How to Remove Birds from Your Property

If you’re dealing with nuisance birds, it can feel strange knowing some people actually pay to attract them with birdbaths, feeders, and other products. While certain bird species can be a joy to have around, others can cause significant inconvenience, damage your property, or ruin the hard work you’ve put into your home and garden.

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, most wild bird species (except for pigeons, starlings, and English sparrows) are protected by law, making it illegal to trap or kill them. However, there are many legal and non-harmful ways to get rid of birds. Additionally, most pest control companies offer bird control services, so hiring a professional is always an option. If you’d prefer to handle the situation on your own, we’ll walk you through the steps and suggest effective bird deterrents.

Common Types of Nuisance Birds

Here are some of the most common bird species considered pests in the United States:

Geese While geese can appear beautiful gliding across a lake, they can be troublesome when they invade your yard. They are noisy, leave slimy droppings, and can become aggressive. The Canada goose is the primary culprit, recognizable by its black head and neck, white cheeks, and large, brown body. Their seasonal migrations or permanent flocks may cause recurring issues.

Geese are attracted to water or food sources, including your grass, which they may tear up and eat. Their breeding season typically spans from February to April, during which they nest near water. If you encounter a goose nest, avoid disturbing the area as the parents can be territorial and aggressive.

Pigeons Pigeons are common urban pests, but they can also be found in rural areas. They scavenge from garbage and human food, and their lack of fear of humans makes them difficult to deter. Unfortunately, pigeons can spread various diseases, including salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and psittacosis. Their droppings can damage property, especially when they nest near your home.

Sparrows The English or house sparrow is the most troublesome sparrow species. This small bird can be found throughout North America and is known to adapt easily to human environments, eating everything from seeds to garden plants and garbage scraps. Sparrows can carry parasites like lice and mites, and their nests in vents, eaves, and gutters can attract other pests.

Starlings The European starling, a black bird around 8 inches tall, often causes trouble in large flocks called murmurations. These flocks can contain thousands, if not millions, of birds. While they may help control insects, they also cause damage to crops, gardens, and food waste. Starlings are carriers of diseases like histoplasmosis and can be very invasive, pushing out native bird species.

Woodpeckers Woodpeckers are often a nuisance due to their distinctive tapping sound. They create holes in trees, fences, and homes, seeking insects or making nests. Their persistent drumming can also lead to structural damage and be very disruptive. Though they’re not known to carry diseases, their presence can lead to long-lasting damage to your property. Many homeowners struggle with how to remove woodpeckers.

How to Remove Birds from Your Property Since trapping and killing birds is generally illegal and inhumane, the best approach is to make your home less inviting for them.

Bird Spikes Bird spikes are commonly used in public spaces to deter large birds like pigeons and seagulls from landing on roofs, ledges, and gutters. These spikes create an uncomfortable landing spot for the birds but are relatively easy to install and affordable. However, they may not work for smaller birds like sparrows and can collect debris like leaves and feathers.

Bird Netting Bird netting is an effective and humane solution that prevents birds from accessing specific areas. It’s made from durable plastic mesh and can be used to protect fruit trees, gardens, and even parts of your home like ledges or window sills. Although it’s an effective barrier, it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, and large areas of your property may be difficult to cover.

Decoys Placing decoys of predators like owls or coyotes in your yard can make birds think that danger is nearby. These decoys can be effective for a short period but lose their impact as the birds realize there is no actual threat. To extend their usefulness, you can move the decoys around periodically.

Other Repellents There are several DIY repellents that may help deter birds, though their effectiveness varies:

• Hang reflective tape or shiny objects like CDs or mirrors
• Install wind chimes
• Set up a lawn sprinkler system However, birds can become accustomed to these deterrents over time, making them less effective in the long run.

For a more permanent solution, you might consider low-current electric barriers. Though expensive and difficult to install, these systems are highly effective at keeping birds away without causing harm.

What Methods Should You Not Use?

Some bird control methods are both ineffective and harmful. Avoid using sharpened bird spikes, sticky gels, or poisons. These methods can be dangerous to both birds and pets, and they often fail to provide long-term results.

Avicide Poisons Avicide poisons, like Avitrol, are considered inhumane and are illegal in many areas. These poisons can harm other animals that ingest poisoned birds, making them a dangerous option. Furthermore, killing one flock of birds doesn’t prevent another from taking their place, making poison an ineffective long-term solution.

Ultrasonic Bird Repellents Although ultrasonic repellents claim to emit sounds that are intolerable to birds, there is little evidence that these devices work. Birds can hear in the same range as humans, meaning they’re unlikely to be affected by the noise.

How to Remove Birds from Your Property When dealing with bird nests, keep in mind that most bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Removing an active nest without a permit is illegal, so it’s often best to hire a professional to handle the situation.

By following these tips and using the right deterrents, you can successfully keep birds off your property without causing harm.