How to Identify Finches

While finches look different depending on their species, the most common type to infest homes has a distinctive appearance. Also called linnets, house finches have large beaks and flat heads, with a wingspan of about three inches and a length of around five and a half inches. While females are brown or gray, males have colorful plumage to attract mates. They have light red or orange markings on their chests, heads, and backs.

image of brown finchFinches in the Yard

Rarely entering homes, the house finch prefers building exteriors, choosing to nest on roof ledges or in eaves, rain gutters, and even hanging plants. Their small size makes them adaptive nesters, though it can also lead homeowners to confuse them with other common birds. For example, people often think finches look like house sparrows, which can be distinguished by their coloring. While female sparrows and house finches look similar, only male house finches have bright red markings.

Problems & Removal

Identifying finch populations correctly is vital because of their legal status. Of the common home-infesting birds, only sparrows, starlings, and pigeons are not protected by federal law. However, finches still cause issues that need to be addressed. These songbirds gather in flocks of 50 or more, creating loud, warbling calls and leaving behind droppings. Since their feces encourages dangerous fungi to grow in the soil, having large numbers of finches around can be dangerous. The pests also feed on fruits, grains, seeds, and buds in gardens. To identify and remove finches from yards, rely on the licensed professionals at Critter Control.

Finch Images

house finch on fence

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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