In the Triad of North Carolina, there are many great species for bird watchers to enjoy. But not everyone is happy to have birds around — especially if they are too close for comfort. Homeowners frequently report pest issues with birds, and it’s not always easy to know what to do to solve these problems. 

What to watch for

There are thousands of species of birds, and not all of them are likely to harm your property. Many of them keep a distance from human activity, and others, like ducks and swans, have habitat they are not likely to leave for a neighborhood. 

Pigeons, starlings and sparrows, however, are three that are commonly called “pest” birds. They do not mind getting up close to people — and causing a little destruction when they do. These species will attempt to roost in your attic and breed in large numbers, multiplying quickly. 

Woodpeckers can be another source of damage. They tap holes into wood to find insects and also to create storage locations for the food they’ve found. And Woodpeckers don’t care if that wood is a tree or the boards in your deck. 

Crows, blackbirds and some other species can cause worry for homeowners if they begin to congregate in large numbers. While not likely to occur on your property, blackbirds sometimes roost in flocks of millions of birds. Groups of tens of thousands are more common and can cause fear, damage and lots of bird waste. 

More desired birds, like blue jays and cardinals, may even cause some problems. They can get aggressive with each other and with pets when fighting over food or territory. On occasion, they may also crack a window by pecking at it or flying into it repeatedly.

Nesting is the main concern, though, in terms of house damage. Birds frequently choose the attic as their nesting place, because it is protected from the weather and has lots of good material, like insulation, to build their nests with. The gutters are also a great place for birds to nest, because they are up high and have a great source of water. Other spots include the rafters of a covered porch or garage, sheds and the exterior walls of a home. 

Call for help with birds if they become a nuisance

Birds are one pest you don’t want to mess with. Raptors, like owls, eagles and falcons, can be very dangerous if their nests are disturbed, for example. There are also countless diseases associated with birds and their waste. 

But a bigger risk may be the legal problems of violating the 1918 Migratory Bird Act. This was an agreement between Canada and the United States to protect almost all bird species in North America. Non-native species are often not protected, like the pigeon, starling and sparrow, but attempting to trap these species does have rules involved. 

Better to leave it to the experts. Call Critter Control of the Triad to get some expert help dealing with bird problems by calling (336) 370-0445 today. We serve Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington, High Point and the surrounding areas of Guilford, Alamance and Forsyth counties.