Bird is the Word, but are they a pest?

Australia is renowned globally for having the prettiest and sometimes deadliest species native to our land. Unfortunately, our native wildlife compete with a few introduced animal species that have thrived in the warm climate and enjoy the tasty food options readily available. With this comes over population of particular bird species, which can be a real nuisance, through aggressive behaviour, damage to property and wreaking havoc on businesses.

So how do you determine if the pretty bird sitting on the ledge of your business is considered a pest?

Is that bird a pest?

A bird is considered a pest when its species is overpopulated and there is now considered an over abundance. Surprisingly, this isn't necessarily based on the breed, rather, the quantity of birds and the impact they cause.

So a single cockatoo, harrassing you in the morning as you walk into work is an annoyance to you, but not considered a pest. However, if a family of pigeons decide that your warehouse is their new hangout, and they are destructive and a nuisance to your business, then that moves them into the pest category.

The bird species that are considered pests in Australia are as follows:

• Seagulls – however only small numbers are recognised as pests
• Pigeons – especially in urban environments, where they thrive
• House sparrows – specifically a pest to the food industry as their droppings can contaminate food
• Indian mynas – when they target schools and cafes.
• Starlings – are considered agricultural pests

Birdlife.org discusses in depth the different types of bird over population: http://www.birdlife.org.au/documents/POL-Pest-Bird-mngment.pdf

What kind of damage can they cause?

When birds fall in the pest category, they can create a significant amount of damage to your company and to your employees.

What can they do to my business property?

A flock of birds harassing your business can cause a significant amount of structural damage including the dislodging of roof tiles, which can lead to them nesting in your ceilings, and cause water leaks. Their nests block gutters and their droppings not only look unsightly, they also have corrosive qualities that damage company cars and buildings.

If your company works with food, birds should be of particular concern. Bird droppings contain several types of nasty fungi and bacteria that could contaminate your production facility or preparation area, and their nests attract all sorts of other critters, from mites to ticks, rats and even snakes!

Additionally, noisy, aggressive bird colonies are an unnerving distraction for employees and customers, especially during breeding season. Birds have various ways of disrupting your workplace and costing your business time and money.

What can they do to my Employees?

A bird contamination at your business can impact your employees health as birds are carriers of diseases and other pests. Birds spread salmonella, e.coli, fungal infectors and bacteria in their droppings. This may cause an increase in sick days and absenteeism, driving down your productivity.

Reducing a bird infestation will lead to a safer work environment that provides peace of mind for your team.

What are the signs that I have a pest infestation?

There are 6 keys indicators that you have a pest infestation at your business. They are as follows:

• Bird noises – especially from chicks
• Bird nests
• Droppings
• Damaged Stock
• Debris and feathers
• Birds settling on roofs or ledges

If you mentally said yes to any of the above, you may need to look into bird prevention and bird control solutions.

Bird infestations at your business are a nuisance you can prevent, with the right equipment and the right pest control team. Learn what you can do to prevent them here.

Common bird infestation signs

Recognising the signs of a serious problem and getting an immediate solution can drastically reduce the length of time needed to effectively control pest birds.

• Birds settling on roofs or ledges.
• Bird noises - continuous bird cries, especially from young chicks.
• Bird nests - nesting materials strewn about your premises.
• Damaged stock - from pecking and bird fouling.
• Droppings - concentrated in areas where birds roost.
• Debris from nests and feathers - may block guttering and drainage systems, potentially leading to damp damage.

Where to look for bird problems

• Pigeons use areas of tall buildings and flat roofs to nest.
• Balconies, ledges, chimney stacks, guttering and culverts are favourite areas for nesting.
• Seagulls in particular like to flock together on flat roofs.
• Any gap larger than 25mm that allows access to your building is a potential entry point for pigeons.
• Pigeons prefer roof spaces to roost in and can shift loose or damaged tiles to gain access

Fact: During 2004, the Indian Myna bird was voted the Pest of Australia in the ABC WildWatch Australia survey

Worried about bird noises and nests?

If you think you have spotted the signs of an infestation, call our bird specialists.

Our team of experts have extensive local experience and are trained monthly on the very best technologies and processes for bird control. We use methods that won’t harm the birds or disrupt your business.

Don’t let pest birds damage your property!

Call us on 1300 307 576 or contact us online and we’ll contact you within 24 hours to help you control birds in your business premises.