Bird Nets as an Invisible Shield: Safeguarding Health from Bird-Related Diseases

The balcony of your house might be the go-to rest place for many of you. Our birdie friends can make that place not so good for you by nesting there and pecking around which is why installing a bird net is necessary. Especially a city like Banglore where there are so many apartments and high rise buildings, its difficult to avoid the invasion of these pigeons. Installing an invisible bird net is not just for preventing these birds from making your home dirty or damage your property but also ensures you a healthy life without harming the birds, thus promoting a better space for both humans and birds to co-exist. Take pigeons for example, these creatures known as the rats of the sky are very harmful to human health as they bring allergies and lung-related issues so safeguarding your home from these issues are priority. Not just this, these birds can make your favorite spot a mess with droppings, nesting, and food waste. Preventing all this without the birds from getting injured or trapped should be our focus as this is an ideal way to co-exist with them which we must do. The invisible bird net available now will help you maintain the aesthetics of your home.

Health Risks Associated with Birds

Though birds play an important role in maintaining a healthy environment, they can pose several health risks to humans.  If the birds nested in your balcony or garden are infected by any virus or bacterias, then their droppings and feathers can cause diseases. It is transmitted to humans through the inhalation of dried droppings or secretions from infected birds. Here are some of the health risks associated with birds:

1. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Bird Flu is caused by the Avian influenza virus and symptoms in humans can range from mild to severe, including fever, tiredness, cough, headache, and sore throat. In some severe cases, it can even become pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and respiratory failure.

2. Psittacosis (Parrot Fever)

Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia.

3. Cryptococcosis

Fungal infection is caused particularly by pigeons. The infection primarily affects the lungs and can spread to the central nervous system, causing meningitis.

4. Salmonellosis

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

5. Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter jejuni.

Symptoms: diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

6. West Nile Virus

The cycle of the West Nile Virus is interesting as mosquitoes are the ones that transmit this to us humans. But the cycle starts from infected birds that transmit this virus to mosquitoes, which can then infect humans. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, headache, and in severe cases, neurological disorders.

7. Allergies

Birds can also trigger allergies in people whose immune system is weak. Some people suffer from severe lung issues because of bird droppings and feathers, especially that of pigeons.

Symptoms: sneezing, itchy eyes, and asthma exacerbation.

Types of Bird Netting

Exclusion Netting: Designed to keep birds out of specific areas.

Bird Control Netting: Specifically designed to prevent birds from roosting or nesting in unwanted locations.

Anti-Roosting Spikes: While not netting, these are often used in conjunction with netting to deter birds from landing on certain surfaces.

When Selecting a Bird Net:

Material: Bird nets can be made of various materials and the best among them would be  HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). They are durable, weather-resistant, and virtually invisible.

Mesh Size: consider the specific bird you are trying to prevent and opt for a mesh size that effectively deters birds without harming them. A 25mm square mesh is generally suitable. When using bird nets, it's important to consider the welfare of the birds. Nets should be checked regularly to ensure no birds are trapped, and they should be removed during the off-season when they are not needed.

Strength: The net should be strong enough to withstand various weather conditions and prevent birds from tearing through it. There are bird nets with UV protection which will protect the net from very hot weather.

Warranty: A good quality bird net should come with a warranty. This indicates that the manufacturer stands behind the durability and effectiveness of their product.

Certifications: Look for bird netting that has been certified by wildlife organizations or has been recognized for its humane design and effectiveness.

By installing a bird net you can also prevent your kids from getting asthmas or any related issues as they will be prone to them at their age. You can install a pigeon net yourself or hire a professional. Measure the area correctly and ensure the net is the right size for your area. There are so many good bird nets available on Amazon and other online platforms like R-Shields Bird Net, Garware Bird Net, and more. If you are installing it yourself, take proper measures like fasteners to prevent the net from sagging or loosening. Also, check the net regularly for any damage or wear and tear. Now you guys know how to choose the right bird net and so by following that and the proper installation guidelines, you can create a harmonious coexistence between humans and birds.