Top 5 Pest Birds & Structural Solutions in Suburban Midwest

Summer is the season during which most structural damage and work occurs. Annually, pest birds cause $30-50 million in damages to properties, assets, roofs, drainage and ventilation systems. Below is a list of common issues associated with specific pest birds as well as a combination of structural and service solutions to address those issues.

Pigeons

Though they are often called “sky rats”, gulls are protected by the MBTA of 1918.

Issues: Nesting and dropping debris can accumulate on building facades, signage, in gutters, and in drains. Fecal droppings can jeopardize structural integrity and become health issue due to harmful pathogens.

Solutions: Control hand feeding onsite with adequate signage; nest removal; trapping programs and installation of structural deterrents/exclusion systems including bird spike, bird slide, netting, shock tape, and custom metal work.

Canada Geese

Issues: Nesting typically ends around the beginning of summer. As goslings will be flightless after hatching, geese prefer a habitat near water and food sources–this results in ruined landscaping, unsightly fecal droppings, and aggressive, territorial behavior.

Solutions: Control hand feeding onsite with adequate signage; apply Flight Control® Plus to grass; and/or integrate Dog Service program.

Gulls

Issues: Nesting and dropping debris can accumulate on building roofs and facades, in gutters, and in drains. Aggressive behavior is common during nesting season. Fecal droppings can cause structural and aesthetic damage, as well as become a health issue if left untreated.

Solutions: Egg depredation is highly effective from April through June, but require state/ federal permits. Structural deterrents/ exclusion systems including bird spike, bird slide, netting, shock tape, and custom metal work.

Sparrows

Issues: Nesting can occur in small spaces such as in drainage and ventilation systems. This can can block drainage systems and result in rooftop flooding or larger system damage. As a burrowing pest bird, they can enter indoor areas like stores, warehouses, and food courts, causing structural damage and prompting health issues.

Solutions: Nest removal; installation of structural deterrents and exclusion systems including netting and custom wood/ metal work.

Turkey Vultures

Issues: Large food debris can block drainage and/or ventilation systems. Window damage is common as they are drawn to reflective windows. Turkey vultures can also be disruptive due to their low, guttural hissing sounds.

Solutions: Installation of structural deterrents and exclusion systems including bird slide, netting, shock tape, and custom wood/ metal work are effective.

If pest bird populations remain unmanaged, a property manager may be exposing their properties, tenants and customers to unnecessary property damage and health and human safety risks.

Our Structural Bird Work Expertise

WGC brings a combined 60+ years of trade industries (roofing, construction, welding), 30+ years of specialized bird biology, and 20+ years of structural bird work experience.

Gordon Hagberg, Vice President of Wild Goose Chase, brings over 15 years experience in the roofing industry. Gordon served as an Account Manager for W.P. Hickman Systems and a Regional Sales Representative for Master Builders Solutions before starting his own roofing consulting business. Given his experience, Gordon oversees and leads the structural bird exclusion work for WGC for commercial, retail, and industrial properties.

Contact us to learn more about our bird control services