Best Bird & Pigeon Control in Virginia Ranked

Birds, while beautiful in nature, can become significant pests when they roost or nest on your property. In Virginia, dealing with nuisance birds involves more than just shooing them away; it requires understanding state and federal wildlife laws and implementing humane, effective deterrents. Bird and pigeon control focuses on protecting your home or business from property damage, health hazards, and noise by using exclusion and deterrent strategies. This guide will help you understand your options, the importance of legal compliance, and how to connect with local specialists who can assess your situation and implement a lasting solution.

Richmond Animal Exterminator

103 N 5th St, Richmond, VA 23224

Richmond Animal Exterminator offers humane wildlife removal services in Richmond, VA. They specialize in trapping and relocating animals such as skunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, bats, and birds without using poisons or harmful chemicals. Their services also include rodent control with permanent removal methods, attic animal removal, damage repair, and property cleaning after animal removal. With over a decade of experience, they provide 24/7 customer support and quick callouts within 24 hours to assess and address wildlife issues.

5.0

134 Reviews

Terminix

4204-A Eubank Rd, Henrico, VA 23231

Terminix provides pest control and termite services in Richmond, VA. They offer protection against a wide range of pests including bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, bees, wasps, and birds. Their services include interior and exterior inspections, regularly scheduled treatments, and termite protection systems with guarantees for ongoing pest and termite control. Terminix technicians are familiar with local pest challenges and provide customized plans to protect homes and commercial properties. The company operates 24/7, offering continuous support for pest issues in the Richmond area.

4.9

196 Reviews

Bee Busters Inc

richmond

Bee Busters Inc is a family-owned pest control company serving Richmond, VA, and nearby areas since 1986. They specialize in the safe removal of bees, wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, carpenter bees, and various wildlife including bats, birds, squirrels, and rodents. Their services include both pesticide and non-pesticide methods tailored to different pest behaviors. The company offers licensed, insured pest control with a focus on minimizing disruption to homes and businesses. Bee Busters Inc provides a one-year warranty on many treatments and follows environmentally conscious practices.

5.0

65 Reviews

Alpha Pest Solutions LLC

94 Kings Point Ave, Smithfield, VA 23430

Alpha Pest Solutions LLC is a family-owned pest control company serving Chesapeake, VA, and the broader Hampton Roads area. Established in 2010, they provide a range of services including pest, termite, and fungus control, as well as real estate inspections. Their service area extends across the VA Peninsula, Southside, and up to Richmond and Petersburg. Alpha Pest Solutions is licensed, insured, and bonded, offering personalized customer care with availability on weekends and evenings.

4.9

135 Reviews

Two Guys Wildlife LLC

virginia beach

Two Guys Wildlife LLC is a locally owned and operated wildlife removal company based in Virginia Beach, VA. They specialize in humane and environmentally conscious removal and control of nuisance animals such as squirrels, raccoons, rodents, birds, snakes, and stinging insects. Their services include inspection, removal, exclusion, and cleanup to prevent future infestations and restore affected areas. The company is licensed, insured, and offers a service guarantee to homeowners in the Richmond and Hampton Roads area.

4.9

115 Reviews

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Understanding Bird Control Laws in Virginia

Before taking any action, it's crucial to know the legal landscape. In Virginia, as in all U.S. states, most native bird species are protected under federal laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means it is generally illegal to harm, kill, or possess these birds, their eggs, or their active nests ^{1 2 3}. This protection extends to common species you might find problematic, such as sparrows, starlings, and woodpeckers.

Pigeons (rock doves), house sparrows, and European starlings are notable exceptions, as they are non-native and not federally protected. However, local ordinances may still regulate control methods. For any bird control project, especially involving nest removal, consulting with a local Virginia wildlife management or pest control professional is essential to ensure full compliance with all regulations ^{1 4 5}.

Why Bird Control is Necessary

Ignoring a bird problem can lead to costly consequences. Birds are not just a nuisance; they pose real risks to property and health.

• Property Damage: Bird droppings are highly acidic and can corrode building materials, stain facades, and degrade roofing. Nesting materials can clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage, or block vents, creating fire hazards and moisture issues ⁶.
• Health Hazards: Accumulated droppings can harbor fungi like Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes respiratory illness when spores are inhaled. Birds and their nests can also host mites, ticks, and other parasites ⁶.
• Safety Risks: Slippery droppings on walkways, stairs, and loading docks create a fall hazard. Nesting in electrical equipment or machinery can cause shorts and fires.

Common Bird Control Methods and Deterrents

Professional bird management in Virginia relies on a toolbox of humane exclusion and deterrent techniques. The right solution depends on the bird species, the location, and the scale of the problem.

Physical Barriers and Exclusion

This is the most effective and permanent form of bird control, preventing birds from accessing favored roosting or nesting spots.

• Bird Spikes: These are rows of pointed rods made from plastic or stainless steel installed on ledges, signs, roof peaks, and other flat surfaces. They are a highly effective pigeon control method, preventing birds from landing without harming them ^{7 2}.
• Bird Netting: Heavy-duty polyethylene netting creates a physical barrier over large open areas like courtyards, loading docks, under eaves, and entire rooftops. It's ideal for excluding larger flocks from commercial properties ^{7 2}.
• Bird Wire Systems: Nearly invisible tensioned wire systems installed on ledges create an unstable landing surface that birds avoid. They are a low-profile option suitable for historical buildings or aesthetic-sensitive areas ^{7 8}.
• Architectural Modifications: Sealing entry points with hardware cloth or vent covers, installing chimney caps, and trimming back tree branches that provide access to structures are critical steps in a complete exclusion plan ^{1 9}.

Repellents and Deterrents

These methods aim to make an area unattractive or frightening to birds.

• Visual Deterrents: Items like reflective tape, scare-eye balloons, or predator decoys (like owls) can provide temporary relief, especially for new or minor problems. Birds often habituate to these if used alone ^{10 8}.
• Sonic and Ultrasonic Devices: These units emit sounds unpleasant to birds, such as predator calls or distress cries. Their effectiveness varies by environment and species, and they are typically used in large, open commercial or agricultural settings ^{10 11}.
• Tactile Repellents: Non-toxic, sticky gels can be applied to ledges. Birds dislike the feeling on their feet and will seek another perch. These require periodic reapplication and can collect dirt ⁸.

Habitat Modification

Often the first line of defense, this involves making your property less inviting.

• Eliminate Food Sources: Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids, clean up outdoor eating areas, and discourage feeding birds on the property.
• Remove Water Sources: Fix leaky faucets and eliminate standing water where birds may drink or bathe.
• Deny Nesting Materials: Keep areas clear of loose straw, twigs, and other debris birds use for building nests.

Professional Removal and Cleanup

When birds have already established a presence, professional removal and sanitization are necessary. This is particularly important for attic or vent infestations. Specialists will humanely remove any birds (if legally permissible), clear out nesting materials and droppings, and then sanitize the area to eliminate health risks before sealing up entry points ¹. For large-scale or persistent problems on commercial sites, some firms even employ falconry-based abatement programs, where trained raptors patrol the area to naturally disperse pest birds ¹¹.

Cost of Bird Control Services in Virginia

The investment for bird control varies widely based on the method, the size of the area, and the complexity of the installation. Most reputable companies provide free inspections and project-based quotes.

• Simple, Small-Scale Solutions: Basic installations like chimney caps or applying spikes or gel to a few window ledges for a residential property can range from a few hundred dollars ^{1 9}.
• Moderate Removal and Exclusion: For a residential job involving the removal of nesting birds from an attic, a full cleanup, and sealing multiple entry points, homeowners might expect costs between $1,500 and $4,000 ¹.
• Large Commercial Projects: Installing extensive netting over a warehouse roof, a wire system across a long ledge on an office building, or a multi-faceted deterrent program for a large facility is a custom project. These are priced individually after a thorough inspection and often represent a more significant investment, justified by the prevention of major property damage and liability ^{7 9}.

Choosing a Bird Control Provider in Virginia

Selecting the right professional is key to a successful, legal, and lasting solution. Look for providers with:

• Specific Experience: Choose a company that specializes in or has extensive experience with bird and pigeon control, not just general pest management.
• Knowledge of Regulations: They should be well-versed in Virginia and federal wildlife laws to ensure your project is compliant.
• Comprehensive Service: The best providers offer a full suite: inspection, humane removal (if needed), professional-grade installation of exclusion devices, and cleanup/sanitization services.
• Warranties and Maintenance: Ask about guarantees on their work and whether they offer maintenance plans to ensure deterrents remain effective over time.

By addressing bird problems proactively with professional, humane methods, Virginia homeowners and business managers can protect their investments and ensure a safe, clean environment.

Frequently asked questions

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