When you think of pests in Las Vegas, Nevada, you might imagine species like ants, spiders, flies, or even rodents, but you might not think much about the wildlife in the area that can cause problems. Many people don’t think about pest birds until they’re dealing with them already, so it’s a good idea to know about the dangers pigeons can bring with them as well as what you can do to prevent them.
Pigeons are common in many urban and suburban areas as they have adapted to live alongside humans, but these birds aren’t harmless. They can actually pose both health risks and cause property damage.
The first step in handling issues with pigeons is knowing what they look like. You can identify pigeons by their bluish-grey coloring as well as the two dark-colored bands they have on their wings. They also have green to purple iridescent wings around their necks, and they get to be around 11-15 inches tall.
What Makes Pigeons Such A Problem?
Interestingly, pigeons aren’t even native to North America but were brought here in the 1600s, but, since then, they’ve become quite widespread across the county. Because they are rather common, they can fade into the background, but they can be a big problem if they start roosting around your home or business.
For one thing, they can cause property damage. Their droppings can destroy plants and even cause buildings and mechanical equipment to deteriorate more quickly. Their feces is also stinky and can be costly and frustrating to clean up.
The other big concern with pigeons is that they pose some health risks. Their droppings can carry pathogens, including some that lead to disease. They are known for spreading a fungal disease called histoplasmosis that causes fever, cough, chest pain, body aches, and more. They also may try to get into human or pet food which can lead to c contamination.
Four Pigeon Prevention Tips
Because of the problems pigeons bring with them, it’s a good idea to take steps to keep them away from your property. The following four steps can also help reduce the likelihood of an infestation of other pest birds and species of wildlife.
- Start by reducing areas where pigeons can nest. You can use things like netting or landing spikes. You can also use objects like plastic snakes and owls, but these are often only a temporary solution.
- Keep any outdoor trash containers sealed with lids and clean up any trash debris around your property.
- Don’t leave out bird feeders around your home or business. While these feeders can attract beautiful species, they can also attract pest species like pigeons and even other wildlife like raccoons.
- Keep all pet food stored inside in airtight containers and clean up any food and drink spills if you’re eating outside.
The Best Way To Handle Pigeons
If you’re dealing with pigeons or other pest birds around your Las Vegas property, the safest and most effective way to remove them is with assistance from the experts at Anderson Pest Control. We provide consistent, affordable residential and commercial pest control plans, including options to control wildlife.
Get started today by requesting your free estimate at (702) 356-0183 or by contacting us online. We can’t wait to hear from you!