We all love birds, well those of us who weren’t traumatized by the Alfred Hitchcock film, and we don’t want harm to come to them.  Although your feelings may change when your home or place of business is being compromised by there presence.

California has several “pest” birds that can make life miserable, especially when they are affecting the health of patrons and employees of a business.

We have all visited a public park or walked on a city street that have been inundated with pigeon droppings, feathers and birds.

When we think about “pest” birds we usually think of pigeons.  Pigeons can be dirty and annoying but they are not the only prolific bird that cause problems.  Starlings, ducks and geese and harmless looking sparrows can also be pests and carry disease.

Here are just a few of the most common diseases the bird species can carry.

According to Bird-X Inc. out of Chicago, IL, these are some of the more common diseases carried by pest birds.

Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that can be fatal. It results from a fungus growing in dried bird droppings.

Candidiasis is a yeast or fungus infection spread by pigeons. The disease affects the skin, the mouth, the respiratory system, the intestines and the urogenital tract.

Cryptococcosis is caused by yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons and starlings. This illness can start as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system. Since attics, cupolas, ledges, schools, offices, warehouses, mills, barns, park buildings, signs, etc. are typical roosting and nesting sites, the fungus is apt to be found in these areas.

St. Louis Encephalitis, an inflammation of the nervous system, usually causes drowsiness, headache and fever. It may even result in paralysis, coma or death. St. Louis encephalitis occurs in all age groups, but is especially fatal to persons over age 60. The disease is spread by mosquitoes which have fed on infected house sparrow, pigeons and house finches carrying the Group B virus responsible for St. Louis encephalitis.

Salmonellosis often occurs as “food poisoning” and can be traced to pigeons, starlings and sparrows. The disease bacteria are found in bird droppings; dust from droppings can be sucked through ventilators and air conditioners, contaminating food and cooking surfaces in restaurants, homes and food processing plants.

Ok, so how do we prevent these types of birds from taking up residence in public areas and in our homes?

There are several pest control industry solutions to bird control.

The most common are anti-perching systems.  One system uses durable stainless steel spikes.  It works well for Pigeons or larger birds such as sea gulls. It is used on ledges, signs, beams, pipes, chimneys, lights and more.

Another easy-to-use anti-perching system is made with a stainless steel coil.  It’s perfect for long, narrow, exposed ledges. It is also adaptable to most architectural details because of its flexibility.

Netting systems deny pest bird’s access to buildings, including courtyards, roof tops, overhangs, parking garages, etc.

Bottom line, if you have a bird control problem, call a pest control professional.  They have solutions that you can feel good about.

FYI…