Birds

      Birds are marvelous, inspirational creatures when they are flying off in the distance, however, they can cause serious damage to property and even act as vectors for disease (the most recent example is West Nile Virus).  The birds that tend to be pests often fit poorly into the ecological framework and are usually the result of importation.  Since these species are not native to the North America, they often have no natural enemies and therefore may breed out of control.  These birds have no natural place in our local ecosystem and can cause problems for man, the environment and other animal populations.  Some of the most notorious pests are European starlings, Sparrows and Pigeons. 

       Birds produce excrement that is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and other infectious agents.  Bird waste can increase to the level of being considered a significant air pollutant.  When inhaled or absorbed, this matter can spread diseases such as Salmonella poisoning, Encephalitis, Glichrists disease, Chargas disease, West Nile Virus and Toxoplasmosis.  These birds pose a significant public health risk.

       Birds can also cause economic devastation by destroying crops and farmland.  These cases are particularly worrisome because the damage can take place virtually overnight and can decimate a crop, costing untold tens of thousands of dollars in damage.  Chemical means of deterrence can cause problems for the crops and other animal species and they are less than ideal for the home environment.  More and more clever means are developed to keep these birds on the move, our ingenuity is our greatest weapon in this fight.  Nettings, scarecrows and wire mechanisms have been used effectively for years without endangering anything else.  When considering a solution to any bird problem, keep in mind that there is extensive legal protection for many bird species and violations can carry hefty fines and prison terms.