Can Pigeons Cause a lot of House Damage?
In some areas of the country, pigeons are a frequent sight. You may see them on busy city streets, in parking garages, or even on your own roof. If you’ve spotted more than a few pigeons near your home recently, you may be wondering if that could cause a problem. Unfortunately, pigeons, as well as many other pesky birds, can cause quite a bit of damage to your home. Keep reading to find out what destruction could possibly be done and how you can prevent it in the future.
Your roof is the first area that may be severely damaged by pigeons. Their nests are often built in rain gutters, drains, and the corners of roofs where drains are located. The danger here is in these gutters and drains being clogged and water building up to stand several inches. This can result in severe damage, to the point of a collapsed roof. If you have seen pigeons around your home recently, it may be in your best interest to get your ladder out and take a look at your gutters. If a nest is found, consider contacting your local pest control company to remove it safely.
Pigeon droppings also may cause damage to your roof. These droppings are very acidic, and may actually eat away at tar-based roofing materials. If these droppings are allowed to gather on your roof, the material may be eaten away to the point of a leak, or in the worst-case scenario, a collapse.
Pigeon nests are incredibly flammable because of the materials that they are constructed out of, which are often straw, twigs, and dry droppings. When a pigeon builds its nest inside any of the machinery around your home, you run the risk of having a fire. If you’ve seen pigeons congregating around your home recently, inspect all structures and machinery for nests in order to ensure your safety.
Other areas to look out for are the ventilation systems within your home. Pigeons often build nests in chimneys, and this can actually be incredibly dangerous. If the structure is blocked completely, it can restrict the airflow, potentially causing a build up of carbon monoxide. Also, if a nest is built within your ventilation system, there is a possibility of disease being spread this way. It’s best to enlist the help of a pest control expert if you believe you have an obstruction to any of your ventilation systems as they will know the best way to safely remove the problem.
It’s also a good idea to take a thorough look around your home for any entry points that pigeons may find. On occasion, pigeons have been known to enter attics through areas that have developed a gap or that were never sealed properly. Once inside, they can cause an alarming amount of damage.
As you can see, these harmless little birds may not be so harmless after all. If you’re dealing with a pigeon issue in your home, contact a local pest control company to find out the best way to rid yourself of the problem. While it may be tempting to do-it-yourself, a trained professional will know the best way to quickly and safely eradicate the issue.