Bird Identification

What are birds?

Birds are somewhat magical creatures; they come in beautiful colors, are covered in shiny feathers, and glide with ease through the air. When pest birds set their sights on our outdoor spaces to forage for food or our homes or businesses to roost on, however, they turn from enchanting characters into a living nightmare! Pest birds are destructive, disease-spreading, and annoying.

A few of the most common pest birds problematic on properties located in Ventura Country include pigeons, mud swallows, woodpeckers, and doves.

Pigeons

Pigeons are one of the most common pest birds and are often called the "rodents" of the bird world. They have a light gray body, a grayish-pink beak, and two dark bars going across their wings.

Mud Swallows

Mud swallows are small, sleek, territorial birds. They create cup-like nests out of mud and a mixture of other materials. They will place these nests under the overhangs and ledges of buildings.

Woodpeckers

These birds are well-known for their sharp chisel-like beaks that they use to peck at trees and, unfortunately, our homes and businesses while searching for food or creating nesting sites.

Doves

Doves are similar in size and shape to a pigeon but are usually a whitish color. They are not as big a pest problem as pigeons, but when large groups of these birds are roosting on a structure, their constant cooing and buildup of feces make them just as unwelcome.

Are birds dangerous?

Did you know that bird feces contains millions of spores that become airborne and can be inhaled by us? This is a big problem since bird feces is full of fungus and other diseases that make people ill. Having birds living on your property and producing piles of feces is not only unsightly but unhealthy! They also carry on their bodies and introduce to properties parasites like fleas and mites.

Along with causing significant health risks, pest birds are also very damaging:

• Bird feces tends to be very corrosive, and will break down and damage things like roofing materials, gutters, and other structural elements of a building. The cost of repairing the damage is costly and time-consuming.
• Their nesting materials and feathers clog and damage vents, fans, and air conditioners.
• Birds will attack and ravage gardens, bird feeders, and fruit trees, using them as their personal buffet stations.
• Woodpeckers use their beaks to damage the sides of buildings and trees.
• Birds damage lawns and golf courses, digging up the grass to find worms and insects to feed on.

Why do I have a bird problem?

Both residential and commercial properties provide most types of birds with things that will attract them and allow them to nest, roost, feed, and breed. Outdoor eating areas, trash cans, gardens, and bird feeders attract birds. Our roofs and gutters make perfect roosting spots for birds to retreat to each evening after a day out and about foraging for food. A property with a lot of trees will attract pest birds, especially woodpeckers. Properties near of with water sources are also attractive to birds like ponds, lakes, pools, clogged gutters, puddles, and birdbaths.

Where will I find birds?

We see birds living in many different outdoor environments, including:

• Meadows, golf courses, and parks
• Crop fields, gardens, wooded areas
• Our yards
• Roof eaves and chimneys
• Wall voids and rafters
• Spaces under bridges and on urban buildings

How do I get rid of birds?

Get rid of pest birds from your property by reaching out to Ventura Pest Control. Once pest birds set their sights on your property, they are difficult to deter. We are an authorized installer of "Bird B Gone," which enables us to remove birds from your property as humanely as possible. With over 62 years of success in the pest control industry, you can rest assured that we will solve your property's unique pest bird problems.

To learn more about Ventura's oldest family owned and operated pest control company and the exceptional bird control services we offer, give Ventura Pest Control a call today!

How can I prevent birds in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent birds from invading your property:

• Remove bird feeders from your property.
• Keep locking lids on trash cans and dumpsters.
• Make sure to put all trash bags in trash containers.
• Maintain garden areas and regularly harvest fruits and vegetables from them.
• Eliminate standing water from your property birds could use as a water source.
• Cut tree branches and shrubbery back from your home's exterior.