Birds can be beautiful to watch, but they quickly become a nuisance when they invade your home or business. Effective bird removal is essential, whether it’s pigeons roosting on your roof, sparrows nesting in vents, or other birds causing damage and mess. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about managing unwanted birds, from humane control methods to safely removing nests. Plus, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about keeping your space bird-free. Let’s dive in!
Bird Removal: 6 Non-Lethal Control Methods
1. Audio Deterrents
Auto deterrent devices mimic predatory calls and distress signals to scare away these pests. They’re eco-friendly, easy to buy online, require little maintenance, and can effectively keep pigeons, sparrows, and other birds off your property. Auto deterrents’ frequency is above the human range and disorients birds near the devices. While these tools are pretty effective in keeping birds at bay, it’s best to combine them with other control methods for optimal results.
2. Bird Spikes
Although not the prettiest site, bird spikes are incredibly productive in keeping birds from perching on your porch or around your property. Bird spikes are long metal rods that can prevent birds from resting on surfaces since they’re uncomfortable to sit on. While bird spikes are effective at deterring larger birds like pigeons, they are less effective for smaller birds, which may even use them as perches. Bird spikes can be bought on sites like Amazon or from big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
3. Reflective Materials
Reflective materials are a clever control tactic for birds. They discourage them from nesting in your space and successfully scare them off. Because birds often fear their own reflection, mirrors and shiny objects on your property can effectively scare them off and deter them from landing on your home or business.
Here are a few reflective materials you can use for bird removal:
- Reflective Tape: This lightweight, shiny material moves with the wind and reflects sunlight, creating flashes that startle and deter birds. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to keep birds away from specific areas.
- Spinning Propellers: These reflective, wind-powered devices spin and shimmer in the sunlight, creating unpredictable movement that discourages birds from landing or nesting nearby.
- Bird Scare Discs: Hanging bird scare discs are double-sided, mirror-like objects that reflect light in multiple directions. The light flashes make birds feel unsafe, encouraging them to stay away from treated areas.
4. Fake Eyes
Fake Eyes, or Terror Eyes, are brightly colored inflatable globes with fierce eye graphics that mimic natural predators. These holographic eyes are meant to create the illusion of an owl or other predator following birds to attack, effectively startling them and causing them to fly away. Fake Eyes are easy to install and don’t require much maintenance. Unfortunately, birds are persistent and may eventually adapt to the sphere. However, it can still be an effective short-term solution before implementing additional control measures.
5. Liquid Repellents
Liquid repellents are sticky, non-toxic products that can be applied to any area that attracts birds. They repel them by irritating their feet and forcing them to leave the premises. Liquid repellents prevent birds from landing, building nests, climbing, and roosting on properties. To ensure they work, apply these products generously to infested areas, and birds will find other properties for nesting.
6. Clean Up Trash
If birds find a food source, they won’t leave your property anytime soon. Dumpsters and uncovered trash cans with food waste can attract birds unless adequately dealt with. By eliminating outdoor food sources, sealing trash cans with tight lids, placing dumpsters far away from your property, and removing any other potential attractants, you can discourage birds from gathering on your property, prompting them to seek food elsewhere.
How to Safely Remove a Bird’s Nest
If you already have an infestation and have located a bird’s nest (or a few), you may want to remove it to prevent the birds from returning. Before removing a bird nest, whether it belongs to rock pigeons or sparrows, it’s essential to know the local laws and how to do it safely and humanely.
Is it Illegal to Remove a Bird’s Nest From Your Property?
According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, you can get fined for disturbing or trying to remove an active nest (with eggs or brooding adults) that belongs to a native species. This doesn’t apply to invasive species like the house sparrow or European starling. Most birds, including migratory birds, are protected by this Act, and tampering with their nests can lead to strict penalties. Before trying to remove a nest, it’s crucial to identify the type of bird it belongs to. Any interference with active nests of native species, including peaking at the babies, is considered a disturbance and can result in a hefty fine. If the nest has been abandoned and you can’t see any eggs, removing or destroying it is okay.
There are select circumstances when it may be necessary to move an active nest for the bird’s best interest. Anytime the nest is in danger, it’s time to relocate it. For example, a nest built in a rain gutter, an active dryer vent, a piece of equipment (e.g., grill or lawn mower), or a car’s tailpipe or bumper is in danger. Additionally, any space where the brooding parent can become stressed, like an active doorway, is also a potentially dangerous spot. If you locate nests in these areas, don’t try to remove them yourself—it can still lead to fines. The best thing you can do is call a wild bird rescue to have them assess the issue and take care of it legally.
If a nest is clearly abandoned or without eggs, it’s okay to remove it yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely removing bird nests from any area, including roofs, balconies, vents, and more:
1. Ensure the nest is inactive.
Before anything, double-check for any eggs and signs of birds in the nest. If it’s been several days with a sighting of birds or eggs, it’s probably safe to remove their nest. If you see eggs without a parent, that doesn’t mean the nest has been abandoned. Many birds delay incubation, and their eggs can remain viable for up to two weeks after being laid. The adults may have temporarily left the nest to feed or regulate the eggs’ temperature.
2. Wear gloves for protection.
Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt for extra protection when removing a bird’s nest. Nests can carry mites, bacteria, and other dangerous parasites for your health, so be extra careful when handling them. There could also be bugs in the nesting debris, germs, or mold that aren’t easily seen, so be cautious when removing the nest.
3. Remove the nest and properly dispose of it.
Wearing gloves, carefully pick up the nest and gather all its pieces to ensure the area is fully cleared. Add the nest to a compost pile or put it in a plastic bag to prevent predators from entering the nesting area. Other birds can reuse nesting material or will naturally decompose if it goes unused.
4. Clean the area.
Once you’ve effectively removed the nest, spray the area with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. This is unnecessary if the nest was in a tree or bush. However, cleaning artificial surfaces (roof, gutter, hanging bracket) with a strong disinfectant spray is essential. Allow the cleaning solution to dry, and wash your hands thoroughly when done.
3 Bird Removal FAQs?
1. Who Do I Call to Remove Birds From My Attic?
If you have birds in your attic, call a local wildlife control or pest control company specializing in bird removal. Dealing with birds in your attic can be tricky, so it’s best to hire professionals with expertise in handling these pests. They often employ safe, humane bird control methods to ensure birds leave your attic for good.
2. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Bird Removal?
Homeowners insurance does not cover nuisance bird removal or damage caused by these pests, including infestation, nesting, and damage from their waste. That’s why it’s best to take preventative measures to keep birds off your property, which will save you time and money in the long run.
3. How Much Does Bird Removal Cost?
It depends on who you hire and the extent of your bird problem. Often, bird nest removal costs range from $150–300 for an easy-to-reach nest. Removal, cleanup, and preventive measures can cost up to $750 or more, depending on the circumstances. When searching for professional bird removal, call around to receive different quotes and decide on the best company that suits your needs and budget.
Bird Removal in Southern Nevada Done By The Professionals
Have you employed the strategies outlined in this blog but still have issues with birds? Maybe you just want to be safe and leave it to the professionals. Preventive Pest Control in Southern Nevada can help you. We provide expert-level pigeon control and bird control in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. Our approach is customizable, depending on the intensity of your infestation and budget. Whether you need us to install solar panel mesh to protect your panels from pigeons or net your A/C unit that’s attracting these pests, our team has the experience to eliminate birds from your property effectively. Our humane, safe strategies are proven to be effective, and we’ve become known as the top-trusted pigeon control team in Southern Nevada.
If you’re dissatisfied with the DIY approach to bird removal, sign up for our services in Southern Nevada for lasting results.