Birds are a common sight in most backyards and cities, often adding charm and beauty to their surroundings. However, while they are generally harmless creatures, birds in home environments can quickly become a serious problem. From nesting in attics to causing extensive damage to property, birds in home spaces pose a variety of issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five bird species that can invade your home, the risks associated with their presence, and how Varmint Gone can help safely and effectively handle bird removal.
1. Pigeons: The Urban Invaders
Pigeons are one of the most common bird species that invade urban environments, and unfortunately, they’re also one of the most problematic. These birds tend to roost on rooftops, ledges, and even in the vents of homes, creating numerous issues for homeowners. If pigeons find an entry point, they may even take up residence in attics or chimneys, leaving behind nests that can obstruct airflow and cause significant damage.
The most significant issues with pigeons in home spaces are their droppings and nesting habits. Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but also carry diseases that can be harmful to both humans and pets. These include respiratory infections, such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, which can be contracted by inhaling airborne particles from dried bird droppings.
Pigeons also tend to build their nests using twigs, feathers, and debris, which can clog vents, block chimneys, or even create fire hazards if the nesting material gets too close to electrical wiring or heat sources.
2. Starlings: The Noisy Nuisances
Starlings are another bird species that homeowners often encounter, particularly in areas where large flocks migrate. Starlings are known for their loud, aggressive nature, especially during the breeding season. Their chattering, combined with the fact that they often nest in large groups, can create an unbearable level of noise around your home.
Starlings are especially problematic when they build their nests inside attics, vents, or wall cavities. As they nest in your home, they often leave behind a trail of droppings and debris that can clog drains or insulation, reducing the energy efficiency of your home. The real danger with starlings, however, lies in their ability to spread diseases like salmonella and E. coli, both of which can be transmitted through their droppings.
While they may appear harmless, starlings in home spaces require quick action to prevent further damage. They are also known to compete with other species for nesting sites, which can further disrupt the local ecosystem around your home.
3. Sparrows: The Small but Destructive Problem
House sparrows are another common offender when it comes to birds in home environments. These small birds tend to build their nests in hard-to-reach places such as eaves, chimneys, and behind vents. Though they may seem harmless due to their size, sparrows can create major problems when they invade your home.
Sparrows are notorious for their aggressive nesting behavior. They often displace other birds and can even cause damage to the building structure as they try to create a secure nest. Once they’ve established a nest, it can be difficult to remove, especially as sparrow nests tend to be built in concealed areas, which may require professional bird removal services.
The most significant concern with sparrows is their droppings, which, like those of other birds, carry harmful bacteria and can cause respiratory issues when inhaled. Moreover, their nests can obstruct ventilation and airflow, reducing the overall efficiency of your home.
4. Crows: The Large and Intelligent Intruders
Crows are highly intelligent birds, and while they don’t typically seek shelter in homes as frequently as smaller species, they are capable of causing significant damage when they do. Crows may decide to nest in trees near your home, or, in some cases, they may attempt to build nests on high structures, such as rooftops, chimneys, and even ledges.
While crows are less likely to nest inside the house itself, they present a unique set of challenges for homeowners. Their large size means that they can be loud, especially when they’re in groups, and they often create a mess around their nesting sites. Their powerful beaks can cause significant damage to roofing materials, gutters, and even vent covers.
Crows are also carriers of avian diseases, which can easily be spread through their droppings. Additionally, they are notorious for their aggressive nature when defending their nests, so trying to remove them without professional help could be risky.
5. Swallows: The Migratory Mess-Makers
Swallows are known for their migratory habits, but that doesn’t stop them from becoming a problem when they decide to make your home their temporary shelter. Swallows often build their nests under eaves, in sheds, or on porch ceilings, where they can be a nuisance to homeowners. Though they are not typically aggressive like starlings or crows, their droppings can create a mess, damaging walls, windows, and outdoor furniture.
Like other birds, swallows can spread diseases through their droppings, and their nests, once built, can be difficult to remove without proper equipment and expertise. Additionally, their presence around your home can invite other pests, including mites, ticks, and fleas, which may pose additional health risks.
How to Handle Birds in Home Spaces
If you’ve discovered that birds have made their way into your home, the next step is to handle the situation swiftly and professionally. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage to your property and pose serious health risks. Here are a few methods to consider when dealing with birds in home environments:
1. Prevention is Key
Preventing birds from entering your home in the first place is the most effective way to address the issue. Start by inspecting your property for potential entry points. Birds can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and vents is crucial. Installing bird netting or spikes on ledges and rooftops can also help discourage birds from nesting in these areas.
2. Professional Bird Removal Services
If birds have already made their way into your home, the best course of action is to call a professional bird removal service like Varmint Gone. Birds in home spaces can be difficult to remove safely, and improper handling can lead to injury, legal issues, or even more damage to your property. Varmint Gone’s trained experts are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to handle bird removal in a humane and effective manner.
Our team ensures that birds are safely removed from your home without causing harm to the creatures or your property. We also offer decontamination services to clean up any mess left behind, removing harmful bacteria and pathogens that birds may have introduced into your home.
3. Dealing with Bird Nests
Birds often build nests in difficult-to-reach places, such as inside vents, chimneys, or attics. These nests can be dangerous, blocking airflow and causing potential fire hazards. Removing these nests requires expertise, as attempting to do so without proper equipment can lead to injury or damage. If you discover a nest, contact a professional removal company as soon as possible to ensure the safe removal of both the birds and their nests.
What Should Your Next Steps Be?
Dealing with birds in home spaces is a serious issue that requires prompt action. These birds can cause extensive property damage, spread harmful diseases, and create an unsafe living environment for you and your family. If you’ve discovered birds in your home, it is crucial to address the problem as soon as possible to mitigate these risks.
At Varmint Gone, we understand the challenges of bird removal and are here to provide safe, humane, and effective solutions. Each member of our team is a professional trained in handling bird removal and decontamination. Don’t wait for the damage to get worse—schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today. You can easily book an appointment online or call us at 888-391-3330 to resolve your bird situation.
Wondering how much bird removal costs? Check out our article on bird removal costs to get a better understanding of pricing.
Interested in hearing from our satisfied customers? Check out our reviews online for Varmint Gone Matthews or Varmint Gone Cornelius and see how we’ve helped homeowners just like you!
Don’t let birds take over your home—contact Varmint Gone now to ensure a safe, bird-free living environment!
