Get matched with top bird control service pros in Jeanerette, LA

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.

The cost of pest control services depends on various factors, but the average homeowner pays around $175, with a typical range of $100 to $500. Your final cost will be influenced by the type of pest, the size and severity of the infestation, and the number of treatments needed.

Service costs also vary by frequency:

• One-time service: $300–$550

• Initial visit for ongoing service: $150–$300

• Monthly visits: $40–$70

• Quarterly visits: $100–$300

• Annual visits: $300–$550

For specific pest examples, getting rid of spiders typically costs between $100 and $300, whereas a termite infestation can cost from $230 to $2,500 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.

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.

Keeping birds away from a porch can involve a combination of strategies. Start with cleaning your porch. Remove food, debris, and plants that may be attracting feathered friends. Afterward, install physical deterrents like netting or spikes. Next, top off your porch with a decoy or two—and owl or hawk works. When wondering how to keep birds off the porch, it is always best to use humane efforts that won't harm winged creatures or the environment.