Common Pest Bird Species

Birds are not typically thought of as “pests”, like mice and rats. But when birds choose to build their nesting sites on residences and commercial buildings, their behavior becomes pest-like and droppings and nesting materials can damage structures and pose health risks. Some of the most common pest bird species are described below, along with our most successful ways to treat for them. At Birds Away, we understand how frustrating pest birds can be and are committed to helping our clients solve their pest bird problems using humane, non-harmful and non-toxic methods.

Wild Pigeon

The wild pigeon is the number one urban pest bird. Pigeons are not afraid of people and choose to nest and roost on almost any structure. Because of their short legs and the shape of their feet, they can perch on any ledge and walk on flat surfaces. Debris from roosting flocks can quickly build-up, backing up gutters and drains, that can cause damage to roofs and other structures. The most effective way to treat for pigeons is to exclude them from their chosen site; using galvanized wire mesh, pigeon exclusion netting, stainless steel wire prongs, stainless steel coil wire, stainless steel bird wire or non-harmful electric track

pigeon

Swallows

Swallows are a migratory bird, are very territorial returning every year to the same nesting site. They make their nests from mud pellets attached to the exterior wall of residences and commercial buildings, using eaves and gutterlines as protection. Swallows are a protected bird species and once their nests are fully formed with eggs present, they must be left alone until the birds leave. The most effective way to treat for swallows is to exclude them from the protected areas under the eaves and gutterlines; using swallow exclusion netting or non-harmful electric track.

Barn swallow

House Sparrow

The house sparrow is the number two urban pest bird. Sparrows are intelligent birds who roost on beams, in attic spaces through vent-holes and in gutters. Gutters and drainage pipes can get clogged with sparrow nests and cause water damage. Droppings build-up can pose a health risk with the presence of parasites. The most effective way to treat for sparrows is to exclude them from their chosen site; using galvanized wire mesh.

Closeup of a male House Sparrow bird

Starlings 

Starlings are well adapted to urban life, very aggressive flocking birds, who will displace native birds from their territory. Starlings often roost in populated areas, on beams, in attics through attic vent-holes and in gutters. Gutters and drainage pipes clogged with starling nests often back-up, causing extensive water damage. The most effective way to treat for starlings is to exclude them from their chosen nesting/roosting sites; using galvanized wire mesh

bird