The Importance of Bird Control

SUISUN CITY — Few homeowners realize how much damage birds (especially pigeons) can cause to a roof. The acidity of bird droppings can cause extensive damage to roofing materials, resulting in leaks and other issues. On tile roofs, buildup from droppings can cause water (as well as the droppings themselves) to dam up and be diverted beneath the tiles, which creates excessive saturation and/or deterioration that leads to leaks, mold and dry rot. Given enough time, bird droppings can even corrode through metal gutters.

An even greater concern is the health risks that can arise from exposure to bird droppings on your property (again, particularly with pigeons). Salmonella, E. coli and Histoplasmosis are all associated with exposure to bird droppings. Histoplasmosis is a serious respiratory infection caused by breathing in spores from a fungus found in bat or bird droppings. The disease can be fatal, especially to young children and people with compromised immune systems. Due to the risk of inhaling airborne spores, you should never handle or attempt to clean dry bird droppings without taking proper precautions. Always keep small children and pets away from nesting materials and droppings.

To avoid the damage and health risks that birds can bring, take measures to keep them off of your roof. Solutions include bird repellent gel, which deters birds by making their roosting areas sticky and gooey; bird spikes, which can be installed on rooftops, rafters, gutters or any other area where birds roost; stainless steel bird netting; and electric track, which, like an electric fence, gives birds a shock when they attempt to roost. By incorporating one or more of these bird control solutions, you’ll be able keep birds at bay and protect your roof and your family.