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Why Bird Control Matters
Nuisance birds can quickly become problematic for New York area homes and businesses. They are noisy, dirty, and carry numerous parasites and diseases. Nesting birds can clog drain spouts or gutters and cause structural damage.
Approaching wild birds and removing nests is hazardous work that is often best left to the professionals. If the basic techniques outlined below fail to reduce your bird problem, call the experts at Assured Environments. We offer a variety of bird control services as well as bird removal for when things get out of hand. These feathered pests can quickly become a significant problem, causing property damage, health risks, and financial losses.
At Assured Environments, we understand the unique challenges that birds present in our region, and we’re here to help you tackle these issues head-on. Birds may seem harmless, but they can cause a variety of problems for property owners – including:
- Health Hazards: Birds are known carriers of diseases that can lead to respiratory issues, viral infections, and even food poisoning. Their droppings can create unsanitary conditions and pose serious health risks.
- Property Damage: The high uric acid content in bird droppings can corrode metal, paint, fabric, and other materials. Nests can clog gutters and drains, potentially leading to water damage or even roof collapse.
- Safety Concerns: Bird droppings create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents on your property.
- Business Impact: For commercial properties, bird infestations can damage your business image and lead to customer complaints. The ongoing costs of cleaning and repairs can significantly impact your bottom line.
- Environmental Issues: Large bird populations can affect local ecosystems and create noise pollution, disturbing both residents and wildlife.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Bird Management
At Assured Environments, we take a holistic approach to bird management tailored to the unique needs of New York properties:
- Expert Inspection: Our licensed technicians will thoroughly assess your property, identifying bird species, nesting sites, and factors attracting them to your location.
- Customized Solutions: We develop targeted strategies based on the specific bird species and your property’s characteristics.
- Long-term Management: We don’t just solve the immediate problem; we work with you to prevent future infestations through ongoing monitoring and proactive measures.
Read more about Assured’s bird management techniques here.
Bird Control Techniques and Deterrents
We don’t recommend attempting to remove bird nests on your own. Not only can it be dangerous, but it could also further compromise the structural integrity of your building. When you need bird removal from your house or building, contact the pros. Assured Environments offers a complete range of bird control New York customers can count on.
Our bird control methods are designed to be effective and humane, complying with all local, state, and federal regulations:
- Bird Exclusion: We use high-quality netting and screening to block access to nesting sites, protecting areas like eaves, HVAC units, and signage.
- Deterrent Systems: We employ a variety of deterrents, including bird spikes, electric track systems, and visual or auditory repellents to make your property less attractive to birds.
- Trapping and Removal: When necessary, we use humane trapping methods to remove problem birds from your property safely and efficiently.
- Sanitation and Repair: Our team will clean and disinfect areas affected by bird activity, repairing any damage caused by nests or droppings.
- Preventative Measures: We’ll work with you to implement strategies that discourage birds from returning, such as modifying landscaping or eliminating food sources.
Types of Birds in New York
Regardless of type or species, bird infestations are usually easy to spot. You’ll usually be able to see them, hear their calls and ruffling, and often notice their nests around your property. Not all birds are considered pests, however, so let us lay out which varieties are typically considered “pest birds” and how they got that descriptor.
Starlings
Starlings (Sturnidae), including the Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
An urban pest known for “flocking” trees and buildings (“flocking” involves thousands of starlings invading a structure or tree at one time and refusing to leave), starlings carry lice and leave droppings everywhere that can erode paint, wood, and other building materials.
Swallows
Swallows (Hirundinidae), including the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Because of their destructive nesting habits, swallows are also considered urban pests. In addition to building large mud nests that deface buildings, swallows are also known to carry lice, mites, and other blood-sucking parasites.
Vultures
Vultures (Cathartidae), including the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Intimidating-looking birds with a large, reddish head and dark-feathered bodies, turkey vultures will attack and strip tiles, caulking, and even gutters off buildings and roofs. Feeding primarily on dead carrion, they will pick open a dead animal, eat what they want, and then leave the carcass to attract flies, mosquitoes, and disease-carrying bacteria.
Pigeons
Pigeons (Columbidae), including the Feral Pigeon or City Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)
Since they drop highly acidic feces that eat through building materials wherever they go, pigeons are one of an urban area’s worst pests.
Sparrows
Sparrows (Passeridae), including the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Ubiquitous in urban areas and a year-round nuisance to food and manufacturing plants, sparrows are hardy little birds that can survive harsh winters and hot, dry summers. They often clog drainage pipes and gutters by building nests in them, which can produce flood damage and sewer backup.
Crows
Crows (Corvidae), including the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Not as destructive as others listed, crows are known as more of a noise nuisance and for raiding crops like corn, berries, and vegetables.
Bird Behavior and Diet
Most birds eat seeds, nectar, insects and their larvae, aquatic animals, and (in some cases) carrion. They have no teeth and use their sharp beaks to tear small chunks off larger foods in order to swallow bites. New York’s birds tend to be adaptable scavengers. They’ll eat whatever they can find.
Birds spend most of their time foraging for food they can either eat right away or carry back to their nests. Birds tend not to range far from their nests, preferring to scavenge whatever they can from nearby. Many of NY’s birds are (obviously) social and congregate in flocks to mate and seek food.
Bird Reproduction and Life Cycle
Birds mate sexually, often after prolonged courtship rituals. The female bird may lay her fertilized eggs a few days after mating, or she may wait several months. After laying the eggs in a nest, the mother will protect and incubate them with her body. Bird eggs take between ten days to three weeks to hatch.
Birds undergo several stages of development before adulthood:
- Hatchlings are newly hatched baby birds.
- Nestlings are baby birds that can’t leave the nest and rely on their parents for food.
- Fledglings are young birds that have started growing feathers and learning to fly.
- Once birds can fly, they leave the nest and seek mates.
How to Prevent Them from Nesting on Your Property
Birds tend to build their nests in natural crevices and sheltered areas around roofs, awnings, and vent systems. Exclusion is the best method for making these areas uncomfortable for birds; if you can deprive them of sheltered areas to build in, they won’t want to make their nests near you. Patch all cracks and holes and cover vents with mesh.
There are numerous spikes, gels, and repellents commercially available that you can try. You’ll also want to make sure you’re not feeding birds near you. Look for and clean up any bird food and water sources, such as fallen seeds or puddles. Keep trash bins and dumpsters secure so they don’t attract birds or other pests.
Why Choose Assured Environments?
With years of experience in New York, Assured Environments understands the unique challenges of bird control in our region. Our team of experts is equipped to handle everything from small residential issues to large-scale commercial infestations.
We pride ourselves on our:
- Local expertise and knowledge of New York bird species.
- Commitment to humane and environmentally responsible practices.
- Customized solutions for each unique situation.
- A comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and long-term concerns.
- Exceptional customer service and follow-up care.
Don’t let nuisance birds take over your property. Contact Assured Environments today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a bird-free environment.
Give us a call to get started with a free pest inspection!
More Information
Bird FAQ
Why do birds sing?
Bird's songs can serve many different purposes. They can attract mates, bond with other birds, claim territories, search for lost chicks, and warn other birds that predators are nearby.
How do birds mate?
Birds often follow relatively elaborate courtship rituals to mate with one another. These courtship rituals can often involve territorial disputes and fighting, or "squabbling" in midair. Birds may be more aggressive or territorial during spring mating season. Both male and female birds have cloaca – a cavity that contains both reproductive and digestive organs. The male bird presses his cloaca against the females for a moment to pass his sperm to her.
What diseases can birds carry?
Birds are a vector for disease. Their feathers, droppings, and nests can all contain potentially dangerous pathogens. Birds are confirmed to carry and transmit human-communicable diseases, including Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis, and Psittacosis.
Are birds mammals?
No. Birds are classified as avian and are closer to reptiles than mammals.
Can birds smell?
Some seabirds and scavengers have developed olfactory senses, but most birds don’t have a strong sense of smell. They locate food primarily through sight.
Do birds pee?
No. Birds don’t produce urine and instead excrete uric acid as a white paste through their cloaca. You’ve probably seen this or your windshield.
How long do birds live?
Bird life span can vary greatly. Generally small songbirds only live for 3-6 years but larger birds can live up to 80+ years. Once birds reach adulthood, they don’t show further signs of age like other animals.