Bird control

Many people are surprised to learn that birds can be considered pests. But there are occasions when the presence of birds and/or their numbers in a particular location can cause serious problems.

Generally speaking, three species of birds are commonly considered "pests:" the pigeon, the house sparrow, and the starling. These species can be controlled by licensed pest management professionals if they are creating a problem, and their control usually does not require any additional permits.

Other bird species that are creating a nuisance can also be controlled, but usually require documentation of need and different control measures.

Health Hazards Associated with Pest Birds

Birds can create a health hazard via their droppings, which often contain pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms such as:

• Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum), which can cause illnesses ranging from a mild, flu-like condition, to high fever, blood abnormalities, pneumonia, blindness, and death.

• Cryptococcosis (Cryptococcus neoformans), which in its systemic form can cause sometimes fatal damage to the lungs and nervous system.

• Pigeon ornithosis (Chlamydia psittaci), which can lead to damage to the heart and spleen in humans.

• Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii), which can cause serious birth defects when pregnant women come in contact with the disease.

• Birds also harbor many different parasites, some of which can in turn cause a wide variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and various forms of encephalitis.

Pest Birds can Cause Defacement of Property

Birds and their droppings can cause serious damage or defacement of buildings and monuments where they roost, as well as vehicles, exterior furnishings and machinery, pavement, and walkways.

Physical Hazards Associated with Pest Birds

Birds can create a physical hazard in some situations, such as around airports, where they present a danger to aircraft and their occupants.

Fortunately (at least if you're a bird)...

Bird control usually can be accomplished through means that do not harm the birds in any way. Bird Control is a very site-specific project. BPCI utilizes a variety of control methods depending on site, situation, and species.

Depending on the birds' location, we can employ a variety of humane, non-lethal methods and materials to dissuade birds from nesting and roosting in areas where they are creating a problem. These methods include:

• Mechanical repellents such as plastic spikes and pricklers that make it uncomfortable for birds to nest or roost in sensitive areas.

• Optical and sound deterrents that scare birds away without injuring them.

• Exclusionary measures (such as bird netting) to prevent birds from accessing areas where they would present a problem.

In certain ususual situations, the introduction of an avicide into the population may also be used. Most avicides work by making birds feel ill and eliciting a distress response, which in turn repels other birds.

If you are having a problem with nuisance birds, please contact BPCI. We will be happy to assess your situation and provide you with one or more options to deal with your bird problem in an effective, humane, and cost-effective way. Buckingham Pest Control serves the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area.