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The acidic nature of bird droppings was not the only problem homeowners and businesses face. Pigeons, who eat gravel, would defecate on the roof and their fecal matter would clog the drains creating an even bigger problem: germination. And this is where the need for pigeon control begins.

The high nitrogen content of the droppings offered a great environment for seeds to grow at an accelerated rate in the drainage system.

Without sunlight, the plants die and clog the drains. Once droppings dry, it is a race to get them off the surface to avoid degradation of the mostly-organic roofing materials.

Pigeon droppings on asphalt and pressed wood fiber, found in roofing materials, can mildew.

Birds carry over sixty diseases, a few of which can be lethal. Those who spend a lot of time outdoors working in construction zones are at a high risk of contracting one of these diseases since these types of environments are very attractive to birds.

Mix the fecal matter with pools of water and the disease becomes airborne, filtrating through ventilation systems, being breathed in by employees and patrons, and causing quite a mess for a company.

Another big mess? The liability factor. Some species can produce up to 1.5 pounds of fecal matter a day, and slip-and-fall incidents are all too common these days. Unassuming passersby can stir up a stink.

The New York Transit Authority was ordered to pay a man millions after he slipped on pigeon droppings on subway stairs. Can your company afford a $6-million-dollar lawsuit?

Luckily, there are ways to prevent these potential disasters. Many people use methods that are harmful and not all that effective. One resident tried snakes and owls, which only worked when they were moved constantly, and tar, which killed the birds.

For the cost and labor, he said, it was not worth the expense since the birds returned.

Lethal methods may solve the problem in the short-term, but remember that killing the birds only eliminates the ones that are presently roosting. Killing them does not take away from the fact that your property is bird-friendly.

Disrupting The Pattern

A good start is ultrasonic sound devices. They deliver ultra high-frequency sound waves that are beyond the normal human hearing threshold. The sound annoys the birds, discouraging them from inhabiting areas in earshot.

Homeowners described their problem with the pigeons roosting on the steel beams on their site. The odor and mess the pigeons caused were disrupting the progress and bothering the workers.

Some made the mistake of bad bird-control devices and had no luck in getting rid of the birds. After he put up the ultrasonic device, though, the pigeons left almost immediately.

Putting spikes anywhere attractive to the birds, like wires and beams, will prevent them from roosting. The spikes provide an uneven surface, making it inconvenient for birds to set up shop.

There are also gels that are safe to apply to all surfaces. The gel makes the surface sticky, forcing the birds elsewhere.

If all else fails, call your local birds nest removal company for effective services.