Site assessment and species identification
We identify the species (which determines legal status and the right control method), locate roosting and nesting sites, and map damage to siding, insulation, and ventilation.
Boulder County, CO
Bird Removal & Exclusion in Boulder, Colorado
Bird removal in Boulder, CO is the humane removal and permanent exclusion of pest birds — primarily pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows — from eaves, vents, solar panels, signs, and rooflines. In Boulder County, these three species are non-protected under federal law, making removal and exclusion straightforward, while native species (woodpeckers, swallows) require protected-species protocols.
Pigeons, starlings, and woodpeckers on Boulder buildings
Bird pressure in Boulder County varies sharply by area. Commercial buildings and warehouses in Gunbarrel and east Longmont see large pigeon flocks. Residential properties near open space see starling and sparrow nesting in vents and soffits. Foothills homes deal with persistent woodpecker damage to wood siding — particularly in spring, when males drum on resonant surfaces to claim territory. Each species needs a different approach.
Our bird removal & exclusion process
Every bird removal & exclusion job in Boulder County follows the same steps. The order doesn't change — what changes is the timing, depending on the species, season, and how active the situation is.
Nest removal and cleanup
Active nests are removed in accordance with federal law (non-protected species only without permits). Bird droppings and nesting material are removed — both contain pathogens like Histoplasma and Cryptococcus.
Physical exclusion installation
For pigeons and starlings: stainless-steel bird spikes, netting on alcoves and parking structures, and exclusion mesh on vents. For solar panels (a growing problem in Boulder), galvanized mesh skirting under the panel edges.
Woodpecker-specific deterrents
For protected woodpeckers (Northern flicker is the most common in Boulder), we use sound deterrents, visual deterrents, and structural sealing — no lethal control, which is illegal under federal law.
Sealing and material repair recommendations
Damaged stucco, siding, and vent material is documented for the homeowner's repair contractor, with specific exclusion mesh installed during sealing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does bird removal cost in Boulder?
Bird exclusion pricing varies more than any other service we offer because it depends on the structure. A single vent exclusion for a starling nest runs $250–$400. Solar panel skirting for a typical residential array runs $850–$1,400. Commercial pigeon exclusion (netting alcoves, spike installations) runs $1,500–$8,000+ based on linear feet treated.
Can I shoot or trap pigeons in Boulder?
Within Boulder city limits, discharge of firearms is prohibited. Even outside city limits, lethal trapping is impractical and almost never the right approach for ongoing infestations — exclusion is what actually works. We focus on the physical barriers that keep pigeons from returning.
Why are woodpeckers different from other birds?
Woodpeckers (including Northern flickers, which are by far the most common in Boulder) are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They cannot be killed, trapped, or harassed in ways that interfere with nesting without a federal permit. Control is limited to deterrents and structural modifications — which is why the answer to "can you just shoot it?" is no.
My solar panels have pigeons nesting under them — can you fix it?
Yes — this has become one of our most common bird calls in Boulder. We install galvanized mesh skirting around the panel perimeter that's invisible from ground level and doesn't interfere with the panels or warranty. Most residential installs are completed in a single day.
Related services
Raccoon Removal
Safe trapping and removal of raccoons from attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces in Boulder County homes.
View serviceSquirrel Removal
Removal and exclusion of tree and ground squirrels from attics, walls, and soffits across Boulder.
View serviceBat Removal & Exclusion
Code-compliant bat exclusion and entry-point sealing — respecting Colorado maternity-season restrictions.
View serviceLooking for help in a specific area? See our service area pages for Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, and Superior, or contact us directly.