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- Property Managers are responsible for the appearance of the properties they look after.
- They must also look out for the health and safety of tenants, employees, customers, and visitors.
- Property Managers must prevent structural damage to the buildings they maintain.
- They must also avoid legal liabilities.
Why do Property Managers need to Worry about Bird or Animal Wildlife Control?
Property Managers are in a unique situation. Their 'charge' includes one or more buildings, tenants, employees, visitors, delivery personnel and more. Unchecked bird or animal infestation can end up leading to tremendous costs - from building repairs, to legal fees and even human life, Let's look at the potential areas of concern:
Building(s)
Birds and animals can quickly become a nuisance when they intrude on human environments. Gulls and pigeons often roost on rooftops, ledges, windowsills, HVAC units, and other structural elements. An accumulation of highly acidic droppings causes damage to the building materials. This can lead to very costly repairs to parts of a roof or even require a roof replacement. Clogged gutters and drainage systems from bird nests or animal den materials can cause leaks and water damage. Raccoons, squirrels, or rats frequently chew wiring, pull out insulation in the process of nest building, urinate on exposed wiring and possibly cause fires or other hazardous conditions. The cost of repairing these damages will be significant.
Steel corrosion and subsequent failure due to bird guano (bird excrement) is a huge concern. This can have catastrophic consequences, especially when we talk about high rise buildings. Whole bridges have been brought down by such corrosion.
Drywall replacement becomes necessary when animals urinate or defecate on or near drywall. Mold is also a concern if wildlife gets into walls. Therefore, it is essential that property managers implement control measures before a situation escalates and to keep down damages and repair costs.
Human Health
Birds and wildlife pose significant health and safety risks due to disease, parasites, and bacteria that are harmful to people. Gulls, sparrows and pigeons can carry histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and cryptococcosis; all of these are transmitted through the droppings. When bird guano accumulates on sidewalks, entrances, or around HVAC units on the roof, the droppings dry and become airborne. Once airborne, harmful spores are carried inside the building and inhaled by anyone. People with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues can become very ill. And, of course, rabies in humans is 99% fatal.
Aside from disease, there is also the danger of physical harm from birds or animal wildlife protecting nests and/or young during breeding and nesting season.
Rats, raccoons, squirrels, and bats carry diseases, too, - leptospirosis, hantavirus, and rabies. Rodents are especially notorious for spreading disease through their urine and feces, contaminating food sources and creating unsanitary conditions. Ensuring the health and safety of tenants, visitors, employees, or customers is of the utmost importance for property managers.
Legal Liabilities
Then, there are the legal liabilities that may be associated with bird or wildlife infestations. People who may be injured from slipping on droppings, a bite from a raccoon, or inhaling dried droppings from birds may hold the owner of the property and the property manager responsible for their illness or injury. The property manager could be faced with legal action if unsanitary conditions in or around their building or property is caused by birds and animals. There could also be repercussions for failing to comply with local wildlife regulations. Some municipalities have wildlife regulations that may require property managers to prevent or control wildlife populations, using specific actions or measures. Best to hire a professional bird and wildlife company such as Hawkeye Bird And Animal Control. It is essential that property managers stay informed and take proactive measures.
Issues on Golf Courses and in Public Parks
For properties with golf courses and other landscaped areas, green space, gardens, wild life can still pose a threat. Deer, geese, rabbits love to feed on the young tender shoots of new growth and grasses. Aggressive geese and swans become a problem during nesting season - both will ferociously defend their nests and offspring. Other birds and animals feed on the insects that are attracted to the gardens. Burrowing animals such as groundhogs and moles can leave holes and tunnels in lawns, causing trip hazards or erosion around foundations. Some wildlife will come to feed on the birds and animals that are attracted to the grasses and gardens, such as coyotes.. Coyote encounters are at an all-time high at the moment and several attacks on humans have been reported. It’s more than a little scary to come out to your car in the evening and be confronted by a coyote looking for dinner. Did you know that Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only company in Ontario equipped and experienced to deal with coyotes?
Let Hawkeye Help You with a Property Management Plan
A well throught out wildlife management plan is a must for Property Managers as well as Owners. Immediate and ongoing maintenance will go a long way and save money and reputation in the long run. By implementing the use of deterrents, such as fencing, netting, humane traps, property managers can, with the help of the professionals such as Hawkeye Bird And Animal Control, keep their lawns and gardens in pristine condition. Hawkeye has the knowledge, skills, and experience to implement effective, humane solutions for the specific needs of the property and the property manager. Hawkeye’s services include custom solutions in addition to more traditional inspection, removal, and prevention strategies to ensure that all wildlife problems are addressed. The property manager can then focus on other critical aspects of property management and maintain a safe, clean, and attractive environment for tenants, employees, visitors, and customers.
Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control and get started on your customized Bird and Wildlife Management Plan to keep your propery or properties safe, clean, and operational.
