Meet the Pest
Many people enjoy birds around their homes. Stores are full of bird feeders, seed varieties and bird houses. Bird watching is even a hobby. But when it comes to birds that you didn’t invite into corners and crannies of your house, there is suddenly nothing enjoyable about birds. (Not to mention their droppings that seem to land wherever you just cleaned.) If this is the case for you, you could benefit from information on how to get rid of birds.
Birds come in many varieties, but the common ones that pester homeowners include woodpeckers, pigeons and sparrows. Some homeowners are even plagued with owls or geese. Thankfully, many of these birds have migratory patterns that offer homeowners temporary relief. However, for the birds that just won't go away, it is important for homeowners to know that many of them are protected and cannot be killed according to most local, state and even federal laws.
Bed & Breakfast
Most birds eat a variety of insects, vegetation or seeds depending on the species. Birds that pose a hazard, such as woodpeckers, are typically drawn to an insect problem that might be infesting the trees or other wood on a homeowner’s property. Geese can show up just about anywhere but are very happy to find themselves near water. Homes near lakes and ponds are subject to geese visitors who tend to be very messy (and a bit mean and possessive of their borrowed roosting areas). This is why many homeowners who are close to a body of water search the Web on how to get rid of birds, particularly ones that are attracted to water.
Birds like to build nests in confined, protected areas. Chimneys make great homes, but this of course presents a huge burn hazard for the home attached to the chimney. Attics, vents, garages and eaves of houses are also great places to keep a nest dry. This can be frustrating for homeowners because birds are not particularly neat outside of their nests, leaving bits of debris that begin to fall around the area underneath the nest. Equally as frustrating is the volume of bird droppings that surround the area.
Quit Bugging Me!
Knowing how to get rid of birds that are attempting to build a permanent nest in or around your home in a safe, careful and legal manner is important for homeowners. Unwelcomed avian residents can pose a health risk and cause property damage, and the birds themselves can unknowingly be in a dangerous area. Some solutions for immediate bird pest control include the following:
- While the bird is away, remove the nest entirely and disinfect the area if it is in a location that people regularly access. Try to place the nest in an alternative area nearby if feasible.
- Implement noise makers in areas where birds are showing up. Things such as wind chimes can deter nesting.
- Research the type of bird affecting the home to identify the best repellent. Woodpeckers, for instance, can be easily deterred by noisemakers as simple as strips of aluminum foil hung on their favorite pecking tree.
- For an immediate bird issue, there are some avian poisons but these can be extremely potent and toxic. They are also prohibited in many areas so it is important to be aware of local regulations prior to use.
- Stop feeding the geese. They may have seemed like great visitors initially, but now that they are strewing your garbage across the yard, molting everywhere and scaring family pets, they need to move on and migrate to a place where they are more welcomed.
Good Riddance
For issues with birds long-term, there are some permanent methods to help homeowners keep birds out of areas they don’t belong. One of these methods on how to get rid of birds involves installing an extermination contraption that is often used on public buildings and structures. The apparatus is a piece of metal with exposed spikes that prevent a bird from choosing to land and nest in the area. This can be a mess to clean up for the pigeon that didn’t see it coming, but it is typically an effective method.
Deterring birds is always better than killing them. There are some high-frequency tools that can deter birds or even 'shoo' them away if they show up and begin to build a permanent home. For homes regularly exposed to unwelcomed bird visitors, investing in a high-frequency radio system can be a great option for bird pest control.
In the event a homeowner is at all unsure about how to get rid of birds, contacting an avian professional may be the best approach. Because birds are wild animals and there are removal restrictions, it is best to remain on the safe side. However, there are many techniques and methods for safe do-it-yourself bird removal, as well as preventative measures for limiting bird access.