Common pest birds
Pigeons
Pigeons are a non-native species
introduced to North America by early
European settlers in the 1600s. They
inhabit every continent except Antarctica
and are originally native to the
Mediterranean coastal regions. Known as
Rock Doves, they naturally nest on cliffs,
which has allowed them to adapt well to
urban environments, making concrete
ledges and balconies ideal nesting and
perching areas.
Pigeons have a strong homing instinct, returning to the same nesting areas for generations. While they breed and roost in groups, the most significant issue posed by pigeons is the accumulation of their droppings. The build-up of pigeon feces on buildings and structures is not only visually unappealing but can also cause damage due to its acidity, which erodes metal and stone. More importantly, pigeon droppings may present health risks to humans. They are associated with various diseases, including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.
Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus that thrives in pigeon droppings, and individuals can contract it by inhaling airborne spores. While mild cases may show no symptoms, severe infections can be life-threatening and mimic COVID-19 symptoms. Notably, histoplasmosis is not transmissible between individuals.
It is advisable to take precautions and wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling or cleaning pigeon feces. Alternatively, you can contact a professional for assistance. If you’re facing a pigeon problem, call one of our trained experts to discuss how we can help resolve the issue effectively.
Common pest birds
Starlings
European Starlings are a small to
medium-sized invasive bird species that
compete with native birds for food and
nesting habitats. First introduced to New
York’s Central Park in 1890, their
population has since adapted and
multiplied, with an estimated 200 million
starlings currently in North America.
Recent studies indicate that starlings cause approximately $800 million in agricultural damage annually. With a short incubation period of just 12 days and a fledging time of about 3 weeks, starling populations can increase rapidly, often breeding 2-3 times per season. These birds thrive in urban environments, foraging for food and scavenging waste left by people. They are known to flock in large numbers, ranging from a few dozen to several thousand individuals.
In recent years, many starlings have ceased migrating south for the winter, largely due to the abundance of food available at waste management facilities. This has created serious health hazards, as the accumulation of feces from large flocks can contaminate equipment and buildings.
Starlings are known to nest in a variety of locations, including buildings, ventilation systems, above overhead doors, behind storefront signs, and even inside unused vehicles or equipment. They readily utilize any small cavity they can find for nesting.
If you are dealing with nesting starlings at home or a large flock at your facility, contact our experienced team today to discuss how we can effectively resolve your starling issues.
Common pest birds
Sparrows
House sparrows are exceptionally
common in urban environments and
were introduced to North America in the
late 1870s. As an invasive species, they
pose a significant threat to native bird
populations, often driving out or even
killing species such as the Bluebird, Purple
Martin, and Tree Swallow.
Common pest birds
Geese
Canada geese are an iconic species
commonly found in urban environments.
These large birds primarily feed on grass
and are often attracted to lawns, golf
courses, parks, and other public areas
frequented by people. They typically lay
5-7 eggs starting in April, with an
incubation period of up to 28 days. The
goslings require about three months to
become flight-capable, meaning that
once geese choose to nest on your
property, they can remain for four
months or longer.
Common pest birds
Seagulls
Seagulls nest in colonies that can range
from a few dozen to several thousand
nests. These birds often become a
nuisance on commercial rooftops,
landfills, and waste management sites,
where they can flock in the thousands to
feed on open waste. This behavior poses
hazards for employees and can damage
equipment with their droppings. Breeding
typically begins in March and continues
until the young are fully independent in
September. Flat commercial roofs provide
ideal breeding grounds, offering shelter
from ground predators and protection
from the elements.
If not managed effectively, nuisance birds can cause significant damage to structures, with accumulated acidic fecal matter potentially harming HVAC systems and building surfaces. Additionally, large quantities of nesting materials can lead to drainage blockages and flooding. Bird droppings can also harbor transmissible diseases, including salmonella, E. coli, and avian influenza, which are rising concerns in eastern Canada.
Colonial nesting waterbirds, including seagulls, are federally protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. It is illegal to kill, capture, or scare migratory birds without the appropriate permits. Similarly, damaging, destroying, or disturbing nests and eggs is prohibited unless special permits are obtained.
Contact Bird Control Solutions today. We can assist you in navigating the permit process and provide humane, eco-friendly solutions to your nuisance bird issues.
Common pest birds
All other species
If you’re experiencing issues with unique bird species, contact us today. Our experts can assess your situation and create a customized plan of action that complies with legal requirements, ensuring your home or business is bird-free once again. Reach out to explore effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Falconry Based Bird Control
Falconry is the time-honored practice of hunting with trained birds of prey, with origins dating back over 4,000 years. Falcons and hawks are equipped with exceptional eyesight and sharp talons, enabling them to hunt birds and small mammals effectively. These birds of prey are highly agile; for example, peregrine falcons can reach speeds over 200 miles per hour in a dive. Our skilled falconers employ trained birds of prey to chase and deter nuisance birds, effectively reinforcing the natural predator-prey dynamic.
This approach makes your property less attractive to unwanted bird populations. Conventional deterrents, such as decoy owls, pyrotechnics, and propane cannons, often prove ineffective as birds quickly become accustomed to them. If you’re interested in a tailored solution for your bird control needs, contact us today for a free site evaluation.
Our team of falconers is ready to help you maintain a bird-free environment.
Exclusion Methods
We offer custom bird exclusion methods based on your individual site needs. Below is a list of just a few of our many exclusion methods.
