How do I keep birds from pooping on my porch rails?

• <div><p>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: </p><ul><li><p>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. </p></li><li><p>Hang wind chimes close by, which may scare birds away. </p></li><li><p>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.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top pest control specialists in Madelia, MN

Q: How do you deter bugs in your home?

• <div><p>One way to keep pests away is with good housekeeping. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-pest-control-ants.htm">Keep ants away</a> with a clean kitchen. They&rsquo;re less likely to wander in looking to score some free food if there isn&rsquo;t a mess to find. Wipe down counters, don&rsquo;t leave dirty dishes around, and keep food in air-tight containers. </p><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-you-need-know-about-your-pest-problem.htm">Home and yard maintenance can also keep pests away.</a> Seal windows, patch any holes or cracks, and put screens on the vents to prevent bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests from coming in. </p></div>

Q: What is the deadliest spider?

• <div><p>Neither the black widow nor the brown recluse are deadly spiders, and North America has no deadly species. However, other places in the world do, including Australia, which is home to the funnel web spider, considered the world&rsquo;s deadliest spider. However, Australia has not reported deaths from a funnel web spider bite over the past few decades after developing an antivenom.</p></div>

Q: What decoys scare rabbits away?

• <div><p>Scarecrows and lifelike animal decoys, such as snakes, owls, coyotes, foxes, and hawks, can initially deter rabbits. However, these tactics might lose effectiveness if rabbits learn they are harmless. Having your dog or cat roam and mark the yard with their scent can also prove beneficial. Keep in mind tactics like these work best when combined with other methods.</p></div>

Q: Should I sleep with bed bugs?

• <div><p>While it may seem counterintuitive to continue sleeping in a room with bed bugs, it&rsquo;s the best option to avoid spreading the infestation to other rooms, homes, or surfaces. In the nights before your bed bug removal professional arrives, continue sleeping in the same bed, but wear as much protective clothing as possible, such as long pants, long socks, and long-sleeve shirts. That way, you&rsquo;ll limit the number of bites during the night.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Madelia, MN

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Madelia, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Madelia, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on January 15, 2026

Reviewed in November 2024
Anders was very friendly, accommodating, and easy to get ahold of with any questions or concerns we had. Very happy with the outcome of our remodel project.
Quality Carpentry And Remodeling
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Reviewed in August 2024
Luke and team did a great job.
Mode Pressure Washing, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
One day install, no mess, and it works and looks great.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in February 2024
Sonja and I could not be happier with the results and patience shown by the entire team at Green Home Solutions in Blaine, MN. We had many questions and concerns to ensure that everything was done to our expectations. Sonja met with Andrea to discuss our options and Micah stopped by for testing...
Green Home Solutions of the Twin Cities
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Reviewed in May 2023
They did it great job and it didn't take long.
Hunt's Tree & Debris, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
Overall super efficient, end result was tidy and got the job done as needed and wanted. A plus side is not having to provide no equipment or cleaning products. If any allergies are to be known they will ask which is a plus so the rightful products are to be used in your home!
Reynas Cleaning Services LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
Tim was a great contact very responsive to my questions Until melting starts I cannot respond to effective resolution of my issue.
Renewed Exterior Systems
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Reviewed in September 2022
Glen. The pro, was awesome. He knows the product inside and out. We could not make a decision on the spot and our budget was not sufficient for the project. That is totally on us.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2021
Brady’s concrete did an Amazing job!! He gave me a really descent price. He did exactly what I wanted and it looks perfect! Plus he had the job done in no time. I can’t wait to setup my vehicle lift on it. Thank you very much ?!
Brady's Concrete & Construction
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Reviewed in January 2012
This was a fantastic experience! We caught 72 voles in about 4 months. Jim came out every week or two to check the traps, and he did a great job of keeping us posted. We recommend him without hesitation, and will use him again in a heartbeat if we ever have any other pest control needs.
HomeTeam Pest Defense
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Find Pest control specialists in Madelia

TruGreen

4.75(

)

•Approved Pro

TruGreen

4.75(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

52 years of experience

Don't let mosquitoes ruin the time you spend with family and friends on your yard. Help protect yourself from uncomfortable and potentially dangerous mosquito bites with this innovative service. Allow America's #1 lawn company to eradicate mosquitoes from your yard. Ask about our Mosquito-Free Guarantee!

"TruGreen provided transparent pricing and quality workmanship when treating my property for bed bugs. Their technicians were professional and thorough, ensuring every area was treated to eliminate the infestation. I appreciated their attention to detail and how they followed up to ensure the problem was resolved. I'll definitely be using their services again if needed."

Cindy R on April 2024

"TruGreen provided transparent pricing and quality workmanship when treating my property for bed bugs. Their technicians were professional and thorough, ensuring every area was treated to eliminate the infestation. I appreciated their attention to detail and how they followed up to ensure the problem was resolved. I'll definitely be using their services again if needed."

Cindy R on April 2024

Plunkett's Pest Control

4.70(

251

)

Plunkett's Pest Control

4.70(

251

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

With over 100 years in business, we are earning your trust. Founded in 1915, Plunkett’s Pest Control is a family-owned & operated company with third-generation ownership. Plunkett’s delivers professional pest control services to residential and commercial clients in 20 states and growing. Our entire staff is knowledgeable, trustworthy, resourceful, and passionate about preventing & solving pest concerns for our clients and safeguarding the communities we call home.

"I think these folks know what they are doing, but communication and follow up is poor. I will try another company as I search for expertise and professional communication."

CYNTHIA H on November 2021

"I think these folks know what they are doing, but communication and follow up is poor. I will try another company as I search for expertise and professional communication."

CYNTHIA H on November 2021

Xtreme Pest Solutions

5.00(

)

Xtreme Pest Solutions

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Xtreme Pest Solutions offers the highest quality of service at the most affordable rate. Guaranteed!!! All of our technicians have years of experience and will have a solution to your pest issue. Our technicians are willing to go that extra mile and take the extra time to make sure our customers our happy. Customer Satisfaction is guaranteed!!!

"Great ! They do very good work."

Shelly D on August 2020

"Great ! They do very good work."

Shelly D on August 2020

american pest control

3.75(

)

american pest control

3.75(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

47 years of experience

2 full time employees both over 30 years experience, southern minnesota, normal initial service 150 to 200 dollars except bats and squirrels

Canine Discovery Service

No reviews yet

Canine Discovery Service

No reviews yet

Bed bug inspection services with a certified scent detection K9 at your home or business. A K9 inspection can give you a high certainty that you have or have not introduced bed bugs. With our Associate Certified Entomologist and industry leader in bed bugs, CDS can assist you with possible treatment options if we are to discover bed bugs. We will also give you Peace-of-Mind when our K9 does not alert to bed bugs or our handler does not find visual evidence of bed bugs.

Mankato Asset Management

No reviews yet

Mankato Asset Management

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

Mankato Asset Management is your full service demo and material removal company in Southern Minnesota. We tear down barns, corn cribs, etc as well as removal of old wood, brush or other debris laying around the property. Free estimates!

Pest Control questions, answered by experts

One way to keep pests away is with good housekeeping. Keep ants away with a clean kitchen. They’re less likely to wander in looking to score some free food if there isn’t a mess to find. Wipe down counters, don’t leave dirty dishes around, and keep food in air-tight containers.

Home and yard maintenance can also keep pests away. Seal windows, patch any holes or cracks, and put screens on the vents to prevent bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests from coming in.

Neither the black widow nor the brown recluse are deadly spiders, and North America has no deadly species. However, other places in the world do, including Australia, which is home to the funnel web spider, considered the world’s deadliest spider. However, Australia has not reported deaths from a funnel web spider bite over the past few decades after developing an antivenom.

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.

Scarecrows and lifelike animal decoys, such as snakes, owls, coyotes, foxes, and hawks, can initially deter rabbits. However, these tactics might lose effectiveness if rabbits learn they are harmless. Having your dog or cat roam and mark the yard with their scent can also prove beneficial. Keep in mind tactics like these work best when combined with other methods.

While it may seem counterintuitive to continue sleeping in a room with bed bugs, it’s the best option to avoid spreading the infestation to other rooms, homes, or surfaces. In the nights before your bed bug removal professional arrives, continue sleeping in the same bed, but wear as much protective clothing as possible, such as long pants, long socks, and long-sleeve shirts. That way, you’ll limit the number of bites during the night.

The Madelia, MN homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
Dec 17, 2025Dec 17, 2025
How Much Does Bed Bug Treatment Cost? [2026 Data]
It’s important to know bed bug treatment costs if you have an infestation. Our guide covers different treatment methods and cost factors to eliminate these pests.
Deane Biermeier
•
Dec 8, 2025Dec 8, 2025
How Much Does a Rat Exterminator Cost? [2026 Data]
If you have a serious rodent problem, you may need to know the cost of hiring a rat exterminator. We can help you estimate prices and control costs.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Nov 21, 2025Nov 21, 2025
How Much Does Spider Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
Professional spider exterminator costs vary depending on the infestation size, visit frequency, and methods. Use this guide to budget for speedy spider removal.
Timothy Moore
•
Nov 27, 2025Nov 27, 2025
How Much Does a Pest Inspection Cost? [2026 Data]
Pest inspection costs depend on the type of inspection, location, and other factors. Learn more about how much pest inspections cost with this guide.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Dec 3, 2025Dec 3, 2025
Your Guide to Getting Rid of Lizards With a Gentle Farewell
Learn effective methods for how to get rid of lizards on your property and in your home. These helpful tips will help you create a reptile-free environment.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Dec 11, 2025Dec 11, 2025
Natural Roach Repellents: Plants, Essential Oils, and Household Goods
Some people swear by gentler ways to get rid of roaches that don’t involve spraying. From removing their food source to casting diatomaceous earth around, read on to learn about which of these are effective at keeping pests away.