I love filling up my bird feeders and watching the feathered visitors come to my backyard. Although I have had good experiences, birdfeeders, spilled trash or uncovered trash cans are common attractants for unwanted birds. There is a distinction between those that are wanted, and those that are a nuisance, cause damage or spread disease.
What are some of the problems?
• Chimney nests can be highly flammable. Keep the chimney clean and install a chimney cap to keep nesting birds out.
• Birds can damage rigid foam insulation and droppings can cause electrical equipment to malfunction.
• Nuisance birds can compete with beneficial native birds for nest sites or drive off desirable birds at
• Duck excrement can damage flower beds and pond water quality. Fecal droppings are slippery and unsightly.
• Birds can be territorial when nesting and certain species are known to harass people and pets.
What can homeowners do?
As with all pests, one of the best prevention methods is exclusion. Many homeowners find birds adopting their home, garage or shed as a cozy place to nest. Making the spot uncomfortable by limiting their access or creating a physical barrier works! Also, realize that the food you put out and the birdbaths for drinks may bring uninvited birds. Remember, you cannot choose which birds come to partake of the banquet. Consider the plantings in your yard. Do they produce fruit that is enticing?
All native birds (including Carolina wrens, chimney swifts and northern mockingbirds) in the United States are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Proper authorization must be received before removing. TheFlorida Wildlife Commission can assist. Visit myfwc.com/conservation/value/fwcg/ wildlife/birds/ for more information.
Do decoys work?
Please note that electronic broadcast repellers (play loud sounds) and stationary bird of prey decoys are not effective long-term. Birds get used to the sounds and the objects, so to be effective, they need to be changed frequently.
How do I clean up after birds have left?
Birds can be associated with mites, ticks, fleas and flies. Use caution when cleaning up droppings in any confined area to prevent inhalation of fungal spores that can cause histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum). Remove droppings found inside structures, so they do not attract other pests, such as cockroaches or flies. Bird droppings are corrosive.
Always wear appropriate protective gear. This should include, but not be limited to:
• Disposable gloves.
• Washable or disposable protective clothing (with hood, if dust can fall from above).
• Shoes or boots that can be cleaned.
• N-95 mask and eye protection.
Lightly dampen droppings with water and a surfactant (soapy solution) to minimize dust and fungal spore dispersal into the air. Use a HEPA vacuum to remove large deposits of droppings. Seal all disposable clothing in a bag and dispose with waste or wash separately. Clean floors to prevent tracking throughout the house.
Although I enjoy the variety of birds that flock to my backyard feeders, limiting access to food and nesting opportunities around our homes are the best ways to prevent nuisance birds from ruining your day.
For more information on pest prevention in and around the home, contact Katherine Allen at UF/IFAS Extension in Suwannee County, an Equal Opportunity Institution, located at 1302 11th St. SW, in Live Oak, or call (386) 362-2771.
Source: WEC326/UW371: How to Use Deterrents to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard (ufl.edu)