Sparrows May Not be as Cute as They Appear

Protecting Your Business

If you own a business, you know that there are a number of threats you will need to deal with on a daily basis. From competing companies opening up a shop near yours to market fluctuations overseas which increase the price of the raw materials you use, running a business is anything but easy. While you know that you will need to face threats from competitors and the global market, your business school education or internships probably never taught you about the dangers of the common sparrow. Yes, as dangerous as increasing oil prices and stiff competition can be, the common sparrow can be more dangerous than all of them. Want to know why? Here is everything you need to know about the common sparrow, along with simple (and inexpensive) ways to eliminate the threat.

An Overview of the Common Sparrow

Sparrows are a family of passerine birds (the Passeridae). They are found all over the world, including places such as Turkey, Japan, most states in Australia, and almost all of the Americas. Though they share a similar name, they are different from the birds known as America sparrows.

Their diet ranges from seeds to insects, and some are known to scavenge for food in cities or suburban areas. Their broad and diverse diet is part of the reason they are so common throughout the world and can cause problems in large cities where scraps and crumbs are common. In the Americas, they are present year-round, though they are less common in cold environment during the winter.

Sparrows are social birds and usually stick together and breed in colonies. Their large colonies are among the most recognizable group of birds on the planet. The primary reason why they are so dangerous and problematic is due to their social nature (one bird is annoying; hundreds can be a nightmare). While some pest birds (or pests in general) will come alone or in small groups, sparrows appear en masse and wreak havoc wherever they go.

Sparrows like to build large nests that act as the nexus for their colony and activity. Their nests are usually found in enclosed or protected areas. Because sparrows seek shelter for their nests, they can cause significant damage to structures (inside and out). Here are a few of the most common places you will find sparrows nesting:

• Under the eaves of a roof
• Behind shutters
• In or around chimneys
• In damaged siding or shingles
• In ventilation pipes and ducts
• Near coolers and heaters mounted atop buildings
• In exposed pipes
• In rafters and crawl spaces
• And anywhere else enclosed, protected, or difficult to reach

Threats and Dangers

There are 3 main reasons why sparrows are so dangerous: First, because of the diseases they carry. Second, because of their social behavior. And third, because of their nesting habits.

You have probably heard pigeons called rats with wings at some point in your life. While somewhat accurate due to their close proximity with humans and desire for human food (like rats), that term would be much better used on sparrows. Sparrows carry more diseases and viruses than most rodents. And due to their social behavior and close proximity to humans, the diseases can very easily be transmitted.  Here are a few of the diseases and viruses they can transmit:

• Chlamydiosis
• Coccidiosis
• Parathypoid
• Salmonellosis
• Tuberculosis
• Pullorum
• Yersinosis
• And parasites, including Acariasis, Schistosomiasis, Taeniasis, and Toxoplasmosis

The diseases sparrows carry are incredibly dangerous, but they aren't the only problems they pose. Due to their social behavior, sparrows are more likely to cause serious and widespread problems than most other pests. When you have a colony of hundreds of sparrows living in and around your business, you are much more likely to come in contact with the disease they carry. Further, there is an increased likelihood that they will cause significant structural damage throughout your business. Finally, a large number of sparrows can be a nuisance to workers, customers, and anyone that happens to be near your business.

Lastly, when sparrows nest, they look for enclosed and relatively safe areas to build their homes. When you have hundreds of sparrows—each one potentially harboring diseases and parasites and filling every nook and cranny of your business—the chance that they will cause serious property damage is very real.

Eliminating Sparrows

Though they are dangerous and ubiquitous, there are safe and effective ways to get rid of the nuisance birds. While some methods are more effective than others, the options you pick will largely be determined by the exact circumstances you face.

Cleanliness

One of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of an infestation is to clean your workplace. If you and your workers leave food and other debris sitting on the ground, the opportunistic sparrows will take advantage of the plentiful food and easy to access nest-building materials.

Block Sparrows from entering open areas with Bird Netting & Bird Slope

Bird netting can be set up in buildings to prevent sparrows from entering eaves or other open areas around your home or business. Bird Slope is particularly helpful and can be installed under eaves to prevent sparrows from nesting or roosting.

Trapping

If a Sparrows enter your building, bird trapping can be an extremely efficient way to capture sparrows.  While trapping requires patience, it is humane and effective.

Call a Professional Bird Control Expert

Another way to get rid of nuisance birds is to call your current pest removal company and ask if they also specialize in bird control.  If not, Bird B Gone offers a nationwide directory of Authorized Installers who will be able to recommend the correct products and installation techniques necessary to rid your business of pest sparrows.

Sparrows are a part of life. While sparrows will always be a part of Mother Nature, that doesn’t mean you need (or want) them around your business. Luckily, getting rid of (or avoiding) a problem is as easy as understanding the birds and taking a few precautions.