Pest bird species facts
- Some species of birds in the UK are classed as pests if they:
- damage property
- spread disease.
- The main health risk associated with birds is contact with their guano, or droppings. Some of the pathogens that can be transmitted from guano to humans are:
- Histoplasmosis – an airborne disease which causes respiratory difficulties, and can be fatal.
- Ornithosis – a flu-like disease which can be fatal.
- Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis – also called ‘Bird Fanciers Lung’, caused by the dust from birds and their associated debris.
- Cryptococcosis – a flu-like disease which can be fatal.
- Campylobacteriosis – a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea and dysentery syndrome.
- The main pest species in the UK are pigeons and gulls.
- They roost together in large numbers.
- They thrive in the urban environment.
- Corvids (such as magpies, rooks and crows) can be considered a pest if they nest in hazardous locations such as above a chimney.
What you can do
- Regularly check water sources
- Water can become contaminated by dead birds and guano.
- Keep away from guano and wash your hands immediately if you do accidentally touch any.
If you have a pest bird problem, we will…
- Identify the species and extent of the infestation, which will determine our course of action.
- Many bird species are protected, or require a special license to control.
- Some of the bird control measures we offer are:
- bird netting, wiring or spiking
- falconry
- egg and nest removal
- population control.
- We offer a comprehensive, specialist guano removal and cleaning service.