Bird control is the practice of using various deterrents and exclusion methods to discourage birds from gathering in unwanted areas. Unwanted birds can cause damage and create health hazards, so implementing an effective bird control plan is often necessary for homes, businesses, airports, and agricultural operations. There are many techniques available for safely and humanely dispersing problematic bird populations.
Why is bird control needed?
Birds tend to congregate wherever food, water, and shelter are abundant. While many species of birds are welcomed in moderation, large populations can quickly become a nuisance or cause damage. Some of the main problems caused by pest bird species include:
- Property damage from nesting, droppings, and scratching
- Spreading diseases like histoplasmosis, encephalitis, and salmonella through droppings
- Eating and contaminating livestock feed
- Crop damage from feeding on fruits, vegetables, and grains
- Aircraft collisions with large flocking birds like geese and blackbirds
- Nuisance noise from calls, chirps, and flapping
Since birds are highly mobile and persistent creatures, long-term solutions are often needed to successfully discourage them from an area. Bird control programs should aim to make the location less attractive to birds by removing food sources, restricting entrance points, and deterring roosting/nesting.
Exclusion
Physical exclusion is one of the most effective bird deterrent techniques. Installation of barriers can prevent birds from landing and roosting on structures. Common exclusion methods include:
- Netting: Durable plastic or nylon netting can be installed over doorways, windows, rooftops, LED signs and more. Mesh sizes under 1 inch help block all but the smallest bird species.
- Wire mesh: Stainless steel mesh with openings under 0.5 inches can cover vents, overhangs, and other structural crevices prone to bird entry.
- Porcupine wire: Stainless steel spikes on wire affixed to ledges and rafters deters roosting and nesting in covered areas.
- Coils: Stainless steel spring coils can be installed on window sills, eaves, and other flat surfaces to block landings.
For best results, all access points should be identified and modified to prevent bird entry while still permitting proper ventilation and maintenance access. Annual inspections are recommended to check for any new or enlarged holes that could allow birds to enter.
Repellents
Chemical bird repellents create an undesirable surface that deters birds from landing. Options include:
- Gels: Clear, sticky gels are liberally applied to ledges and roof beams. Birds dislike the tacky footing and will avoid treated areas.
- Liquid repellents: Based on methyl anthranilate or capsaicin ingredients, these spicy liquids cause minor mouth and skin irritation.
- Aerosol sprays: Specialty bird sprays contain methyl anthranilate or essential oils to irritate bird’s nostrils and overwhelm their sense of smell if they land on treated surfaces.
For optimal results, repellents should be reapplied every 1-2 weeks or after rain. Use is not recommended near food handling areas. Repellents may be less effective against larger bird species.
Sound and light devices
Birds can be startled and deterred by various audible or visible scare techniques. Options include:
- Predator bird sounds: Broadcasting distress or predator calls through speakers can frighten pest birds. Sounds of crows, hawks, eagles and owls are most effective when varied.
- Ultrasonic devices: High frequency ultrasound transmitters, inaudible to humans, irritate birds and deter roosting. Units are available with random pulses to prevent habituation.
- Visual deterrents: Shiny tapes, flashing lights, and balloons with large eye spots can startle birds and make them avoid an area. Items should be relocated every few days to prevent acclimation.
- Lasers: Non-harmful laser guns or automated laser sweeps can scare problematic night roosts of crows, grackles, pigeons, and seagulls.
The behavior-altering effects of sounds and lights work best when used intermittently to prevent birds from becoming accustomed. Motion-activation can optimize effectiveness for some devices by triggering sounds or lights only when pest birds are present.
Falconry
Falconry uses trained hawks, falcons, and eagles to chase nuisance bird flocks from expansive areas. It provides:
- Highly effective dispersal of gulls, pigeons, waterfowl and starlings
- Long-term relocation due to birds associating location with predator threat
- Eco-friendly and humane control method
Since most falconry birds are relatively small, they do not prey on the pest species, instead relying on aggressive aerial harassment to drive the birds away. Contract falconry services are available nationwide but are more costly than other bird deterrents.
Trapping
Live trapping followed by relocation can permanently remove problematic birds from an area. Trapping methods include:
- Net trapping: Large nets are installed on building interiors or other bait locations to capture multiple birds at once.
- Box/cage trapping: Activated cages or chambers capture individual birds entering the device. Useful for pigeons, sparrows and starlings.
- Mist nets: Fine mesh suspended netting is ideal for capturing birds in flight such as purple martins and swallows around building roosts.
Local regulations may restrict certain trapping methods and require humane dispatch or relocation of captured nuisance birds. Due to the transient nature of bird flocks, multiple trapping efforts are usually needed to achieve a reduction in numbers.
Toxicants
In some states, the avicide DRC-1339 may legally be applied at bait sites to poison and kill pest bird populations. Possession and use requires special US Environmental Protection Agency licensing due to the high toxicity and non-selective nature of the compound. Benefits include:
- Single exposure provides long-term population reductions
- Minimal chance of secondary poisoning of scavengers
- Bait applications are less disruptive than traps or falcons
Feedlots, agricultural buildings, and other sites with chronic bird problems are the best candidates for avicide baiting programs. A certified pest control operator should be consulted due to the necessary training and complex legalities involved.
Habitat modification
Eliminating attractions like food, water sources and nesting sites is a key part of any permanent bird control plan. Recommended actions include:
- Block access to potential indoor nesting spots in rafters and cavities
- Organize garbage storage to minimize exposed waste
- Use tightly covered food containers and restrict feed availability
- Clean up any spilled grain or livestock feed immediately
- Remove prolific outdoor food sources like berry bushes or fruit trees
- Drain or cover any stagnant pools or puddles
- Install sloped window sills and ledges to prevent roosting
Since adequate denial of necessities is difficult, habitat modification often works best alongside one or more secondary bird deterrents.
When to hire a professional
Severely problematic bird infestations, hazardous nesting situations, or control needs at large commercial sites may exceed the capabilities of property managers. Professional pest control providers offer the following services:
- Legal trapping and removal programs
- Advanced bird exclusion solutions
- Specialized applications of avicides/repellents
- Falconry and decontamination services
- Detailed integrated bird management plans
Technicians can assess bird issues on-site, identify species, locate entry points, implement solutions, monitor outcomes, and make adjustments as needed. Some firms also guarantee their work with free re-servicing if problems persist.
Control Method | Cost | Use Locations | Level of Difficulty | Effectiveness |
---|---|---|---|---|
Netting | $$$ | Buildings, Bridges, Aircraft Hangars | Difficult | Very Effective |
Repellent Gels | $ | Rooftops, Ledges, Signs | Easy | Moderately Effective |
Sound Devices | $$ | Commercial Sites, Fields, Hangars | Moderately Difficult | Effective |
Trapping | $$ | Nests, Roosts, Feedlots | Moderately Difficult | Very Effective |
Falconry | $$$$ | Landfills, Airports, Agriculture | Difficult | Very Effective |
Toxicants | $$$ | Feedlots, Warehouses, Crops | Very Difficult | Very Effective |
Habitat Modification | $ | All Sites | Moderately Difficult | Moderately Effective |
Legal considerations
Laws and permitting requirements related to bird control vary by state and local jurisdictions. It is advisable to consult wildlife regulatory agencies before trapping, poisoning, shooting, or disturbing bird nests to ensure compliance.
The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act provides special protections for most native bird species in the U.S. Non-lethal frightening or dispersal techniques can be used on migratory birds to resolve problems, but trapping or extermination requires permits.
Some municipal governments additionally require permits for trapping or major nest removals on private property. Environmental assessments may also be mandated for large scale bird deterrent installations at commercial sites to prevent any unintended ecological consequences.
Conclusion
Controlling pest bird populations while coexisting with beneficial avian species requires an Integrated Pest Management approach. The most successful bird deterrent plans combine multiple techniques like exclusion and habitat modification for synergistic results. Professional bird control services provide the best solutions for sizable pest bird infestations or sensitive public settings. With some persistence and care not to harm birds, property managers can reclaim buildings and landscapes from excessive bird occupancy and keep these sometimes unwelcome winged visitors at bay.