Many bird species don’t pose a threat, however, pest birds can cause property damage and can spread diseases. Understanding these species and their behaviors can help quickly identify potential problems you may experience on your property.
Knowing which species of pest bird you are dealing with will also help in deciding on the perfect control method for your property. Every bird problem is unique to the species, location, and surrounding conditions, so it is important to work with a company that specializes in bird control and can properly identify the species you are dealing with.
At Ehrlich, we control various bird species and adhere to all state and federal bird regulations – including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
Call Ehrlich today at 800-837-5520 or contact us online to find out how you can get rid of birds from your home or business.
Check out our bird control services for your home or business.
While there are thousands of bird species, there are only a few that are typically considered pest birds. They are not federally protected and are not native to the United States. These include pigeons, sparrows, and starlings.
Pest birds are a nuisance. They are considered an invasive species and overpopulate many types of areas. Though they are not considered an immediate threat to humans, they can carry harmful diseases.
Pest birds can also cause serious damage to properties from both their droppings and their nesting materials. They are considered bad for the environment as they can push other beneficial birds out of the area.
Pigeons are considered to be the number one pest bird in North America. This pest bird takes advantage of structures and human behaviors when it comes to finding food and shelter.
European house sparrows are competitive birds. They have a wide diet and high levels of reproductivity, making them significant pests.
Starlings are well-established across the United States. They have been known to cause problems for both structures and livestock, resulting in a lot of damage around commercial buildings, fields, vineyards, and power structures.
Starlings are common winter birds.
Crows and ravens are known for their intelligence and adaptability to urban environments. These birds often take advantage of human food sources and sheltered areas, causing issues in both residential and commercial spaces.
Canada geese are adaptable, aggressive and highly unwelcome – especially when they settle in urban and suburban areas.
A bird’s life cycle includes multiple stages: eggs, nestlings, juveniles, and adults. Depending on the species, pest birds can live anywhere from 3-10 years. Starlings and sparrows have an average lifespan of about three years, whereas pigeons can live anywhere from 6-10 years.
In many bird species, eggs typically hatch within 10-20 days, depending on temperature and the species. Nestlings are then fed by their parents until they are ready to fledge, or leave the nest, often within 15-30 days. Juveniles develop rapidly, acquiring essential foraging and survival skills during this phase, which is critical for species like sparrows and starlings, known for their rapid adaptability to urban environments.
In their adult phase, pest birds such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows often live in densely populated areas, drawn to reliable food sources and nesting locations. This proximity to human structures can lead to significant structural and health concerns. For instance, pigeons’ acidic droppings can corrode building materials, while starlings and sparrows can introduce mites and pathogens into human habitats.
Pest birds’ nests can cause serious damage to properties because of where they are placed. Their nests and nesting materials can clog pipes, cause electrical outages, and can even attract other insect pests to your property. Pest birds are also very protective of their nests and can become aggressive if a human goes near one.
Pest birds’ nests can cause serious damage to properties because of where they are placed. Their nests and nesting materials can clog pipes, cause electrical outages, and can even attract other insect pests to your property. These birds are also very protective of their nests and can become aggressive if a human goes near one.
Pest birds will feed on anything from human food to trash. Pigeons enjoy any type of human food, but prefer grains like sparrows. In addition to grains, sparrows will eat fruits, vegetables, and flowers, but they will also dig through trash. Starlings enjoy trash and spilled foods as sparrows do, but they will also feed on fruit, seeds, and grubs.
Birds like pigeons, sparrows, and starlings have highly adaptable diets, allowing them to thrive in urban environments. Pigeons, often found around public spaces, rely heavily on discarded human food, which can lead to large flock gatherings and greater contamination risks for areas like parks, sidewalks, and outdoor dining areas. Sparrows are known for their opportunistic feeding; while they favor grains and seeds, they’ll readily forage in garbage bins and on sidewalks, increasing the spread of disease and parasites.
Starlings, with their omnivorous diet, can be particularly problematic for gardens and agricultural areas where they consume fruits, seeds, and insects, impacting both property owners and crop yields. All three species contribute to sanitation issues, as their droppings, mixed with food remnants, attract insects like flies and cockroaches, posing additional health and maintenance challenges for property managers.
Birds are known to carry a range of diseases and are hosts to other insect pests. Humans can also develop symptoms similar to influenza from the spores from bird droppings. Some diseases associated with pest birds are:
Salmonella - This bacterium is deposited where pigeons or gulls defecate. It can lead to Salmonellosis and Paratyphoid fever.
Psittacosis - Also called Ornithosis or pigeon fancier's lung, this infection can be transmitted by inhaling the bacteria from dried droppings or handling feathers of infected pigeons or seagulls.
Fowl pest - Known also as fowl plague or Newcastle disease, this virus can be transmitted to people when they’re exposed to fecal matter and other excretions from infected pigeon birds.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) - This disease is mainly spread by seagulls and can lead to illnesses such as gastroenteritis and septicemia.
Fungal infections - Includes Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis. These infections are carried within bird droppings from seagulls.
For businesses, a bird infestation can lead to maintenance challenges and health concerns, especially when birds choose to nest on rooftops, in HVAC systems, or near food storage areas. Pest birds such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings are known to target commercial sites where they find food and shelter easily. Recognizing the common signs can help prevent costly issues.
Birds in commercial spaces often build nests in hard-to-reach areas, such as behind signage, on ledges, and within roof structures.
Pigeons and sparrows particularly favor protected spots that provide shelter from the elements. Large clusters of nesting materials, droppings, and feathers near these locations may indicate the presence of an infestation, signaling the need for immediate bird control solutions to prevent structural damage.
Regular inspections are essential in identifying bird activity early on.
Ehrlich Pest Control offers comprehensive property inspections tailored to commercial clients, focusing on identifying nesting signs, droppings, and potential entry points. Our specialists are trained to provide effective, humane bird control solutions, helping businesses maintain a clean, safe environment.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a thorough inspection of your business space!
Birds may also become problematic around residential properties, especially when they nest in gutters, eaves, or attics. Left unchecked, these infestations can lead to roof damage, clogged drains, and health issues associated with droppings and nesting materials.
Observing where birds tend to nest and taking preventative measures can help protect your home.
Common nesting spots in residential areas include chimneys, attic vents, gutters, and porch rafters. Birds like sparrows and starlings seek sheltered, secluded spots close to food sources.
Finding clusters of twigs, feathers, or droppings around these areas can be a clear indication of nesting activity. Prompt removal and preventive measures can help ensure that these nesting behaviors do not lead to damage or health risks.
Ehrlich Pest Control provides thorough residential inspections to help identify and address bird infestations early on. Our team checks for nests, signs of droppings, and access points where birds might be entering your home.
After assessing the property, our experts recommend safe, humane deterrents or exclusion methods that align with local regulations, and help protect your home and family from potential damage and health hazards.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a thorough inspection of your property!
If you notice persistent bird activity, substantial droppings, nests in hard-to-reach places, or damage to your property, it’s time to consult a professional.
Our bird control specialists at Ehrlich Pest Control bring expert knowledge and specialized tools to ensure safe, effective removal and prevention strategies. Hiring a professional also ensures compliance with wildlife protection regulations, especially for migratory species.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection – and begin reclaiming your space!
The most common pest birds in North America include pigeons, sparrows, and starlings. Pigeons are especially prevalent in urban areas, while sparrows and starlings often nest in commercial buildings and homes. These species are known for their adaptability to human environments, where they seek shelter, food, and nesting sites.
Try visual deterrents, reflective surfaces, or mild sound repellents that discourage them from perching. Removing food sources, like open garbage bins or bird feeders, can also help.
If the problem persists, professional bird control solutions such as netting or humane exclusion methods may be necessary for effective, long-term results.
With bird control measures like netting, spikes, and visual deterrents, businesses can deter birds. Regular maintenance to remove nesting materials and covering potential food sources is essential.
For severe infestations, professional bird control services provide safe and customized solutions, ensuring birds stay away without harm to your property or customers.
Bird netting is a physical barrier that prevents birds from accessing specific areas by blocking off spaces like ledges, rooftops, and building openings. Made from durable, UV-resistant materials, it’s commonly used in both commercial and agricultural settings to protect properties and crops from pest birds in a humane, long-lasting way.
Frequent bird sightings, nests on roofs or ledges, excessive droppings, feathers, and loud, persistent bird calls. Property damage, such as clogged gutters or corroded surfaces from droppings, is also a key indicator. Spotting these signs early on can help prevent further damage and health risks associated with birds.
A pest bird is any species that poses a threat to property, health, or safety. This generally includes species like pigeons, starlings, and sparrows, which often nest in human-made structures, damage surfaces with acidic droppings, and carry diseases. Pest birds are typically non-native or invasive species that thrive in human environments, causing significant nuisance.
Try bird deterrents like spikes, netting, and reflective or sound-based deterrents. Removing food sources and regularly cleaning areas where birds may gather can also help.
For effective, long-lasting control, consider professional services that assess your property and recommend customized solutions.
Yes, sparrows are considered pest birds in many regions. House sparrows, in particular, are known for nesting in buildings and tight spaces, where they can damage property and introduce parasites. Due to their adaptability and high reproduction rates, sparrows can quickly overpopulate, causing significant nuisance and potential health risks to humans.
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