Pigeons are dangerous birds in terms of health. They host many microorganisms, which are hazardous for humans and other organisms. The bird is famous and loved by many people irrespective of the diseases it carries. In the past few years, people and domestic animals have been infected with the pest through pigeons which often makes people wonder do pigeons carry ticks?
Yes, Pigeons carry ticks. The ticks living on the pigeon are known as Argas reflexus. The ticks feed on the pigeon’s blood and lay their eggs on its body. Pigeons might spread the ticks to other animals such as stray cats, rats, and other birds. Additionally, it can also harm humans who feed them.
Pigeons transfer several insects, ticks, fleas, bedbugs, mites, and lice. These all are harmful to people and pets. The pigeon nest and cages are also carriers of pests, including ticks. To find more about the pigeon ticks, read the article below.
Read Full Article: Do Pigeons Carry Diseases
Night Bites From Pigeon Ticks
The ticks on the pigeon can cause night bites as the ticks bite at night and cause itching. Pigeon ticks are brown and about fifteen millimeters long and seven millimeters in width. These ticks can transfer from the pigeon body or its nest to the human residence.
Typically, pigeons can build their nest on the chimneys, rooftop, in the exhaust hood, and the window ledges. To prevent the house from tick infestation, spray pesticide on the window sills.
If the pigeons reside in the house or near the ticks can crawl inside and infest the place. These ticks cannot live on the human, but they can bite.
The ticks are active at night; therefore, the bites caused by ticks are called night bites. When they bite the humans, it leaves a red mark on the skin. The tick bite is similar to the mosquito bite. In some cases, the tick bites have caused severe reactions as well.
Are Pigeon Ticks Harmful To a Human?
Pigeon ticks can cause local and systemic infections in humans. However, they do not suck human blood. They can bite humans but cannot lay eggs on them. The reaction from the tick bites varies in some people; it causes marks and slight itching.
The research shows that pigeon ticks can cause several health-related problems. According to Dr. Weigel’s; research in 2015, tick bites can develop IgE-mediated reactions.
The local infection from the tick bite can cause itching, erythema, and Edema. While in some people, the tick bite can cause a systemic reaction, which is an anaphylactic reaction. The anaphylactic reaction is a severe allergic reaction that can kill people if not treated at the time.
According to the natural library of medicine, in the last ten years, almost 28 cases of tick bite allergic reactions are recorded in European countries. However, the reason for the severe reaction is still not understood.
How Do You Get Rid Of Pigeon Ticks?
One of the methods to get rid of pigeon ticks is using an essential oil and tweezer. The tick sucks the blood from the pigeon; therefore, it is necessary to pull it off from the pigeon’s body. The tick will be attached to the pigeon’s body through its legs and head.
You must be gentle and careful while pulling the tick. For this purpose, use an organic tea tree as an antiseptic. Use a cotton swab and apply a few drops of the essential oil on the pigeon skin around the tick. Make sure it completely covers the skin and the body of the tick.
Once you have covered the tick with the tea tree oil, pull the ticks out of the pigeon’s body using a tweezer. You will have to be cautious as not to harm the pigeon. The process can take a few minutes. After the tick is out, use an essential oil on the wound and keep the pigeon under observation for a few days.
How Do I Get Rid Of Pigeon Ticks In My House?
Ticks are a crucial problem in any household. Getting rid of tick infestation from the house is challenging. The first step is to clean and declutter your home. Remove all the clothing and fabric items and put them in the washer. Then use the vacuum to clean the entire house, each corner including the furniture.
Then you can begin the cleaning process. You must kill the larvae and the eggs of the ticks to prevent future infestation. Spray boric acid and a botanical pesticide around the house. These sprays will get rid of the tick’s eggs and larvae.
Adult ticks are slightly complicated to handle; you will have to use multiple products. You can use a pyrethrin base as it is safe and rapid-acting. Plus. Pyrethrin base is infused with several products making it more efficient. Spray it on the door, windows, sideboards, and all the furniture items.
How Do I Get Rid Of Pigeons Around My House?
To avoid the invasion of the ticks and other parasites, you must get rid of pigeons around your house. Pigeons build their nest on the upper portion of the house. Typically, on the rooftops and the window sills.
To get rid of pigeons’ there are several methods. However, make sure you do not harm the animal in the process. The first step is to stop feeding them or placing edible items around your house. Once the food source ends, chances are pigeons will move out.
The other is using the garden hose to scare away the animal. Thirdly you can install slopping covers on the rooftop and the windows. Pigeon uses a flat surface to nest; a slope will discourage it. Plus, you can place anti roosting strips on the windows.
What Kind Of Parasites Do Pigeons Carry?
Pigeons carry several microorganisms; it releases the bacteria in their dropping. The pest residing on the pigeon’s body is dangerous. These parasites feed on the pigeon’s blood. The most popular pigeon pests are ticks and mites.
These pests can invade human residences and can cause infestations. The mites and ticks cannot live on humans but can bite, causing an allergic reaction. The pigeon parasites are dangerous for domestic pets as well. They can kill their host animal.
Conclusion
The pigeon carries ticks, which are dangerous for humans and pet animals. The pigeon ticks suck blood from the host to survive. Typically, the tick can live for ten years on the host. When the host dies, the ticks will move out of its body to search for another host. Even without a host, the tick can last several years.
The ticks move inside homes and live there. They can bite humans, but they cannot live on the human blood. The tick bites are similar to mosquito bites. The bite mark is red and might cause itching.
In some patients, the tick bites have caused severe anaphylactic reactions leading to death. To prevent severe reactions: it is better to get rid of wild pigeons’ nests from your house. If you have a pet pigeon, take good care of it.
In case a pet pigeon is attacked by a tick, remove it immediately. In case the house is infested, clean it thoroughly and spray pesticides.
References
On the adaptation of ticks to the habits of their hosts- Cambridge University
The pigeon tick (Argas reflexus): its biology, ecology, and epidemiological aspects- Zentralblatt für Bakteriologie
