Hygiene Risks Associated With Roof Nesting Birds

Table of Contents

1. 1. Bird Droppings Can Cause Diseases
2. 2. Birds Can Carry Parasites
3. 3. Bird Nests Attract Pests
4. 4. Birds Create a Mess
5. 5. Bird Droppings and Feathers Can Affect Indoor Air Quality
6. Already Have Birds Nesting on Your Roof?

Birds, often perceived as peaceful creatures, exhibit a tendency to nest in unconventional locations. As human development has encroached upon their natural habitats, birds have adapted by seeking shelter in man-made structures. This behavior poses hygiene risks associated with roof nesting birds. Consequently, roofs become attractive nesting spots where these avian visitors find warmth and shelter to rear their young.

Your roof can serve as a sanctuary to birds like sparrows, starlings, pigeons, and Indian mynas. It offers a safe environment, and you have a steady source of food that they can peck at. However, even if you’re an animal lover, you may start to think twice when these feathered creatures start nesting on your roof. This is because roof-nesting birds can cause damage to the structure of your home. Worse, they can present a big health and hygiene risk to you and your family.

Here’s a list of some of the most common hygiene risks associated with roof-nesting birds.

1. Bird Droppings Can Cause Diseases

The main reason you don’t want birds to create a home on your roof is the diseases their wastes can cause. See, bird droppings are dangerous for people. Coming in contact or simply breathing water droplets or dust containing contaminated bird droppings can cause several diseases. There’s psittacosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcal meningitis, avian tuberculosis, chlamydiosis, and salmonella, to name a few. These are just some of the 60 diseases that bird droppings can transmit to people.

2. Birds Can Carry Parasites

Aside from their droppings, birds can cause problems through the parasites they can carry. There are around 50 varieties of ectoparasites, which are parasites that live on birds or their skins, and two-thirds of them can be harmful to humans. Some of the most common ones include ticks, yellow mealworms, bed bugs, lice, and the West Nile virus.

3. Bird Nests Attract Pests

Bird nests and their droppings can attract pests that can cause diseases. This can include insects, rodents, and snakes, which can create more health and hygiene problems for you and your family.

4. Birds Create a Mess

Birds are known to create a mess wherever they go. So if they start nesting on your roof, expect to see a massive mess in your home. From your footpaths to entrances, they will be covered with bird droppings. And once they are, this can be very unhygienic. Moreover, it can be dangerous too. When bird droppings get wet, they can become very slippery. Thus, causing accidents and even legal consequences if you own a building or commercial property.

5. Bird Droppings and Feathers Can Affect Indoor Air Quality

When birds nest on your roof, their droppings and feathers can affect your indoor air quality. The heavy odor from the fungi, bacteria, and other organic matter from these pests can infiltrate your ventilation system. Thus, causing not only inconvenience but also harm to everyone inside your home.

Here are more posts about roofs:

• How to keep a check on roof flashing for roof maintenance?
• What Should You Be Looking for When You Need a Roof Tarp
• 5 Different Roof Types for Your Roof Replacement

Already Have Birds Nesting on Your Roof?

If you have already noticed birds nesting on your roof, it is best to deal with them immediately before your problem becomes bigger. You can try doing it yourself by installing spikes, nets, or fake predators. But if none of the common DIY tactics work, you may need to contact a bird control specialist.

If you need one in Sydney, make sure to give Service Now Trades a call. They have the skills, know-how, experience, and equipment to deal with your bird-nesting roof issue in the safest, fastest, and most efficient way possible. Furthermore, they can provide you with tips on how to prevent the same problem from happening again.

Thank you for reading!