Common Pest Birds In Monmouth County

Most folks don’t pay much attention to birds. These feathered animals generally keep to themselves and are more likely to fly away in fear than to pester you. In fact, most birds are so docile that people will happily feed them. But, there are certain species of birds that have learned to depend on human beings for food and shelter and have become a nuisance.

• Pigeons – Famously filthy, pigeons mostly are gray with bands of black on their wings and measure almost a full foot in length. Pigeons not only carry disease but are known to destroy property with their excessive excrement.

• Starlings – Starlings are dark-colored birds with speckled patterning that can measure up to six inches in length. These birds can contaminate soil and structures with their droppings and have been known to enter buildings in an attempt to nest.

• Sparrows – House sparrows measure five to six inches in length and have a light brown coloration with a gray underbelly. These pesky birds will build nests in garages, sheds, or other domestic areas and will aggressively defend their nests. House sparrows can also destroy property with their droppings, spread disease, and potentially cause fires with their poorly placed and highly flammable nests. 

Why Pest Birds Can Be Dangerous

Birds present two problems at the same time: destruction and disease. First, birds can ruin property with their droppings. Everyone suffers from occasional bird droppings on their car, but the acidic compounds in bird droppings can be incredibly destructive for properties. Bird droppings can strip paint and protective wax and even eat through metal over time. Bird droppings can contaminate soil, water, and surfaces and can even cause slips and falls. 

In terms of disease, birds present a number of problems. House sparrows have been known to transmit West Nile virus and pigeons have been linked to everything from salmonellosis to cryptococcosis. Birds can carry parasites, as well; fleas and mites are known to be transmitted by pigeons.

Birds are particularly troublesome for businesses. Roosting pigeons and other pest birds can annoy customers, ruin expensive signage and property features, and damage vehicles of employees and customers alike with their droppings.

How To Prevent Birds On Your Property

The good news is, there are several ways you can discourage birds from nesting on your property:

• Reduce food – Make sure all garbage receptacles are kept tightly closed to prevent raids from pest birds. Try reducing the amount of birdseed you put out and don’t leave pet food outdoors. Be sure to clean up thoroughly after outdoor dining.

• Close entrances – Use screens to block access to windows, vents, and other openings on your property. Install a chimney cap to keep birds from flying indoors. Check for damaged siding or other access points and repair as needed.

• Install spikes – It’s not the friendliest-looking method of pest defense, but installing rows of anti-bird spikes where pigeons and other flying pests like to roost is a proven way to protect your property from damage and disease. 

If you’ve got problems with birds on your Monmouth County property, contact the experts at Alliance Pest Services to learn more about our bird control program. We offer protection against all common pest birds for both residential and commercial properties. We’ve been solving bird problems in Monmouth County for over 30 years. Get in touch with us today.