Impact of Bird Activity on Properties
Bird activity has far-reaching effects on properties, such as damaging structural integrity, safety status, and overall aesthetics. Managing bird-related problems for residential and commercial buildings in Singapore is crucial to avoid costly repairs and preserve building value.
Below is an example of some of the ways birds may be disruptive to your property:
Structural damage
Bird activity is notorious for causing serious structural damage to the rooftops of the building.
Here is an overview:
Roof damage
Bird droppings contain uric acid that attacks materials such as asphalt shingles, concrete, and wood. With time, this causes the roof to deteriorate, which in turn may result in leaks and expensive complications to repair later on.
Clogged gutters and drains
Bird nests built in gutters and drainage systems block water flow, causing backups and pooling water. This leads to an increase in the risk of water penetration that may cause wood deterioration and structural failure.
Compromised ventilation systems
Chimneys, air conditioning vents, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system nests restrict airflow and could cause overheating or loss of efficiency in the systems.
Damage to solar panels
Birds, particularly pigeons, can cause significant damage to solar panels in multiple ways. One major issue arises when birds build nests under or around panels, often due to gaps in installation. These nests can lead to shading, reducing solar panel efficiency.
In severe cases, nests may block ventilation, causing panels to overheat and even risk short circuits. Many solar panel installation companies do not honor warranties if bird nests cause the damage, leaving homeowners to shoulder repair expenses.
Additionally, bird droppings contain corrosive uric acid, which can deteriorate the protective coating on panels. This exposes the panels to further damage from weather elements, leading to costly maintenance and reduced lifespan. To prevent these issues, installing bird deterrents like mesh or spikes around solar panels is essential for safeguarding both their efficiency and durability.
Financial costs
Bird-related problems can escalate to great cost for property owners and managers:
Frequent cleaning and maintenance
The constant removal of droppings and nests and the repair of damaged structures can increase maintenance costs.
Reduced property value
Undesirable bird impact and unreported health risks can be detrimental to a property's value. Such issues make the property less appealing to buyers or tenants.
Health and safety risks
The presence of birds introduces health and safety risks that can affect residents and workers:
Pathogen transmission
Bird feces are a reservoir of pathogens that have toxic effects, such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and salmonella. These may lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, especially when droppings concentrate around ventilation equipment.
Fire hazards
Flammable nest materials (e.g., straw, twigs, and leaves) present a fire hazard when placed near sources of heat (e.g., HVAC units or electrical outlets).
Challenges in Managing Bird Problems in Singapore
So, what challenges does bird management bring to the people in Singapore?
Common urban birds in Singapore, such as pigeons, mynas, and feral crows, are commonly found nesting on rooftops, balconies, or gutters and realize themselves as more than a simple nuisance in a short time.
The pest control for birds in Singapore necessitates a detailed and customized approach. Let's discuss them in detail below:
High-Rise Living and Shared Spaces
Singaporeans mainly live in high-rise buildings, condominiums, and HDB flats, which leads to the shared responsibility of pest bird management. Birds are famous for nesting in hard-to-reach places such as ledges, AC units, or roof corners.
It is possible to clean or dislodge these nests, but only with professional assistance. Many turn to bird control specialists in Singapore who offer professional bird control systems to address these challenges while ensuring the solutions are humane and effective.
Tropical Climate Adds to the Problem
Singapore's hot and wet climate supports a wealth of birds but also exacerbates some of their problems. Continuous precipitation makes pigeon nests into water-collecting dangerous places, which in turn cause clogged gutters, deluge, and leakage possibility.
This also causes bacteria and mold to increase and lead to health problems for local people rapidly.
Hence, installing bird control devices such as gutter guards will help minimize the clogging of the drains, and routine maintenance will guarantee the free flow of water even during heavy rain periods.
Financial and Maintenance Burdens
Unchecked bird activity can quickly lead to escalating costs. For example, during the nesting season, birds can cause damage to roofs, guttering, or even to their air conditioning (AC), which may require constant maintenance and long-term costs.
Hence, there is a need to clean up droppings and nests on a continued basis to keep the costs lower and manageable in the long term.
Compliance with Singapore’s Wildlife Laws
Before you opt for bird control methods in Singapore, check whether the method you choose is legal or not. It is not only about solving the problem itself but also finding the right solutions complying with local regulations.
Many birds are protected by wildlife legislation in Singapore, and it is, therefore, illegal to harm them without the necessary licenses.
Hence, you must be aware of the laws before taking strict measures or hiring a bird control specialist in Singapore to ensure compliance with these regulations while effectively managing bird-related issues.
How to Safely Remove Birds?
Excluding birds from your property is a delicate task, we agree. But it must be undertaken with respect for safety, as well as for the humane treatment of the birds themselves.
In Singapore, some bird species are protected under strict wildlife legislation. Hence, the removal of these birds must be done responsibly, lawfully, and very carefully.
Assess the Situation
First, you should observe the kind of birds that are nesting in your site and analyze their activity before taking any action. Are you dealing with Singapore pigeons, mynas, or crows?
Species identification is useful for learning about nesting behavior. Then, you can decide which will be the best removal method. Some species, such as wild birds or animals like eagles, hawks, etc. These require special permits for removal.
Remove Nests Responsibly
Never remove nests, but always wear gloves and a mask in order to prevent exposure to pathogens present in birds' droppings and nesting materials. Nesting season nest destruction can interrupt reproductive stages in the birds and is often restricted by rules.
If you’re dealing with larger infestations or nests located in inaccessible locations, then you must work with a bird control professional in Singapore to safely and effectively remove them. One of the best and top options include Pestoff pest control solutions.
Use Non-Lethal Deterrents
Although bird-deterring technologies are quite common, like self-luminous strips or ultrasonic devices, they should not cause any harm to the birds in any way. Using anything to cause any harm to birds can put you in a legal complication in Singapore.
Now that you know how to approach the bird control situation in Singapore let us look at some of the ethical ways to address this problem.
Legal and Ethical ways to control birds in Singapore
In Singapore, the wildlife regulations are very strict. There are many bird species that are protected under the law. Hence, your bird control methods must align with the legal and ethical guidelines listed by Singapore’s government.
Here’s how to ensure your bird control efforts are compliant and humane:
Know the Laws
Some Singaporean birds, for example, hawks, and eagles, are listed as protected species by wildlife laws. It is illegal to remove or damage them without the proper licenses. Hence, it is advisable to contact the National Parks Board (NParks) or hire a pest control company that is licensed to do so.
Prioritize Humane Methods
In Singapore, non-toxic and harmful techniques are promoted for bird dispersal, which usually includes spikes, netting, or noise devices. Harmful methods like culling are penalized and fined.
Engage Bird Control Specialists
Licensed bird control practitioners in Singapore are knowledgeable of the laws and able to devise and implement solutions that are legal under Singaporean law. They also have access to effective and humane instruments and methods. Hence it is highly advisable to get in touch with them for responsible bird control solutions.
