Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates characterized by feathers, beaks, and laying hard-shelled eggs.
While birds are often welcomed for their beauty and role in pest control by eating insects, some species can become nuisances or even pests when they nest in or around human habitats. Common problematic birds include pigeons, sparrows, starlings, and geese, known for their adaptability to urban environments.
Are birds dangerous?
Birds can pose several risks when they frequent human-inhabited areas. The primary concerns include:
Health risks: Birds and their droppings can carry over 60 diseases, including salmonellosis, histoplasmosis, and avian flu, which are harmful to humans.
Physical damage: Nesting and roosting can cause significant damage to buildings. Bird droppings are acidic and can erode building materials.
Blockages: Nests often block gutters, drains, and ventilation systems, which can lead to flooding and impaired air quality.
Safety hazards: Accumulation of droppings can create slip-and-fall risks, particularly in public walkways.
Why do I have a bird problem?
Birds are often drawn to areas that provide ample food sources, water, and shelter. Urban settings offer numerous nesting and feeding opportunities, especially if food waste is readily available. Structures that provide sheltered nooks or crannies, such as ledges, roof spaces, or eaves, are particularly attractive to birds for roosting and nesting.
Where will I find birds?
The location of wildlife on your property can vary depending on the species:
Birds can be found in a variety of urban and suburban settings:
Pigeons commonly roost on building ledges, bridge underpasses, and rooftops.
Sparrows and starlings prefer to nest in building crevices, warehouse roofs, and inside signage.
Geese typically populate areas near bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and rivers, but they can also be found on golf courses and in public parks.
How do I get rid of birds?
Managing bird populations effectively requires an integrated approach including deterrents, exclusion methods, and habitat modification:
Exclusion:
Installing barriers such as bird spikes, netting, or wire mesh to prevent birds from accessing nesting sites
Deterrents:
Using visual or auditory devices to scare birds away.
Sanitation:
Reducing food availability by securing garbage bins and cleaning up food waste.
Professional removal:
In some cases, it may be necessary to employ professional bird control services to remove birds safely and humanely.
How can I prevent birds in the future?
To minimize the risk of bird problems:
Preventing bird problems involves making your environment less attractive to them:
Maintain cleanliness:
Regularly clean up any food waste and secure garbage bins.
Modify habitats:
Remove standing water and trim trees or shrubs that provide nesting sites.
Use deterrents:
Install devices such as reflective tapes, decoys, or commercial products designed to scare birds.Seal entry points: Ensure that all potential nesting sites are blocked with appropriate materials.
For more information about our wildlife control services, or to discuss the specific challenges you are facing with birds on your property, reach out to Gold Star Pest Solutions today. We are dedicated to providing effective solutions to keep your residential or commercial property free from wildlife and other pests.
Need an inspection, quote, or have general questions? Contact us and we will respond to you as soon as possible!
