Pest problems of any kind can have some pretty serious negative effects on a business. One pest problem that can be one of the toughest for businesses to avoid and get rid of is bird infestations. Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows can mean big trouble not only for the reputation of your business but also for the health of employees and customers, not to mention the damage they can do to the structures.
The number of health risks that pest birds expose people to is fairly large. Birds carry parasites, ticks, mites, and fleas. They spread fungal diseases such as toxoplasmosis which can be extremely dangerous to those with a compromised or weak immune system such as the elderly and children. Birds can also be responsible for the spread of viral infections, food poisoning, salmonella, and respiratory problems. Bird feces outside of a business can also be slippery causing people to fall and get injured.
On top of all the health risks pest birds can pose, they can also do significant damage to your property. Their droppings can corrode paint and metal. Between their feces and pecking holes, it is not unheard of for birds to destroy rooftops. They can weigh down utility poles and block the ventilation of a building. There’s a lot of opportunity for destruction when it comes to pest birds.
Birds can be more challenging to get rid of than other pests. They have to be removed and relocated, they can’t just be eliminated like some other pests. There are always more birds out there, so keeping them away is an ongoing process. That is why most businesses turn to pest control professionals. They know how to get birds away from your business in a humane way and all the things to do to make your business less appealing to birds in the future. They also know how to safely clean up any mess birds leave behind.
There are also a couple of things you can do or avoid doing around your business on your own to take a proactive prevention approach:
- Make sure any trees or shrubs around your business are trimmed and try to avoid putting them too close to doors and windows.
- Birds are attracted to water so make sure your storm drains are cleaned out and there is minimal standing water around your business. Avoid fountains or put them as far from your structure as possible.
- Try to keep landscaping to a minimum as gardens are not only attractive to humans but also to birds.
- Make sure any trash is kept in covered bins and emptied regularly.
Of course, these are just some very basic tips. With the help of the pros, there are plenty of modifications and deterrents to keep your business free of pest birds now and down the road. Give us a call today or click here if you’d like to learn more!