Best Bird & Pigeon Control in Illinois Ranked

Bird and pigeon control is a specialized service focused on managing nuisance birds that damage property, create health hazards, and disrupt business operations. In Illinois, common problem birds include pigeons, house sparrows, and starlings, which can nest in building eaves, vents, and ledges. Finding the right local professional is essential for a solution that is effective, humane, and compliant with state and federal wildlife laws. This guide provides the information you need to understand your options and connect with qualified experts in Illinois.

D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, LLC

chicago

D&K Pest Control and Wildlife Removal, LLC is a pest control and wildlife removal company serving Chicago, IL, and the western Chicago suburbs. They provide services for both residential and commercial properties, including pest inspections, one-time treatments, quarterly pest control plans, and custom wildlife exclusion solutions. Their work covers rodents, raccoons, squirrels, bats, birds, and common household pests. The company also offers structural repairs and long-term exclusion to prevent future infestations, combining pest removal with prevention efforts.

5.0

349 Reviews

Landmark Pest Management

chicago

Landmark Pest Management provides science-based, environmentally-friendly pest control services in Chicago, IL, and surrounding counties. They handle a wide range of pests including ants, wasps, mice, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and wildlife, using humane and green methods. Founded in 1976 by a wildlife biologist, the company combines expertise from biologists and epidemiologists to deliver effective pest exclusion and control. Landmark offers a Complete Home Care program with year-round protection and 24/7 monitoring to maintain pest-free homes.

5.0

332 Reviews

Clae Pest Control

410 Elgin Ave Suite B, Forest Park, IL 60130

Clae Pest Control is a pest management company serving Chicago, IL, and surrounding neighborhoods. They provide comprehensive pest control services including bed bug treatment, ant and rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito management, and bird pigeon control for both residential and commercial properties. Clae Pest Control emphasizes protecting all areas of the home such as bedrooms, kitchens, garages, and yards to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Their approach includes thorough inspections and personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's needs. The company has earned over 100 five-star reviews in the Greater Chicago Area, reflecting their commitment to effective pest solutions and customer care.

4.9

613 Reviews

Fur Busters Wildlife

chicago

Fur Busters Wildlife is a pest control and wildlife removal company based in Chicago, IL. They specialize in humane removal and exclusion of raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, opossums, mice, and birds. Fur Busters focuses on environmentally sound and scientific methods to manage nuisance animals and prevent their return. They also offer animal damage restoration to repair properties affected by wildlife. The company serves Northern Illinois and emphasizes humane trapping and release techniques to avoid harm to animals. Fur Busters was founded to provide a fresh approach to wildlife control and is growing to become one of the largest wildlife exclusion companies in the region.

5.0

99 Reviews

Guardian Pest Control

chicago

Guardian Pest Control provides residential and commercial pest and wildlife removal services in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding areas including Northwest Indiana. The company handles a wide range of pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and birds. Guardian Pest Control is licensed, bonded, and insured, with over 35 years of experience since 1987. They offer 24-hour emergency service without requiring contracts, allowing customers flexible treatment options.

4.9

328 Reviews

See more providers in Illinois

Understanding Bird Problems in Illinois

Birds become pests when they choose to roost or nest on man-made structures. In Illinois, the most frequent offenders are non-native species like pigeons, house sparrows, and European starlings¹. These birds are attracted to the warmth, shelter, and food sources provided by urban and suburban environments. While a few birds might seem harmless, a colony can quickly lead to significant issues.

The problems extend beyond simple nuisance. Accumulated droppings are acidic and can corrode building materials, metal, and stonework. More critically, bird droppings can harbor fungi that cause diseases like Histoplasmosis, posing a serious health risk, especially near air intakes or in facilities handling food or medical supplies². Nests built in gutters, drains, or ventilation systems can cause water damage, fire hazards, and block critical airflow. Identifying the specific species and the scale of the infestation is the first step toward an effective control plan.

Legal Considerations: Protected vs. Unprotected Birds

Before taking any action, it's crucial to understand wildlife regulations. In Illinois, bird control is governed by both federal and state laws.

• Protected Birds: The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects nearly all native bird species, their eggs, and their active nests. This includes common birds like robins, finches, and woodpeckers. It is illegal to harm, capture, or destroy the nests of protected birds without a specific permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service^{1 2}.
• Unprotected Birds: The three primary pest species-pigeons (rock doves), house sparrows, and European starlings-are not native and are generally not protected by the MBTA. This means control measures can be implemented more freely, but local city or county ordinances may still have restrictions, so checking with municipal authorities is advised¹.
• The Bird-Friendly Buildings Act: Illinois passed landmark legislation in 2022 requiring most new construction or major renovations to incorporate bird-safe design for glass. This includes using patterned, frosted, or screened glass to prevent fatal bird collisions, a significant step forward in proactive bird management³.

Bird Control Methods: Exclusion and Deterrence

Effective bird management relies on making a structure unattractive or inaccessible. Solutions fall into two main categories: exclusion (physical barriers) and deterrents (behavior modifiers). The right approach depends on the bird species, the building's architecture, and the specific problem areas.

Exclusion: Permanent Physical Barriers

Exclusion involves installing physical barriers that prevent birds from landing, roosting, or entering a space. These are typically considered the most effective and long-lasting solutions.

• Bird Netting: Heavy-duty polyethylene or polypropylene nets are used to block off large areas like eaves, courtyards, loading docks, and under bridges. Properly installed netting creates a complete physical barrier^{4 5}. For example, a roll of 3/4" heavy-duty netting can cost around $187.50, but professional installation is key for durability and aesthetics⁶.
• Bird Spikes: Strips with pointed rods made from stainless steel or durable plastic are installed on ledges, signs, beams, and anywhere birds perch. They are a low-profile way to make landing spots uncomfortable without harming the birds^{7 8}. Plastic spike strips can start around $22.20 each⁶.
• Bird Wire (Post and Wire Systems): A system of posts and tensioned stainless steel cables installed on ledges. The wire is barely visible but creates an unstable landing surface that birds avoid^{5 9}.
• Architectural Modifications: This includes installing vent guards or mesh screens over attic and soffit vents, and chimney caps to prevent birds from becoming trapped inside. A quality chimney cap installation can start at $250 or more but provides decades of protection^{10 11}.
• Bird-Safe Glass: For new construction or window replacement, using fritted, patterned, or UV-reflective glass significantly reduces deadly collisions, as mandated by the Illinois Bird-Friendly Buildings Act^{3 12}.

Deterrents: Modifying Bird Behavior

Deterrents use sensory stimuli to scare or repel birds from an area. They are often used in conjunction with exclusion methods or in situations where barriers are not feasible.

• Shock Tracks (Electrical Systems): Low-voltage, pulsed tracks can be installed on ledges and beams. They deliver a mild, harmless shock that conditions birds to avoid the area. These systems are highly effective but require professional installation and maintenance^{5 9}. A starter Bird Jolt kit can cost over $412.77⁶.
• Visual Deterrents: Items like reflective tape, scare-eye balloons, and predator decoys (like owls) use movement and light to frighten birds. Their effectiveness can diminish over time as birds become habituated^{7 8}.
• Sonic and Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds or frequencies that are irritating to birds. Sonic devices play recorded distress calls, while ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds. Effectiveness varies, and sound-based solutions may not be suitable in all environments due to noise concerns⁸.
• Aromatic Repellents: Non-toxic gels or sprays (e.g., methyl anthranilate-based products like Bird-Out) create an odor or taste birds dislike. These typically need frequent reapplication, especially outdoors, and a container can start around $36.04⁶.

The Importance of Professional Assessment and Installation

While DIY products are available, professional expertise is invaluable for bird and pigeon control. A qualified professional will:

1. Correctly Identify the Species: This determines the legal parameters and the most effective control strategy.
2. Conduct a Thorough Site Assessment: They identify all entry points, roosting sites, and food/water sources contributing to the problem.
3. Design a Customized, Integrated Plan: Rarely does one product solve everything. Pros combine methods (e.g., netting for large openings and spikes for ledges) for a comprehensive solution.
4. Ensure Safe and Code-Compliant Installation: Installing netting on a high-rise or wiring an electrical system requires specific skills and safety protocols. Professionals also ensure installations meet any local building codes.
5. Provide Long-Term Value: A professionally installed exclusion system, like a $250 chimney cap that lasts 20 years, offers a better long-term value than recurring costs for less effective deterrents or cleanup¹¹. They can also handle the hazardous cleanup of accumulated droppings safely.

For significant infestations, health code issues, or problems with potentially protected species, consulting a licensed pest management professional is strongly recommended^{1 13}.

Cost Factors for Bird Control in Illinois

The cost of bird control varies widely based on several factors:

• Scope of the Problem: The size of the area to be protected and the number of birds.
• Building Height and Accessibility: Higher or harder-to-reach areas increase labor costs.
• Chosen Method: Simple visual deterrents are low-cost, while extensive netting or electrical systems represent a larger investment.
• Need for Cleanup and Sanitization: Removing old nests and hazardous droppings adds to the project cost.
• Professional vs. DIY: Professional installation includes expertise, a warranty, and guaranteed effectiveness, which justifies a higher initial cost compared to purchasing DIY products.

Investing in a proper, permanent exclusion solution often proves more economical over time than repeated temporary fixes or ongoing damage repairs^{4 10}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources