Upper Peninsula: (906) 553-4841   Petoskey Area: (231) 330-6992

Bird Removal and Control

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Common Bird Problems

Image of a bird; Northern Pest humanely removes birds from your property.

Birds might seem inconspicuous, but these tiny pests can be mighty problematic. Just behind rodent control, business trades such as the airline industry, farming, fisheries, and retail spend a close second on bird control. Depending on the species, birds can vary in the damage they cause. Whether it’s a nesting and droppings issue near frequented areas or a family of birds has taken up habitation within your attic or garage – the contamination they excrete ruins building materials and becomes costly for companies and municipalities who pay for the cleanup. Besides the cost of replacing ruined building materials, adverse health effects can result from human-bird contact.

Extreme care should always be followed when cleaning up bird excrements and professional help should be sought. Bird poop carries more than 60 diseases, and dried bird skin, dander, and mites cause rashes and allergic reactions in many humans and pets. A fungus that grows in areas contaminated by bird droppings, called histoplasmosis, can also cause respiratory issues. The best, most efficient solution to removing or controlling birds from your home or business is to call Northern Pest.

Bird Control Solutions

There are several known strategies to use when dealing with bird extraction. Bird barriers are an easy way to ensure these pests do not return to your premises. First, a netting is placed over an opening, and “bird spikes” are placed on areas where they land to deter them from nesting within large signs and other tucked-away structures. An auditory/ultrasonic tool is sometimes used to prevent birds from infiltrating the premises. These specialized noises signal to birds that the area is unsafe yet is inaudible to humans. Other removal methods for bird infestations include fogging, habitat modifications, shock strips, and visual deterrents such as fake owls. If you have a bird problem, contact Northern Pest today. *We abide by all conservation laws, including state and federal, which strictly specify the types of birds that can be handled and the permissible methods for bird removal.

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Scratching during the day may indicate the presence of a bat, but this is rare.

A more familiar source of scratching or clawing during the daytime are squirrels or a yellowjacket hive in the drywall.

Scratching sounds coming from the attic is an indication of the presence of bats. The scratching may be constant or sporadic and may occur during the day, but mostly at night, if it's a bat. The sound you hear is the bat's claws and its wings as it flies about.

A scratching sound may also indicate the presence of mice. An inspection from Northern Pest is necessary to pinpoint the sound source directly.

Gnawing sounds during the day are usually always caused by the presence of a rodent, like a mouse, squirrel, or chipmunk. Rodents have large incisor teeth that continually grow and must be worn down by constantly gnawing. These pests will chew on wires, wood, insulation, and anything else they find. Many house fires result from rodents chewing through electrical wires.

If you hear gnawing or chewing sounds at night, this may indicate the presence of a raccoon, which is accompanied by other noises, such as heavy walking. If you don’t hear hefty movement, it may be a flying squirrel or some other rodent.

A "rolling" noise, similar to the sound of rolling marbles, is frequently due to the presence of a squirrel bringing in nuts or other materials as they move around in the attic. Squirrels use attics to hoard food or nest. If you hear this sound during the day, it most certainly is a red squirrel as they are the only mammals that will commonly breach attics, and they are most active during the day. Flying squirrels will too, but they are nocturnal and active at night.

The other possible cause of a rolling sound may be birds fluttering around tight corridors.

Rolling sounds made at night can be caused by flying squirrels that are nocturnal. This noise is the squirrel bringing nuts and other debris into the attic or wall.

Raccoons may also make a rolling sound, although this is not common.

The scampering or scurrying sounds made during the day is usually always caused by a squirrel, as most other quick-moving, agile pests (such as mice) are nocturnal.

A scurrying or scampering sound at night usually indicates mice traveling along the walls, ceiling, or floorboards.

Nocturnal flying squirrels also make this noise, although their peak periods of activity are just before dawn and right after sunset. Their movement is quick and light.

Raccoon’s sound similar; however, it's a slower "walking" sound and is "heavier" than a squirrel.

Heavy walking or crawling is a unique sound that usually indicates the presence of a raccoon and can be heard either day or night.

Heavy walking or crawling is a unique sound that usually always indicates the presence of a raccoon and can be heard either day or night.

If you hear “flapping” during the day, it is definitely a bird.

If you hear “flapping” at night, it is either a trapped bird or a bat. Nuisance birds are usually not active at night, so most likely, this is the sound of a trapped bird trying to find its way out. With bats, the flapping of their wings is very soft, like a dull “whirring.” If you hear a faint humming sound, it may be a bat flying about after dark.

Crackling, or the sound of Rice Krispies popping, is a distinct noise commonly caused by a yellowjacket hive within your home's drywall. Yellowjackets can pick and gnaw on drywall and use the pieces to build their hives. This activity sounds like and is often described as a "crackling." Upon hearing this, know that yellowjackets are close to chewing through the drywall. This noise is most common at night but can be heard during the day if the hive is large enough.

Crackling, or the sound of Rice Krispies popping, is a distinct noise commonly caused by a yellowjacket hive within your home's drywall. Yellowjackets can pick and gnaw on drywall and use the pieces to build their hives. This activity sounds like and is often described as a "crackling." Upon hearing this, know that yellowjackets are close to chewing through the drywall.

If you hear sounds of chirping or chattering, this usually indicates that baby animals are present. Depending on the season helps determine which pest you are dealing with; it is common for baby squirrels, raccoons, or birds (especially chimney swifts) to make these noises. Contact Northern Pest for a thorough assessment and removal.

If you hear sounds of chirping or chattering, this usually indicates that baby animals are present. Depending on the season helps determine which pest you are dealing with; it is common for baby squirrels, raccoons, or birds (especially chimney swifts) to make these noises. Contact Northern Pest for a thorough assessment and removal.

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Servicing Marquette, Dickinson, Menominee, Alger, Delta, Schoolcraft, Mackinac, Chippewa, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Antrim, and Otsego Counties

Not Sure if You Are in Our Service Area?
Call Upper Peninsula: (906) 553-4841 or Petoskey Area: (231) 330-6992

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