The common pigeon is a serious bird pest in both urban and rural environments. They roost in barns, grain elevators, parks, city buildings, and may roost in your attic. While your inclination may be to ignore their presence, pigeons living in the attic pose serious dangers to your health. Like rats, they carry diseases that can affect humans.

The primary danger pigeons in a home present are the transmission of disease. Fungal diseases such as such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis are transmitted to humans by spores in the bird droppings. Symptoms of infection usually are mild, but histoplasmosis may cause flu-like symptoms. More serious symptoms such as high fever, blood abnormalities or pneumonia also can occur. If you have a weakened immune system, cryptococcosis infection can cause you to be more susceptible to lung infection, and may spread to other areas of your body, where it can be fatal if left untreated. Pigeon droppings can lead to the development of mold, and pigeons may attract other wildlife to your attic, including other pigeons and predators.

If you have pigeons in your attic, they must be removed. To reduce the health risks associated with pigeons and their droppings, it’s best to hire a professional to carry out the task. Professionals have the equipment and knowledge to safely remove pigeons and dispose of the droppings without harming you or your family. Once they’re out of your home, prevent pigeons from returning by covering all openings with wire mesh or hardware cloth.

Critter Control of the Triangle can remove pigeons from your home and prevent them from returning. Critter Control also has many techniques to prevent squirrels, raccoons and other animals from entering your home. Give the wildlife experts of Critter Control of the Triangle a call at 1-800-CRITTER or 919-382-0651 in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary NC and the Triangle area.