Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

Bed Bugs and Pest Birds?

Bed bugs and pigeons? What is the connection you ask.  It seems that pigeons and other pest birds like starlings, house sparrows and even bats play host to bed bugs that are plaguing hotels and motels across the country.  Bed bugs have become a great source of stress and loss of money to hotel and motel managers over the past several years. Bedbugs are commonest in motels, where travelers may bring them from other countries; and in rooming houses and apartment buildings, where turnover of residents is high.
Bed bugs are oval, chestnut-brown insects and are flattened from top to bottom. Adult bed bugs measure about ¼ inch in length. One female will produce about 345 eggs during her lifespan. Adults feed once a week on average but feed many times during their four-month or longer lifespan.  An infestation is usually recognized by small blood spots on sheets and itchy spots on the legs.
Bed bugs often come into a home via secondhand articles and furniture. They may also migrate between homes via wires, plumbing, or rain gutters. The Eastern bat bed bug comes into homes in the spring with colonies of bats. They can be found in the living quarters of homes in many of the same places as common bed bugs, but the source of the infestation is located within walls or attic areas.  Pest birds such as pigeons, house sparrows and starlings are also hosts to bed bugs.  Recently a whole apartment building in Toronto, CA was infested with bed bugs, it is suspected that they came from a tenants apartment who was keeping pigeons as pets.  It is also suspected that pigeons roosting on an apartment balcony could be the source of infestation to a hotel building.
Bed bugs can acquire many human disease organisms during feeding, yet there have been no documented cases of disease transmission as a result of bed bug bites.  Their bites do, however, cause an irritating, itching and burning rash.  This is caused by an allergic reaction to the protein found in the bed bug’s saliva.  This discomfort can last for up to a week or more.
So how do we get rid of bed bugs and the hosts that carry them?  Bed bugs can be killed by using extreme heat (greater than 120 degrees F), extreme cold (less than 32 degrees F), steam, and insecticide.  You can help to reduce the numbers before treatment by vacuuming the affected areas.  It is usually recommended that a professional pest controller be used to eliminate a bed bug infestation.  They will inspect the site and use the proper method to eliminate the bugs.
Getting rid of the hosts is another issue.  First you must determine if there is a host, do you find bird feces on a balcony, window ledge or roof eave?  If so, it is most likely some species of pest bird that is transmitting the bed bugs.  There are many products available on the market to get rid of pest birds.  On window ledges and roof eaves you can use bird spikes to keep the birds from landing and roosting.  Balconies can be netted off to keep birds from entering.  To find the right bird control product visit www.birdbgone.com.  Bird-B-Gone, Inc. has a network of Certified Bird Control Specialist across the country that can help you get rid of your pest bird control issues.  Contact them at 1-800-392-6915 to find a specialist in your area.

Pest Bird Droppings can be Lethal

Pigeons and other Pest Birds often make nests in buildings and rapidly reproduce. Breeding occurs throughout the year, usually taking place between March and July. Contact with pigeon droppings may pose a health risk. Three human diseases are known to be associated with pigeon droppings: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus, which grows in pigeon droppings. It also grows in soils and is found throughout the world. When cleaning droppings a person may breathe in some of the fungus, which in cases of high exposure can cause infection. Common activities, such as cleaning off windowsills, will not result in high exposures.
Symptoms of histoplasmosis begin to appear about 10 days after initial infection and include fatigue, fever, and chest pains. Most people, however, do not show any symptoms. Those with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients or people living with HIV/AIDS are generally more at risk of developing histoplasmosis.

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is another fungal disease associated with pigeon droppings and also grows in soils throughout the world. It is very unlikely that healthy people will become infected even at high levels of exposure. A major risk factor for infection is a compromised immune system. Researchers at Albert Einstein Collage of medicine in the Bronx found that 70% of urban children have been exposed to Cryptococcosis.

Psittacosis

Psittacosis (also known as ornithosis or parrot fever) is a rare infectious disease that mainly affects parrots and parrot-like birds such as cockatiels, and parakeets, but may also affect other birds, such as pigeons. When bird droppings dry and become airborne people may inhale them and get sick.
In humans, this bacterial disease is characterized by: fatigue, fever, headache, rash, chills, and sometimes pneumonia. Symptoms develop about 10 days after exposure. Psittacosis can be treated with a common antibiotic.

Cleaning Up Pest Bird Droppings

Protecting the health of both workers who clean up pigeon droppings and the general public is important.

Cleaning Droppings

Before any extensive clean-up measures are taken - e.g., removing accumulations inside an air shaft - workers should be informed of the possible health risks involved, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Even though histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis pose minor public health threats, they can be further minimized if safety measures are taken. Wearing protective clothing like disposable coveralls, boots, gloves, and respirators can be used for protection.
If a high-powered water hose is used to strip off dried droppings, dust control measures such as containing the area with plastic sheeting, should be taken. Wetting down the work area will prevent inhalation, reduce the risk of infection and will also prevent the spread of dust outside the work area. Those with a compromised immune system such as people living with HIV/AIDS or cancer patients should not be directly involved in the removal of the droppings. Always wash hands and any exposed skin before eating or drinking and when finished with work.
Several alternatives to using a high-powered water hose exist. One such alternative includes soaking the droppings with water and then shoveling it. The wet material should be collected in heavy-duty plastic bags or another type of secure container and discarded with the regular trash.
Once the structures are cleaned they should have bird control products installed to prevent further accumulation of droppings.

The key to reducing the risk of disease from birds is to create an environment that excludes them from affected areas:

1)    Eliminate Food Sources
       a.    Clean up trash bins and garbage areas
       b.    Discourage people from feeding birds
       c.    Pick up trash and food scraps in outdoor eating areas

2)    Eliminate Nesting / Roosting Areas
       a.    Use bird spikes, bird netting, shock track systems, or other physical deterrents to prevent nesting

3)    Call For Help!
       a.    There are several Bird Control companies in the United States – they can provide expert advice on your particular pest bird problem.

Sky High Stops Pigeon Problem in Its Tracks

David Kibbey, president of Vacaville, Calif. -based Sky High Bird Management, believes that effective bird control is a specialized skill. With more than two decades of pest and bird control experience under his belt, he decided to start his company with a bird focus only. That was four years ago, and with a minimum of advertising (a phone directory listing and a logo on his truck), he's been kept busy ever since. In fact, his work with chain stores and restaurants has taken him to jobs in Washington, Colorado and Arizona.

"I like that the work requires a lot of creativity," Kibbey adds. "I wanted to make it my main focus so I could concentrate on doing quality work. And I find now that many of my bird jobs consist of fixing other companies' mistakes."

Recent work on three of a large chain's supermarkets is a perfect example, he says. By the time he got the call, the management was less than impressed with the work of previous companies. Pigeons were still roosting on the roofs, defecating down the front of the buildings. With the chain remodeling several of its stores and making aesthetics a priority, Kibbey immediately knew the product he wanted to use: Bird-B-Gone's Bird Jolt Flat'Irack System.

"The low profile of the system meant that it wouldn't interfere with the building's aesthetics," Kibbey explains. "Plus, the electric charge leaves more of a longer-lasting, psychological effect on the birds than other types of deterrents. They're less likely to return." 

Each of the three stores took about three days and between 400 and 500 linear feet of track to complete. The first day consisted of inspection, cleanup and gluing down track onto the terra cotta roof, which featured a steep peak and gables. His three-person crew rented a crane to reach the higher areas.

"We let the glue dry overnight, then the next day we used screws on the flat edges of the roof for the track," Kibbey says. Then, the hard-wiring process began. As the son of an electrician, Kibbey takes extra care in ensuring that the wire splicing is done correctly. He coats all of the exposed ends with liquid tape to prevent the possibility of corrosion or disconnection.

"I've had really good luck with the hard-wired units," he says. "They're waterproof and low-maintenance."

While some birds landed the first day after the track was laid down (and uncharged), they were in for a surprise by the third day, when the system was up and running. While the mild electric shock does not hurt the birds, it does send the message that they are not wanted on the building.

"This system will save the company the cost of constant cleanups," Kibbey concludes, adding that it fits in perfectly with his company motto: When aesthetics matter.

Bye Bye Birdie

Protecting Your Building & Employees from Pest Birds

It seems that not a day goes by without a news story about avian flu and the possible pandemic it may cause. Concerns about the potential threat are on the forefront of Americas mind, and it has taught us to be more conscious about the way disease is transmitted.

“Indeed Avian Flu is a recent concern” says Bruce Donoho owner of Bird-B-Gone, Inc, “however I believe that there is a wide range of diseases currently carried by pest birds that pose a serious and more immediate threat to human health.” Pest birds can carry and transmit many common diseases in bacterial, fungal, and viral forms. This includes Histoplasmosis, Salmonella, Encephalitis, and Meningitis to name a few. While many people may associate this with pigeons, it is important to realize that most pest birds are carriers. Disease is a paramount concern of pest birds, and the adverse effects can reach into other areas of business as well such as maintenance costs and liability issues. Daily or weekly maintenance costs add up, and unsafe working conditions are never a desirable situation. Bird droppings and nesting materials can clog drains, and create standing water. Dried droppings around air conditioning units can be sucked into ventilation systems. On sidewalks and signs, cleanup may be required daily. Bird proofing is preventative investment that will save you time and money. It is important that all aspects of pest birds are explored. This way we can protect our employees, our buildings and merchandise, and ourselves.

While transmission usually occurs by way of mosquitoes, mites and ticks, physical contact with bird droppings can also transmit diseases. Anywhere people come into contact with droppings is a potential spot for transmission. It is a good idea to alert your maintenance department of any affected areas. This way they can evaluate the problem, and actively work to solve it. The longer pest birds occupy and area, the harder it will be to get them to relocate. Some common areas birds favor are cooling towers, air conditioning units, parapet walls, rooftops, and inside warehouses. “Birds like rooftops and parapet walls because they provide a good lookout spot for food and predators” says Donoho of Bird-B-Gone. Air conditioning units provide birds with water from condensation, and gravel needed for digestion. Rooftops and warehouses provide excellent shelter for nesting. Birds are attracted to three things, food, shelter and water. Knowing what has drawn the pest birds to the area they are in will help determine the right product to get them to leave by making the area undesirable, or unusable. Once you have spotted a problem area it is important to identify the species of bird. This is important, because most bird deterrents are species specific. What works for the goose does not always work for the gander.


Most pest birds are easily identifiable; common species include pigeons, sparrows, starlings and seagulls. If you are unsure of the type of bird, note the size. Size usually determines the type of product that will be effective.  Next contact a provider of bird control products, or your pest control company. Both should be able to recommend the best solution. If your maintenance department does not have the time or resources to tackle the problem, such as lifts for high areas, then finding outside help is suggested. Most pest control companies will handle a pest bird problem, if you have a company who services your property, start by asking them. If not, contact bird control suppliers such as Bird-B-Gone who have a network of “Authorized installers” nationwide.
 
 
Whether your maintenance department or a pest control company will be doing the job, clean up is one of the most important steps for success.  Studies have shown that birds do use the sense of smell to locate a precise nesting area. They prefer areas where they have previously nested. Bird Control products should never be applied until the waste / debris is removed and the area disinfected. Use a disinfectant to kill bacteria, and take away any scent left behind. When the birds do come back to the area, they will be less able to recognize it as their own.  Proper cleanup with the correct respiratory and protective clothing is very important to, again, protect from any potential disease.  Information on proper clean-up methods can usually be obtained online or from providers of Bird Control Products.  It’s important that the people taking care of the problem know the correct way to solve it. Birds are smarter than we usually give credit, and they will take advantage of flaws in a less than perfect job. Tackle the problem head on so that you do not waste your time and money. Assessing the problem and committing to a workable solution in a timely manner is the best way to ensure success. “Sometimes there is a quick fix solution, but typically it involves much more than a temporary patch” says Bruce Donoho, adding that Bird-B-Gone gets many calls from discouraged individuals baffled as to why temporary products haven’t been effective. Donoho says “If you are going to do something, anything, do it right.”
 
 
 
There are many different products available to choose from. Once you have determined the problem area, and bird species, you will need to choose a product. If you have a pest control company taking care of the problem they will usually be able to give a free estimate, including a recommendation for the best product. If your maintenance department is handling the problem, a Bird Control Supplier, such as Bird-B-Gone, will be able to assist with choosing the right product. Call before hand and get an idea of pricing. Typically Bird Control is not included in maintenance budgets, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. It’s important to choose a product based on its effectiveness, not its price.
 
 
 
Today there are many choices available when trying to “bird proof” your building. If there are multiple areas being affected you may need a combination of products. Birds can easily relocate a few steps away if the area is not treated properly. Here’s a look at some of the more common products being used today:
 
 
 
Bird Spikes – Though they look menacing, spikes will not harm birds.  Bird spikes are used to deter pigeons or larger birds, who know they cannot get footing on such a surface. Spikes are easy to install, and require little to no maintenance. Spikes are commonly used on parapet walls, ledges, rooflines, signs, window sills, rafters, and other narrow surfaces birds may be landing. They are low cost, and can be mounted with nails, screws, or adhesive. Bird spikes do not need to be sharp to effectively repel birds, in fact if they are sharp they can pose a threat to the installer. 
 
Bird Gel – Bird gel is a very thick sticky gel that is applied on ledges and window sills. Birds do not like the sticky sensation on their feet, and will move on to a more comfortable area. However it should be noted that gels are a temporary solution and have a tendency to gather dirt and debris.
 
Bird Netting – Bird netting acts as a physical barrier to exclude birds from open areas. Bird netting can also be used to box things in such as air conditioning units. Netting is typically used in warehouses, on rooftops, and in parking structures. Installation of netting is more labor intensive, but is one of the most successful products used to deter pest birds. Be sure that you get technical advice if installing net. Birds will take advantage of a poorly hung net.
 
Shock Track Systems - Track systems are a ledge product. You use them wherever you might use bird spikes. The advantage to these electrified systems is that they are very low profile (Most stands under an inch tall) and will deter all species of birds. This is ideal if you are concerned about the aesthetics of a building, or are having problems with multiple bird species. The Electrified track emits a slight shock to birds that will condition them to stay clear of treated areas. Be sure to have an experienced authorized installer set up these systems.  The installer will must have a working knowledge of electric bird deterrents.
 
These four categories cover the main products used. There are other unique products for special circumstances. Consult Bird-B-Gone, or an authorized installer for advice. The more detail you have about the affected area, the more specific they can be when offering a solution.  Companies like Bird-B-Gone have a network of authorized installers in all parts of the country. These installers are experienced in “bird work”, this is their specialty!
 
Getting rid of unwanted birds can be a painless process for everyone, including the birds. To sum-up the advice listed above, follow these 5 Bird Control Tips:
   
1.    Identify The Bird & Approximate the amount of Birds affecting the area

2.    Determine whether your company is equipped to install bird control products, or if they need to seek outside help.

3.    Call a reliable authority on bird control like Bird-B-Gone.(1-800-392-6915 ) and get advice.

4.    Get educated on the products available. Have an installer give advice on the right products, or ask for a free estimate on service.

5.    Make a commitment to solve the problem.
 
 
Birds are a beautiful gift of Mother Nature. Throughout history they have been revered as signs of strength, good luck, beauty, and wisdom.  Nature enhances our environment, and it’s important to find workable ways of living together in a healthy environment. We must live together, but that doesn’t mean living with disease.

Pest Birds and the Diseases they Transmit

Pigeons and other Pest Birds often make nests in buildings and rapidly reproduce. Breeding occurs throughout the year, usually taking place between March and July. Contact with pigeon droppings may pose a health risk. Three human diseases are known to be associated with pigeon droppings: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis.

       

Histoplasmosis

       

Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus, which grows in pigeon droppings. It also grows in soils and is found throughout the world. When cleaning droppings a person may breathe in some of the fungus, which in cases of high exposure can cause infection. Common activities, such as cleaning off windowsills, will not result in high exposures.
Symptoms of histoplasmosis begin to appear about 10 days after initial infection and include fatigue, fever, and chest pains. Most people, however, do not show any symptoms. Those with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients or people living with HIV/AIDS are generally more at risk of developing histoplasmosis.

       

Cryptococcosis

       

Cryptococcosis is another fungal disease associated with pigeon droppings and also grows in soils throughout the world. It is very unlikely that healthy people will become infected even at high levels of exposure. A major risk factor for infection is a compromised immune system. Researchers at Albert Einstein Collage of medicine in the Bronx found that 70% of urban children have been exposed to Cryptococcosis.

       

Psittacosis

       

Psittacosis (also known as ornithosis or parrot fever) is a rare infectious disease that mainly affects parrots and parrot-like birds such as cockatiels, and parakeets, but may also affect other birds, such as pigeons. When bird droppings dry and become airborne people may inhale them and get sick.
In humans, this bacterial disease is characterized by: fatigue, fever, headache, rash, chills, and sometimes pneumonia. Symptoms develop about 10 days after exposure. Psittacosis can be treated with a common antibiotic.

       

Cleaning Up Pest Bird Droppings

       

Protecting the health of both workers who clean up pigeon droppings and the general public is important.

       

Cleaning Droppings
            
Before any extensive clean-up measures are taken - e.g., removing accumulations inside an air shaft - workers should be informed of the possible health risks involved, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Even though histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis pose minor public health threats, they can be further minimized if safety measures are taken. Wearing protective clothing like disposable coveralls, boots, gloves, and respirators can be used for protection.
If a high-powered water hose is used to strip off dried droppings, dust control measures such as containing the area with plastic sheeting, should be taken. Wetting down the work area will prevent inhalation, reduce the risk of infection and will also prevent the spread of dust outside the work area. Those with a compromised immune system such as people living with HIV/AIDS or cancer patients should not be directly involved in the removal of the droppings. Always wash hands and any exposed skin before eating or drinking and when finished with work.
Several alternatives to using a high-powered water hose exist. One such alternative includes soaking the droppings with water and then shoveling it. The wet material should be collected in heavy-duty plastic bags or another type of secure container and discarded with the regular trash.
Once the structures are cleaned they should have bird control products installed to prevent further accumulation of droppings.