Sparrow Control – Get Rid Of These Pesky Birds
Movies portray sunrises, picnics, and many other tranquil scenes with songbirds gently singing in the background. However, when sparrows move in reality is quite different than in the movies. While these little birds are beautiful, they are often loud and messy. Additionally, sparrows taking up residence often contributes to home damage. Understanding sparrow and sparrow control tips allow you to enjoy these backyard visitors while protecting your home.
All About Sparrows
Colorado is home to approximately 29 species of sparrows. While each species have its unique characteristics, they are very similar to each other. By far, the most abundant sparrow in Colorado, and the U.S., is the House Sparrow. Still, many other sparrows travel through and live in Colorado every year. With so many different species, sparrow bird control is essential to every backyard.
Physical Traits Of Sparrows
Sparrows are small birds, falling in the 5 to 7-inch range, and have stout, round bodies with large rounded heads. A sparrow’s short cone-shaped beak efficiently husks seeds. In general, sparrow colors are earth tones. Most commonly browns and blacks. The similar coloring between species means they are identifiable by subtle differences in patterns and highlight colors. Typical highlight colors include yellows, oranges, and reds.
Sparrow control tips remain the same regardless of the species you find in your yard. However, certain species are more abundant than others. Some live in Colorado year-round, while others pass through on migration or visit in non-breeding seasons.
Sparrows Inhabitat A Wide Variety Of Landscapes
Sparrows boast a diverse number of species. The habitats they live in are just as varied. While species, such as the House Sparrow, cover most of the U.S., others occupy limited areas. Some species have adapted to live in grasslands, deserts, wetlands, forests, and cities. They feed primarily on seeds and occasionally insects. This diet aids in their adaptation to most climates.
The Abundant House Sparrow
By far the most common, the House Sparrow is considered an invasive species Introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s, these adaptive birds quickly spread throughout the United States. They produce an impressive amount of noise for a tiny bird.
Female House Sparrows have feathers of varying shades of brown and tan. Males have lighter bellies, often appearing white, and black bibs and eyes with rust-colored heads. An abundance of these birds means you require house sparrow control now. They commonly bully other birds out of their nests and away from feeders.
Small Birds – Large Damage
When getting rid of household pests, sparrow control is not the first to come to mind. But, for seemingly innocent birds, sparrows threaten your home and health. Because they are prolific breeders, they will quickly overrun your yard. Employing sparrow control tips reduces the likelihood of blocked gutters and torn shingles and siding.
House Sparrows will take advantage of any available spot to build a nest. They build nests in gutters during a dry spell, crevices found in siding and eaves, and on porches. In addition to the physical damage these nests cause, their droppings can tarnish some surfaces, such as metal and concrete.
Additionally, House Sparrow control reduces the risk of disease carried and transmitted by birds. Bird droppings occasionally spread Salmonellosis. Areas around nests become littered with droppings. If not cleaned properly, contamination is possible.
Sparrow Control And Prevention Tips
When you find sparrows have overtaken your yard, there are several sparrow control tips to help you take back control. Not only do these bird control tips reduce sparrows, but a wide variety of troublesome birds. Also, certain noises that scare birds away as well as DIY bird control methods. Both allow you to make your yard less hospitable to sparrows and other birds.
Using Sound Deterrents
Ultrasonic devices are a common bird control tactic. They emit high-frequency noises people cannot hear. Even so, birds find these sounds to be very unpleasant.
When specifically targeted toward birds, ultrasonic devices will not drive away other wildlife. Additionally, many have sounds to mimic bird predators. Wind chimes can also prove successful. Although, the effects are often temporary as sparrows grow accustomed to them.
Physical Barriers To Prevent Perching
When you find sparrows perching on rafters, eves, and roofs, putting up physical barriers becomes a necessary sparrow control method. The use of bird spikes discourages birds from landing in specific areas. They are effective when used on rafters, beams, and windowsills. Additionally, bird netting covers trees, shrubs, and larger spaces to prevent birds from entering.
Keep Them Off Feeders And Out Of Birdhouses
House Sparrows are bullies. They will overtake your birdfeeders and birdhouses. If you want to eliminate house sparrows and not other songbirds, reducing their access to food and nesting is the place to start. Try swapping birdhouses with large entrances for smaller wren or chickadee boxes. Sparrows are seed eaters with a particular affinity for millet. Once they find an abundant food source, they will show up in large numbers. Consequently, they chase away less aggressive species. The following House Sparrow control tips help keep sparrows away from bird feeders.
- Feed suet without seeds and in upside-down feeders to attract other species.
- Replace regular seeds and feeders with thistle feeders. These tiny black seeds are a favorite of finches and other birds with smaller pointy beaks. The beak of House Sparrows is too large to fit through the openings.
- Do not ground feed. Spreading seed and other bird food on the ground is an easy meal. However, it will attract sparrows and other pests quickly.
OMNIS Pest Is Here To Help With All Your Sparrow Control Needs
DIY sparrow control often shows success in scaring away birds for a brief period. However, when you find your home bombarded with sparrows, it is time to call in OMNIS Pest Control. Utilizing professional help removes the hassle and frustration. We understand what is bringing sparrows to your yard. Our expertise allows us to successfully use a combination of products and techniques to reduce sparrows.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of your property. Next, we will walk you through the available options. Then we implement a detailed sparrow control plan. This plan may include a combination of approaches, from eliminating nesting areas to applying chemical repellents. Our experienced technicians have the training to use these measures safely. The result is a home and yard you can enjoy free of pesky sparrows.
Contact OMNIS Pest Control Today for a free estimate.
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