What You Need To Know About The Risks Of Birds Nesting

February 8, 2021

Do you have birds hovering around your business area? Or are there birds nesting near your property? If so, then you might want to call a commercial bird removal company to keep them out. See, while they may seem harmless and peaceful, some birds have been regarded as pests due to the serious risks they present to people. So having them around your establishment or home can cause you great problems.

But what exactly are the risks associated with birds? Let’s find them out below.

Birds and Diseases

Through their droppings, birds can transfer over 60 harmful diseases to humans. By just being around their contaminated waste, you are putting yourself, your employees, and customers at risk. Some of the most common diseases include the following:

1. Histoplasmosis

When soil that contains a large number of bird droppings is disturbed, those around it may inhale the spores of a fungus called Histoplasma. This results in Histoplasmosis, which is a type of lung infection that can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia. However, in severe cases, the infection may spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and spinal cord.

2. Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, or also known as bird flu, is a viral infection that rarely infects humans. But when it does, the consequences can be fatal. It may even result in a pandemic. It can be transmitted by an infected bird’s secretions and droppings.

3. Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is often associated with food poisoning. Some of its symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, fever, and vomiting. It is caused by consuming food or beverage that is contaminated with an infected bird’s feces. So if you are in the food business, best seek commercial bird removable services when you notice such pests in your area.

4. Cryptococcosis

This is an illness caused by the yeast commonly found in the intestinal tracts of starlings and pigeons. It starts with pulmonary disease and can later affect a person’s central nervous system. Since such birds enjoy nesting and roosting in offices, mills, park buildings, signages, warehouses, and ledges, these are the areas you should keep an eye on.

5. E.Coli

Birds may catch e.coli when pecking on cow manure. This bacteria will then go through the bird and be transferred to people through its droppings, which could land in food or a water supply.

Birds and Parasites

Aside from being direct disease carriers, birds can also carry over 50 types of ectoparasites. These are parasites that live on the skin of a host, and a lot of them can work their way to infecting and biting people. While many of these ectoparasites are considered nuisance pests, some of them can cause serious harm to humans. Here are the most common ectoparasites from birds:

1. Mosquitoes / Gnats

While they are rare, mosquitoes and gnats can be found on birds. These are biting insects that can transmit various diseases, including avian malaria and the West Nile Virus.

2. Bed Bugs

Starlings, pigeons, and house sparrows can all carry bed bugs, which can transfer to humans and domestic animals. In severe cases, such pests can make you feel weak and become anemic.

3. Chicken Mites

Chicken mites can be found on starlings, house sparrows, and pigeons. They are known to carry encephalitis and cause acariasis and fowl mite dermatitis. While they can survive from drawing blood from birds, they also tend to attack people.

Overall, the fewer birds there are in your area, the better it is and the safer you all are from getting infected with any disease or parasites associated with birds. So if you happen to see birds nesting and roosting around your workplace, call a commercial bird removal company immediately.