Birds nesting in undesirable areas of your property can become a nuisance over time. While birds are beneficial to the environment, their droppings, nesting materials, loud calls, and potentially damaged structures or blocked equipment/intakes require removal in some situations. The most responsible and humane way to remove birds uses non-lethal deterrents and prevention of future nesting rather than harming the birds.
Before removal, determine how the birds are accessing the area and nesting to effectively seal up any holes or cracks needed.
Then, identify which non-lethal control methods will work best for your situation including:
•Visual deterrents like reflective tape, balloons, predators decoys (fake owls), netting or wire. These make the area seem unacceptable for nesting and the birds will move on.
•Noise deterrents such as radios, noisemakers, ultrasonic repellents or predator calls to make the location undesirable.
•Spikes, netting or wires installed on posts, ledges, beams or other areas where the birds like to perch or land.
•Bird spikes, wires or netting over areas where they like to nest. These make the surface impossible for birds to land on or access.
- Bird repellents containing methyl anthranilate, predator urine, chili pepper or similar to deter the birds in a humane way. reapply as directed to maintain effectiveness.
•Re-routing or providing alternative nesting locations away from problem areas using bird nesting boxes or platforms. This gives the birds suitable sites away from your property while still allowing them to nest.
For extremely persistent or large infestations, you may need to hire a professional to assist in removal and sealing access points to prevent re-occurrence. A professional can often remove birds and nests in a quicker, more comprehensive and humane way using extensive deterrents and encouragement to nest elsewhere.
No method is 100% foolproof, so conduct multiple treatments or install barriers/deterrents in combination for best results. Be very careful when removing any nests to avoid disturbing or harming any baby birds or eggs. With consistent preventative care and humane non-lethal control, you can resolve issues with unwanted birds in a safe and responsible manner.