To effectively solve your bird problem, you must first identify the species of pest bird so you can then select the correct bird control products. Listed below are the most common species of pest birds that cause bird problems. Select the bird species that most closely resembles your problem bird and read on for further identification information and a list of the correct bird control products to humanely solve your bird problem.

Starlings and Grackles

Starlings are an introduced species to America and have adapted well to urban life which offers abundant nesting and food sites. The starling is a dark, chunky, muscular bird that is distinguished from other blackbird species by its short tail and longer, slender bill. In the winter starlings showcase a highly speckled, iridescent coat, while in the summer their plumage is much duller brown/black with less speckles. Starlings gather in massive flocks (some numbering tens of thousands) and these aggressive birds will drive out other native bird species often taking over the other birds' existing nests.

Common grackles are about 12" long and have green/blue or purple tinged black plumage with a glossy purplish head, neck and chest. The female of the species is slightly smaller and duller colored than the male grackle. Boat-tailed and great-tailed grackles are slightly larger than the common grackle at about 16" in length with similar plumage, but these pest birds have long "V" shaped tails that crease in flight. Like starlings and other members of the blackbird family, these birds are aggressive, colonizing in huge flocks to overwhelm structures and drive out native bird species.

Damage Caused by Starlings and Grackles

	Starling

When starlings or grackles are in their flocking phase, thousands of these pest birds can literally overwhelm trees or buildings in an area. Large scale buildup of their sprayed feces (a whitewash look) can lead to structural damage as the uric acid in the pest bird droppings can corrode stone, metal and masonry. Machinery and drainage problems occur from starling nesting materials and bird droppings. In addition, the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in starling droppings and nesting materials are responsible for a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more. The large quantity of pest bird droppings can open a company up to slip and fall liability if not properly cleaned up. Many companies also retain significant clean up and maintenance costs due to starling problems or grackle problems that are not resolved. Agriculture often has grackle problems as these pest birds will eat small seedlings and damage crops.

Starling Control and Grackle Control

	Grackle

In addition to bird net, another effective starling control product is an electrical wire/track product as these pest birds are generally too nimble for most traditional mechanical ledge products. Electrical bird track is particularly useful for starling control or grackle control on building ledges. Starlings and grackles can be moved with audio visual bird scare products if the bird scare products are implemented quickly when the birds move into an area. A combination of sophisticated noisemakers like the BirdGard Pro, Bird Squawker (for larger areas), Zon Gun propane canon and the BirdBlaster sound unit with visual products like bird scare eye balloons, bird scare flags and flash bird scare tape creates a menacing, predatory feel to the area driving the problem crows from the vicinity. A new technique for starling bird control and grackle problems that has found some success is fogging with methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that reacts with the birds olfactory sense like pepper spray. This is a technique that should be undertaken by experienced professionals only.

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Crows

The Common Crow is a big, all black (glossy) bird about 17 to 20 inches long with a strong thick build and a short, compressed bill. The Fishing Crow is a smaller and even darker version of this social bird family. Crows are scavengers and will eat a wide variety of things including: insects, frogs, small snakes, eggs, mice, dead animal carcasses and newly planted crops such as corn. These highly intelligent birds are very social and the flock is in constant communication with each other, making hunting or capturing crows very difficult. The crow's native history, along with its helpful bug eating habits, guaranteed its Federally protected status. Like blackbirds, crows will gather in massive feeding flocks at certain times during the year, joining with other flocks to form enormous roosts numbering in the thousands of pest birds.

Damage Caused by Crows

	Crow

When crows are in their flocking phase, thousands of these very noisy pest birds can literally overwhelm trees or buildings in an area, creating a tremendous amount of noise and harassing both people and animals in the area. Other crow problems occur when there is a large scale buildup of their feces which can lead to structural damage as the uric acid in the pest bird droppings can corrode stone, metal and masonry. As with other pest bird species, the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in crow droppings and nesting materials pose a serious health risk. Crows are most often the source of agricultural bird problems due to their fondness for corn and other crops, especially when newly planted.

Crow Control

The best crow control product is 1-1/8” StealthNet bird netting. Bird net is extremely durable and creates a true bird barrier. Bird netting permanently resolves crow problems, keeping these pest birds completely away from the area.

In addition to bird net, another effective crow control product is an electrical wire/track product as these pest birds are generally to nimble for most traditional mechanical ledge products. If the crows are not nesting in the area, bird spikes are a good bird control product to use to protect ledges, signage, pipes, etc. Crows can be driven away with a combination of audio and visual bird scare products if the bird scare products are implemented quickly when the birds move into an area. A combination of sophisticated noisemakers like the BirdGard Pro, Bird Squawker (for larger areas), Zon Gun propane canon and the BirdBlaster sound unit with visual products like bird scare eye balloons, bird scare flags and flash bird scare tape creates a menacing, predatory feel to the area driving the problem crows from the vicinity. A new technique for sparrow bird control that has found some success is fogging with methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that reacts with the birds olfactory sense like pepper spray. This is a technique that should be undertaken by experienced professionals only.

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Canda Geese

Canada Geese are generally the cause of goose problem complaints as their numbers have been on the increase over the last decade thanks to their protected status by both Federal and State agencies. There are around a dozen subspecies of Canada geese, all with long black necks and heads with large white cheek patches meeting under their throats. Their body feathering is generally a gray-brown with a slightly darker breast and under parts. The tail feathered are generally white underneath. Canada geese range in size from 22 to 48 inches long and weigh anywhere from 3-4 pounds up to 24 pounds. Our corporate lawns/fountains and country clubs are prime target areas for Canada geese to graze and nest. These migratory birds are more recently staying put, finding there is no more need to leave their "easy living" urban environments of campus-like business parks and golf courses for more southernly green pastures. They prefer to nest in areas near water with protective vegetation cover. These highly aggressive birds will chase animals and people from their nesting areas, sometimes resulting in injury to the intruders.

Damage Caused by Canada Geese

	Canada Geese

Goose problems range from damage to agricultural crops through both consummation and trampling. Golf courses and lawns suffer aesthetically from their aggressive and destructive presence. The large bird droppings from Canada geese foul reservoirs and ponds, in addition to making a mess on green belts. Airport safety is jeopardized as many airport bird strike collisions result from geese roosting in open areas near airports.

Canadian Goose Control

Non-migratory Canada geese are difficult to move. Immediate corrective landscaping is a must: remove cover shrubbery, use herbicides to eliminate vegetation in the pond, and reduce fertilizer to make the grass less nutritious. Taste repellents should also be applied if geese have inhabited the area for any length of time so the food source will be less desirable to the geese.

In addition to corrective landscaping, audio /visual bird scare devices should be used in combination as soon as birds move into an area to create a perception of predators in the vicinity. The location and type of the audio / visual devices MUST VARY frequently, so the birds perceive the threat as real. A combination of sophisticated noisemakers like the BirdGard Pro, Bird Squawker (for larger areas), Zon Gun propane canon and the BirdBlaster sound unit with visual products like bird scare eye balloons, bird scare flags and flash bird scare tape creates a menacing, predatory feel to the area driving the problem geese from the vicinity. These can also be combined with agony-posture decoys (move frequently) to convince the geese the predator has made fresh kills.

Physical barriers can be erected to deter geese from entering an area. Overhead wire grids can be installed above water surface to prevent landing. Fencing made from heavy duty bird wire installed approximately 1 foot, 2 foot and 3 foot from the ground can provide a discreet barrier to dissuade geese from entering. Wide mesh bird netting (4 inch mesh) with reflective mylar flash tape hanging from it can also be used above and around ponds or grassy areas.

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Pigeons

Feral pigeons are the number one urban pest bird, creating a mess and causing damage where they roost, creating a need for pigeon control. Pigeons are descendants of domesticated European homing pigeons, so they have a varied diet and feel at ease making their homes in man-made structures. Generally blue-grey in color, with iridescent feathers on the head and neck, pigeons often have markings in black, white or brown on the wings and neck. A short neck and small head characterize the standard pigeon; their short legs, hind toes and level front allow for both easy perching on pipes and ledges or walking on flat surfaces. Pigeons generally nest in small, flat areas away from the ground such as building ledges, air conditioning units or window sills. Occasionally pigeons may even lay eggs directly on a protected ledge.

Damage Caused by Pigeon Problems

	Pigeon

Pigeon control is important due to the damage and disease problems these birds often create. The uric acid in pigeon feces is highly corrosive and can cause extensive damage to metals and other substrates it sits on for long periods. Debris from flocks of problem pigeons often build up, backing up gutters and drains which can cause flooding and roof damage. Nesting materials and other debris has caused failures in machinery, especially rooftop air conditioning units which are a prime nesting spot for pigeons. Other frequent pigeon problems include slip and fall liability from feces or debris, plus an unclean, dirty company image. The bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in pigeon droppings are responsible for a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more. Many companies also retain significant clean up costs due to the pigeon problems they don't resolve.

Pigeon Control Products

The best pigeon control product is 3/4” StealthNet bird netting. Bird net is extremely durable and creates a true bird barrier against problem pigeons "homing" to their natural instinct to stay near their birth site. Pigeon netting completely controls pigeon problems, forcing the birds to look elsewhere for a nesting site.

In addition to bird net, other effective pigeon control products are electrical wire/track and bird spike products. These pigeon control products work best where pigeons are nesting or roosting and the pigeons are "homing" (committed to remaining at the site). For pigeon problem areas where the birds are not nesting or feeding, ledge pigeon control products such as low-profile birdwire and pigeon traps can be effective pigeon control methods. However, trapping or other kinds of flock dispersal will not work in situations where these pest pigeons are nesting or when there are food or water sources present as these birds will be especially determined to remain.

Bird scare products are generally ineffective as pigeon control products unless applied at the very beginning of the pigeon problem. The only bird scare products that may work to control pigeons are the screech owl decoy (a moving, screeching predator effigy) and the birdblaster, a bird control product that combines both audio and visual stimuli to convince problem pigeons that a serious predator is in the vicinity.

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Sea Gulls

Sea gulls are intelligent birds existing in great numbers along coastal areas, as well as inland lakes and rivers. Gulls can drink either salt or fresh water and their scavenger diets allow them great adaptability. Sea gulls eat anything from dead fish and garbage to field mice and insects. The typical gull is somewhere between 18 to 24 inches tall, weighing about 2 to 3 pounds. Their generally light colored in body with black wing tips and a deep black to light gray mantle. Coloring can change between season depending on the species. Gulls enjoy protection at the federal, state and local levels, mandating humane control practices. They prefer open water and secluded breeding areas, causing winter migrations in some northern territories, although southern gulls remain resident birds year round.

Damage Caused by Sea Gulls

	Sea Gull

Gull problems often occur at dump sites due to the food opportunities present, as well as at harbors and pier areas, especially where fishing boats bring in their catches. Flocks of gulls often create hazardous conditions to low flying aircraft and can cause bird strikes around airports. Large buildup of gull droppings leads to structural damage from the uric acid in the bird droppings. This is often seen on boats, streetlights and coastal rooftops. Other sea gull problems include slip and fall liability from dropping buildup, plus an unclean, dirty company image. The bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in gull droppings can carry a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more. Many companies also retain significant clean up costs due to gull problems they don't resolve, as well as customer complaints from the noise and aggressive nature of the gulls.

Sea Gull Control

Physical barriers can be erected to deter gulls from entering an area. Overhead wire grids or large mesh (4 inch) bird netting can be installed over dump sites, aquacultures, ponds, courtyards and other large, open outdoor areas to prevent the soaring gulls from landing. Bird spikes and electrical bird wire or track are effective when installed around building perimeters and on ledges. Daddi Long Legs, a unique and humane physical bird barrier, is effective at dissuading gulls from landing on silos, street lights, A/C units, outdoor umbrellas and large flat rooftops.

At feeding sites such as dumps, audio /visual bird scare devices can be used in combination with overhead grids to move gulls. The location and type of the audio / visual devices MUST VARY so the birds perceive the threat as real. A combination of sophisticated noisemakers like the BirdGard Pro, Bird Squawker (for larger areas), Zon Gun propane canon and the BirdBlaster sound unit with visual products like bird scare eye balloons, bird scare flags and flash bird scare tape creates a menacing, predatory feel to the area driving the problem gulls from the vicinity.

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Swallows

Cliff swallows and barn swallows are slender, sleek birds that spend their spring and summers in North America. Swallows are very territorial and will return to the same nesting site over and over. Building eaves and other structures often replace cliffs these days to build their distinctive mud pellet nests. Swallows have brownish red faces and throats with steel blue coats and light colored bellies. Cliff swallows have squared off tails, but barn swallows have long forked tails. Young swallows have similar coloring, but lighter.

Damage Caused by Swallows

	Swallow

Swallows are often a nuisance in suburban areas as they build mud nests that damage and deface the outer walls and eaves of residences and office buildings. Swallow feces often end up on the sides of buildings and the ground below from the colony of birds in residence. Building owners report extra clean up costs and concern over slip and fall liability from swallow dropping buildup, plus an unclean, dirty company image. The bacteria, fungal agents and parasites found in swallow droppings and nests can carry a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more.

Swallow Control

These small, nimble birds enjoy special legal protection. Once they have laid their eggs in the nest, you CANNOT disturb them. You must wait until they leave for their winter homes to remove the nests and then exclude them.

Two products work well for getting rid of swallows. First is to use 3/4 inch bird netting installed along the underside of the eaves at an angle to prevent them from building their nests there the following year.

Another option is to install the new product BirdSlide™. BirdSlide™ cuts off the angle like bird net does, but it is made of U.V. stabilized polycarbonate that can be painted to color match your structure and blend seamlessly. Installation should be completed by a professional bird consultant. Call our offices for more information.

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Sparrows

House sparrows are an increasingly common sight in urban areas. These small, quick, intelligent pest birds are predominately brown and grey in color, with black striping around the eyes and neck in the male of the species. Their legs and toes favor branch and wire perching and their short conical bills are ideal for cracking seeds and grain. Sparrows are very adaptable and have learned to nest in our structures and eat our scrap food. Sparrows often gather in huge flocks to fed and roost, aggressively forcing other birds out of their territories. Sparrows prefer nesting in small enclosed places such as house shutters, drainage piping, building rafters and corrugated metal siding. These pest birds average about 20 offspring a year, allowing their numbers to increase rapidly to infestation levels.

Damage Caused by Sparrows

	Sparrow

Sparrows are noisy birds, especially when they congregate in large flocks. Besides the annoying noise factor, sparrow problems are often found in manufacturing and food processing plants. These areas are particularly appealing for their variety of nesting and feeding sites. Sparrow nests often cause flooding from backups in gutters and drainage pipes, as well as clogging machinery and even starting fires from nesting materials in machinery housings. Sparrow droppings also contain uric acid which is highly corrosive and can cause extensive damage to metals and other substrates it sits on for long periods. In addition, the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in sparrow droppings and nesting materials are responsible for a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more. Many companies also retain significant clean up and maintenance costs due to sparrow problems they don't resolve.

Sparrow Control

The best sparrow control product is 3/4” StealthNet bird netting. Bird net is extremely durable and creates a true bird barrier. Bird netting permanently resolves sparrows problems, keeping these pest birds completely away from the area.

In addition to bird net, another effective sparrow control product is an electrical wire/track product. This is particularly useful for sparrow control on building ledges. Sparrows do not react to bird scare products, but two-chambered sparrow traps are a viable option for controlling small quantities of sparrow problems. A nest removal program should be implemented with trapping for long-term effectiveness. A new technique for sparrow bird control that has found some success is fogging with methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that reacts with the birds olfactory sense like pepper spray. This is a technique that should be undertaken by experienced professionals only.

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Turkey Vultures

Turkey vultures are large birds with dark feathers, weighing up to six pounds with a wingspan up to 32 inches long. They have a bald head with reddish skin similar in look to a turkey that enables them to forage in dead carcasses as these birds are scavengers that are particularly fond of carrion. Often seen in flocks of 70 or more birds, turkey vultures love to roost in towers and rooftops. These long-lived birds (about 20 years) are found all across the U.S. in the spring and summer, but the largest flocks inhabit the southern half of the U.S.

Damage Caused by Turkey Vultures

	Turkey Vulture

Turkey vultures are known to attack rooftops, caulking and other exterior surfaces, causing extensive bird damage to structures. The bird droppings from this large species are large as well, creating extra clean up costs and concern over slip and fall liability from turkey vulture dropping buildup, plus an unclean, dirty company image. The bacteria, fungal agents and parasites found in turkey vulture droppings and nests can carry a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more. As an unpleasant bonus, turkey vultures often leave bones and carcasses to feed on around their roosting areas. They are also known to be noisy birds, especially in a large group or fighting over food.

Turkey Vulture Control

All vultures are protected by law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act so humane bird control methods must be used to move them. Turkey vultures are heavy, aggressive birds that can destroy most standard bird control products. The most effective bird control methods to move vultures are electrified bird track or heavy duty electrified bird wire. In some instances, heavy duty bird wire (.96mm) tensioned 8 inches high will protect against turkey vultures roosting on roof parapets or girders and overhead grid wire systems 5 foot on center or wide mesh horizontal bird nets can dissuade birds from landing in flat, open areas.

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Woodpeckers

There are over 200 species of woodpeckers, ranging from 7 to 15 inches in length, and usually with brightly contrasting coloration. Most males have some red on the head and many species have black and white marks. Woodpeckers have short legs with two sharp-clawed, backward-pointed toes and stiff tail feathers, which serve as a supportive prop. They primarily feed on tree-living or wood-boring insects using their strong beak and long tongue to dislodge food. Some members of the Woodpecker family (Flickers) feed on insects off the ground, while others prefer native berries, fruit and nuts.

Damage Caused by Woodpeckers

	Woodpecker

Pecking or “drumming” against trees or buildings is the characteristic most associated with Woodpeckers. They do this to establish territories and to attract or signal mates. This can be quite annoying for humans, especially in the early morning when trying to sleep. Woodpeckers can also cause significant damage to the sides of buildings, telephone poles, eaves, fences, etc., by pecking holes into the surface. The holes are usually caused by 1 or 2 birds during the spring time mating season.

Woodpecker Control

All Woodpeckers are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and control methods must not harm the birds.

The most effective control method is 3/4” StealthNet bird netting.Bird net is extremely durable and can be installed in a semi-permanent configuration until nesting behavior has been permanently modified.

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