While most birds cause no problems at all, there are a few species which can
attain pest status.
There are three main species which we are often called
upon to control:
Feral Pigeon columbia livia
Gulls larus spp
Starling
sturnus vulgaris
Why Must Birds Be Controlled .......
1) DISEASE
Birds can transmit food poisoning
organisms, including Salmonella. They can also pass on Ornithosis, a flu related
virus and Psittacosis which caused a pneumonic-like illness. Pigeon breeders may
sometimes contract "Pigeon Fanciers Lung" which is a respitory disease.
2) INSECT INFESTATIONS
In addition to bacteria and
viruses, a large number of insect and mite species live in bird fouling and
nesting material, as well as on the live and dead birds themselves. Some
examples are:
Bluebottles calliphora spp
Larder
Beetles dermestes lardarius
Varied Carpet Beetles
anthrenus verbasci
Australian Spider
Beetle ptinus tectus
White Shouldered House
Moth endrosis sarcitrella
3) BUILDING DAMAGE
Birds and bird droppings not only
look unsightly, but bird droppings contain an acid which attacks stone and can
cause serious defacement of a building. Bird nests will often block gutters,
leading to costly repairs.
4) CONTAMINATION OF FOOD
As well as spreading disease,
the presence of birds inside a food factory can lead to physical contamination
with droppings and feathers.
5) DANGER OF FALLING
Wet bird fouling is extremely
slippery and may result in a fall. This is particularly hazardous on steps and
fire escapes.
6) NUISANCE
The noise and smell produced by birds can
be very disturbing and unpleasant. The very presence of birds invokes fear in
some people. Gulls in particular will physically attack a human if they walk too
close to a breeding area, usually around factories, offices etc.
CONTROL MEASURES
Total Pest Solutions offer a wide range of bird proofing systems, with the
two most commonly used being netting and spike systems.
Bird netting itself
is barely visable once installed and is highly effective, denying birds total
access to roosting/nesting areas and can be fitted almost anywhere.
Bird
spiking is usually applied to areas where birds roost, or on exposed ledges.
Once installed the spiking is again barely visable and highly effective.
Each bird problem should be indivdually assessed, therefore TPS can provide
you with a free survey and make appropriate recommendations as required.