Should You Care About Pigeons Roosting?

Should You Care About Pigeons Roosting?

Pigeons may seem harmless, but these pest birds cause millions of dollars in damage every year to buildings, ventilation systems, machinery, statues, roofs, and much more.  Bird droppings and nesting materials left by pigeons pose physical problems and health hazards that can become very serious if not corrected quickly making prompt and effective professional bird control is often essential.

Pigeons Roosting

Pigeons find our window ledges, rooftops, bridges, and warehouses to be ideal substitutes for the natural ledges in cliff sides that they have always used as roostingnesting, and sheltering sites. When flocks grow too large and become a nuisance, killing the birds is often the first plan of action.

Potential Health Hazards:

There are many health risks associated with pigeons and their droppings.  The bacteria, fungi, and ectoparasites that they and their droppings harbor are numerous.  The four most common ways disease is passed by bird to human are: inhalation of fecal dust, food and water contaminated with bird feces, direct contact with feces, and parasitic transfer.

Pigeon droppings can expose humans to many diseases, including salmonella, Newcastle disease, candidiasis, encephalitis, orthosis, and toxoplasmosis.  In addition, they can also carry cryptococcosis, and coccidiodomycosis, which cause meningitis.  The droppings may also harbor growth of fungus, which causes histoplasmosis.  Fleas, lice, mites, and other pests often live on these birds, hitching a ride to where ever they want to jump off. Pigeons may also attract other pests, such as rats, which feed on dead pigeons and food that well-intentioned bird lovers may scatter for them.

In addition to disease, bird droppings are known for triggering pigeons on concrete stairspeople to slip and fall, which makes it especially important to rid the birds from highly trafficked areas. Source

Damage Caused by Pigeons:

These are messy birds, leaving droppings everywhere they go, particularly near their roost sites.  Pigeon droppings are not just gross, they are also full of uric acid which makes them extremely corrosive.  The droppings are the direct cause of millions of dollars in damage to buildings and other structures.  Particularly vulnerable are painted surfaces, awnings, signs, and other similar surfaces.  A tragic example of the corrosiveness of pigeon droppings is the Minnesota bridge accident in 2007, which was found to be the direct result of bird droppings eating away at the metal bridge supports until they weakened.

In addition to the damage cause by their acidic droppings, pigeon nests can also cause damage.  Pest birds will often build nests in gutters or on roof corners blocking essential drainage systems.  Every year several warehouses experience roof damage, and even collapse, when drainage systems have been blocked and standing water rises just six inches.  Bird nests can also block ventilation systems, which not only prevents exhaust of potentially harmful gases, but also has the potential to spread diseases.  Fire is also a potential hazard.  Nesting materials are usually flammable, consisting of twigs, straw, grasses and dried droppings.  When pest birds build their nests inside electric signs or other machinery there is a great risk of fire.

Pigeons are creatures of habit and highly social.  Once they have found a cozy spot the will return again and again, bringing along more of their pigeon pals. Prolific breeders, pigeons can hatch several broods a year, sometimes even laying a new clutch before the previous have even hatched.   Often our buildings and structures have architectural features such as drain spouts and eaves that make perfect nesting spots for these birds. Pigeons are comfortable around humans and they’re hard to scare away or deter.  Once a flock of stubborn unwanted pigeons have set up shop in/on your building, it can be stubbornly resistant to removal, often requiring the services of a pest control or animal control professional. As is true of many pests that invade our homes and businesses, the first step to controlling feral pigeons is to remove their food source.

Tips to deter pigeons:

  1.      Don’t feed the pigeons.
  2.      Screen drains and gutters to make your property less attractive to pigeons.
  3.      Encourage children to pick up spilled food – and teach them NOT to feed pigeons
  4.      Keep areas around trash bins and outdoor dining areas clean
  5.      Eliminate water sources such as bird baths, over-watered lawns, or kiddy pools.

If you need help to prevent or eliminate pesky problem pigeons, please contact us!

Hope you learned more about why you should take action when pigeons are roosting on your property

About Pigeon Patrol:

Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.

Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca

Pigeon / Pigeon Patrol / Pigeons Roosting / Vancouver Pigeon Patrol / Bird Control / Surrey Pigeon Control / Pest / Vancouver Pigeon Blog /

The Danger of Pigeon Droppings

The Danger of Pigeon Droppings

Danger of Pigeon Droppings

Although pigeons themselves are not considered to be a danger to humans, their droppings is a different story. Pigeons transmit diseases through their droppings and can easily affect someone with a weakened immune system if near by.

Pigeon droppings that are infected with bacteria or viruses are often left on the street, windowsills and cars to dry out. Once they do, they become a powder, which is blown or kicked into the air and then inhaled. The inhalation of this powder is one way that the pathogens that can cause disease can be spread to us.

Pathogens 

According to Medical News Today, the most common pathogens which can cause disease transmitted from pigeons to humans are:

  1. E. coliThis occurs when bird droppings land in a water or food supply and are then consumed by humans. This can typically be avoided by washing food thoroughly before eating. Symptoms include nausea, fever and cramps.
  2. St. Louis encephalitis.This disease is spread by mosquitoes after they feed on a bird that carries the pathogen that spreads St. Louis encephalitis. This inflammation of the nervous system is dangerous to all age groups, but can be particularly dangerous and even fatal in adults over 60 years old. Symptoms include drowsiness, headache and fever.
  3. Histoplasmosis.This respiratory disease occurs as a result of a fungus growing in pigeon droppings and can be fatal.
  4. Candidiasis.This disease is also a respiratory condition caused by a fungus or yeast found in droppings. The areas affected include skin, mouth, the respiratory system, intestines and the urogenital tract, particularly in women.
  5. Salmonellosis.This disease is commonly called “food poisoning” and spreads via infected droppings turning into dust and contaminating food and food preparation surfaces prior to consumption.

Pigeons are also carriers of mites, fleas, and West Nile virus, and all of which can cause discomfort and potentially serious health issues in humans.

If you are cleaning up or come into contact with droppings, you should take precautions. Wash your hands and clean any exposed skin before eating, drinking or putting your hands near your mouth. Likewise, if you are feeding or handling birds, wash your hands afterwards. If you have a compromised immune system, including from HIV/AIDS or cancer, you should not clean up droppings.

 

 

Destroys Cleanliness of Property

Pigeon droppings are unsightly and can cause problems by making pavements and steps slippery, particularly in wet weather. Droppings can also corrode stonework and damage buildings. Nesting material, droppings and dead birds may block gutters and drains leading to water damage to buildings. Pigeon droppings are quite high in uric acid, which corrodes car exteriors like no one’s business. With an average pH of about 3, dried bird poop will peel away clearcoats, bleach paint, and leave cartoonish etchings of itself even after a car wash.

Pigeon droppings can cause severe damage to not just your roof but also other parts of your house. Some of the havoc birds poop can cause to your roof include:

Uric Acid

Bird poop contains uric acid, which can damage your roof. Since birds don’t urinate, the only way they could get rid of nitrogenous waste from their body system is through their poop. The acidic content of the white liquid can wreak havoc on materials like concrete, car paint, and roofing materials. The most vulnerable roof material to uric acid is the asphalt shingles.

Effect on Solar Panel

Roof-mounted solar panels have become a modern haven for pigeons and other bird species. This is so because solar panels provide warmth and shelter from the wind and rain. More so, it is a perfect spot for nesting, which ultimately results in massive bird dropping problems. Apart from the fact that these birds cause damage to the solar panel wiring, they also create a mess by leaving their droppings on top of them. These droppings, if left to sit for an extended period of time , blight solar panels and can render the system useless.

Blocked Gutters

Pigeons picking on dried poop for bugs can drop these waste into your gutters. These bird droppings contain seeds that may likely create additional problems for your drainage system. When a bird poop is left for long on your roof, wind or rain may eventually wash the bird poop and seeds into the gutters. These seeds can grow into weeds and shrubs in the gutter given the right conditions, thus affecting the flow of water. A clogged gutter will eventually lead to roof leakages. So make sure you clean your gutters regularly to ensure that they are free of debris and other waste products left by pigeons.

Moss Growth

Moss thrives in shady, damp places and are commonly found on the roof. Failure to tackle moss growth heads on can result in water leaks and damage. In addition, it can clog your drainage and gutters. Moss retains moisture, and this could further hamper the efficiency of your roof materials. What is for certain is that if birds and pigeons regularly leave droppings on your roof, the moss problem can be difficult and more expensive to contain. The nutrients from pigeon poop stimulate moss growth. More reasons why you need to get rid of pigeons and bird pests from your roof.

Bird Laws

Some laws protect native birds. So you need to follow laid down protocols when getting rid of them. Some of the legal methods of preventing birds nesting on your roof include roof spikes and bird deflectors. If you don’t want to face the wrath of the law, then make sure you contact reputable bird control service for assistance. Read More About Bird Laws Here

 

Pigeon Poop Costs Car Owner £158 in Parking Fines - autoevolution

 

Source

About Pigeon Patrol:

Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today

Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.

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CTA, officials up rally against a determined pigeon feeder at Northwest Side station

CTA, officials up rally against a determined pigeon feeder at Northwest Side station

Young Kang, avid pigeon feeder is causing issues for the CTA

By MARY WISNIEWSKI – Chicago Tribune

State Rep. Jaime Andrade has been fighting a losing battle to clean up the mess made by pigeons at the CTA’s Irving Park Blue Line station on the city’s Northwest Side.

The sidewalk by the station is so thickly spackled with droppings that it looks and smells like a chicken coop. Andrade, who represents the district that includes the station, has pushed for state funds to keep the birds away. Earlier this month, he was hit in the head by guano during a television interview.

But Andrade, state and city officials and the CTA are up against someone who is determined to feed and protect birds around the city and visits the Irving Park station often with big sacks of white rice.

Pigeons being fed an individual leaving behind a mess of food scraps and droppings.

“I protect all God’s creatures because this is my mission,” said Young Kang, 67, while at the Hoa Nam Grocery store on Argyle Street in Uptown last week, where she buys supplies to feed the birds. “This is not for my good. God gave this to me. I take care of the birds.”

Kang, who used to be in the restaurant business, said she is a Christian minister and founder of a nonprofit. It has been incorporated as Young Bird Care Society since April 2015 and is in good standing, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. Over the past 11 years, Kang said she has spent $300,000 of her own money feeding birds in locations around the city, going out every day and hiring people to help.

She said she also helps the homeless, stuffing money under their pillows as they sleep.

pigeon flock perching on roof

CTA riders interviewed outside the Irving Park station described the pigeon situation as “gross” and “terrible” and wondered why more netting couldn’t be put up in more areas of the bridge. Illinois Department of Transportation spokesman Guy Tridgell said the agency can’t do this because it needs to have the area open for inspections and other maintenance.

“We’re happy to continue discussing and meeting with all interested parties to see if there’s some solution,” Tridgell said.

Andrade disagreed with IDOT’s explanation, saying netting could easily be removed for inspections. “The problem comes down to who is going to pay,” he said.

There is some metal netting under the Kennedy bridge, apart from the area around the CTA station entrance, but some of it is in disrepair.

By contrast, anti-pigeon netting is completely installed on the beams under the Union Pacific railroad bridge, above the sidewalk, just west of the CTA station. The bridge carries Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line.

Mary Parich of Independence Park said that sometimes the pigeon mess on the sidewalk is so bad that she has to tip-toe.

“They are God’s creatures, but you have to look out for the health of people, too,” Parich said.

Kang said she once lived in the neighborhood, and the birds have always been there, long before she started feeding them.

About Pigeon Patrol:

Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.

Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca

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Windsor city issues warning to clean up rooftop swamp

Windsor city issues warning to clean up rooftop swamp

The stagnant rooftop swamp on top of a vacant commercial building on Ouellette Avenue continues to fester, attracting wildlife and emitting a wicked stench that has frustrated neighbours who’ve put up with the growing mess for months.

A pond of water pooled on the roof of the empty property at 747-755 Ouellette Ave. long enough for a large patch of reeds and cattails to flourish, providing an attractive destination for the pigeons and seagulls that arrive almost every morning.

Malette says nothing has been done since she highlighted the issue. But help may be on the way, according to Lee Ann Doyle, the city’s chief building official. Inspectors have visited the site several times and issued a final warning to the owner to clean up the property.

“If the work isn’t done, we’ll do it and charge it against the property taxes,” Doyle said.

Building inspectors issued a work order after visiting the site in July. When nothing was done, the city sent out the warning letter on Aug. 11, giving the owner until Sept. 10 to clean up the mess.

Doyle said, if nothing is done, the city will call in contractors on Sept. 11 to do the work.

The building is listed to Entertaining Assests Inc., but company representative Mike Soleski previously told The Windsor Star he hasn’t owned the property for several months. All records on file with the city indicate there has been no change in ownership.

Malette barely goes out onto her 13th floor balcony anymore because of the smell and the mosquitoes.

“I’m not a person to make complaints, but this is just ridiculous,” she said.

Discarded patio chairs, empty pizza boxes and beer cans demonstrate the amount of human traffic on the rooftop as well. The commercial building has been boarded up for years, but at least 10 times, Malette said, she has watched people on the roof, smoking drugs and drinking. They’ve even gone as far as setting small fires.

Have a Pigeon Problem?

Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products eight years in a row.

Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279, or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mum fined £150 for feeding sausage roll to pigeon

Mum fined £150 for feeding sausage roll to pigeon

Woman fined £150 by Bath officer for feeding pigeon sausage roll

Elisa Menendez – Wednesday 19 Jun 2019 9:56 PM

A woman has been fined £150 by her local council for feeding a piece of sausage roll to a pigeon. Sally-Ann Fricker fed the bird while shopping with her three children in Bath.

Her daughter, Toni Bradley, said they were approached ‘seconds later’ by an officer for littering, despite the pigeon flying away with the food.

Toni said: ‘If she’d chucked the wrapper down then that would have been fair enough, but this was absolutely ridiculous, we were very upset and very shocked.’

According to Bath and North East Somerset Council, those caught littering face a £150 fine, reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days.

Councillor Dave Wood, cabinet member for climate change and the environment, said the authority would review whether the fine was appropriate in this incident.

However, he added that there are notices on many streets asking the public not to feed pigeons as they are a ‘public nuisance’.

Daughter Toni was outraged at the fine, adding that her mum is a carer and the fine was worth more than her weekly earnings.

She said: ‘When I got home my three-year-old asked me to take down the bird feeder from the garden “because nanny got into trouble” for feeding them.’

Wood added that councils and their contractors should use ‘common sense’ with situations like Sally-Ann’s.

‘I have asked officers to urgently look into this matter and review the action taken with the contractor, to determine whether it was proportionate,’ he said.

He added: ‘As a general point, pigeons and gulls cause a public nuisance and are part of the problem the council has to manage when dealing with litter on the streets. ‘There are notices all over the city asking people not to feed birds.’

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/06/19/mum-fined-150-feeding-sausage-roll-pigeon-10016074

Have a Pigeon Problem?

Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.

Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products eight years in a row.

Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279, or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca