Bird Problems To Avoid This Summer

As the weather warms, many seasonal pests begin to appear on residential and commercial properties. Birds can be a nuisance for many property owners. Large birds, such as geese, create messes and hinder foot traffic, while smaller pest birds such as sparrows and pigeons can wreak havoc on roofs. Once established in your building, some species of birds will return on an annual basis.

Having excess birds on your property can mean a lot of extra cleanup for maintenance teams. Also, some birds are more prone to destruction than others. The most irritating birds that frequent our area are geese, pigeons, and starlings. Canadian geese are seasonal pests, migrating north to south and back again as the seasons change. These birds are messy, congregate in large numbers, and can be hard to move. By nature, geese are territorial birds and will chase people if provoked; this is especially true during the spring breeding season. In the summer, geese will guard nests, and are very protective of their chicks, making lawn care a troublesome task.

Pigeons have also made a reputation for themselves as nuisance birds. They dig through trash, and their droppings can carry harmful bacteria such as salmonella. You do not need to come into direct contact with their feces to become ill, as most pigeon droppings have fungal spores. Particulates release into the air as feces dry, causing major concern - as pigeons often roost in roofs. These spores can then blow through ventilation systems, causing sickness.

Sparrows can also pose serious problems for property owners. Like pigeons, sparrows are opportunistic scavengers, eating human leftovers wherever they find them. Sparrows are often found nesting in our buildings. Due to their small size, sparrows can fit into tiny gaps around drainage pipes and eaves, allowing them access to roofs and ceilings. Sparrow droppings are full of dangerous parasites, and their droppings are caustic enough to strip automobile paint. Aside from being disease transmitters, they are also very vocal birds, with a noise level can be irritating, especially when in large groups.

Bird Prevention Tips          

To keep small birds from entering your buildings, clear clutter, such as tree branches, away from roof lines, allowing yourself better access to eaves and vents. Regularly check these entrances to ensure that they are well covered and in good repair. Fill small holes, cracks, or gaps around vents, or roof peaks immediately, as this will discourage birds from widening the gaps to build nests. For personal safety, we recommend you do not attempt to remove bird nests or feces yourself, as these can contain harmful pathogens and are best left to a professional.

Why Call Action first

When you run a business, you know that your company’s reputation is of utmost importance, and you do everything possible to take care of problems as soon as they arise. When left unchecked, birds will return to your property every season meaning costlier maintenance and upkeep to your buildings and landscaping. The best way to put an end to this cycle is to call a professional. At Action Pest Control, our team understands the importance of taking care of problems quickly, and will work with you to devise the best bird management plan to fit your needs. To discuss preventative measures, bird removal, and sanitation options, call Action Pest Control today!