birds need to be removed.

After you have successfully removed the birds, be sure to repair and protect the area by clearing away any clutter and sealing up openings.

Netting is also proven to be an effective method for removing birds by preventing them from entering the area in the first place. Bird netting provides a block that keeps birds out of a certain area. It can help them to stay clear of your property and the items you want to protect.

Deterrents can also be useful when it comes to protecting your property from birds. Examples of deterrents are bird spikes, bird wire, and scaring devices, which will humanely keep birds away. When used properly, deterrents will scare birds from your property and potentially from returning altogether.

It’s always useful to consult professionals for your bird exclusion needs. Pest and wildlife removal specialists can help you navigate the best practices for removing unwanted creatures from your property and ensure you’re following local laws in doing so.