Information on birds

Some examples of diseases from the most common bird species in residential areas are:

• Histoplasmosis – This is a respiratory disease that is a result of fungus growing in dried bird droppings. This disease may be fatal to humans
• Salmonellosis – This can be described as food poisoning and can be traced back to pigeons, starlings, and sparrows. Dust from the bird droppings can be sucked up into a properties ventilation system and contaminating food and cooking surfaces
• Candidiasis – This is a yeast infection that is commonly spread by pigeons. This affects your skin, mouth, respiratory system, intestine, and urogenital tract. It can cause itching and pain, especially in women

These are only a few diseases that can be carried and passed on through birds and their droppings. Birds can also carry parasites on their bodies, which can be transferred to humans and their environment

• Bed Bugs – Bed bugs are known to be carried by Pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows. Bed bugs can consume 5 times their body weight in blood that is drawn from humans and some household pets.
• Mites – Mites generally survive on the blood of other bird species, but they can also attack humans if they cannot have access to other birds.
• Mealworms – These are generally found in pigeon nests. They tend to wind up in breakfast cereals as they are found in grain or grain products. They can cause intestinal issues within humans

Bird Species

As stated above, there are a few bird species that will interact with man made structures.

• Sparrows – The most common area for Sparrows to nest is in barns or houses. Although they can reproduce any month of the year, the most common time is between March and August. Sparrows lay between 3-7 eggs; they will hatch 10-14 days after incubation and the young will leave the nest 15 days after hatching. Sparrows will feed on grain in fields and storage areas and can cause considerable damage as they tend to feed in large groups.
• Indian Myna’s – In Australia, this species of bird is considered an invasive pest. They have also earned the nickname “flying rats” due to their scavenging resembling that of rats. Indian Myna’s are believed to pair for life, and they can breed throughout the year. They usually have 4-6 eggs; they will hatch after 17-18 days and will leave the nest after 22-24 days. One of the only good qualities of this species is they will activity feed on other pests such as insects, spiders, reptiles, and small mammals.
• Pigeons – Pigeons were first introduced in Australia as homing pigeons. Due to the lack of food, water, and secure breeding sites, they have migrated to many of our cities and towns. They have a lifespan of 3-4 years in the wild and will mate for life. Pigeons will have 3-4 broods per year, laying 1-2 eggs per brood. These eggs will hatch in 18 days and the young will leave the nest withing 35 days. Pigeon droppings contain highly corrosive acid, which can damage buildings and their nests can cause fire hazards.
• Common Starling – Starlings were introduced in Australia in hopes that they may hunt and destroy insect pests. They tend to inhabit areas with a high density of water as they need a large amount of water to survive. Starlings only tend to breed in the months of August and September, and they will pair up and nest in tree hollows, holes in the ground and any gaps they can find in cliffs, fence posts eaves and under roof lines in buildings. They produce 2-3 brooks per year, with an average of 4-6 eggs each. The eggs will hatch in 12 days and the young will depart from the nest in 14 days. Starlings cause a huge amount of damage to horticulture industries as they eat cherries, grapes, blueberries, apples, and a range of vegetables. They also carry a range of diseases which concerns the industry as they can get into their crops and grain storage areas.

Birds of any species can become a pest once they decide to nest at your property. Once of the ways Gippsland Pest Management can help with this is by installing a Gutter Guard Bird Management System to your property. Please contact us on 0458 003 430 or email us at info@gippspest.com.au if you are interested or would like to find out more details