Skip to main content

Pest control for birds? What to know, and who to hire

Birds are beautiful and majestic creatures that are commonly welcomed in our backyards. We invite them onto our property and entice them with birdfeeders and birdbaths so we can catch a glimpse of their breathtaking beauty. Birds can, however, become a nuisance quickly. When they nest in an inopportune place, eat and destroy crops or landscapes, or even start to infest an area on your property, that’s when their status moves from enjoyable visitor to annoying pest. Pest control for birds can be a bit tricky since many birds are protected species, and it is illegal to kill or relocate them. We’re going to help you navigate the solutions to your bird pest problem here today.

The negative effects of bird problems

While they’re relatively harmless in small numbers and are even beneficial in areas like insect control, a growing concentration of birds in one area on your property can pose some pretty serious problems.

Related Videos

Property damage

Since birds nest in high, sheltered areas, a common issue is that they start to create nests in your outdoor vents, sheds, chimneys, or garage. They attract more birds when they nest, and since their nests contain organic matter, they can attract insects and other pests. This can cause costly damage to your property due to mold as well as infestations.

Certain types of birds also cause specific kinds of damage. For example, woodpeckers can damage the outside of your building as they peck to find food and attract mates.

Sanitation and disease

Birds themselves carry a number of parasites and bacteria on their feet and feathers. It’s not uncommon for them to carry lice, fleas, and ticks on their pretty little feathers. Even more so, however, their droppings carry a significant number of diseases. With large numbers of birds come large amounts of bird droppings, so a concentration of birds on your property could be a hot spot that might expose you and your family to health risks.

DIY bird repellants

The trick to repelling birds and preventing their presence is to make your property an undesirable location for them. Birds look for hidden and out of reach locations near a food source to build their nests, and certain conditions can deter them.

Birds avoid predators

The list of birds’ predators is a long one, including cats, dogs, and even larger carnivorous birds. If you have dogs and cats as pets, taking them outside for extended periods of time may be enough to scare the birds away.

You can also purchase figurines or statues in the shape of predators and set them up in places that the birds are nesting. The presence of the shape alone tends to deter them.

Birds are repelled by certain food ingredients

You can create a natural bird repelling spray by infusing dried, crushed peppers with water and vinegar. Spray the infusion around the areas that the birds are congregating, and they will move on to another area.

Bird spikes and shiny things

For some reason, birds dislike shiny objects. Collect tin cans, aluminum foil, or even small mirrors, and place them in areas that the birds seem to be nesting. They will avoid that area and move on.

Bird spikes are another effective method of preventing birds’ presence. You can make the spikes out of tin, plastic, or wire and place them around your property in problem areas. Birds will forego landing in these areas to avoid discomfort.

When should you call the professionals, and who should you call?

If you’ve tried some DIY prevention methods and deterrents without seeing much success, it may be time to call in reinforcements to deal with your bird problem. You can start by calling a local pest control company to get a quote for removal. Pest control companies are familiar with the laws and regulations when dealing with certain types of birds and their removal or relocation.

If pest control cannot assist you for legal or other reasons, you can call your local wildlife control office for advice. Depending on the species of bird and the magnitude of the issue, they may be the best option for safely and legally resolving your bird problem.

A bird problem is certainly no joke. While birds can be pleasant companions in small numbers, an infestation of birds can cause some major issues in and around your home. While animal protection laws limit you in the ways you can rid your property of birds, you’re not helpless yet. Try some DIY repellants to see if they successfully solve your bird woes, and get the professionals involved if you can’t seem to get those birds to go away.

Editors' Recommendations

When you should (and shouldn’t) put used coffee grounds in your garden
coffee grounds mixed in the garden compost bin

Depending on how into gardening you are, you may be aware that putting used coffee grounds in your garden is a highly debated topic. Some people swear by using coffee grounds for growing plants, while others say it's the worst thing you can do for your garden. So which opinion is correct, and how do you know which side to trust? How do you know if you should – or shouldn’t – put used coffee grounds in your garden? We’ve researched the pros and cons for you and break them down below so you can decide how to use coffee grounds in the garden.

Should you use coffee grounds as mulch?
Using mulch in your garden can be beneficial, but many people find the cost of mulch too expensive to turn into organic matter. Straw and compost can be used as mulch, but not many people have tons of straw lying around, and compost takes months to create. So it seems as though coffee grounds would be the perfect solution for gardeners in need of mulch.

Read more
5 easy ways to kill fruit flies before they take over your kitchen
close up of a fruit fly

Tiny flies are quick to invade our homes, especially in warm, humid weather. Left alone, these bugs are capable of causing a disgusting and embarrassing infestation that may last for weeks or months. They erupt in clouds above potted plants, swarm around trash cans, and hover over drains. For many homeowners, these pests present more than a few problems, making kitchen prep frustrating and hosting gatherings near impossible.

If you're struggling to control the new fruit fly population invading your space, we have a few simple steps to help you keep them out of your kitchen for good.

Read more
Brighten up your walkway with landscape lighting: What you need to know
how to install outdoor lighting shutterstock 487132054

The exterior of your home is the first place guests access when they're visiting, so it needs to be safe and easy to traverse. That's why having adequate outdoor lighting is imperative. Additionally, if you're selling your home, a stylish, modern outdoor lighting solution gives prospective buyers a great first impression of the property. With a just few lighting updates, you can give your home an immediate facelift and make it more inviting for guests and prospective buyers alike. Here's how to install outdoor lighting.

Can I install outdoor lighting myself?
Adding a lighting concept to your outdoor space doesn't necessarily require a wealth of DIY skills. It does, however, require some knowledge of and comfort with electrical components. There are three main types of electrical systems for landscape lighting, and the method you choose determines the skill level required for the project.

Read more