The word "bird" probably isn't the first creature that comes to mind when you're thinking about pests, but there are certain species that can be harmful. According to Pest World, some birds can cause structural damage to buildings such as your home and some can even be threatening to your health. These reasons alone should make you proactive about getting rid of the pests, but first, you must be able to properly identify them.
Here are a few common bird pests you should be on the lookout for this spring:
Pigeon
This pest varies in color but is most commonly found to be gray with a white bottom. It also has black stripes on the lower half of its wings as well as red feet. Depending on its age, the pigeon grows to 11 inches, weighing about 13 pounds. You'll find this pest throughout the U.S. in various rural areas such as warehouses, feed mills, grain elevators and other agricultural areas. It is also found in large cities around parks, buildings and bridges.
The reason it's so important to be aware of this pest is because of the diseases and health-harming illnesses it carries. Cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella and food poisoning are among the harmful illnesses carried by the pigeon. Not only that, but the pigeon's droppings often foster fungus, which could cause histoplasmosis.
European Starling
The European Starling is a dark bird with light speckles on its feathers that can only be noticed up close. Its beak is yellow during higher temperatures and changes to a dark tan or gray in colder weather. This bird is half the length of the pigeon and only weighs 3 ounces. It can be found all around the U.S. in a number of different settings, ranging from agricultural to metropolitan areas. This pest is most commonly found in residential settings perching on gutters as they are attracted to the water.
Unfortunately, the European Starling should be avoided because of the potential health risks it presents to humans, such as histoplasmosis from fungus in its droppings. Not only that, but its droppings can also cause structural damage to steel buildings.
Woodpecker
According to Bird Busters, there are over 2,000 different species of woodpeckers and the bird ranges from 7 to 15 inches in length. Male woodpeckers have red heads and some are found with accompanying red and white marks. They have short legs, sharp claws and stiff tail feathers.
You probably already know that the woodpecker often lets it be known that it's around by drilling holes in your trees, but he won't stop there. The source said the pecking or "drumming" mechanism that woodpeckers use to attract their mates could end up causing damage to your home if they decide to take a break from the tree.
Leaving the birdseed out may invite a few friends that you don't want to meet. Always be cautious about how often you're offering free treats to avoid a bird pest invasion.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
