Daily splatters on the patio, fluttering noises
behind a bathroom fan, soft chirping inside the
chimney at dawn, or seed hulls piling up on window
sills—these subtle signs may seem minor at first
but often signal a growing nuisance bird problem
that can quickly escalate. When left unchecked,
these issues can lead to noise disturbances,
property damage, and health risks.
That’s where Trapper Joe’s Wildlife Control, LLC
steps in. We specialize in providing thorough,
humane bird removal and long-term control
solutions for both residences and commercial
properties in and around Indianapolis.
As a fully licensed and insured wildlife trapping business, we prioritize compliance with federal and Indiana
law in every step of the process. You can count on us to accurately identify the bird species causing the issue,
safely remove or exclude them, and decontaminate affected areas to restore cleanliness and safety. To
prevent future wildlife problems, we can also install durable, effective bird deterrents tailored to your
property, ensuring that these flying pests don’t reclaim the space.
Owner-operator Joe Burkhart brings years of hands-on experience to the table, having successfully removed
birds from a wide variety of challenging locations. From residential attics and chimneys to restaurants,
warehouses, retail façades, churches, barns, and solar panel installations, Joe has seen it all. With a calm,
methodical approach, he combines expert craftsmanship with strict safety standards and clear, honest
communication throughout the process. Our goal is to protect your property, improve your indoor air quality,
and safeguard the birds themselves—offering you peace of mind and a bird-free space.
At Trapper Joe's, we offer humane, law-compliant solutions—never poisons, and always in accordance with
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Our service options include guano cleanup and sanitation using HEPA filters,
disinfectants, and enzyme/oxidizers. Upon request, we also seal and exclude entry points in vents, soffits,
chimneys, eaves, signage, and beams. We install professional deterrents like netting, spikes, wire, low-profile
track, and ledge slope, and provide options for solar panel bird-proofing and gutter guards. All bird control
services come with insurance-ready photo documentation and an onsite assessment for a nominal fee,
which is waived with any service.
Protect your property today with our comprehensive bird control and sanitation solutions! Don't wait until
damage occurs—reach out to our team for a hassle-free consultation. Whether it's guano cleanup, deterrent
installation, or sealing off entry points, we have you covered with professional and effective services tailored
to your needs. You no longer have to worry about how to keep birds off your porch or how to get rid of starlings. Contact us now to schedule your onsite assessment and take the first
step toward a cleaner, safer environment.
Spotting a bird or two around your property might seem relatively harmless at first glance, perhaps even a
pleasant encounter with nature. However, certain subtle yet significant signs could very well point to a larger,
burgeoning issue that definitely warrants professional attention and intervention.
Not entirely sure what specific indicators or red flags to actively look for? We encourage you to pay especially
close attention to these telltale signs, which may strongly suggest an escalating bird problem that needs to
be addressed promptly and effectively:
Vent Symptoms → Look for linty twigs, straw, or other nesting materials around dryer or bath fan caps. These
obstructions can reduce your dryer’s performance, making it less efficient, or cause strange noises. You
might even notice chirping sounds coming from wall chases or vent areas, indicating active nesting nearby.
Chimney Clues → Early morning or evening chatter can signal that birds, like chimney swifts during their
active season, have made a home in your chimney. Keep an eye out for debris accumulating on the damper or
visible flights of birds in and out of the chimney.
Roofline Evidence → Streaking or discoloration under ridge or gable vents, soffit staining, and feathers
around small openings in the roofline are all signs that birds could be entering and potentially nesting in your
attic or ventilation system.
Exterior Mess → Ledges, signs, security cameras, and even awnings coated with droppings are a clear sign
of bird activity and can quickly become an unsightly and unhygienic problem. Nesting materials on outdoor
light fixtures or security cams can further confirm their presence.
Interior Hits (Commercial) → For commercial properties, birds roosting on rafters, beams over production
lines, or forklift bays can pose significant health and safety risks—not to mention the potential for
contamination in production areas.
Odor & Insects → A sharp, ammonia-like odor from droppings or nests is a strong indicator of a bird
infestation, especially when combined with clusters of beetles or flies attracted to the waste. The smell and
bugs can worsen over time, further signaling the need for action.
If you’re unsure about the exact bird species causing the issue on your property, don’t worry—that’s
completely normal, and you’re not alone. Many property owners face this challenge. During our
comprehensive animal trapping and removal assessment, our trained professionals will
accurately identify the species involved. This crucial step allows us to customize a bird control solution that
specifically targets the problem species, ensuring the method is both effective and efficient, ultimately
leading to a more lasting resolution.
Don’t wait for the problem to escalate and potentially cause more extensive damage or health hazards.
Contact our experienced team of bird control experts now. Our mission is to protect your property and restore
your peace of mind using professional, effective, and humane methods. Whether you prefer to call us directly or schedule your consultation conveniently online, our services are curated to help you regain control of your space at a price you can afford.
We begin by accurately identifying the bird species
involved and conducting a thorough legal
compliance check. This determines whether nests
are active and if any protected species are present.
For protected birds or nests with eggs or young, we
establish an ethical timeline for intervention,
exploring options like alternative entry closures or
site modifications that strictly adhere to wildlife
protection laws.
For chimneys and vents, we use one-way devices
and careful timing to allow voluntary exit, followed
by immediate cap/guard installation once vacated.
For non-protected species like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, we employ targeted removal methods
alongside physical exclusion. When dealing with protected or active nests, our work is sequenced to avoid
disturbing eggs or
young, with follow-up exclusion implemented once the birds have fledged.
To block re-entry and remove incentives, we use purpose-built hardware. This includes UV-stable, fire-rated
bird-netting for commercial interiors, stainless/UV-resistant spikes for narrow ledges and signs, and bird-
wire/post systems for architectural edges. We also utilize low-profile shock track for high traffic perching
areas where aesthetics are important, and ledge slope devices for stubborn roosts.
Additionally, we install chimney caps, vent guards, and ridge/gable-vent screening sized for proper airflow,
and solar panel skirts/mesh to prevent under-array nesting without roof penetration. Our hardware selection
is species and site specific, and we will always explain why each device is the best fit for your situation
Controlled animal damage cleanup with HEPA vacuums, conditioned misting to reduce dust, and targeted disinfectants/enzymes to neutralize odors and organic residues. For heavy contamination or dead animals, we can remove and replace soiled insulation and pressure-wash exterior substrates (where appropriate).
We provide detailed documentation to ensure your team is fully informed and prepared. This includes comprehensive before-and-after photos, precise device locations, and a straightforward care plan tailored to your needs. The care plan covers essential details such as trash and loading-dock routines, clear feeder policies, door-open time limits to prevent pest entry, and scheduled maintenance intervals for deterrent systems. Everything is designed to make pest management simple and effective for your staff.
We are committed to the quality of our exclusion and deterrent installations, backing them with a clear,
written warranty that is outlined in your estimate. To ensure your site remains secure, we also offer seasonal
checkups for commercial locations that experience high pressure from pest activity. These follow-ups allow
us to address any emerging issues proactively and maintain the long-term effectiveness of our solutions.
Our priority is to immediately stabilize any present hazards. This often involves clearing dangerous dryer-vent
blockages, roping off high-slip zones to prevent accidents, and staging containment measures where
necessary to ensure ongoing operational safety, particularly in commercial or industrial settings. By
addressing these immediate risks, we help prevent further damage and maintain a safe environment.
Whether you are on the market for some hawk deterrents, want to know how to keep pigeons away, or simply
wish to deter woodpeckers, we can help.
If vents are jammed, ledges are coated, or dawn chatter is echoing through your chimney, Trapper Joe’s Wildlife Control, LLC can help. We’ll make a lawful, humane plan to remove the birds, deep-clean the mess, and install bird deterrents that last. Proudly serving Greater Indianapolis, including Avon, Franklin, Greenfield, Fishers, Lawrence, Plainfield, Fortville, Carmel, and surrounding communities. We also partner on multi-site commercial programs across Central Indiana. Call 317-832-5840 to schedule your onsite estimate today (fee credited with any service) and get a clear path to a clean, quiet, bird-free property.
Birds look for three things: cover, calories, and comfort. Warm exhaust vents and sheltered soffit gaps mimic natural cavities. Open beams in loading docks and barns create safe perches above food sources. Outdoor seating, dumpster pads, and feeders provide an easy buffet—especially for pigeons, starlings, and sparrows. Once a site offers reliable food and shelter, droppings accumulate rapidly, and the same flock will return season after season unless the environment changes. Here's where we commonly find birds nesting and being a nuisance:
This includes dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen hood vents, and attic fan housings. Birds are often attracted to the warmth and shelter these areas provide, sometimes even building nests directly inside, which can lead to blockages and potential fire hazards.
Small construction gaps and loose drip edges in these areas create ideal nooks for nesting, offering protection from predators and the elements.
Birds can build nests within chimney caps, crowns, and on smoke shelves, leading to blockages and fire risks. Notably, chimney swifts are a protected species that often nest in chimneys, but only seasonally, requiring a specific and humane approach.
The sheltered surfaces of retail façades, awnings, canopies, and light boxes offer convenient perching and nesting spots, especially in urban environments.
In larger structures like warehouses, loading docks, and agricultural buildings, open beams and trusses provide secure, elevated nesting and roosting locations.
Birds frequently nest or roost under the edges of solar panels, and their debris can accumulate in gutters, leading to water flow issues.
Gaps in J-channels and interfaces between brick and siding on dormers offer small,
protected spaces for
birds to settle in.
Legal Awareness: Most native birds and their active nests (with eggs or dependent young) are protected by
federal law, including Cardinals, Goldfinches, Piping Plovers, and Barn owls. A few common species—
pigeons (rock doves), house sparrows, grackles, Chimney swifts, and European starlings—are not protected
in the same way. We verify species, check nest status, and plan work so it’s humane and lawful from the star
Understanding the seasonal patterns of bird activity is crucial for effective bird control. Different times of the year present unique challenges and opportunities for intervention. Here's a breakdown of how bird behavior shifts throughout the seasons:
This season marks the peak of nesting activity for many bird species. Consequently, areas like bath and dryer vents, as well as gaps in soffits, become prime targets for birds seeking secure places to build their nests. Furthermore, this is also when woodpecker drumming and associated siding damage tend to increase significantly as they search for food or create nesting cavities.
During the summer months, chimney swift activity reaches its highest levels. Ensuring proper ventilation and installing chimney caps are critical preventive measures to keep these birds from nesting inside chimneys
As temperatures begin to drop, large urban roosts, often consisting of species like starlings and pigeons, start to form on warm building facades and illuminated signage. Implementing exclusion methods and deterrents during this period is important to prevent these birds from becoming entrenched and establishing a presence throughout the winter.
Food scarcity becomes a major challenge for birds in winter, leading them to concentrate in sheltered
structures and areas where heat leakage occurs. For businesses and industrial settings, interior netting can
be particularly effective in maintaining hygienic conditions within warehouses and other large indoor spaces
where birds might seek refuge.
Don't wait until bird-related issues escalate—take proactive measures today! Our expert team specializes in
humane and effective bird control solutions tailored to every season. From exclusion techniques to structural
deterrents, we ensure your property stays protected year-round. Pricing reflects access (height, lifts),
contamination level, device length, and species pressure. If helpful, we can phase work: urgent hazards first,
then long-run deterrents. Contact us now for a consultation and secure your home or business
against unwanted avian intrusions!
For most protected species, directly removing an active nest with eggs or chicks is generally not permissible due to wildlife protection laws. We meticulously schedule exclusion work for times when it is legally allowed—typically after the young birds have fledged and left the nest. Alternatively, we implement humane solutions that deter birds without disturbing active nests, ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations. We'll always outline the most compliant and ethical path for your specific situation.
Chimney swifts are a federally protected migratory bird species, making it illegal to disturb their nests during breeding season. Our approach involves carefully timing any work outside of their active nesting window, usually before they arrive in spring or after they depart in late summer/early fall. Once the coast is clear, we install proper, durable chimney caps that effectively prevent future nesting attempts and block entry, ensuring both the birds' safety and your chimney's integrity.
Bird spikes are highly effective, but only when applied to the right ledge profile and installed correctly. They work by making surfaces uncomfortable for birds to land on, thereby preventing roosting. However, in situations where birds can still find gaps or create nests between spikes, or on ledges that are too wide for spikes alone, we integrate other proven solutions such as netting, tension wire systems, slope devices, or low-profile electrical shock tracks. This multi-faceted approach ensures consistent, long-term results even in challenging environments.
Absolutely. We provide comprehensive services for controlled guano removal and sanitation. Bird droppings are not only unsightly but also corrosive and can carry pathogens. Our team carefully removes accumulated guano, following safety protocols. For areas with heavy contamination or significant damage, we may recommend additional remediation, such as insulation replacement or specialized substrate treatment, to fully restore the area to hygienic standards.
Yes, we specialize in effective bird-proofing for solar panel arrays. We install non-penetrating skirts or mesh barriers around the perimeter of your solar panels. These systems are designed to create a physical barrier that prevents birds, particularly pigeons, from nesting or roosting underneath the panels, which can cause damage and reduce efficiency. Crucially, our installations preserve service access for maintenance, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your solar energy system.
The duration of a bird control project can vary significantly. Key factors influencing the timeline include the specific bird species involved, the access height and complexity of the affected areas, and the current nesting status of the birds on your property. During your initial assessment, our team will provide a clear, detailed schedule and keep you informed with regular updates throughout the entire process, from installation to completion.
Our primary goal is to provide lasting solutions. We achieve this by strategically closing off existing entry points and removing preferred perching or roosting geometries that attract birds. Once these structural modifications are in place, combined with routine housekeeping practices—such as proper trash management, minimizing food sources like spilled seed, and implementing strict door policies in commercial settings—the pressure for birds to return to your property drops dramatically, ensuring long-term effectiveness.
Indeed. We offer specialized bird control services for a variety of commercial and industrial settings, including restaurants and warehouses. We understand the unique operational needs of these businesses, which is why after-hours scheduling is available to minimize disruption. Our team designs and installs food- safe netting and exclusion systems that strictly adhere to all relevant hygiene requirements and health regulations, ensuring your premises remain clean, compliant, and bird-free.
Greenfield, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
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14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
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