If you’ve noticed birds pecking at your house in Mississauga, you’re not alone. Just as the Credit River winds its way through our beautiful city, birds find their paths to homes and businesses in unexpected ways—sometimes directly to your siding, trim, or eaves. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve seen countless cases of birds causing damage to houses throughout our 30 years of experience, and we understand both the frustration and concern this behaviour can bring.

Birds pecking at your house isn’t merely an inconvenience—it can result in significant structural damage over time. From creating holes in wooden surfaces to damaging insulation and even compromising the integrity of your home’s exterior, these feathered visitors can create more problems than many homeowners realize.

In this article, we’ll explore why birds damage houses, the types of problems they can cause, and most importantly, how you can effectively prevent birds from turning your home into their personal pecking ground. With the right knowledge and approach, you can protect your property while respecting the natural behaviours of these wild creatures.

Why Do Birds Peck at Houses?

Understanding why birds peck is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Birds don’t randomly select your home—there are specific reasons behind this behaviour:

Territorial behaviour

Birds, particularly during nesting season in spring and early summer, become highly territorial. What you perceive as random pecking might actually be:

• Reflection attacks: Birds see their own reflection in windows or shiny surfaces and perceive it as an intruder. This causes them to peck repeatedly at the surface, attempting to drive away the “intruder.”
• Dominance displays: Some species, especially woodpeckers, will drum on surfaces to announce their territory and attract mates. Your home’s wooden elements can provide excellent acoustics for these displays.

Food-Seeking behaviour

Another common reason for pecking relates to their quest for nourishment:

1. Insect infestation: If insects like carpenter ants or termites have invaded your home’s wooden structures, birds may detect this and peck at these areas to access this food source.
2. Wood-boring insects: Birds have remarkable hearing and can detect the sounds of larvae moving within wood. Their pecking might actually alert you to a pest problem you didn’t know existed.
3. Berry residue: If previous residents left berry or fruit stains on your siding, birds might peck at these areas, thinking food is available.

Nesting Opportunities

Birds assess structures for potential nesting sites, and your house might offer attractive options:

• Testing surface durability: Birds may peck to determine if a surface is soft enough to excavate for a nest cavity.
  
• Existing holes and crevices: Birds might be working to enlarge small openings they’ve discovered in your home’s exterior.

Types of Damage Caused by Bird Pecking

When birds peck at your Mississauga home, they can cause various types of damage ranging from cosmetic issues to more serious structural concerns:

Exterior Surface Damage

Repeated pecking can create holes in vinyl siding or wood cladding, compromising your home’s weather protection. Bird pecking also chips away at painted surfaces, allowing moisture to penetrate and potentially causing rot in wooden elements. Birds often target softer wood components like fascia boards and decorative trim, leaving unsightly holes and compromising these architectural elements.

Secondary Damage Concerns

Beyond the immediate damage from pecking, birds can create openings that lead to:

1. Water infiltration: Holes created by birds allow rainwater to penetrate your home’s exterior, potentially causing mould, rot, and interior water damage.
2. Insect invasions: Once openings are created, insects can more easily access your home’s structure.
3. Energy efficiency losses: Damaged insulation and holes in your home’s envelope can increase heating and cooling costs.

Health and Safety Risks

Bird pecking doesn’t just affect your home’s structure—it can pose health concerns as well. If birds successfully create nesting spaces, the resulting accumulation of nesting materials can block vents and create fire hazards. Areas where birds repeatedly visit often become contaminated with droppings that can carry diseases such as histoplasmosis and psittacosis. Additionally, the persistent drumming, especially from woodpeckers, can disrupt your home’s tranquillity, particularly in the early morning hours.

Signs Birds Are Damaging Your House

Before you can address bird damage, you need to recognize it. Here are key indicators that birds might be causing problems around your Mississauga home:

Visual Evidence

Look for fresh holes—small, round holes appearing in wooden surfaces, particularly in soffits, fascia boards, or decorative trim. You may also notice wood chips or sawdust accumulating below areas of pecking activity or damaged siding, with holes, cracks, or extensive peck marks in vinyl, aluminum, or wooden siding.

Auditory Clues

Pay attention to rhythmic tapping—a consistent drumming sound, especially prominent in early morning hours—along with scratching noises within walls or attic spaces that might indicate birds have gained access. Increased bird calls concentrated around specific areas of your home are also signs to watch for.

Timing Patterns

Understanding when damage occurs can help identify the cause:

1. Seasonal correlation: Increased pecking activity during spring often relates to territorial behaviour and nesting season.
2. Daily patterns: Most woodpecker damage occurs during daylight hours, with peaks in early morning and late afternoon.
3. Weather influence: Some birds increase their food-seeking behaviour before storms, which might temporarily boost pecking activity.

Prevent Bird House Damage: Effective Solutions

Now that we understand why birds peck and the damage they cause, let’s explore practical solutions to address this issue:

Immediate Deterrent Methods

When you need quick results to stop active pecking:

• Visual deterrents: Hang reflective objects like old CDs, aluminum foil strips, or commercially available bird deterrent tape near problem areas. The movement and light reflection discourage birds from approaching.
  
• Physical barriers: For areas already experiencing damage, temporarily cover them with plastic sheeting or hardware cloth until permanent solutions can be implemented.
  
• Sound deterrents: Motion-activated devices that produce sudden noises or predator calls can discourage birds from returning to specific areas.

Caution: Avoid using sticky repellents or substances that could harm birds by trapping them or damaging their feathers.

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

For lasting protection against bird damage:

1. Address underlying insect problems: If birds are pecking for insects, treat any pest infestations in your home’s wooden structures.
   
2. Install permanent physical barriers: Bird netting or hardware cloth can protect vulnerable areas while allowing airflow.
   
3. Apply surface treatments: Some specialized paints and stains contain natural bird repellents that discourage pecking while protecting your home.
   
4. Create alternative habitats: Installing bird feeders and houses away from your home can redirect birds’ attention to more appropriate locations.

Professional Solutions

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we offer comprehensive bird damage prevention services. Our technicians are trained to identify the specific bird species causing damage and determine the root causes of their behaviour. We develop tailored strategies based on your home’s architecture and the specific bird challenges you’re facing. Additionally, our team can install specialized barriers and deterrents that redirect birds without harming them.

When to Call Professional Wildlife Control

While some minor bird issues can be managed at home, persistent problems or significant damage should be addressed by professionals to avoid further complications. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help you safeguard your property against bird damage while ensuring a humane approach to wildlife management.

Transform your Mississauga home into a less inviting target for birds. Whether you’re dealing with minor annoyances or significant damage, proactive measures and professional expertise are key. Protect your property and peace of mind—contact Skedaddle today for a consultation and ensure birds are appreciated from a distance, not on your doorstep.