Your Guide to Choosing The Best Bird Control Provider

Step 1: Know What You're Dealing With (It's Not All Just "Birds")

Before you start calling around for quotes, you need to understand exactly what kind of bird problem you have. Trust me, this isn't as obvious as it sounds.

Identify Your Feathered Foes

Different birds require completely different approaches. What works for pigeons might actually make your seagull problem worse. Here's what you need to document:

• Species identification – Take photos if you can. Pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and seagulls all need different strategies

• Problem areas – Are they roosting on your roof, nesting in your signage, or just making a mess of your outdoor dining area?

• Severity level – A few occasional visitors versus an established colony of 50+ birds are two very different problems

• Timing patterns – When are they most active? Some birds are seasonal, others are year-round residents

• What you've already tried – Those fake owls from Amazon didn't work, did they? (Spoiler alert: they rarely do)

Pro Tip: Take photos and videos of your bird problem at different times of day. This documentation will help providers give you more accurate quotes and solutions. Plus, it's evidence if you need to make insurance claims for property damage.

Assess Why They Love Your Property

Birds aren't just randomly choosing your building to terrorize. They're there for a reason:

• Food sources – Dumpsters, outdoor dining areas, landscaping with berries

• Water sources – Roof drainage, irrigation systems, decorative fountains

• Nesting opportunities – Architectural features, HVAC equipment, signage

• Shelter areas – Overhangs, alcoves, loading docks, solar panels

Understanding these attractants helps you evaluate whether a provider is giving you a comprehensive solution or just treating the symptoms

Step 2: Verify They're Actually Qualified (More Important Than You Think)

Here's where a lot of people mess up. They assume anyone with a truck and some bird spikes knows what they're doing. Wrong.

Licensing and Certifications That Actually Matter

Bird control involves federal wildlife laws, and getting this wrong can land you in legal hot water. Make sure your provider has:

• State pest control license – This is non-negotiable in most states

• Wildlife control permits – Required for handling protected species

• Migratory Bird Treaty Act compliance knowledge – They should be able to explain this without Googling it

• Commercial applicator certifications – If they're using any chemical deterrents

• Specialized bird control training – Look for certifications from organizations like the National Pest Management Association

Bird control companies like Nation Wide Bird Control provide proof of certification and licensing across their websites to ensure customers know they can trust them.

Red Flag Alert: If a provider can't immediately show you their licenses or says "we don't need permits for birds," run. You could end up facing federal fines of up to $15,000 per bird for violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Reputable bird control companies like Nation Wide Bird Control often provide proof of certification and licensing across their websites to ensure customers know they can trust them, without having to dig for that security of mind.

Insurance and Bonding (Protect Yourself)

Bird control work often involves working at heights and installing equipment on your building.

You want providers with:

• General liability insurance – Minimum $1 million

• Workers' compensation – Protects you if someone gets hurt on your property

• Property damage coverage – In case they damage your roof or building during installation

• Bonding – Additional protection against poor workmanship

Step 3: Evaluate Their Experience (Not All Bird Control is Created Equal)

You wouldn't hire a general contractor to perform brain surgery, so don't hire a general pest control company for complex bird problems.

Look for True Bird Control Specialists

Here's what separates the pros from the pretenders:

• Years in business – Look for at least 3-5 years focused specifically on bird control

• Specialized expertise – Companies that eat, sleep, and breathe bird control versus those who do it as a side service

• Property type experience – Commercial, industrial, residential, or institutional experience that matches your needs

• Local knowledge – Understanding of regional bird species, migration patterns, and local regulations

At Nation Wide Bird Control, we've specialized in solving complex bird problems for over two decades, so you never have to wonder if we know what we're doing--we do.

Technical Competency Questions

A qualified provider should be able to discuss:

• Species-specific solutions – Why different birds require different approaches

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Comprehensive strategies, not just one-size-fits-all solutions

• Humane methods – Ethical wildlife management practices

• Building knowledge – Understanding of architecture, structural integrity, and installation requirements

Step 4: Understand Your Options (Method Comparison)

Not all bird control methods are created equal. Here's the real scoop on what works and what doesn't:

Physical Barriers

Pros: Highly effective (90-95%), long-lasting, humane

Cons: Higher upfront cost, visible installation

• Bird netting – 95%+ effectiveness, great for large areas

• Bird spikes – 90%+ for perching birds, cost-effective

• Wire systems – 85%+ effectiveness, less visible

Deterrent Systems

Pros: Less visible, covers large areas, high-tech options

Cons: Variable effectiveness, requires ongoing maintenance

• Laser systems – 80%+ effectiveness, automated options

• Audio deterrents – 60-80% effectiveness, weather-dependent

• Visual deterrents – 40-70% effectiveness, birds adapt quickly

Method Selection Factors

The right method depends on several factors:

• Bird species – Size, behavior, and roosting preferences

• Problem severity – Established colonies need more aggressive solutions

• Location constraints – Historic buildings, aesthetic requirements, accessibility

• Budget considerations – Initial cost versus long-term effectiveness

• Maintenance requirements – Some systems need regular upkeep

Reality Check: Those ultrasonic devices you see advertised online? They don't work. Birds can't hear most ultrasonic frequencies, and even when they can, they quickly adapt. Save your money.

Step 5: Navigate Contracts Like a Pro

Don't just sign on the dotted line. Bird control contracts should protect you, not just the provider.

Essential Contract Elements

• Detailed scope of work – Specific methods, materials, areas covered, and timeline

• Performance guarantees – What happens if birds come back?

• Warranty terms – Materials and workmanship coverage (NWBC offers a minimum 5 year performance guarantee)

• Maintenance schedules – Frequency and scope of ongoing service

• Liability provisions – Who's responsible for what if something goes wrong

• Termination clauses – How to end the agreement if you're not satisfied

Contract Red Flags

Walk away if you see:

• Vague scope descriptions ("bird control services as needed")

• No performance guarantees or warranties

• Demands for large upfront payments (50%+ before work starts)

• Automatic renewal clauses without notice periods

• Limited liability or insurance coverage

• No specific timeline for completion

Step 6: The Selection Process (Your Step-by-Step Action Plan)

Now that you know what to look for, here's how to actually find and vet providers:

Research and Initial Screening

1. Get referrals – Ask other property owners, facility managers, or your building maintenance company

2. Check online reviews – Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, but read between the lines

3. Verify credentials – Check state licensing boards and insurance certificates

4. Request references – Recent customers with similar properties and problems

   
   

The Top 10 Questions to Ask Every Provider

1. What specific experience do you have with our type of bird problem?

2. Can you provide references from similar properties in our area?

3. What methods do you recommend and why?

4. How do you ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws?

5. What guarantees do you offer on your work?

6. How do you handle cleanup and sanitation?

7. What ongoing maintenance is required?

8. How quickly can you respond to new problems?

9. What happens if the initial solution doesn't work?

10. Can you provide a detailed written estimate with timeline?

    
    

Interview Tip: Pay attention to how they answer these questions. Vague responses, pressure tactics, or inability to explain their methods are red flags. Good providers love talking about their expertise.

Step 7: Long-Term Success (It's Not Set-and-Forget)

Here's something most people don't realize: effective bird control requires ongoing attention. It's not a one-and-done solution.

What Ongoing Maintenance Looks Like

• Regular inspections – Monthly to quarterly system checks

• Cleaning and repairs – Maintaining system effectiveness

• Monitoring reports – Documentation of bird activity and system performance

• Seasonal adjustments – Adapting to changing bird behavior patterns

• Emergency response – Rapid intervention for new problems

  
  

Look, I get it. When you're dealing with a bird problem, it's tempting to go with whoever gives you the lowest quote. But here's the thing – cheap bird control is rarely effective bird control.

The best providers might not be the cheapest, but they'll save you money in the long run by actually solving your problem. They understand bird behavior, federal regulations, building requirements, and long-term prevention strategies.

Remember: you're not just buying bird removal – you're investing in property protection, health safety, regulatory compliance, and peace of mind. Choose a provider who treats it that way.

Ready to solve your problem for good?

Don't let birds continue damaging your property and disrupting your business. Contact a bird control specialist today to determine the best solution for your unique problem.