From homeowners to business owners, bird infestations are a rising issue in the Midwest. This, combined with the region’s unusual climate patterns and a lot of food, makes it ideal for a wide variety of birds to establish large populations.
Property owners often find significant damage to the roof, gutters, and styled facades, as well as unsanitary conditions from bird feces. A professional should deal with it before the problems escalate. And when bird pests become too much to handle, you should leave it to the professionals from the best pest control company.
Why Is Bird Control Important For Midwest States?
- Agricultural Impact on Midwest Farming
Crops are targets for birds, and bird populations threaten the agricultural economy of the Midwest. In the United States, blackbirds, starlings, and crows account for $5 billion in crop damage every year, and a large portion of that total is accrued in Midwest states. The damage is especially severe in the corn fields of Illinois and Iowa at the time of the harvest, when masses can wipe out whole patches overnight.
- Urban Infrastructure Challenges
Different cities across the Midwest have unique infrastructure problems that impact birds. In cities like Detroit and Milwaukee, pigeons and starlings nest in building crevices, damaging historic buildings. Urban bird damage costs Midwest municipalities around $1.2 million per year in cleanup and repair, according to the National Pest Management Association.
- Health and Safety Concerns
In the Midwest, resident birds release deadly diseases. Histoplasmosis, which is common in bird droppings, sickens thousands each year throughout the Ohio River Valley area. Dense large roost sites serve as centers for bacteria and parasites, turning into a public health crisis in high population densities.
Common Bird Problems People Often Face
- Property Damage Issues
As spring mating season hits, homeowners all over the Midwest face damage to siding from woodpeckers. These birds drill holes into cedar and vinyl siding while looking for insects and making their territories. If insulation is damaged, it could cost up to an extra $200 per affected area, and the total costs for repair are an average of $300-500.
- Nesting in Unwanted Areas
In Minnesota and Wisconsin, starlings and house sparrows often nest in dryer vents, gutters, and roof eaves. These nests obstruct ventilation, posing potential fire risks and water damage. Property owners waste a lot of time and money getting rid of nests and building barriers.
- Aggressive Territorial Behavior
In the breeding season, red-winged blackbirds are even more territorial toward humans in their territory. In Ohio and Indiana, joggers and cyclists in parks report being dive-bombed by the birds protecting their nest sites. The behavior peaks from May to July and can significantly affect outdoor recreational activities.
- Contamination and Cleanup Challenges
Maintaining hygiene when bird droppings are quickly building up around your homes and businesses is essential, as this is a hot area of bird movement. These droppings are pretty acidic, stain concrete, are corrosive to paint, and are detrimental to plant life.
What Should You Do About It?
- Immediate Prevention Measures
Homeowners should first eliminate foods that attract birds to their properties. Remove fallen fruit from trees, use tight-fitting lids on garbage cans, and do not leave pet food out. Apply bird spikes to ledges, rooflines, and other perching surfaces where birds like to roost.
- Professional Assessment and Treatment
In cases where DIY techniques are not enough, pest control companies offer complete solutions. Reliable Pest Solutions offers humane bird control throughout the Midwest. They inspect the property thoroughly to locate problem areas and treat them accordingly. The technicians utilize exclusion techniques, deterrent systems, and habitat modification to provide effective bird solutions.
- Long-term Management Strategies
Bird control and prevention are not one-offs; regular maintenance and monitoring are needed. Periodic inspections can help discover new nesting attempts before they become established.
- Seasonal Preparation
Bird activity peaks around the same time each year, so ensure your bird control measures are planned well in advance. Treatments in the spring will help prevent nesting, while the fall will treat issues concerning roosting.