The health hazards of a pigeon infestation at your home or business
Many homeowners will call a pest control company the minute they see a mouse scurrying along the baseboards of their home. Same thing when they see a roach, a bark scorpion, or signs of termite damage. However, pigeons tend to get a free pass from most people. Maybe it’s because they’re outside, or because we’ve grown accustomed to their near-constant presence. However, in terms of the damage they can cause and the health risk they can post, a pigeon infestation should be taken just as seriously as those other pests.
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the pigeon population in Phoenix. Large numbers of pigeons now inhabit commercial building roofs and roost on the roofs of residential homes throughout the Valley. While some might seem them as harmless—and an even smaller minority might view them as “charming”—pigeons do pose an active health risk to people and pets. They’re a pest that should not be taken lightly.
In this article, we will review some of the health hazards of a pigeon infestation around your home or business—and what you can do about it.
Have a pigeon problem? It’s time to take action.
If you have pigeons roosting at your home or business, you’re going to need the help of a pest professional to put up deterrence and keep them away for good. In our latest infographic, we review what you need to know and how to get started.
Here are the health risks of a pigeon infestation
Birds, including pigeons, are perfect disease carriers, as they travel long distances. They can harbor dozens of different parasites and infectious diseases. The most obvious way in which the birds can spread the disease is through direct contamination of food or water sources.
Apart from direct contamination, the pigeons can indirectly spread disease through their dropping. The spores from the drying feces can enter the vents and air ducts of your home and settle on the food or water. This can result in food poisoning due to salmonella infection.
The airborne spores usually contain dormant bacteria and fungi. When they are inhaled, the moist and warm environment of the lungs offers the perfect breeding ground for the airborne pathogens. A respiratory disease known as histoplasmosis can develop when the fungus is inhaled. The disease is usually fatal that is caused by a dimorphic fungus present in the airborne pathogens.
Possibility for infection from pigeon droppings
Some of the common symptoms after inhaling the pathogenic airborne particles include elevated temperature, coughing, body fatigue, and labored breathing. The symptoms could last from two to four days.
Mostly, the immune system of the body will protect against major infection. However, in some cases, serious infection can develop leading to permanent disability or death.
— Infection can also spread by the fecal droppings or dust entering the open wound. This usually happens when you develop a cut when handling old rusty product or pointed object that is covered with bird feces.
— Upon contamination, the wound site will become red and puffy and become filled with puss. If antibiotic is not administered immediately, it can lead to blood infection resulting in serious illness or even death.
That’s why it’s important that you always take proper care when cleaning bird droppings. If a cut develops, it’s essential that you immediately wash and disinfect the wound, and then cover it with a sterile bandage to minimize the chances of an infection.
Deal with a pigeon infestation by calling KY-KO Pest Prevention
A pigeon infestation can present a great health hazard. It’s important that you take immediate actions to get rid of pigeon infestation. They are rightly called the ‘flying rat’ due to the possibility of transmitting various deadly diseases to the humans.
If you want more information on how to reduce the risk of pigeon infestation, you can contact KY-KO Pest Prevention.