Like other wild animals, birds can turn into pests that disrupt your home, especially when nesting. Nesting birds can cause fires and some of our avian friends carry diseases. Here are some ways nesting birds can be a danger:
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Fire Hazard
Birds usually make nests out of flammable materials (like twigs, feathers, paper scraps, and other items) that can start fires when placed inside your attic or wall spaces. The problem is compounded if birds nest near electrical sources like wires and light fixtures.
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Birds are often fond of placing nests over vents or chimneys. This can keep dangerous fumes from escaping, allowing them to back up into the interior air space. Accumulated carbon monoxide gas, in particular, can cause fatalities.
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Ceiling Collapse
When birds nest iin the attic or ceiling areas, an old or weak structure may collapse under the weight of the birds, nests, and droppings. Birds can also build nests in eavestroughs. Accumulated rainwater on the roof can cause portions of it to collapse, adding water damage to the problem.
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Disease Vectors
Birds can be carriers of disease, which is transmitted in numerous ways. Their droppings may spread illness-causing germs that pose a threat to humans when inhaled. This is an especially dangerous situation if the nest is in your chimney. Droppings near water supplies can harm drinking water. Birds can also carry parasites (like ticks and mites) that move through the house and infiltrate bedrooms and other resting areas.
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Corrosion
Bird guano is acidic and may eat paint and metal. Painted surfaces are more likely to fade under bird droppings, requiring regular repainting. Sidings, air conditioners, and roofs may also be corroded. Even a light amount of droppings can eat away some materials, eventually causing leaks.
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Noise
Nesting birds tend to congregate where they nest, resulting in disruptive chirping, especially if the noise continues well into the night. If it’s particularly loud, you may be facing an infestation.
Birds can be useful for controlling insect populations, but they can pose a serious hazard to your health and the structure of your home. If you believe you are dealing with a nesting bird problem, contact a professional pest control company.
Pro-Pest has the expertise to handle a number of problems, including invasive birds, and we offer services like chimney capping to dissuade them from nesting. Contact us at (416) 487-4179 for an inspection.
