Bird droppings may seem like a harmless nuisance, but they can pose serious risks that go beyond just creating an eyesore. Whether you’re a business owner, homeowner, or simply frequent public spaces, understanding the hidden dangers of bird droppings can help you take proactive steps to protect your health and property. Here’s why bird droppings are far more dangerous than you might think.
Health Risks: A Breeding Ground for Disease
Bird droppings aren’t just unsightly; they can harbour a range of harmful pathogens. In fact, bird faeces have been linked to more than 60 diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Some of the most concerning include:
Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that thrives in bird and bat droppings, particularly when they dry out and become airborne. Inhaling these fungal spores can lead to respiratory issues, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella: A bacterial infection commonly associated with contaminated food, but it can also be found in bird droppings. Touching surfaces contaminated by bird faeces and then coming into contact with your mouth can lead to serious illness.
Cryptococcosis: Another fungal disease that grows in pigeon droppings. It can cause infections in the lungs and brain, and in severe cases, lead to meningitis.
These diseases are particularly dangerous in public areas or places where birds congregate in large numbers. Businesses and property owners should be especially mindful of the potential for bird droppings to spread illness, particularly in food service areas or near HVAC systems that can disperse contaminated particles into the air. Indeed, you need to do something about it if you have an infestation. Here’s a bird netting installation guide to help you.
Damage to Property
Bird droppings are surprisingly acidic, and over time, they can cause significant damage to buildings and structures. Whether they land on metal, wood, stone, or concrete, bird faeces can erode surfaces, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.
For businesses, this is particularly troublesome as droppings can damage signs, roofing, and windows, leaving your property looking run-down. The longer bird droppings remain on surfaces, the more damage they can cause. In some cases, bird droppings have even been known to weaken structural integrity, especially on rooftops where gutters and vents can become clogged with droppings and debris.
Slip and Fall Hazards
Bird droppings create more than just aesthetic problems; they can also become a physical hazard, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. When fresh, bird faeces are slippery and can cause accidents on walkways, stairs, and entryways.
For businesses, this presents a liability issue. If a customer or employee slips and injures themselves due to bird droppings on your property, you could face legal repercussions. Regular cleaning and proactive bird control measures are essential to avoid these potentially expensive and dangerous situations.
See also: Elevating performance management and employee relations with an EOR
What You Want to See from a Bird Control Company
A Project Manager
It’s likely you’ll have a lot of questions about bird control. From finding out more about humane methods to asking installation questions, you need a team that’s going to support you and ensure they’re around to understand your needs. In particular, it’s useful to hire a bird control company with a project manager. They’re going to be dedicated to your project, keeping you informed every step of the way. So, if you have any queries, you know that they’ll be on hand to offer support.
A Guarantee
Something else you want to look out for is a guarantee on all of the work that a bird control company do. This is going to protect you in the future if there’s a fault. Let’s be truthful and say that some bird control solutions can be costly. This is particularly true if you have an extensive problem and a large problem. So, what you don’t want is a bill for a fault and having to pay out again. Therefore, choose a bird control company with a guarantee to avoid this scenario. They’ll replace fixtures and fittings if something goes wrong.
A Quick Response
Urgency is required when dealing with bird infestations. Thus, you need a bird control company that understands this urgency and responses to you quickly. This includes providing you with a plan after evaluating the problem. After all, the longer you leave the issue, the worse it can get. Experts know that this is the case and want to help you promptly.
Conclusion: Taking Bird Control Seriously
The dangers posed by bird droppings extend far beyond mere inconvenience. From health risks to property damage and safety hazards, it’s clear that bird control should be a priority for businesses and property owners alike. Whether you’re dealing with a minor bird problem or a larger infestation, addressing the issue with humane bird control solutions can prevent a host of costly and dangerous outcomes.
