It makes sense that when Salt Lake City home and business owners seek out pest remediation, it’s for insects and four-legged creatures. Those are the critters that tend to surround properties and persistently penetrate. Some cause property damage, while others pose health threats, and many transmit disease or harbor harmful germs. What many people don't realize, however, is that pest birds bring with them some of these same issues.
Learning about regional bird activity will help you know how to avoid the pitfalls that come with their presence. Preventive approaches are key with these animals, as their risk factors are too significant to be vulnerable to. Learn what to do if all else fails, and how Pest Pro Pest Control can be of assistance.
What Pest Birds Are in Salt Lake City? What Are the Hazards?
Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows give regional property owners the most trouble. Pigeons are very lengthy, stretching to about 11 inches. Their shading varies, but generally, they are gray. The bottom of their body is white, and they have a pair of red feet. Black stripes adorn their wings and tails. You’ll find these fowls nesting in steeples, foundation voids, and other covered spaces.
Starlings are seven or eight inches long. They have really portly figures, with dark hair, short tails, and two legs. Their wings have speckles and their beaks change colors. As the temperature drops, their mouths go from yellow to gray or tan. Being extremely noisy and social critters, they let out piercing calls and swarm in large clusters. The flocks congregate near trees, utility lines, and buildings.
Sparrows are six inches long or more. Just like starlings, they have short tails. While their fur is mostly brown or tan, the males have gray heads and tails, and their throats are black. The females have almost identical characteristics; except they’re not as vivid in color. Structures and gaps are where these flying pests will be. Sparrows are known to be aggressive, so be careful.
These are some of the problems with pest birds:
- Their fecal waste is slippery, and people can slide and fall in it.
- Their droppings are acidic and can ruin paint and age a building.
- Encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, histoplasmosis, and salmonellosis are among the diseases they spread.
- They have fleas, lice, ticks, and mites in their fur.
- They wreck gardens, fruit trees, farms, and garbage canisters.
- Fires can spark when they penetrate or nest in vents and dryers.
What Are Ways to Prevent Pest Birds?
Pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and other pest birds are alarmingly common in urban settings and residential zones. It’s to the point that the average person isn’t even frightened by them in public. Folks pay them very little attention, and may not feed or consciously watch them. It’s as if the fowls were invisible. Despite them being a “normal” sight, you don’t want them around your home or business. Here are some useful preventive actions:
- Repair cracks and crevices near rooflines, foundations, windows, dryers, and vents.
- Routinely drain swimming pools and remove standing water.
- Clear the yard of potential food sources, and put trash in a secured canister.
- Refrain from feeding birds, so they’ll be less inclined to return.
- Add covers or screens to all exterior vents and louvers.
What Can Pest Pro Pest Control Do About Pest Birds?
The experienced technicians at Pest Pro Pest Control will perform a thorough examination to find where birds nest. They will use professional-grade live traps, baits, one-way doors, and other effective products to eliminate these pests. Don’t worry, our approaches are low-toxicity and humane. When you call today, you’ll receive a no-obligation inspection date for free!