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 The term 'flyers' refers to any animal that has functioning wings, and can include both birds and bats. For the most part, birds are an important part of our environment. They contribute by feeding on insects and other animals, and game birds and song birds are a large part of recreation and the general enjoyment of nature.
Despite the way most people feel about birds, they can cause damage to buildings and pose health risks to humans if they are left to roost and live in certain areas. Both bird and bat droppings can deface and accelerate the deterioration of buildings and increase the cost of maintenance. Downspouts and air vents on buildings may be blocked by droppings, nesting materials and in the case of birds, feathers. The presence of these can also attract insect pests.
Maintaining and repairing property damage by bird and bat droppings and nest building can be a constant expense, but infestations can also decrease property values. A known bat infestation for example can decrease the value of a home by 5 to 10 percent in some cases. The accumulation of bird feathers and droppings in some home areas and buildings can lead to electrical shorts and fire hazards.
Birds like geese can also become pests when they take over water areas like swimming pools and golf courses, but have also been known to wipe out entire crops of wheat and corn. In many cases ducks and geese become completely immune to deterrent tactics and refuse to leave once they have made nests. Although in some places, these birds are welcome additions to surrounding wildlife, they can become a problem when droppings and their sometimes aggressive behavior poses a risk to humans in the area.
Possibly the most detrimental risk that can be involved with a bat or bird infestation problem are the health concerns. Through their droppings, many flying animals can carry and spread disease to people and other animals (namely livestock and pets) through their droppings. Bird species have been known to carry encephalitis, cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis and salmonella. Droppings can also harbor airborne spores that can also be harmful to humans.
Because of the positive contributions by many birds, they are afforded protection by not only public sentiment but often by law. Because of the regulations that surround many bird species, in the event of an infestation, it is important to take proper steps in order to take care of them correctly and lawfully. It may be most beneficial to call a professional who can develop a bird control program to reduce or eliminate birds in an area in a humane and legal manner.
Common flying animal pests include bats, crows, ducks, flickers, geese, hawks, magpies, pigeons, seagulls, swallows, starlings and woodpeckers.
Insect damage is not covered by basic homeowner insurance.
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