What are the most common nuisance birds in Berwyn?

Pigeons (rock doves) are the most prevalent due to their adaptation to urban environments. You may also encounter house sparrows, starlings, and occasionally chimney swifts seeking shelter in residential structures.

Is it legal to remove bird nests myself in Illinois?

It depends on the species and timing. Many native birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is generally illegal to disturb active nests with eggs or chicks. A professional bird control service understands these regulations and can proceed legally and humanely.

What's the difference between a bird deterrent and bird exclusion?

Deterrents, like sonic devices or gels, aim to scare or annoy birds away from an area. Exclusion, such as netting or spikes, physically prevents birds from accessing the area altogether. Exclusion is generally considered a more permanent and reliable solution.

Why is professional cleanup important for bird droppings?

Bird droppings can harbor fungi and bacteria, like Histoplasma, which can become airborne when dry. Professional remediation uses specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums and disinfectants to remove the waste safely without risking exposure to these health hazards.

Can birds damage my solar panels?

Yes. Birds nesting under panels can cause wiring damage and their droppings can reduce the panels' efficiency by blocking sunlight. Installing a perimeter mesh system is a common and effective solution to prevent this.

How long does a bird control installation like netting or spikes last?

High-quality exclusion products like stainless steel spikes or UV-stabilized polyethylene netting are designed to last for many years, often a decade or more, with minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective long-term investment.

What should I look for in a bird control professional in Berwyn?

Seek a company that emphasizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), offers a thorough inspection, provides a detailed plan explaining both immediate and preventative measures, and uses humane, high-quality exclusion products. They should be knowledgeable about local bird species and regulations.

Pest Control in Berwyn, IL,

Managing nuisance birds and pigeons is a critical aspect of property maintenance in Berwyn. These birds can cause significant structural damage, create health hazards with their droppings, and lead to costly cleanups. Finding the right local bird control strategy is essential for protecting your home or business. This guide will help you understand the available methods and how to connect with professionals who can implement a humane and effective solution tailored to your specific situation.

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

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

Terminix

1552 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Terminix is a pest control company serving Chicago, IL, specializing in managing a wide range of pests including bed bugs, termites, ants, cockroaches, rodents, bees, wasps, and wildlife. Their local technicians are familiar with Chicago's unique pest challenges and provide customized inspection and treatment plans for both residential and commercial properties. Terminix offers termite protection systems and guarantees for termite damage repair, along with comprehensive pest control plans that cover interior and exterior treatments. The company is part of a nationwide network and focuses on seasonal and year-round pest management to address Chicago's climate and pest activity patterns.

4.9

323 Reviews

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Why Bird Control Matters in Berwyn

Birds like pigeons, sparrows, and starlings are more than just a nuisance in our urban and suburban landscape. Their nesting and roosting habits can lead to clogged gutters, damaged roofing materials, and compromised ventilation systems. More critically, accumulated droppings are acidic, accelerating the deterioration of building materials, and can harbor pathogens harmful to human health¹ ². For businesses, a bird problem can negatively impact customer perception and even violate local health codes. Implementing effective bird management is an investment in your property's longevity, safety, and value.

Common Problem Areas on Berwyn Properties

Birds seek out sheltered spots that mimic their natural cliff and cave habitats. In Berwyn, both residential and commercial buildings offer many attractive locations.

For Residential Properties:

Chimneys: A favorite nesting spot for birds like chimney swifts, leading to blockages and fire hazards.
Attics & Eaves: Small openings under rooflines provide perfect, sheltered nesting sites.
Window Ledges & Balconies: These flat, elevated surfaces are ideal pigeon loafing areas.
Solar Panels: The space beneath panels offers shade and protection, making them a prime nesting location that can reduce system efficiency² ³.

For Commercial Properties:

Flat Rooftops & HVAC Units: Large, flat areas with warmth and shelter from equipment are highly attractive to flocks.
Loading Docks & Warehouse Entrances: Open doors and high rafters in warehouses invite birds seeking interior shelter⁴.
Building Facades, Signs, & Ledges: Architectural features provide endless perching opportunities.
Vents & Duct Openings: These can become entry points to interior spaces, leading to birds trapped inside walls or ceilings⁵.

Effective Bird Deterrent and Exclusion Methods

A successful bird abatement plan often combines several strategies, moving from simple deterrents to physical exclusion. The goal is to make your property unattractive and inaccessible to birds humanely.

Physical Exclusion (Long-Term Solutions)

This is the most permanent form of bird management, involving the installation of barriers.

Bird Netting: Creates a physical barrier over large areas like courtyards, under canopies, or across entire building facades. It's highly effective for warehouses and large commercial spaces¹ ⁴.
Bird Spikes: Installed on ledges, signs, and beams, spikes prevent birds from landing without harming them. They are a versatile and widely used solution⁶ ⁵.
Bird Wire (or Coil) Systems: Create an unstable landing surface on ledges. They are less visible than spikes, making them a good choice for historical buildings or aesthetic concerns.
Structural Modifications: Sealing vents with specialized covers, installing chimney caps, and repairing holes in siding are fundamental steps to deny entry⁷ ².

Deterrents & Habitat Modification

These methods aim to scare birds away or remove the reasons they are attracted to your property.

Visual & Sonic Devices: Reflective tape, predator decoys (like owls), and ultrasonic emitters can provide temporary relief, though birds may eventually habituate to them⁸.
Bird Gel & UV Paint: Applied to ledges, these create a sticky or visually unsettling surface that birds dislike. They are low-profile but require periodic reapplication⁵.
Sanitation & Food Source Removal: Ensuring trash is securely contained and cleaning up food spills is critical. Birds will not stay where they cannot easily find food and water⁹ ¹⁰.

Professional Remediation Services

When an infestation is already established, professional intervention is often necessary.

Trapping & Relocation: For birds that have entered interior spaces like warehouses or attics, humane trapping and relocation may be required⁶.
Specialized Cleanup: Professional decontamination of accumulated droppings involves HEPA-filter vacuuming, power washing, and the application of bio-enzyme treatments to neutralize waste and odors safely⁹ ¹¹.

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Birds

The most effective approach for long-term bird control in Berwyn is a professional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. IPM is a holistic strategy that focuses on humane, sustainable prevention rather than just reactive removal⁹ ¹². A specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the specific bird species, the extent of the activity (roosting vs. nesting), and all attractants and entry points. They then design a customized solution that may combine exclusion, deterrents, and habitat modification. This tailored plan addresses the root cause of the problem, providing a lasting solution that protects your investment and prevents future infestations¹ ⁸.

Understanding Investment and Value

The cost of bird control varies significantly based on the property size, severity of the infestation, and methods chosen. It's helpful to view it as a protective investment rather than just an expense.

Targeted Solutions: Installing a chimney cap is a relatively low-cost project (often a few hundred dollars) that can prevent major problems for decades⁷. Similarly, custom mesh for solar panels can range from $200 to $600 but protects a valuable asset and its efficiency³.
Professional Programs: A comprehensive IPM program for a commercial property will have higher upfront costs but is designed for long-term effectiveness, saving money on repeated cleanings, repairs, and reactive treatments³ ¹².
Cost of Inaction: Weigh any control estimate against the potential costs of property damage, ongoing maintenance, and health-related liabilities. Professional bird management often pays for itself by avoiding these larger expenses.

Choosing a Bird Control Strategy for Your Property

Your best course of action depends on your specific circumstances:

For Active Nests: If birds are currently nesting, it's often best to consult a professional, as many species are protected by law during nesting season. They can advise on legal and humane next steps.
For Roosting/Pestering Birds: A combination of spike or wire installation on favorite perches, coupled with sealing entry points, is typically very effective.
For Large-Scale Commercial Problems: Netting over loading docks or rooftop areas, combined with a full-site sanitation and exclusion audit, provides the most complete protection¹ ⁴.
For Preventative Maintenance: Proactively sealing vents, installing caps, and ensuring good sanitation are the most cost-effective measures any property owner can take.

By understanding the available options and the value of a professional assessment, Berwyn homeowners and business managers can make informed decisions to solve their bird and pigeon problems effectively and humanely.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Best Pigeon Control Solutions for Commercial Properties 2025 - https://ccr-mag.com/best-pigeon-control-solutions-for-commercial-properties-2025/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
Structural Pest Control Program Bird Management Manual - https://idph.illinois.gov/envhealth/pdf/Bird_Control_Manual.pdf ↩ ↩² ↩³
The Cost of Bird Control: What to Expect When Hiring a Pro - https://www.elitebirdmanagement.com/the-cost-of-bird-control-what-to-expect-when-hiring-a-pro/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Bird Control for Warehouses - https://www.birdbgone.com/bird-problem/warehouse-bird-control/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Pigeon control products that protect commercial buildings - https://www.birdbgone.com/blog/pigeon-control-products-protect-commercial-buildings/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Nuisance Bird Control Chicago and Suburbs - https://www.pestcontrolexpertschicago.com/chicagos-nuisance-birds-pest-control.html ↩ ↩²
For the Birds Bird Control in Urban and Suburban Buildings - https://chicago.cooperatornews.com/article/for-the-birds ↩ ↩²
Use of frightening devices in wildlife damage management - https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/icwdm_usdanwrc/article/1221/viewcontent/Gilsdorf_IPMR_2003_Use_of_frightening.pdf ↩ ↩²
The Importance of Humane Bird Control For Commercial Properties - https://wildgoosechasers.com/the-importance-of-humane-bird-control-for-commercial-properties/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Bird Control Tips for Apartment Buildings and Property Managers - https://flockfree.com/blogs/flock-free-articles/bird-control-tips-for-apartments-buildings-and-property-managers ↩
Bird Control For High Rise Buildings - https://birdbarrier.com/bird-control-for-high-rise-buildings/ ↩
Best Bird Control Methods | Top Solutions for Your Needs - https://www.networksbirdnet.com/blogs/best-bird-control-methods.html ↩ ↩²

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