When in their natural habitat, birds are beautiful and a pleasure to enjoy. Bird watching is even a real pastime for some. They eat the bugs we don’t like; their singing and chirping are relaxing, and they are fun to learn about. According to Wikipedia, as of February 2018, there are 648 species of birds here in the great State of Texas. While hummingbirds, finches and quails cause a little ruckus, other birds hanging out around your home and building nests can be a real nuisance and can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Birds such as pigeons, European starlings, sparrows and others have the ability to make a real mess and leave behind droppings that can cause serious health problems. Bird poop damages the paint on vehicles makes a mess of patios and porches, and their nests can be a fire hazard because of the flammable materials they use to make them.
Diseases Caused by Pigeon Droppings & Feathers
While some may welcome birds into their yard, there are a few things to be aware of before you put out that bird feeder for them to enjoy. Birds are known to carry more than 50 types of ectoparasites such as fleas, lice, mites and yellow mealworms to name a few. They have the ability to leave their bird host and find their way into our homes and yards. They pose a risk not only to us but our beloved pets as well. Birds are also known vectors of various diseases such as; Gastroenteritis, Trichomoniasis, Transmissible Gastroenteritis, Avian Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, Cryptococcus, Histoplasmosis Coccidiosis, Salmonellas, E. coli, Pigeon Ornithosis and Erysipeloid. We can catch these diseases by coming in contact with their droppings or nesting materials. Anyone performing a cleanout of bird feces should wear latex gloves and a facemask to avoid direct contact or inhalation of infected materials.
Damage Caused to Roofs & Homes by Roosting Birds
Droppings from pigeons, sparrows and the invasive European starling contain high amounts of Uric Acid which is corrosive. If not cleaned up rather quickly these droppings will most definitely cause irreversible damage to siding, brick, paint, decks, patios, stone and other building materials. Warm areas of your home and property are the perfect places for birds to make their nests and set up shop. Chimneys, sheds, garages, attics, vents, solar panels, trees soffits and other areas are perfect nesting grounds for birds. Birds tend to stay close to their food and water sources and while roost where they know they can find the basic necessities for them to survive.
Bird Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
Here at A-Tex Pest Management, we can help you to control the bird population around your home. Avoiding a bird problem before it occurs can save you thousands of dollars in damage. We have a vast knowledge of all bird species one may encounter here and offer the most successful tactics in deterrents, repellents as well as pigeon removal. We offer several bird prevention products and services and we are experienced in the installation of netting, bird wire, angled corners and spikes and more. If you have a nuisance bird issue, give us a call so we can make a custom bird control plan for your home today!