Birds can cause damage to property and spread diseases, but bird removal must be done humanely and legally. The most effective bird control strategies use deterrents to encourage birds to leave on their own rather than harming them.
Some key methods for bird removal include:
•Visual deterrents. Things that make an area less attractive or frightening to birds such as spikes, netting, wires, balloons or reflective tape can be used. Birds will avoid areas with limited perching spots or obstructed access.
- Habitat modification. Sealing up any holes or cracks leading into structures eliminates access points for nesting birds. Wire mesh, netting, and repeated removal of nesting materials can also discourage birds from nest building.
- Noise deterrents. Radios, ultrasonic repellents, noisemakers, predator decoys with audio, and visual predator replicas (fake owls) will make an area seem unsafe for birds. The sounds and movements scare away birds while they’re present and deter them from returning.
- Netting barriers. Placing netting over pathways, entry points or areas where birds frequent can physically keep them out while allowing some visibility and airflow. Netting is most effective when deteriorating food sources and habitat are also addressed.
- Reproductive inhibition. For nuisance birds or those causing damage, humane traps may be set to capture and remove individual birds. Bird contraceptives or sterilization can also control population growth over time when combined with habitat modification and deterrents.
- Professional bird control services. For severe infestations, experts in bird removal, pest control, wildlife management or professional trapping/removal may need to be hired. These professionals have the proper training, permits, equipment and experience to remove birds humanely and legally while preventing reoccurrence.
No single method is completely effective on its own. An integrated approach using visual, audio and physical deterrents, habitat modification, trapping or other control collectively will convince birds to relocate permanently for the most persistent problems. With consistent and ongoing management, most bird control strategies can yield long-term success in removing birds from an area.