Eliminating four-legged insects and creatures is usually what people are after when they receive pest remediation services. It makes logical sense, as these types of critters are frequent invaders of Indianapolis homes and businesses. They can cause significant harm to buildings, and they present health risks. Many are capable of transmitting diseases and spreading germs. Believe it or not, birds are just as much of a threat.
Pigeons are one of several bird species in the United States that are troublesome. Folks tend to view them as innocent, but that's far from reality. Considering their habitat, it isn't easy to manage their populations. Learn how you can avoid the perils of these animals at your Indianapolis, IN property and what Action Pest Control can do to assist you.
How Do Pigeons Behave? What Are The Hazards?
Pigeons are around 11 inches long, and they weigh an estimated 13 ounces. The fowls come in different colors, but the majority are gray with a whitish backside. Black bands decorate their set of wings, and wider bars are on their tail. They also have two red feet. Sometimes, these birds are called rock doves.
Without knowing it, humans offer pigeons sufficient nesting spots. It’s one reason they depend on us for survival. They gravitate to structural voids, sheltered spaces, steeples, and the like. While grains are a big part of their diet, they won’t turn down edible material that’s left out or in a trash can. Given this, these pests tend to surround parks, grain elevators, feed mills, agricultural zones, and bridges.
Over the course of the year, pigeons will have multiple mating cycles. The peak periods are in the spring and fall, though. In the span of two weeks or more, the one or two eggs they lay will hatch. Then, the adults will feed their young with regurgitated fare. This matter is defined as “pigeon milk.”
A few of the issues with pigeons and other pest birds are:
- Their fecal matter is slippery, and people can fall into it.
- Their waste contains acid that will ruin paint and age a building.
- Their droppings promote fungal growth.
- Histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and salmonella are some of the diseases linked to them.
- Mites, ticks, fleas, and lice could be in their fur.
- They are liable to destroy dumpsters, gardens, farms, and fruit trees.
- When they gather in vents and dryers, fires can happen.
How Can One Prevent Pigeons?
Since urban and residential zones are rich with what pigeons need to thrive, they will be prevalent near domiciles and establishments. This has lulled humans into a false sense of security with the pests, whom they’ll feed or observe. At most, they’ll ignore the birds, but they aren’t afraid or cautious of them. Just because a critter is ordinarily around doesn’t mean they should be permitted. To keep pigeons at bay, take these steps:
- Immediately seal holes in rooflines, windows, foundations, dryers, and vents.
- Get rid of standing water by drying pet drinking bowls and draining swimming pools.
- Eliminate potential food sources in the yard.
- Put garbage in canisters with secure lids.
- Don’t feed the birds, so they won’t have a motive to come back.
- Make sure all vents and exterior louvers have vents attached.
What Can Action Pest Control Do About Pigeons?
It’s not easy to catch and remove pigeons independently. You shouldn’t be close to them at all, really. The average retail item can’t sufficiently handle an infestation anyhow. Avoid spending money on products that won’t work and reach out to us at Action Pest Control. We have industrial-grade bird nets, exclusion installations, roost decontaminates, flock dispersions, and more. Call today for a free inspection!