The Potential Problems with Birds in Your Attic or House

When most people think of pests, they think of rodents or insects. However, birds can also be pests, especially if they enter your home through the attic or another opening. A bird infestation can be problematic and wreak havoc on your mind, home, and health.

From pigeons and sparrows to starlings and even owls, the various birds that could become unwanted house guests can be overwhelming. Thankfully, help is available. This guide will help you understand the potential problems of having birds in your attic/home, so you will realize the imperative nature of professional bird removal.

Emotional Nuisance

When in nature, birds can be beautiful. Unfortunately, when they enter your home, birds can be a nuisance. Most homeowners are surprised by how annoying, unappealing, and fearful birds (and other unwanted guests) can be when they enter your home.

If one or more birds enter your attic, they will most likely create a good amount of noise. You may hear fluttering and scurrying in your attic and roof as they move in, out, and through this space. This noise can be a nuisance, especially if it occurs at night while you and your family are trying to sleep.

In addition to the noise, some individuals have a fear of birds. Known as ornithophobia, the fear of birds can induce feelings of anxiety. If you start to panic, sweat, shake, cry, or freeze, you may have a phobia of birds that affects your daily life and emotional well-being.

Home Damage

Another potential problem you may face if birds enter your attic is actual damage to your home. Surprisingly, birds can damage your home in a few different ways.

Most birds will enter through the roof and into your attic to nest. To create safe and comfortable nests, birds will need a variety of materials, such as dirt, pine straw, and leaves, which they will bring into your home.

In most cases, these unwanted guests will also use elements of your home to complete the nests. They may pull out insulation and even some electrical wiring to continue building their nests.

The loss of insulation can affect your home’s energy efficiency, reducing your ability to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home. If the birds pull on electrical wiring, they risk starting a house fire.

Birds do not produce urine, but they will leave behind droppings. These droppings contain uric acid, which is not harmful in small quantities.

However, as the droppings build up and remain in your attic and on your roofline, the uric acid can actually be corrosive, causing damage to your home over time.

Health Hazard

Birds and the droppings they leave behind may carry over 60 different diseases, so if you have birds in your attic or home, they can be a health hazard to you and your family.

Certain diseases are more common with certain birds. For example, salmonellosis is a common disease that many pigeons, sparrows, and starlings carry. Salmonellosis can be spread through contact or through the air, causing food-poisoning symptoms.

Pigeons and starlings are also known to carry cryptococcosis, which is caused by a yeast that builds up in the bird’s intestinal tract. This disease can be transmitted through handling and breathing in the infected yeast in bird droppings.

Histoplasmosis is another disease that you may develop if you make contact or inhale droppings left behind by an infected bird.

Minor or mild forms of the disease may not show symptoms. However, severe histoplasmosis can be life-threatening, so if you experience a fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, a dry cough, and chest discomfort, consult a physician immediately.

Birds can be problematic for your mind, home, and health. For assistance preventing or removing birds from your attic and home, contact Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc .