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Pigeons are one of the most common causes of droppings buildup, nesting, and ongoing cleanup issues on commercial buildings.

They rely on building structures for both food and shelter — commonly gathering on ledges, signs, rooftops, overhangs, and other elevated surfaces.

Once pigeons establish a roosting location, they return daily, which is why the problem often continues and expands over time.

Common issues caused by pigeons include:

• droppings buildup on sidewalks, entrances, and equipment
• staining and damage to building surfaces (droppings are acidic and can eat away paint and materials)
• contamination concerns in public-facing and work areas
• negative appearance for customers, tenants, and visitors

Pigeons are highly adaptable and often depend on nearby food sources such as spilled grain, trash, or human activity. Commercial structures provide ideal nesting and roosting locations, allowing populations to grow quickly.

Many properties attempt temporary solutions first:

• trapping — may reduce numbers but does not stop birds from returning
• fake owls or hawks — pigeons quickly get used to them
• spikes — can work in small areas, but do not address larger structural problems

Because pigeons continue returning to the same structures, these methods rarely solve the issue long-term.

Effective pigeon control focuses on preventing access to the areas they rely on — stopping droppings, nesting, and repeat activity.

Midwest Bird Control designs and installs systems that solve pigeon problems at the structural level, providing long-term results instead of temporary relief.

Pigeon problems usually start in specific areas of a building.

Starlings commonly nest and roost inside commercial buildings, creating ongoing mess, noise, and contamination issues.

They are frequently found in:

• warehouse rafters and ceiling structures
• loading docks and service areas
• overhangs and canopy framing
• wall cavities and open structural gaps

Once inside a structure, starlings build nests in protected areas and return repeatedly, making the problem difficult to control without proper exclusion.

Common issues caused by starlings include:

• droppings on floors, equipment, and inventory
• nesting debris falling from overhead areas
• contamination in work and storage areas
• noise and disruption inside buildings

Because starlings are small and aggressive nesters, they can enter through openings that are often overlooked. This allows them to establish nesting sites in areas that are difficult to access.

Many temporary solutions fail because they do not prevent birds from re-entering the structure.

Effective starling control focuses on sealing entry points and blocking access to nesting areas — stopping the problem at its source.

Midwest Bird Control installs exclusion systems designed to keep starlings out of buildings and prevent repeat nesting in overhead and interior structures.

 These problems are most common in warehouse and overhead structures. 

Swallows commonly build nests on commercial buildings, especially under overhangs, canopies, and entry areas.

They are frequently found in:

• entry canopies and storefront overhangs
• building eaves and awnings
• covered walkways and outdoor structures
• loading dock overhangs

Swallows attach mud nests directly to surfaces, often above entrances and high-traffic areas.

Common issues caused by swallows include:

• droppings buildup on sidewalks and entryways
• nests above doorways and customer areas
• staining on building surfaces
• ongoing cleanup and maintenance

Because swallows return to the same nesting locations each season, the problem often repeats year after year if not properly addressed.

Swallows are protected during active nesting periods, which limits when nests can be removed. This makes prevention and proper timing critical.

Temporary solutions rarely work once nesting locations are established.

Effective swallow control focuses on preventing access to nesting areas before birds return — stopping the problem before it starts.

Midwest Bird Control installs exclusion systems designed to prevent swallows from building nests on commercial structures while maintaining the appearance of the building.

 These problems are most common on bridges and over walkways

Sparrows commonly nest on commercial buildings, especially in storefronts, canopies, and small structural gaps.

They are frequently found in:

• storefront signs and trim
• entry canopies and overhangs
• small openings in building facades
• light fixtures and structural gaps

Sparrows are persistent nesters and will repeatedly return to the same locations, building nests in tight spaces that are often overlooked.

Common issues caused by sparrows include:

• droppings on sidewalks, entrances, and storefront areas
• nesting debris in signs, canopies, and structural gaps
• buildup of mess in customer-facing areas
• ongoing cleaning and maintenance

Because sparrows can fit into small openings, they often establish nesting areas where larger birds cannot, making the problem harder to control.

Temporary solutions rarely stop sparrows once they have established nesting locations.

Effective sparrow control focuses on sealing access points and preventing birds from entering these areas — stopping nesting and repeat activity.

Midwest Bird Control installs exclusion and deterrent systems designed to prevent sparrows from accessing storefront and canopy structures.

 These problems are most common on storefronts and entry canopies.