A Comprehensive Guide on Bird Control Strategies
A Practical Guide to Successful Bird Control
Friendly pest professionals have effective bird control products and proven techniques to humanely solve problematic infestations.
This guide explores common deterrents, nest removal strategies, and landscape modifications.
Also, scare tactics to reclaim outdoor areas from messy droppings, noise, and aggressive winged pests.
By properly identifying species and behaviors, customised solutions can send uninvited birds packing before things spiral out of control.
Identify the Culprit Birds and Why They’re Causing Issues
The first step is figuring out what types of birds you need to handle and why they’re causing problems.
Some common pest birds and associated issues:
- Pigeons – Attracted to ledges on buildings and bridges to roost and nest. Droppings corrode infrastructure.
- Seagulls – Forage in trash cans and steal food. Cause noise, mess, and aggression issues.
- Crows – Very smart and opportunistic birds. Will eat crops, raid dumpsters, and nest in roofs.
- Starlings – Form giant migratory flocks with loud calls and huge amounts of droppings.
- Sparrows – Nest in vents and small crevices. Chew insulation and spread mites.
- Vultures – Roost on cell towers, homes, and sheds. Very messy droppings and smell.
- Geese – Forage grass areas near water. Leave lawns full of feces and feathers.
- Ravens – Scavengers that damage shingles when nesting in roofs or trees.
- Woodpeckers – Drill holes into the sides of homes and buildings.
Take note of what areas the birds are congregating, what materials might be available for nests, and food sources that could be attracting them. If there are particular holes, ledges, vents, or surfaces they seem to favor, spend some time observing flight patterns as well.
Start With the Basics: Eliminating Food, Water, Shelter, and Nesting Areas
Remove Food Sources
Clear away any food debris, maintain trash bins that have tight fitting lids, and eliminate outdoor feeding stations that could provide meals. Even small actions like wiping up fallen crumbs from outdoor dining areas can make a place less appealing.
Get Rid of Materials For Nests
Birds will get very creative with nest materials, using scraps of fabric, balls of string, tufts of pet fur, dried grass clippings, sticks, and more. Removing these items forces them to look elsewhere to build homes.
Block Off Hiding and Roosting Spots
Check for gaps in roof tiles or ventilation holes that they could slip into. Use hardware cloth or wire mesh to cover up openings. You may also need to trim back certain trees or bushes if birds tend to hide and nest in them.
Fix Water Leaks
Dripping faucets or AC units can supply fresh water. Repair any external leaks and consider getting rid of ponds, fountains, and bird baths.
Deter Birds With Natural Predators and Scare Tactics
Owl or Hawk Effigies
Lifelike fake owls and hawks are often equipped with real feathers. Place them overlooking problem areas to mimic birds of prey that evoke panic. Rotate locations and positions every few days so birds don’t catch on.
Ultrasonic Repellers
These systems emit high frequency sound waves only birds (not humans!) can detect. Use them as negative reinforcement when flocks start gathering.
Motion Activated Sprinklers
Sprinklers will gently startle birds while training them to avoid certain areas. The movement triggers are extremely effective. Just be mindful of pools of standing water that could allow mosquito breeding.
Reflective Tape and Predator Eyes
Use metallic reflective tape along with decoy eyes to overwhelm birds with scary glimpses and flashes of light. Hang tape strips and eyes in frequent roosting spots.
Battery or Solar Powered Scarecrow Devices
Scarecrows that move and emit noises like distress calls, predator sounds, or loud alarms scare all sorts of pest birds away. Place them wherever birds tend to gather.
Apply Specialty Bird Repellent Gels and Liquids
Bird Repellent Gels
Clear or translucent gel formulas make surfaces tacky and unstable for birds to stand on. Common applications include anti-perching ledges, signs, railings, and steep roof peaks where droppings build up. Reapply every 6 to 8 weeks as needed, more often in rainy weather.
Liquid Bird Repellents
Liquid spray repellents contain grape extract or essential oils from hot peppers, garlic, and mint. The strong smells overwhelm bird’s chemical sensitivity. Spray onto any outdoor surface pest birds frequent. Reapply after rain or every 4 to 6 weeks as the liquid grows faint.
Specialised Ledge and Surface Spikes
Plastic ledge spikes can be affixed along common perches or roosts to prevent birds gaining a foothold. Stainless steel bird spikes placed at an angle act like thousands of tiny skewers. Both physical spike systems deter birds from landing while allowing rain and debris to wash through. Install them anywhere birds pose problems.
Bird Proof Landscapes and Structures
Plant Unpalatable Flowers and Shrubs
Many beautiful plants like lavender, daffodils, hydrangea, rhododendron, poppies, and marigolds happen to repel problem birds. Work them into landscaping schemes. Also avoid plants with berries and fragrances that attract birds.
Choose Water Features Wisely
Splashing bird baths and fountain accents seem charming at first. But standing water easily turns a property into a bird pitstop. Skip the baths and fountains or use recirculating systems.
Install Tightline Roof Vent Covers
Birds adore squeezing into open vents for nesting in attics and voids. Tightline covers allow airflow while securing all openings with stainless steel mesh barriers. Install them over all vent pipes.
Attach Bird Netting Under Roof Overhangs and Ledges
Use plastic or nylon netting to create buffers and barriers that prevent bird access. Custom netting panels can be crafted to fit any space. Or prefabricated exclusion netting is available to order in standard sizes.
Design Outdoor Spaces Mindfully
Pay attention to potential bird issues during construction projects. Choose sloped window sills, eliminate sheltered cavities, specify non-stick building materials, and stick to steep roof angles where possible. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Capture and Remove Nests Humanely
As a last resort if birds already have active nests in troublesome areas:
Nests can be dismantled and removed along with eggs or hatchlings if an appropriate wildlife rehabilitation permit allows this in the specific case.
Otherwise, nesting areas must be left undisturbed until chicks naturally fledge. Installing one-way exclusion devices lets adult birds exit while keeping babies safely inside.
Bird Control FAQs
What is the most effective physical barrier to keep birds off a property?
Netting properly installed creates a physical barrier that keeps all types of birds from landing on surfaces.
Should I use visual bird deterrents at both night and day?
Visual deterrents like flashing lights or moving scare devices work best at night. Use other bird deterrents during daylight hours for a 24/7 solution.
Why has a larger bird population moved onto my property this season?
Discovering what bird specy has arrived and why they left their previous habitat can explain increased bird populations. Remove all food sources and nesting areas to encourage them to move on.
How can I prevent property damage from woodpeckers?
Stop woodpeckers from causing property damage by installing physical deterrents like wire mesh, pinwheels, or foil strips over their favored pecking spots.
Conclusion
Solving pesky bird infestations requires finding an effective solution tailored to the type of bird and the specifics of your property.
Quick fixes like bird feeders, traps, gels, and other bird control products can provide temporary relief.
But completely removing food sources and nesting areas is the only way to clear out health hazards and damage from bird infestations for good.
Being vigilant to use both physical and visual deterrents at strategic spots takes time and effort.
But leads to humane and lasting results.
