Humane Bird Removal Methods
Nuisance birds are more than just an annoyance. Did you that there are a significant number of bird-related risks to health and property too? It is therefore vital to get to know the worst of them in order to take the relevant measures. Once you’ve educated yourself on the variety of threats coming from birds, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the most effective bird removal method to neutralize the danger.
Why You Need to Get Rid of Nuisance Birds
First of all, they can be a health hazard. Birds travel very long distances, and that makes them the perfect disease-spreading agents. They host more than forty types of parasites, plus viruses, which can cause hundreds of infectious diseases in people, such as West Nile Virus. Many Halton residents will remember the concern everyone felt when West Nile Virus first made an appearance in Ontario – our local mosquitoes would bite an infected bird, and then transmit the disease to humans. Another issue that sometimes occurs is when a bird carrying a disease defecates in a food or water source, which then becomes contaminated and can cause serious illnesses in people and even mass health crises.
Fecal dust is another health hazard associated with birds. Microscopic particles of dried contaminated bird feces become airborne and can be breathed by humans. Our lungs provide a perfect environment for germs that hibernate in the fecal dust. The resulting illness has flu-like symptoms and although most people’s immune systems can easily combat the infection, in a small number of cases there can be severe health consequences and even death.
The other major reason why you should get rid of nuisance birds is because they can cause a lot of damage to property and businesses.
Due to the acidity of bird droppings, they can cause serious damage to machinery, air conditioning, insulation, etc. And that is just part of the problem. Apart from damaged equipment, workers’ health is also in danger when they work on the machinery.
Even the simple act of nesting (in the wrong place!) can also pose a serious risk. Birds populating urban areas, for example pigeons and sparrows, often build their nests in rain gutters and drained corners of roofs. This can lead to continuous blockage of drainage systems and thus cause serious damage to buildings, and in some severe cases even collapsed roofs with sometimes fatal consequences for humans.
Effective Methods of Bird Control
There are a number of humane bird control methods that will help you get rid of the pest birds without harming them in any way.
To start with, prevention is definitely a very effective method of getting rid of unwanted birds even before they start bothering you. It is important to remove all niches that can be used for roosting by birds. Sealing any openings will contribute to effective control. You will also need to screen any sources of drinking water for birds such as rooftop air conditioners. And of course you should not leave food or water sources outdoors, or garbage containers open. Garbage should be disposed of regularly.
Different sound devices like propane cannons and ones that imitate predators can be used successfully in farms but are not suitable in urban areas like the City of Burlington or the Town of Oakville.
Bird spikes or needles are a common method of dealing with unwanted birds. They are suitable for use on ledges, beams, signs, parapets, chimneys, etc. They consist of thin, stainless steel rods and a polycarbonate base that is glued to any surface. They are easy to install and very durable. It is very important to remember that some spikes are very sharp, so you need to make sure you are buying ones that are blunted to avoid harming the birds.
Care for the Lives of Birds
Other humane bird removal methods can be used like placing fake birds of prey near ledges or using water sprays to scare them away, but it is important to remember that whatever approach you choose, you need to make sure that the birds remain safe. Being humane to birds (or any other nuisance animals) is a measure of our civilization and shows our respect and care not only for the animal, but for the whole environment.
Save Time and Stress – Call a Professional for Bird Removal Service
By far the best way to get rid of nuisance birds is to hire a professional to take care of it. They have years of experience in dealing with these kinds of issues, so tend to be able to take care of the problem more quickly and easily than the average home or business owner.
Contact Halton Wildlife Services for bird removal services in Burlington, Oakville, Waterdown and the GTA.
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