Pest Bird Control

Metro Atlanta Regional Office of Rid-A-Critter

Bird nest in a bathroom vent in Sandy Springs.

A lot of people are unaware that birds can be considered pests. But it's true. There are three bird species -- pigeons, sparrows, and starlings -- that are officially considered "pest birds" and can be controlled by lethal or non-lethal methods. There are even pesticides labeled for those three species of birds. They're called "avicides." Other bird species are considered "nuisance wildlife" and come under different regulations depending on their species.

Regardless of the species, however, Rid-A-Critter practices non-lethal, humane bird control that relies primarily on exclusion and other non-chemical bird-control methods. Although we're licensed to use pesticides against birds, we almost never do. Once in a while we'll use repellents as a temporary measure, but that's about it.

The reason we prefer non-chemical methods like exclusion is simply that it's a safer, better, more permanent, and more effective way to control birds. As is the case with pest control in general, using pesticides to control birds is a short-term solution with no long-term effectiveness. Exclusion, on the other hand, provides safe, long-lasting control with zero risk of accidentally poisoning non-target birds or other wildlife.

When do Birds Become Pests

In short, birds can be pests when their presence in some place presents a danger or damages property. For example:

Birds around airports can cause a serious danger to air travel (just ask Sully Sullenberger about that) as well as people on the ground.
Birds deface buildings, awnings, statuary, cars, and trucks with their droppings.
Birds can cause mechanical breakdowns and fire when their feathers clog cooling fans and ducts.
When birds nest in homes, they create an unsanitary condition. Birds have parasites, and some of these can cause diseases such as West Nile Virus.
Bird droppings contain germs that cause several serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and avian flu.

The Rid-A-Critter Approach to Bird Control

We were proud to be chosen to solve the bird problem at a radar tower at Hartfield-Jackson International Airport (KATL)

Rid-A-Critter is Metro Atlanta's pest bird control leader. We provide safe, humane, non-lethal, long-lasting bird control throughout the Greater Atlanta area and suburbs.

We service all kinds of locations including single-family homes, multiple dwellings, condominiums, hotels, and motels; airports; parking garages; malls and department store; power plants and generating stations; factories; churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship; government buildings; and anywhere else birds are creating a nuisance or health hazard.

We're not "bird exterminators." We don't use poisons to that kill birds or make them sick. Instead, we use long-lasting, non-chemical, environmentally-sound bird control methods that are kind to both the birds and the customer's wallet. Our bird management relies heavily on exclusion, which consists of:

Repairing any holes, gaps, and other openings that let the birds get into the building.
Repelling birds with non-lethal devices like spikes, that annoy the birds into flying somewhere else, but don't injure them.
Using netting or screening to seal birds out of attics, mechanical spaces, and so forth.
In some cases, we trap and release birds who are too stubborn to leave the building on their own, just so they don't get sealed inside.

Once we're done with the bird-removal and bird-proofing work, we send out most obsessive-compulsive technicians to clean up the mess. We remove and cart away any nesting materials, feathers, droppings, egg shells, and whatever other mess the birds left behind. If necessary, we also apply insecticides to kill any displaced parasites.

Dry Under Decks Installation

Before and after picture of a Dry Under Decks installation in Atlanta

Another service we offer is something called Dry Under Decks. Many customers call us to have this system installed even if they don't have a bird or animal problem, because Dry Under Decks is also a rain-management system that keeps the space under your deck dry so it can be used.

You can think of the Dry Under Decks system as sort of an outdoor ceiling. It's installed under your existing deck, and it catches the rainwater and condensation and channels it away to the gutter. It's a simple idea, but it works very well. It also prevent birds from building nests up there, which is also a good thing if you plan on spending any time under the deck.

The Dry Under Decks system comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Please contact us if you'd like more information.