Wildlife Control: Birds (Pigeons, Sparrows, Geese, and Seagulls)
Birds like pigeons, sparrows, geese, and seagulls can cause significant problems when they roost or nest in urban environments. These birds may damage property, create unsanitary conditions, and pose health risks through droppings that contain diseases and parasites. Professional bird control helps manage and prevent these issues in a humane and effective manner.

Identification:

• Pigeons: Pigeons, often referred to as rock doves, are medium-sized birds with short necks, small heads, and broad, rounded wings. They have gray, white, or black plumage, with iridescent feathers on the neck. Pigeon droppings are large, white, and chalky, often accumulating in areas where pigeons roost or nest.
• Sparrows: Sparrows are small birds, typically 5–7 inches long, with brown or gray feathers and short, conical beaks. House sparrows are the most common species found in urban areas. Their droppings are small, dark, and round.
• Geese: Geese are large, waterfowl with long necks and broad, webbed feet. Canada geese, one of the most common species, have distinctive black heads and white chinstraps. Geese droppings are large, cylindrical, and can be found in areas where they feed or rest, such as lawns or near bodies of water.
• Seagulls: Seagulls are medium to large seabirds with long wings and a characteristic harsh call. They often have white and grey feathers, with yellow beaks and black markings on their heads or wings. Seagull droppings are often runny, white, and can damage surfaces due to their acidic content.
• European Starlings: The European starling is a medium-sized bird, around 8–9 inches long with a wingspan of 12–16 inches. Its iridescent plumage is green, purple, and black in summer, and speckled with white in winter. The starling has a yellow, pointed bill, a short square tail, and pinkish legs.

Signs of bird activity include:

• Large amounts of droppings accumulating in areas where birds roost, nest, or feed.
• Nests built in eaves, windowsills, vents, or gutters.
• Noise from birds calling, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Feathers and debris scattered around roosting sites.

Life Cycle:

• Pigeons: Pigeons breed year-round, with females laying 1–2 eggs per cycle. They often have multiple broods each year, allowing populations to grow quickly in urban environments.
• Sparrows: Sparrows typically breed in spring and summer, laying 3–6 eggs per clutch. They may have 2–3 broods per season.
• Geese: Canada geese typically mate in early spring and lay 4–7 eggs. The young geese (goslings) stay with their parents until fall, learning migration patterns and survival skills.
• Seagulls: Seagulls breed in spring and summer, with females laying 2–3 eggs per clutch. They have 1–2 broods per season, and their young (chicks) are cared for until they can fly.

Diseases:
Birds, especially pigeons, sparrows, geese, and seagulls, can carry diseases and parasites that pose health risks to humans and animals, including:

• Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can be transmitted by inhaling spores from bird droppings, affecting the respiratory system.
• Cryptococcosis: A fungal infection spread through inhalation of bird droppings, particularly pigeon droppings, causing lung and central nervous system issues.
• Salmonella: Bacterial infection spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces that have been in contact with bird droppings.
• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Can be spread by direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.
• E. coli: Found in bird droppings and can contaminate food or water sources.
• Parasites: Birds can carry mites, ticks, fleas, and lice, which can spread to humans and pets.

Professional Control Methods:
Professional bird control involves humane and effective methods to address bird infestations and prevent damage:

1. Inspection and Identification: Wildlife control experts assess the property to identify bird species, nesting sites, and roosting areas, as well as signs of damage from droppings.
2. Exclusion and Prevention: Entry points such as vents, gaps, and openings in roofs or walls are sealed. Bird-proofing measures like netting, spikes, and wire systems are installed on rooftops, ledges, and other high-traffic areas to prevent birds from roosting or nesting.
3. Humane Deterrents: Techniques such as sound devices, visual deterrents (e.g., reflective tape, predator decoys), and odours that repel birds can be used to discourage birds from staying in the area.
4. Trapping and Relocation: In cases of severe infestations, birds may be humanely trapped and relocated in accordance with local regulations.
5. Sanitation and Cleanup: Bird droppings, nests, and debris are safely removed and disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases like histoplasmosis and salmonella. Surfaces are cleaned and treated to remove odours and prevent further contamination.
6. Homeowner Guidance: Experts provide advice on maintaining a bird-free environment, including keeping gutters clean, securing trash, and removing food sources that attract birds.

Professional bird control ensures humane removal, prevents property damage, and protects public health by managing and reducing bird-related risks effectively.