Birds
The St. Louis area is home to several pest bird species, including blackbirds, starlings, and pigeons. These unwanted guests are continually searching for suitable shelter and habitat where they can live and breed away from predators and closely rely on humans for their supply of food. Invasive birds nest in both residential and commercial buildings and especially like to build in attics and upper areas of many types of structures. Because of generally greater heights, the top levels of commercial buildings with open space are particularly likely nesting areas.
Blackbird and starling species are present throughout Missouri and Illinois, and pigeons are very common in commercial areas where food sources and high roosts are usually available. Pest species often travel and nest in large flocks and will typically attract others as long as suitable space and nesting habitat is available.
Birds present a huge health risk through the diseases and dangerous microorganisms they leave in their droppings. We usually think of them as transmitting avian flu, but up to 60 dangerous diseases transmit through their droppings and nesting material. Their droppings contain many bacterial and yeast infections, and dried droppings can infest the air we breathe with dangerous types of fungus far into the future. Diseases such as Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis affect the human respiratory and central nervous systems in extremely dangerous ways. Many bacterial infections can be picked up through HVAC systems and contaminate stored food and preparation areas. Droppings also have a corrosive effect on building materials such as concrete, steel, and paint. When mixed with rain, it can cause an acceleration of the rusting process.
In addition to directly carrying diseases, birds also bring dangerous parasites with them. Wherever they nest, parasites associated with them infest homes and other structures, and increase the presence common pests that bite and annoy humans and pets. For example, where birds are present, we normally expect a greater risk of infestation by bed bugs, chicken mites, and beetle parasites such as mealworms. These parasites are dangerous to humans and food supplies.
Proper control requires professional experience and expertise to evaluate the different needs various properties present. Homes and exterior residential buildings have particular design aspects that affect the choice of removal and exclusion techniques. Residential buildings typically have narrow and hidden entryways that invite smaller pest species that look for those hard to find ways inside buildings. Commercial building and warehouse structures notoriously present more open upper areas to build and breed, and many present easily accessible food sources for pests. Birds in commercial spaces also cause multiple issues with governmental regulatory agencies.
Cardinal Insect & Pest Solutions, LLC is licensed in Missouri and Illinois and proudly serves the entire St. Louis metro area. We will be pleased to inspect your property and consult with you regarding the best professional plan for removing and excluding nuisance bird and pest species from your buildings. Our unmatched reputation for top customer service is your assurance that every job we do will be done correctly and that we will completely stand behind our work. Contact us today for a free estimate for all of your pest control needs.
