When people think of pests they generally think of Rodents and Insects but there is one pest everyone sees all the time and pretty much ignores – and that’s birds – mostly pigeons, starlings and gulls. In the trade we refer to them as “Flying Rats” due to the health risks they pose and the bird problem they create.

The build up of pigeons or starling droppings will cause fouling on structures but most importantly, they harbour some pretty hideous diseases. Pigeon and starling droppings are highly toxic and there are three human diseases that are known to be associated with pigeon droppings: Histoplasmosis; Cryptococcosis; and Psittacosis.

  • Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus, which grows in pigeon droppings. This is also known as “Cave disease” and causes flu-like symptoms and breathing difficulties.
  • Cryptococcosis is another fungal disease associated with pigeon droppings. A major risk factor for infection is a compromised immune system commonly found with homeless and malnourished people.
  • Psittacosis (also known as ornithosis or parrot fever). This bacterial disease is characterised by fatigue, fever, headache, rash, chills, and sometimes pneumonia.

 So what can you do about it?

The cost to clean the droppings left behind by pigeons or starlings can surpass the cost involved in the installation of bird control systems like pigeon spikes, or bird netting & wires. But there are a few new bird deterrent systems about like the AVISHOCK system (a new electric bird deterrent) and the new Optical Bird Free Gel which we are also starting to use which often works out to be more cost effective than the previous systems mentioned.

Rapid Pest Control specialise in the use of these friendly bird deterrent systems so we can protect buildings from the damaging effects as well as the health hazards associated with bird guano. By preventing birds from roosting and nesting on the buildings, businesses can save money and be worry free from the possibility of disease spreading to their staff or visitors.

If pigeon or starling mess is left unattended it will pose a serious health and safety risk to everyone who comes in to contact with it so why not let Rapid Pest Control take care of this for you. Birds can damage a building quickly and repairs can be very costly. Businesses owners and property managers often forget to install bird control systems at their sites but it is becoming part of everyday maintenance, just like rodent control.

If you have a pigeon or starling problem, especially in your town, contact Rapid Pest Control Now or call Newbury 01635 247 192 or Abingdon 01235 280035 now for advice on bird control problems on your building in the Berkshire or Oxfordshire areas.

Here are a few pictures – the most disturbing one is people are still feeding the pigeons…despite all the problems with birds in towns. Please note –  it is illegal in certain towns to feed the pigeons.