Birds, while a beautiful part of nature, can sometimes become a nuisance when they decide to make your home, office, or commercial building their roosting site. They can cause structural damage, pose health risks, and create unsightly messes that affect the value and aesthetics of your property. When you’re faced with such issues, it’s time to seek professional help. However, not all bird control services are created equal. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to find a competent bird control contractor who can handle the problem effectively and humanely.
1. Understand Your Bird Control Needs
The first step in hiring a bird control contractor is to understand your specific needs. Are you dealing with a few nuisance birds, or is there a larger infestation that requires significant intervention? Knowing the scope of your problem will help you communicate better with potential contractors and also determine the scale of services you need. Here are a few common bird control issues that contractors handle:
- Bird Nesting: Birds like pigeons or sparrows nesting in eaves, roof spaces, or building ledges.
- Roosting Problems: Birds gathering in large numbers on roofs, ledges, or signage.
- Health Concerns: Birds spreading diseases through droppings, feathers, or parasites.
- Property Damage: Birds causing damage to building materials or equipment.
Defining your needs will also help you assess the contractor’s proposed solutions. A competent contractor should be able to clearly articulate what they’ll do and why it’s necessary based on your specific situation.
2. Research Bird Control Contractors in Your Area
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, start researching bird control contractors in your area. Look for companies that specialse in bird control, rather than general pest control services. Bird control is a specialised field, and it’s important to hire experts who have experience dealing specifically with bird-related issues. Here are a few places to start your search:
- Online Reviews and Ratings: Websites like Yelp and Google Reviews can provide insights into the quality of service a company offers.
- Professional Associations: Look for contractors who are members of industry associations and carry accreditations from CHAS and have ISO status. Membership indicates a commitment to professionalism and adherence to industry standards.
- Local Recommendations: Ask local property managers, building owners, or neighbors who’ve had similar issues for recommendations. Firsthand experiences can be a valuable resource.
3. Verify Credentials and Certifications
When narrowing down your options, ensure that the contractors are properly certified to perform bird control services in your area. Bird control often involves working at heights and using specialised equipment, so licenses and insurance are non-negotiable. Ask the contractor to provide proof of the following:
- Insurance: The contractor should have both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or property damage during the project.
- Training and Certifications: Look for certifications and group associations such as IRATA. These indicate that the contractor has received formal training in working at height techniques, and follows best practice in terms of safety.
4. Experience and Specialisation
Not all bird control contractors have the same level of experience or expertise. Ask about their experience dealing with the specific bird species you’re facing and their familiarity with your type of property. A good contractor should have a diverse portfolio and be able to demonstrate competence in solving complex bird problems. Here are some key questions to ask:
- How long have you been in the bird control business?
- What bird species do you specialise in controlling?
- Do you have experience working on residential, commercial, or industrial properties?
- Can you provide references from similar projects?
Experience is particularly important when dealing with large infestations or specialised properties like historic buildings or industrial sites.
5. Assess Their Approach to Bird Control
Competent bird control contractors will use a combination of humane and effective methods tailored to your specific problem. Beware of companies that suggest drastic measures like culling birds without exploring non-lethal options first. Common methods used by professional contractors include:
- Exclusion Techniques: Bird netting, spikes, and electric track systems to prevent birds from landing or nesting.
- Deterrents: Sound, visual, or chemical deterrents to discourage birds from roosting in certain areas.
- Trapping and Relocation: Safe and humane removal of birds when exclusion or deterrents are not feasible.
- Cleaning and Sanitisation: Thorough cleaning of droppings and nesting materials to prevent health risks and discourage future infestations.
A good contractor will be transparent about the methods they use and explain why each one is necessary. They should also comply with local wildlife protection laws and avoid harming protected species.
6. Request a Comprehensive Inspection and Proposal
A reputable bird control contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of your property before providing a proposal. This inspection should identify the extent of the infestation, the bird species involved, and the specific areas affected. Based on the inspection, the contractor should offer a detailed proposal that includes:
- Recommended Solutions: A breakdown of the methods they’ll use and why they’re appropriate.
- Cost Estimate: An itemised estimate of the costs involved, including materials, labor, and any ongoing maintenance.
- Timeline: An estimated timeframe for completing the project.
- Warranty: Information on warranties or guarantees for their work, which ensures that you’re covered if the issue reoccurs.
Avoid contractors who give you a quote over the phone without conducting an on-site inspection, as this often leads to inaccurate estimates and poor service.
7. Compare Quotes and Make Your Decision
Once you have received detailed proposals from multiple contractors, take the time to compare them. Don’t just focus on the price—evaluate the comprehensiveness of their approach, their experience, and their reputation. A competent bird control contractor will offer a balance of fair pricing, high-quality service, and effective, humane solutions.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a competent bird control contractor requires careful research and evaluation. By taking the time to understand your needs, verify credentials, and assess their approach, you can ensure that you hire a contractor who will resolve your bird issues safely and effectively. Remember, the cheapest option is not always the best—prioritise professionalism, experience, and humane methods to protect both your property and the birds themselves.