What Damage Do Birds Cause?

California has no shortage of birds to admire, with more than 600 observed species. According to Audubon, California's abundant natural habitats draw millions of breeding, migrating, and resting birds, making it one of the most significant states for birdlife. From the tiny Calliope Hummingbird to the impressive California Condor, it's no surprise that watchers flock to capture our magnificent wildlife in flight. However, when they intrude into the human world, they can become quite a nuisance. As crop destroyers and harbingers of disease, certain pest species can wreak havoc on urban and rural environments alike. The damage caused by unruly avian pests on private and commercial property can be costly, reaching up to millions of dollars in some industries.

Bird Droppings Destruction To Buildings

Being the victim of falling droppings is a quick way to ruin a good day, and most people would agree that a mass of feces is, at minimum, unsightly. What many people don't know is that it can also be destructive. Its corrosive pH of 3 to 4.5 is capable of destroying most building materials, including wood, marble, stone, and steel. Droppings are even responsible for a fair number of slip-and-fall lawsuits and causing long-term damage to historic buildings.

Nesting in eaves can cause damage to houses and other buildings. Habitual roosters are annoyingly capable of gaining indoor entry by lifting loose roof coverings and tiles, and flocks of pigeons known as "flying rats" can damage your roof by accelerating deterioration. Such vandalism encourages other forms of natural damage, such as water penetration, which leads to fungi, mold, and, in turn, wood-boring insects. Moreover, nesting materials often clog gutters and ventilation systems. Annually, they cause millions of dollars in damage to automobiles, machinery, roofs, and ventilation systems.

Health Risks And Disease

As carriers of over 60 zoonotic diseases, uncontrolled populations can come at the cost of public health. Many diseases cause minimal symptoms in birds but can be medically significant to humans. Perhaps one of the most problematic factors is that direct contact is rarely necessary for diseases to spread. Infected birds shed the bacteria in their feces and urine, delivering infectious particles that can be accidentally consumed or inhaled. For instance, most cases of Salmonella in humans come from contaminated food. Other medically relevant diseases include Avian Tuberculosis, Cryptosporidiosis, and Campylobacterosis. 

Damage To Crops

Though California is often associated with Hollywood celebrities and Silicon Valley's global technological influence, a vital facet of the economy comes from the fields. As the state with the highest agricultural sector and receipts, any hindrance to production can negatively impact its economy. Farmers across the country are painfully aware of just how costly bird damage can be. U.S. apple and grape producers lose tens of millions of dollars yearly, directly due to damage and management expenditures. The estimated annual damage to grain, fruit, and berry crops from European starlings, blackbirds, and crows alone, exceeds $150 million, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Bird damage is typically regarded as one of the most significant contributing factors to yield loss. Not only do they reduce yield by eating crops directly, but they also damage the remaining fruit and make it more susceptible to infections. Often, the fruit will need to be harvested before ripening fully, resulting in an inferior product. Farm owners rely on integrated pest management and bird control services from companies like 101 Gopher & Pest Control to maintain crop integrity. For example, management's estimated benefit for California blueberries is an astounding $36,851 per half-acre.

Beneficial Vs. Pest

While some species give birds a bad name, plenty of them bring nothing but joy. It is often difficult to tell the difference between beneficial species and unwanted pests. For instance, pigeons are some of the worst offenders of building damage and nuisance nesting. However, the Band-Tailed pigeon, in particular, is a native species to Los Angeles County that rarely causes issues and shouldn't be treated as a pest. When addressing unwanted birds, it's essential to work with an expert who can tell you the best way to deal with specific species.

Professional Specialist In California

If you're looking for nest removal and other bird control services in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, the experts at 101 Gopher & Pest Control are happy to lend you a helping hand. Our experts are certified nuisance bird control specialists qualified to keep those pests at bay. Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services and plans.