Bird Control

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What is bird control? A: Managing the problem of birds that make their home or roost where they are not wanted.

Q: What types of birds? A: Usually pigeons, sparrows and starlings are the most undesired visitors. Federal laws protect all other birds, even "pest birds" are protected with various regulations by state and local laws.

Q: What can be done to keep pest birds off your property? A: The best means of discouraging these visitors is to use habitat modification, such as disabling nesting and roosting sites. These means are safe, economical and humane. Check with your local Audubon Society for further ideas.

Q: Why not just get rid of the birds? A: When the present birds are eliminated, new birds quickly move in to take their place. Trapping and poisoning are temporary measures only. Poisons can be very dangerous as children, pets and other animals may be affected inadvertently. It is also illegal in most areas.

Q: Why does an exterminator suggest using traps or poison them? A: MONEY. If you just eliminate the present problem, you will have to call them over and over as new birds move in.

Q: What about the fake owls, cats and snakes? A: It has been proven by numerous studies that pigeons are very smart and quickly realize that that the fake predator is not going to harm them because it never moves.

Q: What about the sticky chemical repellants? A: This product can be very hazardous for a variety of reasons. Animals are killed by suffocation when the product comes in contact with their nose. Feathers or fur gets tangled in the sticky goo causing the victim to become either chilled or overheated and subsequently dying.

Q: What if there are no places on your property for birds to live but they show up anyway? A: Birds gather near places that they eat or live. Neighbors' areas, certain types of plants and even pet food kept outside may attract birds to your yard.

Q: What happens to the birds that finally leave my area? A: If all neighbors work together to make their area inhospitable to unwanted birds, the birds will leave the area to find a more suitable place to live.

Here are some simple do-it-yourself control methods to try. Block off nesting sites (like air conditioner stands on roofs, overlapping roof sections, attic openings) using netting, sheet metal, wood or other suitable materials. Roosting sites (parapet walls, porch beams, etc.) can be disabled with thin wire, harmless electric shock systems or even "Slinky" toys.

Go To Page: 1 2