Many of the bird species in the United States are good to have around. However, some birds, like pigeons and starlings, can become a serious nuisance in the wrong locations. All birds are federally protected in the United States except for pigeons, starlings, and sparrows.
Learn more below about common types of pest birds found across the country and our control methods for each type:
Bird control specialists at Ehrlich provide expert pigeon control solutions to protect your business and customers from these pest birds. Look out for the following pigeon infestation signs on your property, which may indicate a problem that requires professional help.
Flocks of pigeons – if you regularly notice flocks of pigeons around your property
Nesting materials – twigs, grass, and sticks are usually used to make a nest
Pigeon droppings – large amounts of droppings found near your building could mean pigeons are roosting on your property
Risks to your business
Health & safety hazard - droppings can sometimes make sidewalks very slippery
Loss of customers - large quantities of droppings and the presence of pigeons on your property could put customers off from entering your facility
Loss of productivity - the diseases pigeons are known to carry could impact on your co-workers leading to illness and time off work
Drainage problems - nest debris and feathers can also block gutters and rainwater drainage systems, potentially leading to damage to your business from water penetration
(Passer domesticus) Protection status: Not federally protected (Pest bird)
Appearance
Length: Less than 6"
Color: Females and young birds are pale brown and grey; males have grey, black, white, and brown markings
Habits
Build nests year-round in tight spaces on structures
Can be aggressive when defending their nest
Typically have two to three broods per year; usually three to six eggs, but can be as many as eight
Pest to the food industry in particular because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods
Problem hot spots: interiors (they’re difficult to move once they have moved inside) and any small, tight protected openings such as those in corrugated steel, dryer vents, building signs and lighting
Sparrow control methods
Exclusion / netting
Interior removal / single bird traps / mist netting
Color: White head, tail, and underparts, with a light grey back and black-tipped wings
Habits
Nests on cliffs and buildings
Produce one clutch per year, typically with three eggs each, although some species can only produce one egg
Feed away from their roosting sites; omnivorous
Can be aggressive scavengers
Often found in coastal towns and cities (only a small number are recognized as being pest birds: the silver gull [Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae], the lesser-known black-backed gull [Larus fuscus] and the herring gull [Larus argentatus])
Problem hot spots: near dumpsters, outdoor dining areas, parking lots, rooftops, beaches, agriculture areas, athletic fields, airports