In Maryland, we love our orioles. However, that doesn’t mean we love all birds. European starlings, pigeons, and woodpeckers can all cause property damage and create dangerous conditions. In this guide, you’ll learn why nuisance birds love urban settings, all the different ways they can cause you problems, why DIY bird control is not typically effective, and how Waldorf pest control company Mike’s Pest and Termite Control can help you get rid of them for good.
Why Pest Birds Love Urban Settings
Pest birds in Waldorf love urban settings because people make it easy to be a bird these days. Every other property has a bird feeder, and nesting opportunities abound with eaves and rafters vulnerable. Water collection sites to prevent parking lot flooding offer plenty of space for Canadian geese — which were on the verge of extinction in the 1960s, but are now considered a nuisance bird almost everywhere they’re found.
You may wonder, “Can pest control get rid of birds?” The short answer is, yes. If the birds are nesting in your attic or chimney, or if they’re pecking holes in your trees, Mike’s Pest and Termite Control can help.
Our bird control methods involve Integrated Pest Management methods. For example, you need to put a hardware cloth cage around your garden to keep the birds from being able to access the fruits and vegetables you’ve worked so hard to grow.
All The Ways Pest Birds Can Be Problematic For Property Owners
You may need a professional bird control service if you have European starlings, pigeons, or woodpeckers making your property their home. Here are a few reasons why.
European starlings are known carriers of 25 diseases that can affect humans and their pets, including:
- Encephalitis
- Histoplasmosis
- Newcastle disease
- Chlamydiosis
- Salmonellosis
- Mites
European starlings are also problematic because their droppings can degrade the steel used in erecting buildings, causing major structural damage. In addition, they’re known hazards to aircraft, having brought down at least one plane, resulting in casualties.
Pigeons are a problem for many reasons. First, their droppings are slippery and can cause slip-and-fall accidents. These droppings also erode statues and structures. Second, pigeons are known disease carriers, including:
- Cryptococcosis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Salmonellosis
- Food poisoning
- Histoplasmosis
Pigeons also carry ticks, mites, fleas, and lice, and their nests can harbor pantry pests like moths and beetles.
Woodpeckers can cause serious structural damage to your home if they’re not kept in check. They have two types of behaviors that are problematic. The first is drumming, which is how they communicate with other woodpeckers and attract mates. For drumming, they prefer metal structures like gutters, aluminum siding, or roof vents. When they’re looking for food or a nesting site, they’ll attack whatever wood is available, including your cedar or redwood siding.
If you have any of these three birds on your property, you need to know how to control the bird population appropriately. It’s best to call in a professional company, like Mike’s Pest and Termite Control.
Do-It-Yourself Bird Control Can Be Less Than Effective
Trying to DIY your bird control isn’t always the best idea. For example, if you tried the wrong method of removing woodpeckers from your property, you’d be in violation of federal law. If you capped your chimney without realizing a nest of European starlings was already living there, you’d wind up with a flock of birds in your family room.
It’s better to let the experts do what they’ve been trained to do. Call Mike’s Pest and Termite Control for professional home pest control near you.
Total Bird Control For Waldorf Properties
Mike’s Pest and Termite Control is the bird pest control expert near you. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection, so we can take care of your bird problem for you.