When Seemingly Harmless Birds Create Destruction And Health Issues

Birds are not typically an animal that we think of as a nuisance. In fact, they are one of our most popular household pets. We erect birdfeeders in our yards and go on birdwatching trips to observe them in their natural habitats. We even protect them with federal laws to support their continued well-being. We love and admire them in multiple ways, and co-existing peacefully with birds has become an ingrained part of our culture. But despite their obvious beauty, charm, and the good we know they do for our environment, they can still become a nuisance. Our flying friends can create numerous costly issues for homeowners in Northwest Arkansas and many other locations around the globe.

When Birds Become A Nuisance

Birds are destructive when they nest in, on, or near our homes, which they seem fond of. Our homes attract them for many reasons, not only because you might have birdfeeders or birdhouses hung nearby. Our homes present a source of food, water, shelter, and nest-building materials. You might see a comfy lounge chair cushion, but a bird sees a source of fluffy, soft stuffing ideal for padding their nest.

They can damage a lot more than just our outdoor furniture, however. They enter attics, garages, sheds, eaves, vents, pipes, and more. They also damage insulation, wiring, siding, and other structural materials. Their nesting habits are of great concern, as they create blockages in gutters which can lead to a water-damaged roof, and in a chimney, the nests can block the flow of gases and create a fire hazard.  They can also cause many costly issues with our home’s heating, air conditioning, drainage, and plumbing systems.

Additionally, they can make a mess of our surrounding landscapes. They tear up our lawns and flowerbeds, damage decor, and decimate our gardens. They even damage trees and other flora, especially when flocking in large numbers. Excessive amounts of bird waste in the soil can cause a nitrogen imbalance (sometimes referred to as nutrient burn) that stunts and sometimes kill vegetation. Bird droppings are also incredibly corrosive. Its uric acid can dissolve paint and other surfaces, which has been well known to destroy roofing. The damage it does to our cars is so prevalent there is even a name for it, "paint etching". At the very least, they can make a foul-smelling, unsightly mess. And at their worst, those droppings can make people and other animals very sick. They are often considered a mythical harbinger of spring, but in reality, they are a harbinger of diseases.

Health Concerns From Birds

Birds spread numerous zoonotic diseases, including E. Coli, Histoplasmosis, Encephalitis, Salmonellosis, SARS, various flu strains such as H1N1, and more. They also carry parasites like ticks, worms, lice, and mites. Coming into contact with their droppings, feathers, nesting materials, or other related debris can put your health at risk, and you do not even need to have direct contact with a bird to become ill. Some of those dangerous pathogens, such as histoplasmosis, are airborne diseases. If you have them in your attic, you are at risk. The dust created by dried droppings can contaminate the air, which is then circulated throughout your home by the HVAC system. The parasites they carry often leave their host animals to seek out new ones (especially if the host dies), and if they are around your home, that means you.

In short, allowing birds to nest inside or around your home is not a good idea. When they get too close to our personal space or take advantage of our benevolent nature, it can mean nothing but trouble.

The Nuisance Birds of Arkansas

There are more than 400 species of birds in Arkansas, many of which can cause problems for homeowners, including pigeons, sparrows, starlings, crows and more. They are intelligent, territorial, and capable of being very stubborn. Getting rid of them when they cause problems can be very difficult and frustrating. Trying to chase them away rarely works, and there are also laws regarding what actions we can and cannot take. If you have a nuisance bird issue, it is a problem that requires professional help.

Your Best Solution To Bird Problems

Natural State Wildlife Solutions is your best answer if you have a problem with nuisance birds. As the top-rated nuisance wildlife experts in Northwest Arkansas, you can rely on us to handle the issue swiftly, efficiently, and humanely. Contact us today and let us know how we can assist you.