Outdoors: Birds can wreak havoc this time of year - The Times
I received a call the other day concerning birds nesting in a dryer vent. It was probably the 10th call I have received this year to remove a nest from a dryer or ceiling fan vent. Every call has been exactly the same.
European starlings are a fairly intelligent bird and quickly figure out how to slip their beak under one of the louvers on a louvered vent to gain access to a safe place to rear a batch of young. While it may be safe for the birds, it definitely isn't for the homeowner. Aside from the reduced air flow resulting in higher energy costs and longer dry times, there is a risk of fire.
An added risk exists when protruding nesting material holds the louvers open and a backdraft occurs allowing airborne dust to enter the house.
Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a fungus which lives in bird or bat droppings. It is prevalent in the central and eastern states, especially areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.
Bird's nests can provide a perfect environment for the fungus Histoplasma to grow. People can get histoplasmosis after breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air. Most people who breathe in the spores don't get sick but those who do may suffer from flu-like symptoms. Many people will get better on their own without medication, but in some people the infection can become severe.
Severe histoplasmosis can develop into a long-term lung infection, or it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system or the eye.
According to the National Eye Institute, ocular histoplasmosis syndrome is an eye condition that can develop in people who have histoplasmosis. The infection can move from the lungs into the eyes, leading to vision loss.
The solution is simple. Remove the nesting materials, vacuum or blow out the vent tubing and disinfect all soiled areas. In the worst cases, the vent system may need to be replaced. A vent guard is installed to prevent future access by birds and other wildlife.
Another common problem caused by birds this time of year is when they defend their territory. A male bird, robin and cardinals are frequent culprits, will see his reflection in a window and repeatedly attack the "intruder".
I saw one instance this year where the homeowner had a patio chair in front of a window. The robin had spent so much time on the back of the chair that it was completely covered in droppings.
As this behavior is tied to the mating season, some environmental changes are easily made and only need to stay in place temporarily.
Removing perching opportunities like the chair from in front of the window will cut down on the frequency of attacks. Minimizing or eliminating reflection is a better option. If you have window screens install them now, don't wait for warmer weather. Masking tape in a spiderweb design will work as will soaping the outside of your window. Another option is to shine a light out the window during the daylight hours. A more permanent fix would be to use one of the films, decals or sprays that are applied to the window.
These solutions will also cut down on window strikes where the bird flies into the window. This usually results in the death of the bird.
The good news is not all of your windows at the same. Differences in the angle of the sun, the side of the house and height of the window make some more problematic than others. Usually there are a few windows in bad places that need treated. The other windows on the house are not conducive to attacks and strikes.
For more information on how to protect your house and save birds, check out the American Bird Conservancy or the National Audubon Society.
Mike Barcaskey can be reached at mikebarcaskey@outlook.com.
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