Why You Need Bird Control Services – 4 Nasty Diseases Spread By Pigeons And Starlings
Terminix Canada’s humane bird control services are a necessity for any Canadian homeowner experiencing an intrusion of pigeons or starlings. Just 19 to 23 cm long, starlings are tiny, seemingly innocent birds on the face of it. But what they lack in size, they certainly make up for in dangerous, and potentially fatal diseases. As for pigeons, these 29 to 37 cm long nuisances are also popularly referred to as filth-with-wings!
With pigeon and starling droppings containing a variety of disease-causing bacteria and fungi, it’s essential you get rid of starlings and pigeons as soon as you see them making your house their home. Ultimately, starlings are birds that prefer any habitats where man-made structures provide them ample nesting and roosting sites. This makes them a particular threat to humans.
Starlings regularly feed on wild or cultivated fruits like berries or cherries, insects, grains and seeds. In short, if your garden or backyard has a bird feeder, it’s an ideal spot for starlings to try and score a free meal. Continue reading this Terminix Canada blog to learn about four nasty diseases spread by pigeons and starlings.
1. Pigeon And Starling Diseases – Histoplasmosis
Found inside the birds’ droppings, histoplasmosis infects humans when they breathe in the spores of the fungus. Terrifyingly, the spores become airborne and are spread during clean-ups or demolition projects. Pigeon or starling dropping-contaminated soil also transmits the disease.
The infection is most dangerous to infants due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Ultimately, parents should take extra precautions around construction sites in cities.
2. Pigeon And Starling Diseases – Cryptococcosis
Similar to its infectious cousin histoplasmosis, cyprotococcosis spreads through pigeon or starling droppings. It’s caused by yeast found in the filth-with-wings’ intestinal tract. It begins as a pulmonary (obstructive lung) disease, then spreading to the central nervous system.
You should be wary of attics, cupolas, ledges, schools, offices, warehouses, mills, barns, park buildings, and signs. These typical roosting sites are as much home to the fungus as they are to the starling.
3. Pigeon And Starling Diseases – E. coli And Salmonella
Anyone who’s been alive for the past 20 years knows the dangers of E. coli. Right here in the Great White North, 2000 saw the Walkerton E. coli outbreak, which was the result of a contamination of the drinking water supply of Walkerton, Ontario. In short, pigeons and starlings can indirectly pass the dangerous disease onto humans by contaminating livestock.
Rural starlings roost on fences or ledges above livestock feedlots. Given the bird’s reckless defecation, their droppings find their way into cattle feed. Ripe with E. coli and salmonella, droppings contaminate the feed and infect the cattle. These infected farm animals may be slaughtered, and fed to humans.
4. Pigeon And Starling Diseases West Nile Virus
Similar to E. coli and Salmonella, the West Nile Virus isn’t transmitted directly by a starling. Nevertheless, a mosquito infected by a pigeon or starling can infect a human.
What makes this virus different is that it is an ectoparasite, as well as an encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain. West Nile is usually mild, but can be fatal. Mild symptoms range from fever, rashes, and body aches. Elsewhere, more severe symptoms could lead to comas and paralysis.
Looking For The Best Bird Control Services? Terminix Canada Provides Humane Pigeon And Starling Removal.
Now you’ve read our blog post about pigeons and starlings, one thing is abundantly clear. It’s vital that we as humans stay clear of these nuisance birds. Ultimately, pigeons and starlings are notoriously unhealthy. If they’ve infested your home, it’s imperative to have them and their feces removed immediately.
Rest assured, Terminix Canada provides humane bird control services and harm-free pigeon and starling removal. Ultimately, we relocate pigeons and starlings, and offer bird-proofing services for the infested areas. This way, Canadian homeowners are safe from the nasty diseases and viruses discussed in this blog. To get humane bird control services near you, visit our Branch Locator, find your nearest Terminix Canada branch, and give them a call for your free consultation.