Bird control and removal Long Island, New York

BIRDS (Aves)

Long Island Animal Control Wildlife Removal Services offers expert bird control and bird removal services throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County and Queens. Many people enjoy the presence of birds in and around their properties. Unfortunately, birds can become a big problem for Long Island home and business owners. In addition to becoming an unsightly mess, bird droppings are highly acidic and very corrosive. Bird droppings can damage a roof, automobile paint and pose a health risk. Bird nests can be an eyesore, and clog gutters, drains, and vents. Built in chimneys, electrical signs and dryer vents, bird nests can become a fire hazard and a breeding ground for carpet beetles and bird mites. We offer bird nest removal and Nassau County exterminating services.

Pigeon (Columbidae) - There are approximately 310 species of pigeons. A Dove is a pigeon that is white. However, some people use the terms pigeon and dove interchangeably. The Rock Pigeon, also known as the common city pigeon have been domesticated and selectively bred since 3000 BC. Pigeons are gregarious seed and fruit eaters. They are monogamous and mate for life. The female lays two eggs and incubates the eggs by night and the male pigeon sits on them during the day. The incubation period is approximately two weeks and the hatchlings are cared for in the nest for about a month. Pigeons have been raised for food, racing, carrying messages, homing and used in research. They are a common sight in cities around the world, where they nest on buildings, window ledges and bridges. They flock in large numbers in order to protect themselves from predators, such as the Peregrine Falcon. They have excellent vision and hearing and can fly 50 miles per hour and travel 600 miles in one day.

Starling (Sturnus Vulgaris) - The Common Starling, also known as the European Starling is a medium - sized perching songbird. In 1890 Eugene Schieffelin imported sixty starlings from England and released them into New York City's Central Park. In 1891 he released forty more starlings. Starlings are now the most numerous song bird in North America. It is estimated that there are more than two hundred million starlings that range from Alaska to Mexico. Large flocks, typical of this insectivorous species can be beneficial to agriculture. They forage close to the ground, taking insects from the surface or just beneath it. Consuming flies, moths, caterpillars, snails, beetles, ants and grubs, a starling is a Long Island exterminator providing Long Island pest control. However, starlings can also be pests themselves when they feed on fruit and crops. It is estimated that they do eight hundred million dollars in agricultural damage in the United States annually. Starlings are both monogamous and polygamous. Males will build a nest in a cavity in order to attract a female mate. Starlings are very aggressive birds that drive other native cavity nesters, like woodpeckers, bluebirds and owls from nest sites that they want to use. Nests are commonly constructed inside hollowed trees. They also build nests in attics, soffits and exhaust fan vents of Long Island homes. Breeding occurs during the spring and summer months and the female lays four or five blue eggs. Hatchlings remain in the nest for approximately three weeks, where they are fed by both parents. Starlings are hunted by hawks and falcons. These birds are hosts to a wide variety of parasites including fleas, ticks and mites.

Sparrow (Passeridae) - The House Sparrow, or English Sparrow are small passerine birds that were imported from England in the 1850's and released in Brooklyn, New York on the mistaken premise that they would help exterminate insect pests. Although they do consume some insects while raising their young, they are primarily seed eaters. House Sparrows are now one of the most abundant songbirds in North America and have caused extensive damage to crops and fruit trees. Sparrows are monogamous and take over the nesting sites of native cavity-nesting birds. They will also occasionally nest in evergreens and in the nests of swallows. House Sparrows will evict other birds, including bluebirds and purple martins from their nests. English Sparrows are extremely aggressive and will destroy native birds eggs and young when competing for nest sites. Breeding can occur in any month, but is most common from March through August. Sparrows can have as many as four broods in a year. The female lays four or five eggs and incubation takes about two weeks. Hatchlings remain in the nest for approximately two weeks, where they are fed by both parents. They are not a migratory bird, but flocks of sparrows move about within a five mile radius. Predators of the House Sparrow include hawks, falcons and owls.

Histoplasmosis - Is a type of lung infection, which is caused by inhaling fungal spores found in bird and bat droppings . Most cases of histoplasmosis don't require medical attention. However, for infants, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, this disease can cause a number of life threatening complications. Complications can include, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, heart problems, adrenal insufficiency and meningitis.

Cryptococcosis - Is a disease, which is caused by the inhalation of a fungus that is associated with many bird species, especially pigeon feces, but also starlings, sparrows and bat guano. This disease results in lung infection that may spread to the brain, causing meningoencephalitis. People with compromised immune systems are at risk of contracting this disease. Cryptococcosis is most often found in cats, but has been reported in other domestic animals including dogs.

Pigeon Trapping

Pigeon control measures, such as bird exclusion will be most effective if the pigeons are first removed by trapping. Where a flock of pigeons are roosting, or feeding in a confined and isolated area, pigeon trapping can be the primary control tactic. Pigeon traps have one-way doors that allow the pigeons to enter, but not exit.

Bird Exclusion

Both the Common Starling and the House Sparrow are cavity nesters. Starlings will use any opening that they can fit through, if it leads to a suitably sized cavity. Dryer vents, stove vents, bathroom exhaust vents and attic gable vents need to be screened to keep starlings out. House Sparrows will build their nests in the space under window or wall air conditioners. This space needs to be blocked, or screened to keep sparrows out. Reducing the number of nesting sites that these nuisance birds can use is key to Long Island bird control and limiting their population.

PIGEON • BIRD DISEASES

PIGEON • BIRD REMOVAL • LONG ISLAND NEW YORK