If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ve probably heard about H5N1, a new strain of bird flu that is infecting wild flocks, as well as farm animals and even some farm workers. While the spread of bird flu is still being contained, it remains a sticking point and a frightening topic, especially for those who remember the swine flu outbreak and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. But what birds can actually spread bird flu?
Pigeons are a very common nuisance bird in urban and suburban areas. Over time, these birds have begun to lose their natural fear of humans, and rely on us more and more to survive. Pigeons will feed off bread crumbs, trash, and any food scraps they can find, and they are known to build their nests inside attic spaces and exterior vents, which can cause a house fire. But with pigeons being so close to us, what’s the likelihood that our neighborhood pigeons could give us the bird flu? Do pigeons even spread the bird flu? According to the CDC, pigeons usually do NOT transmit bird flu viruses that pose a risk to poultry or people. However, other birds can spread the disease, and pigeons themselves can spread plenty of other pathogens. If you need pigeon removal and deterrent services in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, or Stafford, contact the experts at Summit Wildlife Removal today for a FREE estimate at 703-884-2124!
What Birds Can Get Bird Flu?
According to the CDC, pigeons typically do not get bird flu, and neither do common yard birds like cardinals, sparrows, robins, crows, or blue jays. However, it is important to note that viruses are always mutating, and pigeons can potentially carry a strain of bird flu in the future. But for right now, bird flu is mostly spread amongst waterbirds, shorebirds, and poultry. Common bird flu carriers include:
- Ducks
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Geese
- Swans
- Storks
In addition, bird flu can spread to mammals like cows and cats. Bird flu can also spread to people who have been in close contact with infected animals, mostly people who work with these animals like farm workers.
Diseases Spread by Pigeons
While pigeons do not typically spread bird flu, this doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Pigeons can spread a wide range of diseases and parasites. Pigeon droppings often contain the spores that cause the fungal lung infection histoplasmosis. Pigeon droppings can also spread diseases like cryptococcosis, psittacosis, salmonella, E. coli, and more. Pigeons carry ticks and bird mites, which can spread to the rest of your home and spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. To avoid disease transmission, never try to touch, handle, or remove pigeons yourself. Wildlife technicians have the proper tools, training, and protective equipment to safely and humanely remove pigeons from your property.
Damage Caused by Pigeons
The danger of a pigeon infestation isn’t just limited to the diseases they can spread. Pigeons can also create significant damage if they choose your home as a nesting spot. Pigeons have corrosive droppings that can erode building material over time, especially if you have multiple pigeons leaving behind droppings on your roof every day. Pigeons will break into your attic to build their nests, and they will also build nests inside exterior vents, like dryer vents. When nesting in your attic space, these birds will bring in dry, dead organic material to add to their nests, which can pose a serious fire risk, especially if they are nesting inside a dryer vent, as the hot air from the dryer can react very negatively with the dry nesting material.
Pigeon Removal and Deterrents in Northern Virginia
While pigeons are most likely not going to give you the bird flu, you still don’t want these critters hanging out around your property. Pigeons can spread diseases like histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, salmonella, and E. coli, as well as parasites like ticks and bird mites. In addition, pigeon droppings are very corrosive, and can erode your building material over time, not to mention the fire hazard they pose when they build nests inside your attic space or dryer vents.
Summit Wildlife Removal can help, we offer pigeon removal services in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. We can safely and humanely remove these nuisance birds, as well as their nesting material. Our team can repair any damage done, clean the affected area, and replace any soiled attic insulation. We can also provide you with exclusion and deterrents, like bird guards on all your vents, to keep pigeons from nesting inside your home in the future. We also offer dead pigeon removal services. Contact our team of wildlife experts to get started today with a FREE estimate at 703-884-2124!
