Every homeowner enjoys it when birds visit their yards. Here in Hawaii, we have many colorful and exotic birds that call the islands home. Even though we all love the birds of Hawaii, they can cause some major issues to our homes and businesses. It is essential to know the problematic birds in your area so you know how to protect your home or business. Common birds in Oahu that you can spot are:

Sparrows
Pigeons
Doves
Finches
Myna Birds

Sparrows

Sparrows are an invasive species that live in almost every corner of the globe. Not only are they noisy, but sparrows are also aggressive nesters and will chase away native birds from birdhouses and feeders.

Pigeons

Everyone is familiar with pigeons and how they can create unsanitary conditions. Pigeons congregate on rooftops and power lines, and they build nests in almost any covered space they can including, signs, underpasses, and overhangs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pigeons can carry ticks, fleas, and mites, who happen to carry their own set of diseases. Pigeon droppings around nesting and perching sites can build up, causing horrible smells, rotting of wood, and fostering parasites.

Doves

There are two main species of dove found on Oahu; The Zebra Dove and the Spotted Dove. Spotted Doves are larger than the two, with spots around the back of the neck. They fly in large numbers that can be kicked up suddenly and cause problems for airports and aircraft.

Finches

Finches are one of those backyard birds that most homeowners love seeing on their feeders. Although these birds are beautiful, they travel, feed, and nest together in large masses, which can cause some major issues. Flocks of finches can quickly devastate crops and fruit fields.

Myna Birds

Of all the birds of Hawaii, the Myna bird is probably the most destructive. Myna Birds were introduced to Hawaii from India in the late 1860s. They thrive in urban areas and can be a real nuisance to business owners. Noise pollution created by their chirping can be a disruption to locals. As well as being a distraction for noise, Myna birds are destructive eaters. They are known to tear up crops and vegetables in the pursuit of insects. Myna birds can also carry avian malaria and mites which could eventually invade your property.

What Problems Can Birds Cause?

While birds on Oahu make for visually appealing sights and sounds, they can also cause damage to your home and business. Bird damage can come in many forms, so it is important to spot them and figure out the species so you know what to expect. The best way to prevent damage to your home or business is to routinely check and observe bird movements to see if any are getting into your home or business. Common signs of bird damage include:

Clogged vents
Damaged gutters
Damage to decks, wooden stairs & railings
Shingle damage
Holes in fences & nearby trees
Missing insulation in attics
Nesting materials in and around the home
Torn window screens

Can Birds Cause Health Issues?

As we mentioned before, birds are our friends but we have to be careful when they interact with humans. Many birds carry salmonella and avian malaria. Parasites such as mites and ticks can also cause skin reactions and asthma in sensitive people. This becomes a real issue when birds build their nests in buildings where people work and live.

DIY Solution for Bird Control

If birds are giving you a headache, there are many DIY solutions that can help. One is putting up bird netting as this is a humane way to deter and prevent problem birds of Hawaii, and other pests, from getting into your home or business. Bird netting can be placed over large areas such as windows, vents, roof overhangs, and crops as a barrier to prevent birds from getting access.

Contact a Professional For Bird Control

If you’re experiencing issues with any of the birds discussed above, the best way to handle it is to leave it to the professionals. At Sandwich Isle, we have the skills and years of experience to remove unwanted birds from your properties across Hawaii. Check out our bird control program or contact us today for more information and expert advice.