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While it's always preferable to keep birds from nesting in or around buildings, this is a common occurrence. Many homeowners only discover a nest when they find telltale signs of bird droppings piling up on the ground below. Wild birds can carry a host of diseases and parasites. If you find an active nest around your home or business, it is important to take safety precautions to protect your health while letting Mother Nature complete her cycle undisturbed. What to Do if a Bird Makes a Nest on Your Porch Nest building takes time, so if you notice birds constructing a nest on your porch, take action immediately. There are many ways to make them feel unwelcome and look for an alternative spot. You can wear gloves and remove the nesting material or spray the area out with a hose. Repeat every day until you are sure that the birds have moved away. Only do this during the initial stages of nest construction....

Rat droppings in your house, sounds in your walls and skittering noises at night are indicators of a rat infestation. Deal with a rat infestation quickly to avoid property damage and exposure to dangerous diseases. What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Rats? There are many ways to deal with a rat infestation — some work faster than others. By implementing a combination of methods, you can get rid of rats quickly. Here are some strategies to try. Set a Trap The traditional method of trapping a rat is still effective, especially if you know where your unwanted visitors are nesting, as it's best to place traps close to nesting areas. Rat traps that don't pose any dangers to children and pets are best used in the living space, snap traps are better suited for areas where there is not a concern for children or pets finding the trap. Both are easy to find at various stores and online and are relatively...

According to a recent report by Medical News Today, birds and their droppings can carry more than 60 diseases. While birds are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, bird infestations in and around homes and businesses can have serious consequences. When wild birds nest or gather around buildings, the result is not just messy. It can also be dangerous to human health. Are Birds a Health Hazard? Birds in their natural environment are not a health hazard. Problems only arise when wild birds make their homes in and around human habitats. Owners of pet birds and poultry are usually aware of potential health risks associated with birds and take precautions such as regularly cleaning cages, washing hands and using sanitizers. Do Outside Birds Carry Diseases? While nesting house sparrows or visiting pigeons might be fun to watch, their droppings may contain parasites and bacteria. In addition, droppings often attract other pests, including rodents, flies and cockroaches. Nests may even contain bird mites and...

You likely already know that rats are a nuisance, but they can cause more damage than chewed wires or a compromised pantry. The risks of rats in your home can also include diseases that may transmit to you or members of your household. Understand these diseases and how they're transmitted, and rest assured that Urban Jungle can help address your home's rat problem. Common Diseases Carried by Rats Although the list of diseases carried by rodents is comprehensive, some rat-related conditions are more common than others. Not all rat-borne diseases are the result of direct transmission. Some diseases, like The Bubonic Plague, result from indirect transmission and rats are simply carriers. Common diseases caused by exposure to rat urine, feces or contact with an infected rodent include: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): Rodents spread this severe respiratory disease, which can be deadly. Rat bite fever (RBF): People who have frequent contact with rodents are particularly at risk of developing RBF. Leptospirosis: Humans can...

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. This certainly applies to the popular notion that applying snake repellent to the perimeter of your yard will create an invisible shield that keeps snakes out. It may make you feel more secure in the short term, but if your yard's conditions are an ideal snake habitat, you will likely be disappointed with the results. Does Snake Repellent Work? There's a lot of conflicting information about whether snake repellents work. Manufacturers and suppliers of sprays and electronic devices created to deter snakes naturally promote their products to increase sales. To get an objective view of the efficacy of snake-repellent sprays, one must turn to science. Most snake species have poor vision and use their tongues to collect sensory information about their environment. The problem with dousing areas with foul-smelling or even toxic sprays is that snakes do not perceive odors the same way as humans. They are not tuned in to be offended...

Is There a Bird Stuck in Your Exhaust Vent? Birds are attracted to exhaust vents because they offer shelter, safety and warmth. The enclosed space of the vent mimics natural nesting environments. The most common bird entry points in a home are: Kitchen and bathroom vents Dryer and furnace exhaust vents A musty smell or scratching sounds coming from a vent could indicate the presence of a bird. Frequent chirping indicates that presence of hatchlings. When you suspect there is a bird in a vent, it's essential to resolve the situation quickly to avoid potential health and fire hazards. The Danger of a Blocked Vent Birds nesting in your vents can lead to several issues, including: Health hazards: Birds carry mites that can bite humans and pets and cause skin irritations. Beyond that, prolonged exposure to bird waste and feathers can cause histoplasmosis, a fungal lung infection. Fire risks: Birds build their nests from flammable materials like twigs, leaves and feathers. The nests block airflow...

Rats living in the attic and walls can go unnoticed for years. Unlike mice which frequently enter the kitchen and pantry to find food, rats prefer to live in the structure of the home and go outside for food and water. A rat infestation can cause severe property damage and expose you and your loved ones to dangerous diseases. Here's how to tell if you might have a rat problem. How Do You Know If Rats Are in Your House? Look out for the following seven signs that can indicate the presence of rats in your home. If you're aware of an infestation, you can get rid of these unwanted guests quickly. 1. Rodent Droppings One of the prominent signs of an infestation is rat droppings. You'll likely find droppings in hidden areas like the attic, crawlspace, or garage. Finding droppings in cupboards and drawers, under sinks and near food packages is likely mice or a sign of a severe rat infestation. There are...

Despite their name, ringtail cats aren't related to cats at all. Their scientific name, Bassaricus astuts, means “cunning little fox.” These agile, nocturnal omnivores are members of the raccoon family and are most often heard rather than seen. Although they have adorably cute features, there are several compelling reasons why ringtails and humans should never share space. Are Ringtail Cats Dangerous to Humans? Ringtail cats are not dangerous to humans when they live in their natural habitat, which includes rocky outcrops, canyons, caves or hollow trees. Although they are endemic to the southern regions of North America, many people have never seen a living ringtail. Since ringtail cats are opportunistic feeders, they may become a dangerous nuisance if they find a ready food source or shelter around humans. Although they actively avoid human contact, their feces can spread harmful diseases, parasites and bacteria. In addition, they can be noisy and messy and, like their raccoon relatives, will actively dig through trash to seek...

Birds are common pests throughout the United States and often cause damage by building nests and leaving droppings in your home or attic. All native bird species are federally protected. It is essential to properly identify the bird species before you determine how best to handle the situations. Non-native and invasive bird species, do not share the same protected status as their native counter parts, however, they should still be treated appropriately.  Birds can also carry fleas, lice, and mites on their wings, which can spread if they make their way into your home or business. Once they are on your property, they become difficult to get rid of on your own, which is why you should employ the help of wildlife removal experts at Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal. Factors Influencing Professional Bird Removal Costs There are various effective methods of getting rid of birds with varying costs. When creating an estimate, we consider factors such as the species, the type of...

The very best rat control methods involve thinking like a rat — in other words, do everything possible to make your home environment inhospitable for the critters. 10 Rat Prevention Tips By the time you hear scuttling noises at night or find droppings, rats are already present on your property. It's far better to prevent uninvited rodents by remaining vigilant and using a few simple rat prevention tactics before they move in. Like all animals, rats require food, water and shelter to survive. In addition to preventing them from entering your home, your rat prevention strategy should focus on depriving rats of these three essential requirements. The following 10 practical rat prevention methods can help: Keep your yard clutter-free: Rats love garbage, clutter or even stored building materials. Use compost bins with secure covers: You should also keep your covered composting operation away from the house. Keep your outside garbage in bins with tight-fitting lids: Rats can fit through tiny gaps, so get...