Best Bird & Pigeon Control in Tennessee Ranked

Bird and pigeon infestations can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks. In Tennessee, managing nuisance birds requires a strategic approach that prioritizes humane, effective, and legal methods. This guide explains the most common bird control strategies, relevant state and federal regulations, and how to find qualified local professionals who can assess your situation and implement a lasting solution.

Coopertown Fireplace & Wildlife Services

1099 Stage Ave, Memphis, TN 38127

Coopertown Fireplace & Wildlife Services is based in Memphis, TN, providing chimney, fireplace, and wildlife removal services throughout the greater Memphis area. They offer a range of chimney maintenance and repair services, including inspections, masonry repairs, chimney relining, and installation of protective components like chimney caps and chase covers. The company also specializes in gas fireplace servicing and repairs. With over 40 years of experience, Coopertown uses humane, non-lethal methods for wildlife removal, focusing on animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and birds. Their wildlife services include thorough inspections, removal, and sealing entry points to prevent reentry.

4.9

730 Reviews

Birdman Wildlife Removal

nashville

Birdman Wildlife Removal is a wildlife removal company based in Nashville, TN. They specialize in bird and pigeon control as well as the removal of dangerous wildlife. Their services include bird relocation to help manage wildlife issues safely and effectively.

5.0

87 Reviews

Wildlife Technicians

3125 Vista Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

Wildlife Technicians is a licensed and insured wildlife removal company based near Chattanooga, TN. They specialize in rodent control, bird and pigeon removal, and general nuisance wildlife removal for both homes and businesses. Their service area includes Chattanooga and surrounding counties such as Bradley, McMinn, Rhea, Hamilton, and Polk. The company is known for identifying entry points and setting traps to manage wildlife issues effectively. Wildlife Technicians offers 24/7 availability for fast response to wildlife problems.

4.9

257 Reviews

Jenkins Pest Control LLC

7515B Manus Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37127

Jenkins Pest Control LLC is a family-owned pest control company based in Nashville, TN, with over five generations of experience. They offer a range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent removal, termite inspections, mosquito control, bee and wasp removal, bird and pigeon control, and wildlife removal. The company uses state-certified techniques focused on safety for families and pets. As a local Tennessee business, Jenkins Pest Control emphasizes honesty, integrity, and fair pricing in their service. They aim to be a trusted provider in the Nashville area through their commitment to customer satisfaction and community values.

4.9

225 Reviews

Magnolia Wildlife Solutions

1070 Hawks Crossing Dr N, Olive Branch, MS 38654

Magnolia Wildlife Solutions is a locally owned wildlife removal company serving Memphis, TN, and the surrounding Mid-South region. Established in 2020, they specialize in humane and environmentally friendly removal of various animals such as raccoons, squirrels, rats, coyotes, and birds. Their services include rodent control, bird and pigeon management, and exclusion techniques to prevent future wildlife entry, ensuring safe environments for homes and businesses.

4.9

212 Reviews

See more providers in Tennessee

Understanding Tennessee's Bird Control Landscape

Tennessee is home to a diverse array of bird species, but the most common nuisance bird is the rock pigeon. Unlike many native birds, rock pigeons are not protected by federal law, which allows for more flexibility in control measures ^{1 2}. However, it is crucial to correctly identify the bird species causing the problem, as harming protected native birds, their nests, or eggs is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act ¹. This legal distinction makes proper identification and a focus on exclusion and deterrents the cornerstone of effective and responsible bird management in the state.

The primary goals of any bird control program are to exclude birds from unwanted areas, deter them from landing or roosting, and modify the habitat to make it less attractive. A combination of these methods, professionally installed, typically yields the best long-term results ^{3 4 5}.

Legal Considerations for Bird Removal

Before taking any action, understanding wildlife protection laws is essential.

• Rock Pigeons: As an introduced species, rock pigeons are not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means property owners can legally employ various control methods to manage pigeon populations ².
• Native Birds: All native bird species in Tennessee, including sparrows, starlings (which are not native but are protected), woodpeckers, and others, are federally protected. It is illegal to trap, harm, or destroy the active nests or eggs of these birds without specific permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ¹.
• Humane Practices: Even for non-protected species like pigeons, humane practices are strongly encouraged. The most effective long-term strategies focus on exclusion and deterrents rather than lethal removal.

The key takeaway is that exclusion-physically preventing birds from accessing a space-is always a legal and effective first step, regardless of the species involved.

Effective Bird Control Methods for Tennessee Properties

Professional bird management companies in Tennessee utilize a toolbox of proven techniques. The right solution depends on the bird species, the location of the problem (e.g., ledges, rooftops, warehouses), and the severity of the infestation.

Physical Exclusion and Barriers

This is the most permanent and effective solution, designed to block access entirely.

• Bird Netting: Heavy-duty polyethylene netting is used to block off large open areas such as balconies, loading docks, eaves, and entire sections of warehouses. Professionally installed netting provides a long-lasting physical barrier. Costs can range from $400 to over $2,000 depending on the square footage and the type of netting used (e.g., UV-treated for longevity) ^{3 6 7}.
• Sealing Entry Points: This involves using materials like hardware cloth, mesh, or foam sealant to close off gaps, vents, and openings in attics, soffits, and other structures where birds might enter to nest ^{3 8}.
• Bird Spikes: Stainless steel or plastic spikes are installed on ledges, signs, beams, and other flat surfaces to prevent birds from landing. They are a highly effective deterrent for pigeons and other larger birds ^{6 7}.
• Architectural Modifications: Installing sloping covers on ledges or using wire systems (like post-and-wire) can make preferred roosting spots unusable for birds.

Sensory and Visual Deterrents

These methods aim to scare or irritate birds to encourage them to leave an area.

• Sonic and Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds that are distressing to birds, such as predator calls or alarm cries. Ultrasonic devices produce high-frequency sounds inaudible to humans. Their effectiveness can vary and may diminish over time as birds become habituated ^{9 10}.
• Visual Scares: Reflective tape, scare-eye balloons, and predator decoys (like owls or hawks) can provide temporary relief. Like sonic devices, birds may eventually ignore them if they don't perceive a real threat ¹⁰.
• Tactile Gels: Non-toxic, sticky gels can be applied to ledges and rails. Birds dislike the tacky feeling on their feet and will avoid landing. These require periodic reapplication and maintenance ⁷.

Habitat Modification

Making your property less attractive to birds is a critical supportive measure.

• Eliminate Food Sources: Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids, clean up outdoor eating areas, and avoid leaving pet food outside.
• Remove Water Sources: Fix leaky faucets and eliminate standing water where birds may drink or bathe.
• Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from structures to reduce nesting sites and perches close to buildings.

What to Expect from Professional Bird Control Services

Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly, safely, and in compliance with all laws. A reputable service will typically follow this process:

1. Inspection and Assessment: A technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the bird species, entry points, roosting sites, and the scope of the problem. This assessment forms the basis for a customized plan.
2. Recommendation and Quote: The professional will recommend a combination of methods suited to your specific situation and provide a detailed quote. Most companies offer free inspections and estimates ^{4 5}.
3. Installation and Implementation: Trained technicians will perform the installation of exclusion devices like netting or spikes. This step is crucial, as improper installation can render even the best products ineffective.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation: Bird droppings (guano) can harbor diseases and cause property damage. Many services offer cleanup and disinfection of affected areas, which is a vital step for health and safety.
5. Monitoring and Maintenance: Some plans include follow-up visits to ensure the solutions are working and to perform any necessary maintenance, such as reapplying gels or adjusting devices.

Cost Factors for Bird and Pigeon Control

The cost of bird control in Tennessee varies widely based on the project's complexity. There is no standard price, as each property presents unique challenges.

• Project Size and Scope: A small residential balcony with spike installation will cost significantly less than netting off the eaves of a large commercial warehouse.
• Materials Used: The type and quality of materials (e.g., industrial-grade vs. residential netting, stainless steel vs. plastic spikes) impact the price.
• Labor and Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach areas (high rooftops, tall signage) require more labor and safety equipment, increasing the cost.
• Severity of Infestation: A long-standing infestation with significant guano buildup will require remediation and sanitation in addition to exclusion, adding to the total cost.

As a reference, DIY deterrent kits like small spike strips or gels may start around $20-$40, but these are often for minor, localized issues. Professional installation of solutions like netting can range from $400 to $2,000 or more, depending on the factors above ^{3 6 7}. The most valuable step is to get a detailed, written estimate from a licensed professional after an on-site inspection.

Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance

Effective bird control is not always a one-time event. To maintain a bird-free property:

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Periodically check your property for new potential entry points or signs of bird activity.
• Maintain Deterrents: Clean spikes and nets of debris, and reapply tactile gels as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Stay Vigilant with Habitat Management: Consistently manage trash, food sources, and vegetation.
• Act Quickly: If you notice birds starting to investigate your property again, address it immediately before a new infestation takes hold.

Investing in professional-grade exclusion methods from the start is often more cost-effective than repeated temporary fixes or dealing with the extensive property damage and cleanup costs caused by an unchecked bird infestation ⁵.

Frequently asked questions

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