When most people think about pest control, they envision insects, rodents, or spiders. However, for many business owners, there's a threat lurking above – pest birds. Birds such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows can cause issues for commercial spaces, particularly in urban areas where pigeons are especially prevalent. While often overlooked, these birds can lead to health concerns and costly property damage.
As pest control experts, Abell understands the serious risks associated with bird infestations and the importance of addressing the issue proactively.
Health Risks from Pest Birds
Pest birds, especially pigeons, carry several diseases that can pose significant health risks to humans. Their droppings can harbor fungal pathogens like Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis. These diseases can be transmitted to humans through the inhalation of spores from dried bird droppings, which can lead to serious respiratory issues.
In addition to fungal diseases, pigeons and other pest birds can spread bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can contaminate food supplies or cause foodborne illnesses, putting employees and customers at risk, particularly in food service and retail environments.
Property Damage and Safety Concerns
Beyond health risks, pest birds can also cause extensive damage to your property. Bird droppings are highly corrosive, and over time, they can erode building materials, including roofs, facades, and statues. This deterioration can result in expensive repairs and reduce the value of your property.
Bird droppings also create slip-and-fall hazards. Pigeon and bird droppings on sidewalks and entryways can make surfaces dangerous, leading to potential accidents. If your business sees high foot traffic, the likelihood of these accidents increases, posing a significant safety risk.
Preventing Pest Bird Infestations
The best way to protect your commercial space from pest birds is to take preventative measures. The first step is eliminating potential nesting sites. Birds like pigeons are drawn to buildings that provide easy access to shelter, such as cracks in walls, gaps in rafters, and open eaves. Sealing up these entry points will make your property less attractive to these pests.
Additionally, ensure that your trash disposal system is secure. Birds are opportunistic feeders and often rely on human food waste. By securing trash bins and waste areas, particularly those above ground, you can reduce the attraction for pest birds.
Pest birds may not be the first concern when thinking about pest control, but they can have significant consequences for your business. From spreading disease to causing property damage and safety risks, the impact of an infestation can be far-reaching. By addressing the problem early and taking proactive steps to prevent bird-related issues, you can safeguard your commercial space and protect your property and employees.
Athens, Chillicothe, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard, Lancaster, Marion, Marysville, Mt Vernon, Newark, Pataskala, Pickerington, Portsmouth, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Whitehall
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.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
