Your workplace can be a good habitat for pest birds. Pigeons have learned to survive in most environments, get rid of food waste, and require minimal shelter to build their nests.
The more you allow birds to roost or nest in an unwanted area, the more difficult it will be to remove them. Pigeons, for example, are common creatures that live in flocks of between 50 and 500 people, so a small problem can quickly turn into a major invasion.
Common Signs of a Bird Infestation
Recognizing the symptoms of a serious problem and getting a quick solution can reduce the time it takes to achieve effective bird control.
- Birds nest on roofs or ledges.
- Bird calls – the constant cries of birds, specifically young chicks.
- Bird Nests – Nesting material scattered around your property.
- Damaged stock – from bird fouling and pecking.
- Droppings – in areas where birds nest.
- Nest and feather debris – can clog gutters and drainage systems and cause moisture damage.
Where to Look for a Bird Investation
- Pigeons use areas of flat roofs and tall buildings to nest.
- Balconies, guttering, chimney stacks, ledges, and culverts are ideal areas for nesting.
- Seagulls specifically like to flock together on flat roofs.
- Any hole larger than 25mm that provides access to your building is a possible entry point for pigeons.
- Pigeons favour roof spaces to nest in and can loosen or damage tiles to obtain access.
Diseases Carried by Birds
Bird pests are known to transmit a wide variety of diseases and harbour other pests. People can also get flu-like symptoms from germs in bird droppings.
Professional bird repelling is necessary not only to prevent damage to your property but also to minimise the health risks associated with the presence of certain birds.
Pigeons tend to host parasitic pests such as bird mites, fleas and ticks that can be transmitted to humans. Insect pests live on birds and in their excrement and nesting materials. Parasites can invade buildings in search of new sources of food.
Pigeon Diseases
Some diseases that are transmitted by pigeons and other birds, such as seagulls, can make you very sick. It is important to take steps at the first sign of a bird infestation to avoid these health threats.
- Psittacosis – also called Pigeon Fancier’s Lung or Ornithosis. This infection can be transferred by handling the feathers of infected pigeons or seagulls or inhaling the bacteria from dried droppings.
- Salmonella – this bacteria is deposited where gulls or pigeons defecate. It can lead to Paratyphoid fever and Salmonellosis.
- Escherichia coli (E.Coli) – typically spread by seagulls, can lead to illnesses such as septicaemia and gastroenteritis.
- Fowl pest – also known as Newcastle disease Fowl Plague. This virus can be transmitted to humans when exposed to excrements and other discharges from infected pigeon birds.
- Bird mites – often found in roosting places and nests. They feed primarily on bird blood but will also bite humans.
- Fungal infections – include Cryptococcosis and Histoplasmosis and are transported within bird droppings from seagulls.
Effective Bird Control Johannesburg
Call Pest Control Pros to discuss bird deterrents such as bird netting, bird repellents, scaring and other bird control methods. We offer affordable bird control in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. Call us today!