Best bird control service pros near Clear Lake, IA

When it comes to keeping birds from doing their business on your porch rails, you have several DIY options and home remedies you can try: 

• Tie a fishing line from one end of the deck post to the other. Birds won’t be able to see the line across the railing, so they can’t land on it.  

• Hang wind chimes close by, which may scare birds away. 

• Apply a bird gel repellent to the railings, which contains smells that birds generally don’t like. Or, similarly, you can apply citronella or lemon oil around the railings, since birds don’t like strong smells.

It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

• Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.

• Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

If a wild animal enters your yard, prioritize safety for yourself and the animal. Remember to avoid direct contact and always keep a safe distance. Contact local authorities or a wildlife rehabilitation center if the animal is hurt or in distress. Both sources should be able to guide you on how to proceed and send help if needed. Please wait for the animal to leave naturally for non-threatening situations, as many will. To deter future visits, implement measures like securing trash cans, sealing entry points, and removing potential food sources.

They can have a deterrent effect on birds to some extent. The reflective surfaces of these objects, such as aluminum foil strips, CDs, or reflective tape, create flashes of light and movement that can startle or confuse birds temporarily. However, some birds can become accustomed to these visual disturbances over time and might adapt their behavior accordingly. For a more sustained solution, combining shiny objects with other deterrent methods shared here is often beneficial for creating a more comprehensive and effective strategy for bird control.