Welcome Page     Our Services     Anti Bird Solutions     Bird Damage     Recent Jobs     MSDS & Labels     Contact Us   Property  Building Facade Droppings from birds that find shelter in the urban environment are unsightly, corrosive to building material, and accelerate the deterioration of a building. The acidic secretions produced by fungi that feed on the droppings cause most of this damage. The costs associated with maintaining building facades can be enormous and without adequate protection the building becomes soiled again quite quickly. The longer bird infestation remains, the more expensive it will become for the removal of droppings from roosting areas. Ultimately capital restoration costs become necessary; for example, repairing masonry, repainting, sanding of surfaces, replacement of corroded fittings, etc.  Footpaths - Entrances - Fire Escapes Bird droppings on footpaths, stairs and entrances are hazardous as people can slip. In and on fire escapes designed for emergency purposes, their infrequent use provides a quiet area frequented by pigeons and doves. It is quite common to find severe infestation, odours, insects and bacteria in these areas and particles can enter the air conditioning system to infect staff and customers, block filters, accumulate in ductwork, etc.  Gutters Damage resulting from build-up of droppings in gutters can create water backup, directing overflows to cause damage and decay to timber, gutters or the staining of painted / rendered exteriors. Gutters and adjacent eaves are also an access point for smaller birds to build nesting sites in roofs, lofts, vents, steeples, etc.  Occupational Health and Safety  Bird droppings from areas such as external air-conditioning units, window ledges, pathways, water treatment or supply systems, and pedestrian entrances should be removed as soon as possible, to eliminate possible health and safety risks to the public. Birds are the cause of many diseases of humans and domestic animals. Even birds, which appear to be healthy, can carry diseases. There are more than 60 transmittable diseases that are associated with pigeons, starlings and sparrows.  Risks to the Public The close association of birds with humans give rise to the possibility of disease transmission. Bird droppings contain pathogenic fungi and bacteria that cause, histoplasmosis, chlamydiosis, and cryptococcosis, and other lung diseases in humans.  Histoplasmosis and Ornithosis These are respiratory diseases similar to viral pneumonia and can infect humans and -domestic pets such as dogs and cats. Histoplasmosis originates from a fungus which lives in dry bird droppings (pigeon and starlings). Serious infections in humans are seen as high fevers, blood abnormalities, blindness and even death. The fungus actually lives in warm, moist conditions which frequently occur under decomposing droppings of starling and pigeon nests/roosts, Surveys have shown that up to 75% of a pigeon flock can be infected with pigeon ornithosis.  Cryptococcosis This is caused by a yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons. The disease often begins as a pulmonary infection which can spread to the nervous system. It is particularly prevalent in old and established bird roosts where dried droppings are disturbed and inhaled, e.g. demolition work.  Psittacosis The bacteria that causes Psittacosis is found in the droppings of pigeons and other birds and can be inhaled by breathing the air introduced by air conditioning systems which carry the organism from the bird roost. Pigeons most frequently roost on and around a/c units on city buildings and other structures which leads to the transmittal of this bacterium. The most susceptible to these diseases are people who breathe the air in buildings which have old and established bird roosts. While on-site, technicians are continuously exposed to the air containing these micro organisms which have a proven likelihood of infection.  Salmonellosis Often occurs as food poisoning and the bacteria can be found In droppings. Infection can be spread through dirt circulated by fans, air conditioning etc., thereby contaminating products, packaging, surfaces of food preparation areas, etc. Salmonellosis is evidenced by acute gastro-enteritis, diarrhoea and stomach upsets. Pigeons have also been implicated in the transmission of several diseases such as pigeon ornithosis, encephalitis, and salmonella food poisoning. However the transmission of diseases from pigeon to the public are difficult to assess. The pigeon is also host to various species of mites, fleas, ticks, and bugs, many of which can be the source of skin irritations.