If you’ve ever noticed birds gathering around your home or business in larger numbers than usual, you might be wondering if it’s something you should be concerned about. While birds can be charming to watch from a distance, a pest bird infestation can quickly turn into a costly and damaging problem. Early detection is key when it comes to dealing with pest birds, and calling in a professional bird control company can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Let’s explore the signs that you might have a bird problem and why it’s important to bring in the experts before things get out of hand.
Signs of a Bird Infestation
How do you know if you have a bird problem? Here are some clear signs that indicate it might be time to call in the professionals:
- Presence of Nests or Droppings: If you’ve noticed bird droppings accumulating in certain areas, such as on windowsills, roofs, or walkways, it’s a strong indication that birds have taken up residence. Their nests, made of twigs and debris, may also be visible on your property. Since there are health risks from bird infestations, you need to act quickly when there are nests or droppings.
- Noises and Disturbances: Chirping, flapping, or the occasional loud squawk might be the sound of birds nesting nearby. The more birds you have, the louder and more frequent the noise will become.
- Visible Birds: Large groups of birds regularly gathering in one place is a clear sign of an infestation. If you see flocks of pigeons or other birds roosting on your property, it’s time to take action.
- Damage to Roofs, Gutters, and Building Facades: Birds often create nests in gutters or on roofs, which can block drainage systems and lead to water damage. They may also cause structural damage by pecking at or roosting on your property’s facades.
- Blocked Ventilation: Birds nesting in vents or chimneys can obstruct airflow and create ventilation issues. This can lead to poor air quality and even cause damage to your heating system.
Health and Safety Concerns
Bird infestations aren’t just a nuisance; they pose serious health and safety risks. Bird droppings are not only unsightly but also dangerous. When they dry and break apart, microscopic particles can become airborne and be inhaled, potentially causing respiratory issues like histoplasmosis. In fact, bird droppings are known to carry over 60 diseases that can affect both humans and animals.
Furthermore, birds carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets and humans. These pests can infest your home, causing further problems down the line. Lastly, bird droppings create slippery surfaces, particularly on pavements and balconies, which can lead to slip and fall accidents, posing a risk to anyone walking by.
How a Professional Bird Control Company Can Help
When it comes to getting rid of pest birds, a professional bird control company is your best bet. Here’s how they can help:
- Comprehensive Inspections and Assessments: A professional company will carry out a thorough inspection of your property to identify potential nesting areas and assess the extent of the problem. They’ll look at your roof, gutters, vents, and other key areas to determine the best course of action.
- Safe and Humane Bird Control Methods: Experts use humane and effective methods like bird netting, spikes, and sound deterrents to keep birds away. They’ll tailor their approach based on the type of bird causing the issue and the specific areas of your property that need protection.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance: Bird control doesn’t stop once the infestation is cleared. A reputable company will offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance services to ensure birds don’t return. This can include regular checks and reapplication of deterrents as needed.
Why Seagulls Can Be Such a Nuisance
Most people don’t realise how destructive and irritating seagulls can be. While they can be harmless at the beach or in their natural habitats, they can be damaging when hanging around your property. Let’s take a closer look at why they’re such a nuisance, and you want to deter them.
A Risk to Health and Safety
It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a business or thinking about your family home; you don’t want there to be health and safety risks. Unfortunately, seagulls can cause a lot of issues, such as posing health risks due to fouling. Guano can contain E.coli and salmonella, which can make people sick. What’s more, guano can be very slippery when it’s left on pavements, which could mean someone falls.
Causing Pest Infestations
It’s not just seagulls themselves that can be pests. They can also lead to secondary pest infestations on your property. For example, mites and fleas can become a problem, which can spread into the internal areas of your home or business. They can be very difficult to get rid of once you have them.
Becoming Aggressive
During the mating season, seagulls will become more aggressive. They’re doing this because they’re protecting their young. This means if you get too close to their nests, even without knowing it, they can become a danger. Seagulls can fly faster than you think and you can sustain bad injuries if they get aggressive. This isn’t something that you want to be dealing with at your own front door.
Causing Damage to Buildings
The building itself can get damaged by seagulls. Guano is acidic, which means that it can cause permanent damage to structures. This can drive down the price of your property. In addition, if they’re making nests on your property, they can leave debris lying around. This can block guttering and even lead to dislodged roof tiles.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed signs of a bird infestation around your property, it’s crucial to act quickly. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage, health risks, and an ongoing headache. By calling in a professional bird control company, you can rest assured that the issue will be addressed effectively and safely. Don’t wait until the damage is done—contact a bird control expert today for a thorough inspection and to ensure your property remains protected from pests.