The Ways Birds Can Bring Destruction

Birdwatching is a popular hobby throughout Missouri. For some, it is an activity that inspires travel both far and wide to observe birds out in the wild. For others, we are passionate about observing them right in our backyards. Take a drive through local residential neighborhoods, and you are bound to see numerous bird feeders and birdhouses dotting the landscapes. You might even have some right outside your window. Either way, it’s a clear indication of our appreciation for our feathered friends and our willingness to invite them into our personal spaces. But have you ever wondered how wise it is to do that? Or, in other words, can birds damage your home? Yes, they can, and they do.

The Nuisance Breeds Of Birds Of Missouri

Wild animals are capable of destruction, and the birds of Missouri are no exception. There are nearly 400 different species found in our state, and many of them are capable of mischief. When we knowingly lure them in and invite them to nest in our neighborhoods, we invite trouble. Then again, sometimes they cause trouble regardless. For example, we doubt anyone willingly entices a flock of Canadian geese to take up residence on their property, but the disgusting mess they make of our lawns is well known. Our state’s other problematic species include pigeons, starlings, sparrows, blackbirds, and cowbirds.

The Damage Birds  Do To Homes

They are constantly looking for nesting materials, and your outdoor furniture represents a prime target. The stuffing in your cushions often finds its way into nests, and they swipe more than that. Birds love shiny things. Some, such as male jays and crows, like to collect those pretty baubles around your landscape to decorate nests, and they use them to woo females as part of their mating rituals. It’s not your suncatcher anymore; it’s her wedding present.

Another favorite target is your vegetation. Your garden is their garden, and they help themselves to your fruits and vegetables as if they were grown exclusively for them. Those juicy, ripening cherries disappear from your tree before you can pick them. Keeping them out of your fruit trees can be a frustrating, losing endeavor. And when you attempt to seed your lawn, you’ll likely become equally irritated. The bag might say “grass seed,” but it might as well say “bird seed” because that is what it becomes.

Then, there are the many structural issues. They don’t just build nests in trees and the birdhouses we erect for them. They build nests on and in our homes, too: including attics, chimneys, eaves, vents, gutters, porches, inside HVAC units, sheds, garages, and more. When doing this, they often damage wires, insulation, siding, and other materials. They clog up pipes, drains, ventilation, and chimneys which can become a serious fire hazard.

Bird droppings are one of the filthiest substances in our natural world. It is chock full of a highly corrosive substance called uric acid, which eats through wax, paint, steel, iron, wood, stone, and more. Whether it’s our cars, hardscaping elements, furniture, or even heads, it’s target practice, and it’s a disgusting, destructive, foul-smelling mess. Bird droppings are also teeming with dangerous pathogens that can make us sick. 

Our Health

Birds are known carriers of many diseases that can spread to humans and other animals; this includes Histoplasmosis, E. Coli, Salmonellosis, Encephalitis, flu, and much more. They’ve been associated with several serious epidemics, including H1N1 and SARS. They also carry many parasites, such as lice, mites, ticks, fleas, tapeworms, and roundworms. Touching the waste, nesting materials, or just the surfaces they’ve touched is a risk, and some pathogens, such as Histoplasmosis, can become airborne. That risk is even greater if they’ve found their way inside your home. Simply sharing the same air with them can make you sick.

Deterrents

We understand that dealing with birds around your home is a delicate problem. We do not recommend having bird feeders, birdhouses, or birdbaths anywhere near your home. It is simply wiser not to tempt fate. If you insist on having them, try to place them far away from your home’s structures and areas of your landscape that you frequently spend time in.

If they have become a nuisance, deterrents can sometimes help. Consider placing statues of common predators around your landscape, such as owls and cats, and move them periodically. Motion-sensor repellents designed to startle them may also work, like those that turn on a light, deliver a burst of air, or spray water. You might even try a good old-fashioned scarecrow. But to be honest, birds are clever. In our experience, they eventually figure these tactics out and see them for what they truly are, and their effectiveness becomes very minimal at that point.

A Permanent Solution To Nuisance Birds

When you have an issue with birds that won’t go away, or if they’ve been causing damage, your best bet to solve the problem is professional help. In Missouri, that’s SEMO Wildlife Control. We offer great pricing, fast and friendly service, and humane solutions to your wildlife issues. We even do remediation, including cleanup and repair work. We are the leading nuisance bird control specialists in your community, and we feather our nest with happy clients and five-star reviews. Contact us today and let us know how we can assist you.