Birds are beautiful, graceful creatures.  For the most part we like to have them around, we even encourage them with feeders and houses. However, certain species, in certain circumstances can become a nuisance, a health hazard, and destructive.

    In Kansas and Missouri there are five species that frequently become a problem in residential, Industrial, and recreational sites. I'm sure that farmers and gardeners could add to this list, but for pest control we'll discuss Starlings, Sparrows, Woodpeckers, Pigeons, and Geese. With all species we try to control them, not kill them. That usually entails removal, by a variety of means, to get them away from the area in question.

PIGEONS

    Pigeons are the most common bird we are called on to control. They roost in large groups on sides of buildings and houses. They are well adopted to man made environments and are frequently raised by man. Pigeon droppings deface and accelerate deterioration of buildings, statues and equipment. Their droppings and nests can contaminate food processing when inside warehouses and manufacturing sites, and they can carry diseases and lice. They at times must be controlled.

CONTROL METHODS:

    There are a number of options for controlling pigeons.  They all depend on the situation, the structure and ones budget. "Avitrol" is a chemical method that works very well but there are occasional fatalities. To use this product one pre-baits with corn. Once the pigeons are used to feeding you add Avitrol. It's like a hallucinogenic to birds.  Once they feed on it they fly sideways, and into walls in total confusion. They leave the area never to return, and warn others in the flock to do the same.

    "Hotfoot" or products similar also work to remove pigeons from ledges and other roosting areas. This is spread on the ledge, and once a pigeon steps in it a burning sensation in their feet forces them to leave. "Tangle foot" is similar only it's sticky, the results are the same.

    Bird wires such as the picture displays are also very effective and a permanent solution on ledges and other areas where pigeons are roosting. Once set into place, the wires prevent the birds from landing thus eliminating the problem.

    Bird netting is very effective and permanent. It is especially effective inside manufacturing areas. When installed properly it's nearly invisible and will keep pigeons and other birds out of a given area.

    There are many other means of control. Again, it depends on the situation. Inspections and estimates are free. For more information call 1-800-775-2847 913-599-5990 or e-mail us at info@scapest.com    For information on products available for pigeon and other means of control visit www.bird-x.com 

STARLINGS

   Starlings are about the size of Robins. They are blackish-gray with speckles on their wings. Those of you that have bird feeders recognize them as the drab hogs that eat all of the food leaving nothing for the exotic birds you hoped to entice to your yard.

    Starlings are dirty birds, and they can transmit diseases such as encephalitis, ornithosis, and histoplasmosis, as well as mites.  They make obnoxious noise, and when hundreds or thousands of them roost in a tree near by, or on your property it becomes irritating. Starlings also, like pigeons create problems with their droppings on and around their roosting sites.

    Another major problem we have found in residential areas is nest building inside attic. When the screens around the vents in the roof rot or decay, starlings enter and build their nests. Not only does this create problems by hearing the birds in the attic, but mites and lice breed in the nests and may infest the house.

CONTROL METHODS

    When nests are in the attic, we can remove the birds and nest, treat for mites and lice, and re-screen. This will keep them out indefinitely.

    Outside treatment is much the same as pigeon control. Each property will have to be evaluated and decide which method would be the most effective. For information call 1-877-688-bite (979) 239=2886 or e-mail us at info@scapest.com 

    For product information visit www.bird-x.com 

WOODPECKERS

    While looking for food, a nesting site, or drumming during mating season, woodpeckers will sometimes attack homes. In Kansas, especially Johnson County, they seem to prefer homes that are worth a minimum of $200,000.00. The holes they peck are unsightly and can be considerably expensive to repair.

  All woodpeckers are protected by either Federal or State laws. Some woodpeckers are migratory (thus federal) and some are not. In Kansas two species that seem to be the most common destructive are the Downey Woodpecker (on left) and the Red Bellied Woodpecker (on right) There are probably others, but often we see only the damage.

CONTROL

    As I mentioned, woodpeckers are protected. When damage is severe it is possible to obtain a permit to eradicate them. That is a last resort effort. If it comes to that a small caliber rifle or BB gun works if your a good marksman. Snap traps placed under the hole they are working on is also effective if death is the only way.

    Effigies are effective depending on if the pecking is localized. These consist of owls, snakes, huge eyes, etc. in a balloon like form hung near the area to scare the birds. They are not very becoming especially if the woodpeckers are working on the front of the house. We've found that ribbons attached to a slender pole and attached near the damage will repel the woodpeckers. Any amount of wind will create movement thus scaring the birds. The color of the ribbons can match the house so they will not be an eye sore. Most of the time, woodpeckers will attack a house in the same area (usually corners, chimneys, or the tallest side of the building.) so this type of control is effective.

    For more information call us at 1-800-775-bugs 1-913-599-5990 or email us at info@scapest.com 

GEESE

   Geese are migratory birds and a game bird in season. They are usually a welcome site to lakes and ponds. They become a problem when their numbers are great and they interfere with golfers, picnickers, boaters, or who ever else happens to be near a pond. In some areas in Kansas City, they can create traffic jams. Their droppings are a nuisance when there are large numbers, and can create a health hazard.

CONTROL

    There are several methods of control with varied results.  Decoys of injured geese will often deter them at least for awhile. Loud noise, like a carbide cannon will also scatter them, and will deter them unless they become used to it. These two methods are not recommended in residential areas, and certainly loud noises on a golf course or country club would be discouraged.

    There are products such as "Goose Chase" and "Rejex-it" that we have found to be effective. It does not harm geese in any way, but when they ingest it it repels them. Presumably it tastes like grapes and this is so repulsive to geese they will leave and not return to the area. These products can be applied to vegetation, or used as a repellent in a fogging concentration or applied to water (pending E.P.A. approval in water.)

    For more information call 1-800-775-bugs 913-599-5990 or e-mail us at info@scapest.com   

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