Bird Pest Problems in Texas
While most birds are welcome in yards, certain species become serious pests when they nest on buildings, roost in large numbers, or invade structures.
Pest birds cause property damage, create health hazards, and diminish business reputations. Their droppings are acidic and corrosive, damaging paint, metal, stone, and wood. Nesting materials block gutters and vents, causing water damage and fire hazards.
Bird control is complicated by federal and state laws protecting most bird species. Only a few species—pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows—can be controlled without permits, making professional expertise essential.
Problem Bird Species in Texas
1. Pigeons (Rock Doves)
Most common urban pest bird. Gray with iridescent neck, often with white, brown, or black variations. Nest on ledges, under bridges, in warehouses. Non-native species—not protected by federal law.
2. House Sparrows
Small, brown birds with black throat (males). Nest in building cavities, signs, lights. Aggressive—displace native birds. Non-native species—not protected. Form large flocks.
3. European Starlings
Black with iridescent purple-green sheen, yellow bill. Form massive roosts. Nest in cavities, vents, attics. Non-native species—not protected. Major agricultural and urban pest.
4. Grackles & Blackbirds
Large, black birds with long tails. Roost in massive flocks creating noise and droppings. Protected—require depredation permits for lethal control. Common in parking lots and shopping centers.
Identification Guide
Size
Pigeons: 12 inches | Sparrows: 5-6 inches | Starlings: 8 inches | Grackles: 12 inches
Color
Pigeons: Gray/white | Sparrows: Brown | Starlings: Black | Grackles: Black with long tail
Behavior
Flock behavior, bold around humans, nest on structures, return to roosts nightly
Common Problem Behaviors
- Pigeons: Nest and roost on ledges, under solar panels, in warehouses
- Sparrows: Nest in signs, lights, vents, AC units
- Starlings: Massive roosts in trees near parking lots, buildings
- Grackles: Aggressive flocking, displace other birds, loud vocalizations
Signs of Bird Problems
Nesting Activity:
- Birds entering/exiting vents, soffits, or roof gaps
- Nesting materials (twigs, grass, trash) in gutters or ledges
- Baby bird sounds from walls or attics
- Blocked dryer vents or bathroom exhaust fans
Roosting Problems:
- Birds gathering in large numbers on building at dusk
- Heavy droppings accumulation on walkways, cars, equipment
- Noise from birds roosting or nesting
- Feathers accumulating in specific areas
Property Damage:
- White streaks (droppings) on walls, windows, vehicles
- Clogged gutters from nests and debris
- Damaged paint, metal, or stonework from acidic droppings
- Blocked HVAC units or exhaust vents
Health & Property Risks from Pest Birds
Disease Transmission
- Histoplasmosis: Fungal infection from breathing spores in dried bird droppings. Can cause serious respiratory illness
- Cryptococcosis: Fungal disease found in pigeon droppings. Affects lungs and nervous system
- Psittacosis: Bacterial disease transmitted through bird droppings and feathers. Causes flu-like symptoms
- Salmonella: Food poisoning from contaminated surfaces
- E. coli: Bacteria in droppings can contaminate food prep areas
Parasites
- Bird mites enter homes from nests—bite humans
- Ticks and fleas from birds can infest structures
- Bed bugs associated with bird nests
Property Damage
- Acidic droppings corrode metal, paint, stone, and wood
- Nesting materials clog gutters causing water damage
- Fire hazards from nests in vents and electrical equipment
- Damage to HVAC systems from blocked vents
- Slip-and-fall liability from droppings on walkways
Business Impact
- Health code violations in food service establishments
- Customer complaints and negative reviews
- Damage to inventory and equipment
- Employee morale and safety concerns
- Diminished property appearance and value
Legal Considerations for Bird Control
Protected Species
Most birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (federal) and Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations. It is illegal to harm, kill, or disturb nests of protected species without permits.
Non-Protected Species (Can Be Controlled)
- Rock pigeons (feral pigeons)
- House sparrows
- European starlings
Protected Species (Require Permits)
- Grackles and blackbirds
- Woodpeckers
- Swallows (including cliff and barn swallows)
- Most native Texas birds
Legal Control Methods
- Exclusion and deterrents are legal for all species
- Nest removal only when no eggs or young present
- Active nests cannot be disturbed during nesting season
- Depredation permits required for lethal control of protected species
Bird Deterrent Methods
Effective bird control uses multiple deterrent methods tailored to the species, location, and severity of the problem.
Physical Exclusion
Bird Netting
Durable mesh blocks access to large areas—warehouses, canopies, loading docks. Most effective long-term solution
Bird Spikes
Prevent landing on ledges, signs, beams. Stainless steel or polycarbonate. Humane—birds learn to avoid treated areas
Bird Wire Systems
Tensioned wires create unstable landing surface. Less visible than spikes. Effective for pigeons on ledges
Vent Screens
Prevent nesting in dryer vents, bathroom exhausts, attic vents. Essential after nest removal
Visual & Audio Deterrents
Bird Slope Panels
Angled PVC panels prevent roosting on ledges. Birds slide off before landing
Optical Gel
Creates visual and tactile deterrent. Appears as fire to birds' UV vision. Long-lasting solution
Sonic Deterrents
Broadcast distress calls and predator sounds. Effective for dispersing roosts. Requires ongoing use
Professional Services
Nest Removal
Safe removal of nests and cleanup of droppings. Only when legally permissible (no eggs/young)
Sanitation & Decontamination
Remove droppings, disinfect surfaces, eliminate health hazards and odors
Trapping & Removal
For non-protected species in severe cases. Reduces population before installing exclusions
Bird Control Cost Expectations
Costs vary based on bird pressure, building height, access difficulty, and methods needed
Common Questions
Q: Can I remove a bird nest from my property?
Only if it's a pigeon, starling, or house sparrow nest, AND only if there are no eggs or babies present. Protected species' nests cannot be disturbed without permits. Check before removing any nest.
Q: Will fake owls or reflective tape keep birds away?
These work briefly but birds quickly learn they're harmless. Professional deterrents use multiple methods birds cannot adapt to—physical exclusions combined with visual or sonic deterrents.
Q: How do you get rid of birds without hurting them?
Exclusion methods (netting, spikes, wire) prevent access without harming birds. They simply make your building unsuitable for roosting or nesting, forcing birds to relocate naturally.
Q: Why do bird problems keep coming back?
Without physical exclusions, new birds will replace ones that leave. Bird memory and instinct draw them to proven nesting/roosting sites. Permanent exclusions are necessary for lasting control.
Professional Bird Control Solutions
Protect your property from bird damage and health hazards.
Let us design a humane, effective bird management program.