Diseases Carried by Birds

Bird pests are known to carry a range of diseases and are hosts to other insect pests. Humans can also develop symptoms similar to influenza from the spores found in bird droppings.

Professional bird control is not only critical to avoid damage to your property, but also to minimise the health risks posed by the presence of certain birds.

Pigeons, for example, are hosts to parasitic pests such as ticks, fleas and bird mites, which can spread to people. The pest insects live on the birds, and in their droppings and nesting materials. The parasites can invade buildings in search of a new food source.

Worried about the danger of birds on your property? Contact Rentokil for expert advice.

Some of the diseases carried by pigeons and other birds such as seagulls could make you seriously ill. It is important to act at the first sign of a bird infestation to avoid these associated health hazards.

• Salmonella - this bacterium is deposited where pigeons or gulls defecate. It can lead to Salmonellosis and Paratyphoid fever.
• Psittacosis - also called Ornithosis or Pigeon Fancier's Lung. This infection can be transmitted by inhaling the bacteria from dried droppings or handling feathers of infected pigeons or seagulls.
• Fowl pest - known also as Fowl Plague or Newcastle disease. This virus can be transmitted to people when they’re exposed to faeces and other excretions from infected pigeon birds.
• Escherichia coli (E.Coli) - mainly spread by seagulls, it can lead to illnesses such as gastro-enteritis and septicaemia.
• Fungal infections - include Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis and are carried within bird droppings from seagulls.
• Bird mites - often found in nests and roosting places. They feed mainly on bird blood but will also bite humans.

Contact us today for fast, effective pest control treatments for your home or business