Bird control: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What bird control is

Bird control keeps birds off buildings and ledges with spikes, netting, wires or deterrents, and cleans up droppings, using humane methods that follow local wildlife rules. People call when pigeons or starlings roost on a roof, porch, balcony or sign, or when droppings create a mess and a hazard on a walkway or patio.

Signs you need it

  • Droppings build up on ledges, railings, the roof edge, a porch beam or an air conditioner
  • Pigeons or starlings roost on the same ledge or gutter every day and return after cleaning
  • Nests are built in vents, soffits, light fixtures or behind siding, and noise and mess follow
  • A balcony, patio or entryway is slippery and stained, and the cleaning does not keep up
  • Birds are getting into a vent, an attic or a garage through a gap they can squeeze through

What the pro does

  • The technician identifies the birds and the roosting and nesting areas, since different birds need different methods
  • Surfaces are measured and marked for spikes, netting, wires or other deterrents, with clearances for access and drainage
  • Netting or spikes are installed with stainless or durable fasteners, and any nests are removed in the way the wildlife rules allow
  • Droppings and debris are cleaned with protective gear and a disinfectant, with the area rinsed and dried
  • The technician explains what to check after installation, and sets a follow-up visit to confirm the birds have moved on

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number and size of the areas that need protection, such as ledges, roof edges and vents
  • Type of deterrent chosen, from spikes and wires to netting or sound and visual devices
  • Height and access to the roof line, balcony or sign that needs work
  • Amount of droppings and debris to clean up, and any contamination
  • Whether nests must be removed, and how many nests are involved
  • Materials and fasteners needed for the surfaces being treated
  • Number of follow-up visits needed to confirm the birds have moved on

What a written quote should spell out

  • The areas protected and the deterrent type used for each one
  • The materials and fasteners used, and the surfaces they are attached to
  • The removal of nests and the method used, if nests are included
  • The cleanup of droppings and the disinfectant used
  • The access equipment needed, such as a lift or ladder, and who provides it
  • The follow-up visit and what happens if birds return to the protected areas

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which birds are they, and what deterrent suits them?
  • How do you attach the spikes or netting, and will it damage the surface?
  • Will the deterrent keep the birds off without harming them?
  • What wildlife rules apply to nests in this area, and how do you handle them?
  • How do you clean the droppings safely, and what do you use?
  • Do you come back to check the deterrents after installation?
  • What access do you need, and do you bring the equipment?

Red flags

  • They use glue traps or poisons, which cause suffering and are not humane
  • They remove or destroy nests without checking the rules that apply to the birds
  • They install netting that is loose, gapped or not secured, so birds can get under it
  • They do not clean the droppings, or they clean them dry with a blower
  • They climb a roof or work from a ladder without the right equipment and setup

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can clean droppings from a small area, wearing gloves and a mask, after wetting them down with a disinfectant. Small deterrents such as a few spikes or a flexible wire can be installed on a low, flat surface you can reach safely. Call a professional for roof edges, high ledges, large areas, netting that needs to be stretched and secured, and nest removal, since ladder and roof work are a serious fall risk.

Licenses and permits

Bird control is commonly not licensed for deterrent installation, but nest removal and any work involving protected birds may fall under wildlife rules; roof or structural work may need contractor licensing in some areas. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your permit office before you start.

Bird control questions

Are pigeons and starlings protected?

Rules differ by species and area. Some birds are protected under wildlife rules, so do not remove nests or harm birds until you have checked. Ask the operator how they handle nests, and check with your local wildlife contact.

Will spikes hurt the birds?

Spikes are designed to keep birds from landing, not to injure them. Ask the installer to use blunt or flexible designs where the surface allows, and to place them so birds cannot be trapped between them.

How do I clean bird droppings safely?

Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection, wet the droppings with a disinfectant, and wait a few minutes before scraping and bagging. Do not blow or sweep them dry, since the dust can carry germs.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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