Birds build loose nests of dry material that can cause fires, are unsightly, and expose home owners to parasites, including mites and fleas.

Adult birds are seed feeders and can be pests of grain, while juveniles are raised on insects.

Bird droppings can be a major problem when it comes to car finishes, stored food, and recreation areas.

English sparrows are aggressive and noisy, displacing a number of native species including blue birds, chickadees, and robins.

Human and bird diseases are transmitted by English sparrows, including salmonellosis (food poisoning). They are also a reservoir for viral diseases such as encephalitis, fowl pox, and hog cholera.