Have you ever looked across a snowy winter landscape and seen a striking red cardinal amidst all the white? Have you ever gently woken to the melodies of songbirds outside your window? Perhaps you have enjoyed watching winged visitors splash about in your yard’s birdbath or marvelled at a hummingbird darting to and fro around a feeder.

There is no doubt that birds can be a marvellous addition to your environment. They can bring sweet sounds associated with summer mornings or add a needed splash of colour to your yard. But as lovely as some avian visitors might be, some can only be described as pests. Songbirds cannot be enjoyed when they are interrupted by the calls of grackles—calls that resemble the squeal of a rusty gate as much as anything else. And while pigeons may have fans, many happily refer to them as “flying rats.”

Even those birds that you might normally have no issue with can pose problems and make themselves unwelcome by causing damage to structures and spreading disease. This is where bird control comes in.

Potential Bird Issues:

Excessive bird dropings:

• slippery when wet – slipping hazard
• powery when dry – respiratory issues
• carry harmful bacteria
• unsightly mess

Birds themselves may carry ticks and fleas

Types of Nuisance Bird

There are several birds that can be considered nuisances. Some of them might come to mind immediately, while others might seem totally innocuous at first.

Why Do We Need Bird Control?

Many people will tell you to stay away from pigeons, for fear of contracting some disease, but it is not only pigeons and their droppings that can pose a danger to your health.

Chances are pretty good that you have come across a bird nest at some point in your life, and perhaps you even found it interesting to watch as young ones are born, grow, and eventually leave the nest. Unfortunately, bird nests can cause several issues.

Health Risks From Bird Droppings

Birds and their droppings carry pathogens that are harmful to humans. Dried droppings, for example, carry a fungus called histoplasmosis that can result in respiratory disease. Salmonella is another common disease in bird droppings, and their feces can corrode concrete and even metal.

Birds Nests Can Be Fire Hazard

Additionally, bird nests can become a fire hazard, and birds might enlarge existing holes and cracks to build their home. Materials from their nests, such as feathers and other debris can clog your drains and gutters, leading to additional problems with your roof and foundation. Some birds might even build their nest in your dryer vent. This will restrict airflow and cause lint buildup, contributing to the $35 million in damages caused by dryer fires every year.

Proximaty Of Birds Nests Bring Other Pests

These are reason enough to discourage birds from nesting around your home, but birds will often bring other pests with them, such as ticks and fleas. These secondary pests can find their way into your home, causing further damage, and putting the health of your family at risk.

All these issues can apply to businesses as well, but businesses also contend with spending thousands of dollars each year on cleanup to avoid accident liability and to remain compliant with health regulations.

Deterring Birds

To avoid problems with nuisance birds, you must make your home or business unattractive to them. Birds are always on the lookout for places to nest and food to eat, but you do have some means of discouraging them from your property:

Restrict access to garbage

You will want to ensure that your garbage is secure, as birds will happily dig through it if given the opportunity. Dumpsters should be locked up, and garbage cans sealed securely or kept inside if possible.

Restrict access to food

Birds will happily come to sample any food that is left out. This might be pet food at your home, or unsecured garbage near your business. Having any type of food available is a sure-fire way to attract birds.

Prevent Acess To Shelter

Repair cracks, fill holes and cover vents. Whether they are on the roof or elsewhere, openings such as cracks, holes, and vents are very inviting for birds. Make sure they are repaired and sealed.

Deter Bird Nesting Sites

Use bird deterrents such as spikes or electronic measures. These can keep birds away without causing them lasting harm.