Pigeons are common in many towns, cities, and industrial areas, as well as in rural areas. Here’s a rundown of the problems pigeons cause from health hazards to damaging buildings and what you can do to control and deter pigeons.
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Health issues and diseases carried by pigeons
The health risk associated with pigeons is a serious problem. Pigeons carry a variety of diseases such as Ornithosis, Listeria and E-coli that can be transmitted to humans not only from pigeon droppings but also the birds themselves.
Three human diseases – histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis – are linked to pigeon droppings as well. When dry, pigeon droppings become airborne in small particles. This can lead to respiratory complaints such as psittacosis. These diseases can be dangerous or life-threatening to people with certain conditions such as asthma or weakened immune systems.
Pigeon control is not just important for their droppings, but all sorts of pests may migrate from their nests into buildings, including parasites such as mites, ticks, fleas, and beetles.
Health and safety slipping hazards
When pigeons nest in buildings and excrete a great amount of feces, this is messy, unsightly, and dangerous. The slip-and-fall risk caused by pigeon droppings is very real. This can make pavements, fire exits, car parks, and other areas dangerous for foot traffic and the public liability risk that goes with this, particularly for businesses and commercial properties.
Measures such as pigeon droppings removal is essential to prevent slip risks caused by pigeons to protect staff, contractors, customers and the general public.
Pigeon damage to buildings
If you’re asking yourself, “can pigeons damage buildings?” The answer is a big “yes.” Pigeons cause extensive and expensive damage to properties and buildings in a relatively short time.
Feral pigeon droppings will foul buildings, creating unwanted corrosive damage. Pigeon feces is highly acidic and can cause serious damage to buildings to corrode and erode metals, stonework, and brickwork.
Another serious problem that pigeons cause at properties is blocking gutters and drainage. When pigeons nest in gutters or downpipes, it causes water backup, flooding, leaks, and other water damage.
You can effectively and quickly deter pigeons from buildings using bird wire, bird spikes and bird netting as physical barriers to protect property.
Fire risks from pigeon nests
Pigeons make their nests out of anything. The debris they collect can cause problems when they build nests that block chimneys or flues. This can lead to a serious build-up of poisonous gases and an increased fire risk.
Business disruption and reputation
Buildings and pavement covered in pigeon droppings look awful and can smell unpleasant. This can lead to a poor image of a business or area, with the potential to ruin an organization’s reputation.
Pigeon problem solutions
The costs of repairing damage caused by pigeons can be in the thousands of dollars. If the pigeon problem is not resolved, this damage will reoccur. Pigeons can be a long-term nuisance to any business, causing disruption, and health issues.
Our knowledgeable specialists are available to quickly deal with any pigeon problems you have. We carry out a comprehensive survey to identify the type of pigeon, and where they are roosting and nesting. It is followed by our recommended method of pigeon control to remove pigeons and their nests, discretely and humanely.
Author: Fernando Torres is the owner of CimeX Control Pest Management. For more information call (480) 364-7499 or visit cimexcontrol.com.
