Tag Archives: health

Birds: Damage

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Any type of bird can become a pest–it just depends on their behaviour and activity on your property. You can read the past post on birds and the post on birds and diseases. Some of the major concerns when it comes to birds as pests is Canadian geese and their droppings and smaller birds building their nests on roofs/in chimneys and gutters.

 

Figuring out if you have a problem with Canadian geese is a relatively easy thing to do–especially if you live on the water in places such as Victoria Harbour, Midland, Penetanguishene, etc. If you have an excessive number of geese visiting your yards and docks and are noticing a lot of geese excrement, then it can be classified as a pest problem.

 

When it comes to smaller birds being a problem, it can be more difficult to discover the problem. How often does someone climb their roof to check for bird nests? Do you normally check your chimney for signs of bird nests? Probably not, so unless you notice signs of damage or hear the bird(s), you may not know there is a problem until it’s a bigger (and more expensive problem to deal with).

 

So what should you look for if you suspect there may be some birds building a nest in or around your roof or chimney? Nesting materials for one–this can vary depending on the species, but generally the birds that may become pests for the areas we cover will use materials such as grass clippings, small sticks and mud. If they can find bits of cloth they may use that as well. Also you can listen for sounds of birds in your roof or chimney. Can you hear chirping or scratching sounds? Finally, another good way to discover if you have a bird problem is to take a look around for their droppings. Is there an excessive amount around the ground of your home?

 

If you think you have a bird problem (or any other pest) or you know you do, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Birds: Diseases

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Today’s post is a follow up to yesterday’s post about Birds, however it will be about diseases that can be caused by birds and also HOW they can be transmitted to humans from birds.

 

There are over 60 known transmittable diseases that can be passed to humans from birds and their droppings.

 

These diseases can typically be broken down into categories:

  • Bacterial-examples include: salmonella, paratyphoid, vibriosis and listeriosis
  • Viral- examples include: encephalitis, meningitis and newcastle’s Disease
  • Fungal- examples include: histoplasmosis, candidasis and blastomycosis
  • Protozoal- examples include: toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis and American Typansomiasis

There are 4 ways that birds can pass disease to humans. The first 2 ways are through food and water contaminated with bird feces. This can occur when birds defecate into food and water sources and it does not necessarily have to be direct contact. Food and water sources may be contaminated through airborne particles that are transferred through the air and settle into the sources.

 

The third way is inhalation of fecal dust. This can happen when dried feces becomes airborne microscopic particles that can contain fungi and/or bacterial that when inhaled by humans can cause illness.

 

The fourth way is through direct contact. This is when fecal dust or actual droppings comes in contact with an open sore or wound. If this occurs, it must be cleaned properly and treated, because if left untreated it could potentially lead to Sepsis, which is an infection of blood.

 

Over the rest of the bird series, we’ll be covering some of the more common diseases specifically, so check back for that information.

 

If you are having a problem with birds at your home, cottage or even business/workplace in Midland, Honey Harbour, Port McNicoll, or any other area of our coverage area, contact us at 705-534-7863 or email us today. We are fully trained in bird control methods and IPM. We are also fully licensed to handle other pest control issues.

Birds

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Today’s post will be the first of many about birds-why they are problems, the diseases caused by birds, spotting a bird problem/damage and control methods.

 

Birds can be great to have around, because most species will eat insects and bugs that can be a nuisance to you and your home. However, birds can easily become a nuisance themselves by making your home and property dirty looking (thanks to their droppings, feathers, nesting materials, etc), they can cause dozens of health problems through their droppings and nesting materials and it can be expensive to solve a bird problem if you leave it.

 

Bird droppings are very acidic and can “eat away” at tar-based roof materials and even the protective coating and paint on cars. In regards to roof damage, if birds are left to continue using the roof for their droppings, over time it can cause leaking to the roof which can be costly to repair.

 

Some of the damage caused by nests includes when they are build in gutters and drain spouts on houses and cottages. If left long-term, the nests can cause drainage problems which again can be costly to repair.

 

A major problem caused by bird nests is when they are built in chimneys and other ventilation systems. This can lead to not only diseases being spread through the system but can also block airflow, which can be extremely dangerous as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

If you are having a problem with birds at your home, cottage or even business/workplace in Midland, Honey Harbour, Port McNicoll, or any other area of our coverage area, contact us at 705-534-7863 or email us today. We are fully trained in bird control methods and IPM. We are also fully licensed to handle other pest control issues.