Top Bird & Pigeon Control in Ankeny, Iowa Ranked

Bird and pigeon problems in Ankeny are more than just a nuisance; they can lead to significant property damage, health hazards, and costly cleanups. Effective bird control involves a strategic combination of humane exclusion, deterrents, and habitat modification to protect your home or business. This guide outlines the proven methods and local resources available to help you find a professional who can assess your specific situation and implement a lasting solution.

Genuine Pest Control

3905 SE Grimes Blvd suite m, Grimes, IA 50111

Genuine Pest Control is a pest control and wildlife removal company serving Des Moines, IA. Founded in 2014, they handle a variety of pests including raccoons, bats, birds, rodents, and bugs. Their services include humane trapping and removal, damage repair, and pest prevention through sealing entry points and installing pest barriers. They also provide advice on sanitation and habitat modifications to help prevent future infestations.

5.0

69 Reviews

Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions

12340 Tanglewood Dr, Urbandale, IA 50323

Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions provides pest and wildlife control services in Des Moines, IA. They handle a variety of issues including rodent control, bird and bat removal, and humane wildlife relocation for both residential and commercial properties. Their team uses modern techniques such as roof-mounted traps and motion-activated cameras to safely manage pests like raccoons, squirrels, woodchucks, and bats, focusing on humane and environmentally conscious methods. With over 25 years of experience, the family-owned company offers customized service plans and is committed to environmentally friendly practices, including the use of electric vehicles powered by solar energy.

5.0

56 Reviews

TRapper's Wildlife Control, LLC

3626 NW Trestle Point Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023

TRapper's Wildlife Control, LLC is a wildlife removal company based in Des Moines, IA, specializing in bird and bat control. They serve a wide area within 60 miles of Des Moines, including many surrounding cities and counties in central Iowa. Their services include humane bat removal and sealing of structures, as well as bird control for species like pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and swallows, addressing issues such as nesting and droppings. TRapper's Wildlife Control also offers bird removal from vents and provides bat removal services statewide in Iowa.

4.9

47 Reviews

Polk County Wildlife Control

des moines

Polk County Wildlife Control is a privately-owned nuisance wildlife and pest control company based in Ankeny, serving the greater Des Moines, IA area. They provide removal services for various animals including raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, beavers, coyotes, and geese. Their work focuses on addressing current pest issues and helping to prevent future conflicts. The company covers the eastern portion of Dallas County as part of its service area.

4.9

33 Reviews

Complete Wildlife Control LLC

des moines

Complete Wildlife Control LLC is a wildlife removal company based in Des Moines, IA, specializing in humane management of Canada geese and mole control. They serve a variety of properties including corporate sites, college campuses, government entities, golf courses, parks, and event venues throughout central Iowa. Their services focus on year-round goose control through methods such as nest manipulation, minimizing nesting pairs, walking molted birds off properties, and chemical applications. They also provide mole trapping with thorough property inspections and ongoing monitoring. Established in 2007, Complete Wildlife Control holds multiple wildlife management certifications and Iowa DNR licensing, and employs specially trained Border Collies to assist in their work.

4.9

27 Reviews

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Understanding the Bird Problem in Central Iowa

Birds like pigeons, sparrows, and starlings are attracted to urban and suburban areas for the shelter and consistent food sources they provide. In Ankeny, common problem areas include building ledges, commercial signage, rooftop HVAC units, loading docks, and residential eaves. Once birds establish a roosting or nesting site, their droppings can corrode building materials, clog drains, and create unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, nests can block vents and gutters, leading to water damage and fire hazards ^{1 2}. Addressing an infestation promptly with professional bird management is key to preventing long-term structural issues and mitigating health risks associated with bird mites and droppings.

Common Bird Control Methods and Solutions

Professional bird abatement focuses on humane, long-term exclusion. The goal is not to harm the birds but to make your property an unattractive and inaccessible place for them to land, roost, or nest. The most effective strategies often combine several of the following approaches.

Physical Barriers and Exclusion

This is the most permanent and effective category of bird control, physically preventing birds from accessing specific areas.

• Bird Spikes: These are rows of upright spikes made from stainless steel or durable plastic installed on ledges, beams, signs, and other flat surfaces. They do not injure birds but make landing uncomfortable and impossible, effectively denying them their preferred perches ^{1 3 4}.
• Bird Netting: Heavy-duty polyethylene netting is used to block off large open areas such as loading docks, under eaves, open ceilings (like warehouses), and around rooftop equipment. When properly installed, it creates a physical barrier that completely excludes birds from entering the protected space ^{1 5 6}.
• Bird Wire Systems: These consist of spring-tensioned wires strung between posts installed on a ledge. The wires create an unstable, bending landing surface that pigeons and other birds cannot comfortably perch on. They are nearly invisible from a distance, making them a discreet option for historical or aesthetic buildings ^{3 5}.
• Electric Shock Systems: Low-profile tracks installed on ledges or beams deliver a harmless, mild shock when a bird lands. This conditions them to avoid the area. These systems are highly effective for ledges, parapets, and roof edges, and are considered a humane deterrent ^{1 7}.
• Bird Slopes or Slides: These are angled PVC or metal panels that can be installed over existing ledges. They create a steep slope (usually 45-60 degrees) that birds cannot grip, eliminating flat roosting surfaces ³.

Deterrents and Habitat Modification

While physical exclusion is best for solving an existing problem, deterrents and modifying the environment support long-term success.

• Visual and Sound Deterrents: This category includes reflective tapes, predator decoys (like owls), and ultrasonic devices. Their effectiveness can be limited, as birds may eventually become habituated to them. They are often best used in combination with other methods or for early-stage deterrence ^{3 8}.
• Habitat Modification: This is a critical step for lasting control. It involves removing the attractions that bring birds to your property. This means securing trash bins, eliminating standing water, cleaning up spilled grain or seed, and promptly removing old nests and droppings (which contain nesting pheromones) ^{8 7 2}. For businesses, managing dumpster areas and loading docks is especially important.

Key Areas for Bird Proofing in Ankeny

A professional assessment will identify the specific vulnerabilities on your property. Common targets in the Ankeny area include:

• Building Ledges & Window Sills: The most common roosting spot. Solutions include spikes, wire systems, slopes, or electric tracks ^{1 4}.
• Rooftops & HVAC Units: Birds seek shelter and nesting sites around warm HVAC units and on flat roofs. Netting can enclose equipment, while spikes protect roof edges and parapet walls ^{5 6}.
• Commercial Signs & Structural Beams: Large signs and exposed beams in warehouses or under bridges are ideal perches. Spikes or custom metalwork can be applied to these surfaces ³.
• Loading Docks & Open Ceilings: Large open areas require netting to completely exclude birds from entering and nesting in rafters ⁵.
• Vents & Niches: Small openings in soffits, gable vents, or architectural details must be sealed with appropriate materials or protected with deterrents to prevent nesting inside walls or attics ⁹.

Working with a Local Bird Control Professional

For a lasting solution, partnering with a local specialist is advisable. Companies serving Ankeny, such as Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management or TRappers Wildlife Control, bring specific knowledge of Central Iowa bird pressures and local regulations regarding humane wildlife removal ^{10 9 11}. The process typically begins with a free, on-site inspection to assess the species, infestation level, and property specifics.

What to Expect from Professional Service

A reputable provider will focus on a comprehensive approach:

1. Inspection & Assessment: Identifying entry points, roosting sites, and the species involved.
2. Cleanup & Sanitation: Safely removing droppings and nests, which is crucial for health and to remove scent markers ².
3. Installation of Exclusion Methods: Implementing the chosen barriers (spikes, netting, etc.) to prevent return.
4. Habitat Recommendations: Advising on changes to make the property less attractive.
5. Follow-up/Monitoring: Ensuring the solution remains effective over time.

Understanding Investment and Value

The cost of bird control in Ankeny is not one-size-fits-all. It varies significantly based on the infestation size, building height and accessibility, the specific bird species, and the chosen exclusion methods (e.g., netting a large loading dock is a larger project than installing spikes on a few ledges) ^{10 12}. While professional exclusion systems represent an upfront investment, they save substantial money over time by eliminating constant cleaning costs, repairing damage from corrosive droppings, and preventing more invasive structural repairs ^{8 6}. Many local companies offer free estimates, allowing you to understand the scope and investment needed for your specific situation before proceeding ¹⁰.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Property

Selecting the best bird management strategy depends on your property type and goals.

• Residential Homeowners: Often deal with birds in gutters, under decks, or in attic vents. Solutions may include sealing entry points, installing discreet spikes on chimney caps or fascia boards, and using netting to protect garden areas or ponds. Humane removal and exclusion are the primary focus ¹¹.
• Commercial & Industrial Properties: Face larger-scale challenges with warehouses, manufacturing plants, and storefronts. A combination of netting for large openings, spike systems for ledges and signage, and electric tracks for roof edges is common. Professional installation is critical for durability and safety on these structures ^{1 5 6}.
• Property Managers & Multi-Unit Housing: Need durable, low-maintenance solutions for apartment complexes. A focus on sealing nesting sites in eaves and balconies, protecting common areas like pools and dumpster enclosures with netting, and implementing community-wide habitat modification (like securing trash) is essential for long-term control ⁸.

By understanding the methods and engaging a knowledgeable local professional, you can effectively resolve bird and pigeon issues, protecting your Ankeny property from damage and creating a cleaner, safer environment.

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