Top 5 Birds That Cause Problems for Homeowners

While some homeowners enjoy watching birds in their backyards, there are a few types of birds that most homeowners would rather not see anywhere near their home. That's because these birds cause damage to homes and can spread diseases. Find out if your home is being invaded by one of these top problem birds.

1. Pigeons

Pigeons thrive in urban areas, and their nesting habits can become problematic to homeowners. They will nest in almost any entry point, such as a ledge, inside an open vent, or even in a chimney. A pigeon nest can be a dangerous obstruction, and the twigs and feathers that are used to build the nest could be a fire hazard if they are near a source of heat. Beyond that, pigeons leave a lot of droppings behind, which are dirty and can be harmful to people and their pets. 

2. Starlings

Starlings will also build nests in cavities on the exterior of your home, including in attics and vents. Their droppings can be problematic as they may clog up the insulation space in your walls and make your home less energy efficient. Starling droppings are also known to encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria, which can go airborne and cause illness in your household. Homeowners usually know if they have a starling problem because these birds squawk loudly and make a lot of noise during breeding season.

3. Swallows

Although swallows migrate, they often stop in at a home for shelter, building nests under porch ceilings or under the eaves of a roof. Swallow droppings can also carry diseases, and their nests may be an invitation for ticks and fleas. It's not easy to get rid of a swallow nest, so it's best to prevent them from nesting in the first place.

4. Sparrows

Sparrows are small birds, but they can build nests in vents, eaves, chimneys, and other nooks around a house. They are excellent nest builders, and a sparrow nest can be difficult to remove. Like other birds, their droppings can cause the spread of disease. Sparrows are very aggressive and may compete with other less-destructive birds in the area, even stealing their nests and killing their nestlings.

5. Crows

Although crows do not often nest in a home structure, they may nest near a home. Their loud caws can be very annoying, particularly if there are multiple crows. They have strong beaks that can cause damage to parts of a home, such as the roof or gutters, and they tend to leave a mess in the general area of their nest. Removing a crow's nest can be risky business because of its height and because crows are known to protect their nest aggressively.

Dealing with nuisance birds around your home can be dangerous and frustrating. One of the best ways to deter these problem birds from nesting in or near your home is to use BirdBloc. Our bird repellant keeps birds away because the birds hate the smell of the product. Instead of nesting in your eaves, the birds will simply fly away to a different location. To learn more about BirdBloc, contact us today!