Calculating Infinity

While the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects most wild birds, three species—pigeons (Columba livia), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus)—are considered pests in the United States and not protected from control, dispersion, or extinction. 1 These non-native birds are considered invasive in North America and can be removed at will.

Other non-native bird species exist in North America. Still, these three have been targeted because they threaten the survival of native bird species by eating food or occupying nesting or roosting areas.

Do not feed or water sources.

Eliminate or reduce pest bird water and food sources. Clean gutters and avoid puddles and ponds where birds can drink. If pest birds are a major issue, you may have to abandon all birdbaths, as they use both pest and desirable songbirds.

Never leave bread crumbs or other food scraps on the lawn, as pigeons and sparrows will consider it a permanent invitation. Keep trash cans covered and clean. If pest birds are eating the food in your bird feeders, try switching the food type.

Hunting/Trapping

Pest birds can be trapped, but not easily. There are non-lethal funnel traps and spring-loaded net traps. These will let you free any non-target birds that get trapped. They should be humanely exterminated rather than released, as pest birds can return from 50 miles away and cause problems in other communities. Pest bird reintroduction is often illegal in many areas.

Permits are required in some communities, so check local ordinances first.
In rural areas, pest species can be hunted with firearms at any time and without quota. Always use firearms responsibly. Pest bird hunters may prefer air-powered pellet rifles over gunpowder-powered weapons. Check local laws; even pellet guns may be prohibited in cities and suburbs.…

One of the most effective ways to prevent bird problems on and around buildings is simply to deny them access to the places where they might roost and nest.

NBC offer a complete bird proofing service, with a range of techniques to keep potential problems at bay. Ledges and sills, for example, can be protected with spikes and wires which prevent birds landing but do not harm them. Larger areas, even complete and complex roofs, can be proofed to completely exclude birds. Some of these solutions require installation by our experts and often access equipment, although through an informal chat with one of our locally based Area Managers we will be able to advise of possible solutions to fit your budget.

Visual deterrents include kites and dummy falcons which can be surprisingly effective once the target species has learned to associate them with the live predatory presence.…

What Are the Problems with Birds?

Damage to property by bird droppings and nest building – bird droppings are unsightly, unsanitary and corrosive, can cause damage to car paintwork; eat away masonry; block gutters, downpipes and plant.

Nests can also block gutters and down pipes, and potentially damage plant on rooftops such as air conditioning units by forming blockages.

Health and safety from droppings – Droppings have the potential to make walkways slippery, causing a health and safety hazard. There is also the potential spread of disease carried by some birds.

Health and safety from aggression – Nesting gulls in particular can become very territorial and highly aggressive to people in the vicinity of their nesting areas.

Problems increasing exponentially – Flocking together is a natural feature of bird behaviour.  Nesting birds will return year after year to the same site for breeding and so will their young!

How Does Live Predatory Response Work?

NBC use specially bred and trained hawks and falcons, handled by experienced bird controllers, to deter and disperse nuisance bird populations. It is not necessary for these natural predators to actually catch and kill their prey. But it is necessary to understand which predator is the most effective deterrent for each nuisance species – and here, size isn’t everything! Smaller birds, for example, will be more alarmed by the smaller and more agile male hawk than by the larger female.

Where there is a large-scale problem, a permanent predatory presence may be needed. In the urban environment, however, it is often sufficient to establish the predatory presence by flying the birds of prey daily for a time, then reducing gradually to a weekly programme of flights, randomly arranged to prevent habituation.  Our programmes are tailored to suit the problems experienced at your site.

How Much Does

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