Pigeons Taking Over Your Gutters? Find Facts and Solutions Here
Posted on: 18 October 2016
If a great number of pigeons roost in your gutters, you need safe and effective ways to get rid of the pests without harming them. Pigeons are a type of dove that has the potential to cause a great deal of structural damage to your home. The pests' acidic feces not only destroy property but also contain diseases and germs that can harm humans. Here are facts about pigeons and the solutions needed to get rid of these pests.
How Bad Are Pigeon Infestations?
Pigeons have become huge pest problems around the world, including in the United States, Great Britain and the Emirates. Some countries and cities use falcons and other birds of prey to scare off, eliminate, or control the "winged rats." But even with the best efforts in place, pigeons can still take over your home, city, and community if they have sufficient shelter and food available.
A number of people feed pigeons food scraps in public areas, such as parks and bus stations. Wild animal and birds can lose their natural fear of humans if you feed them. Over time, the lack of fear can cause many problems for residential homeowners who live near cities or places that have large pigeon populations. The birds usually roost in structures placed high up from the ground to avoid birds of prey, cats, and other animals that eat them. This need to survive can be bad and dangerous for you if the pests roost in your gutters.
Pigeons use the deep recesses and hidden niches of your gutters to build multiple nests. If the nests block the flow of rainwater from your roof, it can damage your home's walls, roof, and foundation. In addition, the birds' feces can be hazardous to your gutters and health.
Pigeon feces isn't just poop. The waste contains strong acids that can break down metal and wood as well as parasites and bacteria that can cause infections and diseases in humans. The pests carry different types of fungi that have the potential to cause respiratory infections, chest pain, and other serious symptoms in people, especially individuals with compromised immune systems. You can accidentally inhale the contaminants when you clean your yard or work on your gutters. Because it takes some time for the symptoms to appear, you may not even know that you're sick until it's too late.
To protect your family and get rid of your pigeon problem, take action now.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Home?
It's essential that you eliminate all food sources around your home that attract pigeons, including bird feeders and opened trash cans. If you feed your pets outside the home, move the packages, bags, and containers indoors, such as to your garage or to an enclosed porch. Pigeons can also eat fruit and berries. If you have fruit trees in your yard, be sure to pick up any fruit that falls to the ground immediately. Pick any berries that ripen on your shrubs and plants to help cut down on your pigeon problem.
You also want to keep your gardens and plants free of worms, snails, and other insects pigeons consume in their diet. If necessary, add safe bug-control products to your gardens' soil. You can also contact a pest-control company such as Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control for help if none of your efforts work.
Pest control may use a variety of methods to eliminate the birds in your gutters and on your property. The methods may involve trapping the pests and then transporting them away from your neighborhood. Placing repellent around your roof and property may also be an option. Pest-control contractors will generally discuss every option available to you before they take action.
After contractors remove the birds, be sure to repair and seal your gutters. You can also install enclosed gutters around your roof's edges to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.
For more information about your pigeon problem, contact a pest-control company today.
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