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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC - Public CommentsAdvice on dealing with Wild Pigeons %Nhy do Wild Pigeons need to be controlled? The control of pigeons is a highly emotive subject. Some people consider wild pigeons are a pest. Other people see them as part of the natural wildlife of the area. The wild pigeon population has increased in recent years due to ample food supplies and roosting locations in our cities and built up areas. The Environmental Health Division considers that the problems caused by pigeons are sufficient grounds to encourage their control. The Council has no powers to cull the pigeon population but would recommend you discourage them by following the methods described in this leaflet. mWhat problems do Wild Pigeons cause? Disease carrying Wild pigeons are a potential source of a wide range of diseases. Many birds are infected with ornithosis (a mild form of psoriasis). Some birds carry Salmonella. So the public health hazard must be considered. Mites and fleas Mites and fleas on pigeons or in their droppings and nests, may bite humans or infest and spoil food products. Damage to buildings Unpleasant fouling of buildings, structures and monuments frequently occurs at places where the birds nest or roost. The acidic droppings also erode the surface of the stonework. Droppings and dead birds can also block gutters and rainwater pipes, causing dampness to the building and further damage. Accidents Pigeon droppings can make walkways slippery for pedestrians, particularly in wet weather. mHow Can 1 Control Them? Don't feed Wild Pigeons People who leave food for pigeons, are putting their health and others health at risk. Please do not feed wild pigeons as they will naturally find their own food. Leaving food may also attract rats and mice to the area. Don't drop litter Litter, especially takeaway food, not disposed of properly, is the major food source for most pigeons. Please ensure litter is placed into a bin. Make sure refuse Is disposed of properly Please make sure your refuse is stored in a covered bin and regularly collected. Failure to do so provided food for pigeons as well as rats and foxes. Report fly- tipping If you see any fly- tipping, please tell the Council. Protect buildings The use of polythene netting, spring flip cords and bird repellant gel are all effective ways to prevent and protect buildings from roosting pigeons. DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH PIGEON DPOPPWGS There are numerous hazards associated with pigeons and their droppings. Pigeons are very intelligent birds and are extremely territorial. Once a group of pigeons have established their nesting and roosting sites on or within a structure, they begin to breed and populate very fast. These nests can harbor many insects such as lice, fleas, mites and ticks. Damages that can be caused to cars, cooler units, air ducts, walkways, and rooftops are enormous. Along with all of these problems, air quality is the most important issue to be concerned with. There are two diseases that can breed within pigeon droppings. These diseases are actually funguses known as Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus. When pigeon droppings are disturbed, small particles become airborne which may contain these funguses. Histoplasmosis primarily affects a persons lungs, and symptoms may vary greatly. If symptoms do occur, it is usually between 3 to 17 days after exposure and will appear as a flu -like respiratory illness. Cryptococcus is an encapsulated fungus that also enters the body through the respiratory system. Once in the lungs for a period of time, the organism will then spread through the blood stream. This organism can also cause inflammation of the brain and its membranes. Both Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus can cause severe respiratory damage and can be fatal if left untreated. Those most at risk are ones with immune deficiencies and respiratory illnesses. Pigeon droppings may or may not contain these funguses and the only way to know is to have the droppings tested. Guidelines are used when removing pigeon dropping from structure. These guidelines entail the use of proper protective gear such as disposable coveralls, boots, gloves, full face respirators with HEPA filters, wetting the droppings before removal, using 3 mil plastic bags, and proper disposal. Great concern should be recognized for structures that use swamp coolers and air condition units. These units draw fresh air from outside and circulate it throughout the structure. This may not only circulate Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus, but it can also circulate the smell of dead and decaying pigeons, which will contaminate the air quality throughout the structure. All of these concerns, and any pigeon infestation, can be eliminated with a proper inspection followed by the installation of either our Bird Barrier Program or Avitrol Bailing Program. The inspection is free, and the degree of infestation and structure size will determine the total cost of the program.