Birds

---

They are commonly carriers of several serious human diseases including salmonellosis, psittacosis and pseudo-tuberculosis. Their faeces provide an ideal environment for the growth of the organisms causing such diseases as histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, cryptococcus and listeriosis. 

Often referred to as flying rats and for good reason too they can carry a lot of horrid diseases.

Their nests and droppings cause a huge amount of damage to cars buildings and property in general.

Their flight is fast and direct, and they walk and run confidently on the ground. Noisy and gregarious, starlings spend a lot of the year in flocks. Still one of the commonest of garden birds, its decline elsewhere makes it a Red List species. 

 They are cavity nesters; they prefer to build their homes inside holes and crevices. Starlings often nest within tree hollows and even cracks in utility poles. In urban areas, nests occupy building eaves, window ledges, and almost any other place between 6 and 60 feet off the ground. 

Herrings Gulls and other Gulls can cause big problems when living in proximity of humans. Not only do they carry diseases, they also cause damage with their droppings and have been known to harass people for food.

One of the main reasons why birds are sometimes classed as pests is because they carry ectoparasites such as mites. These can be transferred to humans and cause diseases including Ornithosis, E.Coli, and Salmonella. Their malted feathers can also cause respiratory problems and their droppings can lead to serious infections.

They’re noisy

The sound of a few birds can be relaxing but the noise incurred when you have an infestation is quite the opposite. Whether you’re trying to enjoy some quiet time at home or get work done in the office, the sound of dozens of birds can be hugely distracting and irritating.

They encourage other infestations

If you notice that you have a bird problem, try to ensure that you get it looked at as quickly as possible because it can lead to other infestations. Several insects such as bird mites, textile beetles, and fleas are attracted to nesting and roosting sites so you can guarantee that in time, these creatures will also make your premises home.

Some species of birds such as the pigeon, the starling (starling in the image to the right) can create a huge amount of damage to buildings. Due to the nest building which retains moisture and thus damages the buildings' structure. Their dropping's can be corrosive and a slip hazard. 

Droppings can spread diseases such as: Zoonotic diseases associated with birds include avian tuberculosis, erysipelas, ornithosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, campylobacterosis, and escherichiosis. 

To treat a bird infestation or prevent one. We can use various methods depending on the situation to ensure a safe resolution. These methods are as follows:

• The use of anti-bird spikes stops them from landing and gaining access to roosting and nesting areas on buildings
• Bird netting  and wire mesh this is again used to prevent the birds accessing and area.
• Installation of imitation birds of prey to scare birds away.
• Shooting the bird to reduce numbers is a highly effective method if the site location and logistics allow for this to carried out in a safe manner.
• Non-toxic optical bird gel
• Laser deterrents
• Shock strips and electric bird wire
•  Audible scares