Birds may seem harmless when they flutter around our homes, but the consequences can be anything but benign when they decide to nest and settle in. It’s important to explore the reasons why homeowners must address a bird infestation early. From property damage to health risks and legal implications, the costs of neglecting a bird infestation can add up quickly.
Property Damage
Picture this: a cozy nest nestled in your attic rafters. It might sound picturesque, but the reality is far less charming. Bird infestations can wreak havoc on your property, causing damage to roofing, siding, and even the structure of your home. From pecked shingles to chewed wires, the signs of bird-related damage are not to be ignored.
Cleaning and Restoration Costs
Cleaning up after a bird infestation is no small task. Not only do you have to contend with removing nests and droppings, but you’ll also need to address any damage to your property. From hiring professional cleaners to repairing structural damage, the costs of restoration can quickly spiral out of control if the infestation is allowed to persist.
Loss of Property Value
Beyond the immediate financial costs, bird infestations can also impact the value of your home. Potential buyers may be wary of purchasing a property with a history of bird infestations, leading to decreased resale value and longer time on the market.
Addressing infestations promptly can help preserve your home’s value and marketability. You can contact Apex Bird Control for viable solutions and the best way to protect your property.
Insurance Considerations
Before disaster strikes, it’s essential to review your insurance policy and understand what coverage you have for bird-related damage. While some policies may cover certain types of damage, others may have exclusions or limitations. Being proactive about understanding your insurance coverage can save you headaches and unexpected expenses down the line.
Reasons Why You Should Not Clean Bird Guano
Do you hate to see bird guano in your home? Your eyes are immediately drawn to the white streaks, which contrast with bricks and most rooftops. Suddenly, your stunning property can look old and unkept after a bird infestation, leaving you with no curb appeal.
Homeowners want a quick and easy solution, which is often cleaning away the bird guano by themselves. All you need is a ladder and a bucket of soapy water, right? This is a huge mistake, and there are many reasons why you should not do this job yourself.
A Health Risk
Many people don’t realize that bird guano is more than just unhygienic. It becomes a health risk when it’s inhaled. Know that there are harmful pathogens that you don’t want to come into contact with, and you could become sick.
For example, diseases like salmonella and histoplasmosis exist in bird guano. You could put yourself in danger without the right safety gear and training.
Dangerous Heights
Birds will choose high spots on your building for nesting to avoid predators. This can mean that guano exists on the roof, windowsills and high ledges that are difficult to reach. The only way to get up there is on a ladder.
This is a dangerous activity for those without experience working at this height. You will be up a two-storey building, balancing and trying to clean, sigh plenty of hazards threatening you. It’s advised that most homeowners don’t take on this task by themselves, as there is a big risk of injury.
Risk of Breaking the Law
It’s common for homeowners to see bird guano on their properties but not see the birds themselves. This can be due to the height and angle from the ground. The danger of going up there to clean the guano is that you could be disturbing nests.
It’s common not to realize they’re up there, and if you destroy them, you are breaking the law. In particular, you’re in breach of Wildlife & Countryside 1981. You could face penalties even if it’s an accident, which can include expensive fines.
Causing More Damage
Most homeowners become aware that bird guano is more than just an eyesore. It damages surfaces, removes paint, disturbs soft metals, and even eats away at wood. This is one of the main reasons why they know they must take action.
Unfortunately, they don’t realize that scrubbing at the bird guano can make things worse. It becomes abrasive, which is bad news for delicate surfaces. Therefore, you can realize that your property looks worse after cleaning the guano, which could be permanent damage that requires further attention.
Conclusion
From property damage to health risks and legal ramifications, the costs of neglecting a bird infestation can be steep. By addressing infestations early and taking proactive measures to prevent future occurrences, homeowners can protect their property, safeguard their health, and avoid unnecessary financial burdens. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action at the first sign of a bird infestation to mitigate the costly consequences.
