Woodpeckers, Starlings, and Other Bird Intruders in SE Michigan

Southeast Michigan’s rich woodlands and urban green spaces make it a prime region for bird activity. While many birds enhance the environment with their songs and colors, some species take an unwelcome turn—damaging property, clogging vents, and posing serious health hazards.

At Wildlife X Team SE Michigan, we’ve encountered all kinds of bird intrusions. From nesting starlings in exhaust vents to woodpeckers drilling holes into siding, these problems escalate quickly when left unchecked. Here’s what you need to know about the most common nuisance birds in our area—and the consequences of letting them stay.

Woodpeckers: The Persistent Peckers

Woodpeckers are native to Michigan and play an important ecological role, but when they target homes and buildings for nesting or foraging, they become a destructive force. Their relentless pecking damages wooden siding, trim, and even metal surfaces.

Signs of a Problem:

  • Multiple small holes or large gashes in wood or composite siding

  • Persistent drumming sounds early in the morning

  • Nesting material or debris around the exterior

European Starlings: The Aggressive Occupiers

European starlings are among the most invasive bird species in Southeast Michigan. They are cavity nesters, meaning they often take over vents, chimneys, and soffits—pushing out native birds and creating serious structural and sanitary issues.

Common Nesting Sites:

  • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents

  • Dryer vents

  • Attic spaces

  • Chimney flues

Other Bird Intruders in SE Michigan

House Sparrows

Often nest in dryer vents and under roof tiles. They’re small but persistent and can squeeze into the tiniest openings.

Pigeons

Especially common in urban centers, pigeons deface buildings and sidewalks with their acidic droppings and frequently roost in attics and warehouses.

Chimney Swifts

These birds prefer nesting in vertical spaces like chimneys, which can block airflow and pose fire hazards when nests go unnoticed.

The Risks of Ignoring a Bird Problem

What starts as a few chirps or pecks can turn into serious property damage if bird intrusions are left unaddressed. Woodpeckers can drill into siding and trim, weakening your home’s structure. Nesting birds often tear insulation, clog vents, and damage attic spaces—leading to costly repairs over time.

Bird nests in vents or chimneys can block airflow, increasing the risk of fires or carbon monoxide buildup. Droppings from birds like starlings and pigeons carry diseases such as histoplasmosis and can attract parasites and insects. The longer birds remain, the worse odors and noise become, making everyday life uncomfortable.

Worse yet, birds often return to the same nesting spots each season unless properly removed and excluded. Their presence can even attract other pests, multiplying the problem quickly.

Don’t Let a Small Bird Problem Become a Big One

While birds may not seem like a major threat, the damage they cause builds up quickly—and silently. If you’ve noticed any signs of intrusion, it’s crucial to act before it becomes a serious safety or property issue.

Wildlife X Team SE Michigan specializes in identifying and resolving bird-related problems across homes, businesses, and multi-unit properties. With years of local experience, we know exactly what it takes to protect your space from unwanted bird intruders. Contact us today!