When thinking about pest control in Long Island, a common culprit that often slips under the radar is birds. Although perhaps not as oppressive as some other unwanted guests, birds can still become quite disruptive to your business and are considered nuisance pests. In this post, we'll outline everything you need to know about the various pest birds common to our area, including why they can pose a problem, as well as the best ways to prevent them from being attracted to your property.
Pest birds such as pigeons, sparrows, and starlings are attracted to properties for a couple of simple reasons, those being food and shelter. They primarily eat grains, but they aren't all that picky. They will gladly eat any food, and you can expect them to stick around wherever they anticipate finding their next meal. In fact, most pest birds have become quite dependent upon humans for both food and shelter, preferring to nest inside signs or buildings due to the easily accessible resources we provide for them. If a population of pest birds begins to grow too large, they can pose a serious problem.
Can Birds Carry Diseases?
Pest birds, especially pigeons, are often disdainfully referred to as flying rats, for a good reason. They're surprisingly filthy animals and can transmit many dangerous pathogens and parasites, and their droppings can build up incredibly quickly, only adding to the dangers and disgust factor. Here are just a few of the diseases birds can bring to your business:
- Avian Flu
- Salmonella
- West Nile Virus
- Histoplasmosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Toxoplasmosis
If you're concerned you've contracted an avian-borne illness, it's best to reach out to a medical professional right away for help.
How Does A Professional Get Rid Of Birds?
Getting rid of pest birds by yourself can be challenging at best– downright impossible at worst. They fly fast, nest almost anywhere, and eat almost anything. Thankfully, you're not alone. The experts at Parkway Pest Services are highly trained, with almost a hundred years of experience to back us. Reach out to schedule your inspection, and as soon as it's convenient for you, one of our certified technicians will be on the scene to take care of everything. We use a wide variety of effective, humane treatment and prevention measures to guarantee your place of business stays pest-free for the foreseeable future. A bird nest on or near your property can become quite disruptive, so if you've noticed any signs of one or just want to prevent it, give us a call.
Can I Prevent Birds From Coming Back?
You can do several things to prevent your property from being attractive to birds and other pests. Again, because birds are fairly simple creatures, you can predict what will attract them and adjust your practice accordingly. Follow these guidelines for your best bet at pest bird prevention:
- Eliminate potential roosting spots by trimming hedges and trees regularly, installing obstacles on overhangs or indents around the exterior of the building or signage itself, and sealing up any holes or other hiding places around your property.
- Eliminate potential food sources by practicing proper garbage disposal, tying trash bags tightly, and disposing of them in hard, latching containers. Also, eliminate any litter and organic debris around the premises, including any pests the birds might perceive as food.
- Eliminate any excess moisture to deny them a water source.
- Remove nests as soon as they appear, inspecting your property thoroughly and regularly.
In the end, it's best to partner with the knowledgeable professionals at Parkway Pest Services for ongoing guidance and personalized treatment. Reach out to us today to learn more about our bird control options!