Bird diseases

Birds pests are well known to carry a range of diseases and are hosts to other insect pests. Humans can also develop symptoms similar to influenza from the spores from bird droppings.

Professional bird control is not only critical to avoid damage to your property but also to minimise the health risks posed by the presence of certain birds.

Pigeons, for example, are hosts to parasitic pests such as ticks, fleas and bird mites, which can spread to people. The pest insects live on the birds, their droppings and nesting materials. The parasites can invade buildings in search of a new food source.

Worried about the danger of birds on your property? Call Rentokil on 0800 736 865 for expert advice.

Gull and pigeon diseases

Some of the diseases carried by pigeons and gulls could make you seriously ill. It is important to act at the first sign of a bird infestation to avoid these associated health hazards.

• Salmonella - this bacterium is deposited where pigeons or gulls defecate. It can lead to Salmonellosis and Paratyphoid fever.
• Psittacosis - also called Ornithosis or pigeon fancier's lung. This infection can be transmitted by inhaling the bacteria from dried droppings or handling feathers of infected pigeons or gulls.
• Fowl pest - known also as fowl plague. This virus can be transmitted to people when they’re exposed to faecal and other excretions from infected pigeon birds.
• Escherichia coli (E.Coli) - mainly spread by gulls, it can lead to illnesses such as gastro-enteritis and septicaemia.
• Fungal infections - include Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis and are carried within bird droppings from gulls.
• Bird mites - often found in nests and roosting places. They feed mainly on bird blood but will also bite humans.

Call Rentokil today on 0800 552 004. We’ll return your call within 24 hours to discuss bird deterrents such as bird scaring, netting and other repellents.