Re: Starlings' droppings can lead to health problems

[Guest guest]

I've heard the same thing about Bat droppings. It can make people very

sick!!!

" If those fungus spores are aerosolized, people can ingest that

fungus and it will cause a lung condition, lung infection, " said

Reid Steinkraus of the County Health Department.

Flock This Way

Starling Invasion

Starlings' droppings can lead to health problems

_http://www.wowt.http://wwhttp://wwwhttp://www.w_

(http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/4520411.html)

They're looking for a warm place to spend the winter, but once again

are not getting a warm reception here in the metro. Starlings are

back in Omaha.

Last year, the U.S.D.A. used noise and poison to control Starlings

and plans are to use the same approach this year. The birds are more

than just a nuisance, they can also pose a health threat.

Near the 132nd and on, Chrissy says she sees the birds

every evening flocking into the city.

" They stay in the forest behind our house, and they just fly over, "

said. " Tons of black birds just flying over our house. It's a

lot. For like five minutes it will keep going. "

Leroy also says he sees " a never-ending line " of Starlings

flocking overhead.

Last year, the U.S.D.A. reduced a flock of 25,000 roosting in

downtown Omaha to about 250.

The poison used to kill the birds is not harmful to humans, but with

the Starlings returning, residents can expect to see some dead birds.

Officials say if you find a bird in your yard you should put it in a

plastic bag, tie it off and throw it away. You should also be sure

to wear gloves.

It's important to control the Starling population because their

droppings cause a fungus, which if disturbed, can cause health

problems.

" If those fungus spores are aerosolized, people can ingest that

fungus and it will cause a lung condition, lung infection, " said

Reid Steinkraus of the County Health Department.

If the birds begin to roost near your home, check with a local pet

store to make sure your feeder does not contain seed that will

attract them.

People with compromised immune systems are most at risk for health

problems resulting from Starling droppings. If you have to rake an

area where there is bird waste, it's a good idea to wet it down

first and wear a mask.

[Guest guest]

Are they implying that their droppings have

fungus in them or that fungus starts to grow on

droppings. I think I may have pigeon droppings

in my chimney that has caused problems since I

didn't have cap on it and flue was accidentally

left open and think the warm air was attracting

birds to sit on chimney cap. This is one thing I

am looking into as far as source of air problems.

--- ssr3351@... wrote:

> I've heard the same thing about Bat droppings.

> It can make people very

> sick!!!

>

[Guest guest]

-Barb, pigeons will gather around your roof in the winters anywhere

where heat may be escapeing. and yes thier dung has mold and they also

pee and this helps it grow. bats can get in where flashing is missing,

bricks in chimneys are missing, etc. and they do like to live in warm

walls during winter. they can get in through tiny spaces. I know now

that if you see pigeons gathered in a spot on your roof you can figure

on there being a problem there that is allowing heat out and probably

mold in. and bats are not a good thing to have in your walls. -- In

, bbw <barb1283@...> wrote:

>

> Are they implying that their droppings have

> fungus in them or that fungus starts to grow on

> droppings. I think I may have pigeon droppings

> in my chimney that has caused problems since I

> didn't have cap on it and flue was accidentally

> left open and think the warm air was attracting

> birds to sit on chimney cap. This is one thing I

> am looking into as far as source of air problems.

>

> --- ssr3351@... wrote:

>

> > I've heard the same thing about Bat droppings.

> > It can make people very

> > sick!!!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I know this article was a little off topic, but I found the wording

interesting for the reason I posted it. If those fungus spores are

aerosolized people can INGEST, instead of inhaled that fungus and it

will cause a lung condition, lung infection. Why would it cause a

lung infection if it was ingested? Another play on words. Even

though we know both is occuring, which is also taking place in water

damaged buildings. Sick Building Syndrome, Building Related

Illnesses, Mold Induced Illnesses, Mycotoxicosis and I'm sure there

are a couple others that I haven't mentioned.

So I guess now that they are assuming or suggesting in order for us

to suffer from mold exposure, we either have to eat moldy drywall or

bird poop. Now where is the logic in this folks......

KC

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...>

wrote:

>

> " If those fungus spores are aerosolized, people can ingest that

> fungus and it will cause a lung condition, lung infection, " said

> Reid Steinkraus of the County Health Department.

>

>

>

> Flock This Way

> Starling Invasion

> Starlings' droppings can lead to health problems

>

> http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/4520411.html

>

>

> They're looking for a warm place to spend the winter, but once

again

> are not getting a warm reception here in the metro. Starlings are

> back in Omaha.

>

> Last year, the U.S.D.A. used noise and poison to control Starlings

> and plans are to use the same approach this year. The birds are

more

> than just a nuisance, they can also pose a health threat.

>

> Near the 132nd and on, Chrissy says she sees the

birds

> every evening flocking into the city.

>

> " They stay in the forest behind our house, and they just fly

over, "

> said. " Tons of black birds just flying over our house. It's

a

> lot. For like five minutes it will keep going. "

>

> Leroy also says he sees " a never-ending line " of

Starlings

> flocking overhead.

>

> Last year, the U.S.D.A. reduced a flock of 25,000 roosting in

> downtown Omaha to about 250.

>

> The poison used to kill the birds is not harmful to humans, but

with

> the Starlings returning, residents can expect to see some dead

birds.

>

> Officials say if you find a bird in your yard you should put it in

a

> plastic bag, tie it off and throw it away. You should also be sure

> to wear gloves.

>

> It's important to control the Starling population because their

> droppings cause a fungus, which if disturbed, can cause health

> problems.

>

> " If those fungus spores are aerosolized, people can ingest that

> fungus and it will cause a lung condition, lung infection, " said

> Reid Steinkraus of the County Health Department.

>

> If the birds begin to roost near your home, check with a local pet

> store to make sure your feeder does not contain seed that will

> attract them.

>

> People with compromised immune systems are most at risk for health

> problems resulting from Starling droppings. If you have to rake an

> area where there is bird waste, it's a good idea to wet it down

> first and wear a mask.

>

[Guest guest]

-when you think about what most birds diet consist of, grain, its not

hard to understand why thier pe-u-de-do is toxic. scares me when I

hear about flocks of birds being found dead or any wildlife. it

should be a alarm going off that theres something not right.-- In

, bbw <barb1283@...> wrote:

>

> I think it is on topic. I had birds sitting on

> my chimney, some times one would fall into

> chimney and down into fireplace until I realized

> chimney needed cap on it. I believe bird

> droppings in chimney could be causing air

> problems in the house since air tests right in

> the fireplace show high mold. It is either

> getting into fireplace by traveling down chimney

> from attic or the problem is in the chimney.

> Bird droppings can be food for mold, add humidity

> that must be in chimney from out doors and you

> have a mold problem. If it can get aerosolized

> into attic through some cracks in chimney can

> spread mold growth into attic. I thought it was

> on topic...for ME anyway.

>

> --- tigerpaw2c <tigerpaw2c@...> wrote:

>

> > I know this article was a little off topic, but

> > I found the wording

> > interesting for the reason I posted it.

>

[Guest guest]

My husband worked at a casino in my state and they had pigeon

droppings up in the upper area of the building about several feet

deep-- and right under that was a roof that leaked for years. Pigeon

droppings going thru the moldy roof must have been the reason my

husband was passing out at work and living in a moldy place at the

same time. Disgusting.

--- In , LiveSimply <quackadillian@...>

wrote:

>

> All animals droppings are very good food for mold.. for the same

reasons

> that its not healthy to have sewage backup in your basement..

(i.e. human

> droppings..)

>

> Bird (pigeon, esp.) and bat droppings are the worst, but cat

droppings are

> also very bad..They carry all sorts of bacteria, viruses, etc. too..

>

> And of course, when it is wet, it grows mold, and when it dries the

wind

> picks it up and deposits that mold and that great mold food

everywhere there

> is a crack that can hold it...

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I have had fires in chimney since

birds were a problem. If bird droppings were far

down into chimney that may burn them off of brick

and hopefully out chimney, hope, hope but bird

droppings further up chimney would just get

'smoked' as chimney brick does not get hot except

right down around fireplace inside what is called

'fire box'.

[Guest guest]

Hi , I don't think chimney brick will ever

get very hot above the fire box or I hope not as

if it got hot enough to burn something off of

bricks, it might damage house structure around it

I would think. I think the fireplace is in an

enclosed fire box to protect house from the heat

but chimney is not protected, just the bricks and

I think they are just designed to carry the

smoke. I have heard that fireplace does not heat

house unless you have it equipped with some

special vents that pull heat out into room.

Otherwise they are mostly decorative or heat only

if you are right in front of it.

[Guest guest]

. I'm going to do this. Thanks. If I could do away with

anything that could be causing odor inside chimney, outside can just

be stuccoed to keep attic air from coming down into house through

cracked chimney brick without rebuilding chimney, assuming chimney is

not about to come down but doesn't look that bad.

--- In , Christ <antares41_41@...>

wrote:

> There is a massive amount of heat going up the flu of a fireplace.

> Bricks are fireproof for all

[Guest guest]

-Barb, when was the last time it's been used? I'd have a chimney

sweeper or someone check it out very well before you start a fire in

it, it could burn your house down if bricks have fallen out or

tuckpointing is discinagrated. its not recomended to use old chimney

flues unless they had a lineing(fluepipe) put in that goes to the top

and out the chimney.-- In , " barb1283 "

<barb1283@...> wrote:

>

> . I'm going to do this. Thanks. If I could do away with

> anything that could be causing odor inside chimney, outside can just

> be stuccoed to keep attic air from coming down into house through

> cracked chimney brick without rebuilding chimney, assuming chimney is

> not about to come down but doesn't look that bad.

>

>

> > There is a massive amount of heat going up the flu of a fireplace.

> > Bricks are fireproof for all

>

[Guest guest]

I don't think you will regret it,?????

hope you realize what your saying. maybe if her insurance doesn't

cover it,you will????

I dont think insurance will cover someone starting a fire in a old

house fireplace without it being inspected first for safety and

sweeped out. bird nests and old buildup is a perfect combination for

a flue fire, add that to even one brick missing and a dry spot and

waalaa, you may get more than you bargained for. I have been raised

around fireplaces and woodstoves,and I have seen a flue fire. not a

comfortable situation. sparks that can go anywhere and start a fire.

and chimney sweeps work better with dry buildup thats why they do it

before you start useing it each winter.

once you have done this buy one of

> those balloons people use to stop drafts in the fireplace.

> http://www.batticdoor.com/fireplacedraftstopper.html

>

> And if you really want to you could hire a chimney sweep guy to come

> and clean out all of the creosote. I would only do this after

you've

> run it a good long time to get all that hard crusted material sticky

> and pliable so that when he comes his equipment will be more

> effective. I personally would not do this myself unless I thought I

> had a lot of creosote that could be a fire hazard. I am assuming

> that's not the case with yours though because you said it's not been

> used often.

>

> The fireplace in the house I am staying at gets a ashtray or

creosote

> smell in it periodically and when it does I run a fairly decent size

> fire in it for a few hours to burn whatever it is in there that

smells

> out. Seems to do it a lot after a rain. There might be water getting

> in there somehow.

>

> You mentioned cracked brick. Cracked brick or lose mortar might be a

> problem, especially where it goes though the attic or is in close

> proximity to combustible material. There's a very very slim chance

> ash or sparks could come out into the attic or a wall space but

> probably doubtful. I think there is a clay pipe that goes down the

> length of a chimney. I am speculating here though because I have

never

> seen how one is built. just let the fire run down before you go

asleep

> at night that way in the very very remote chance there is a problem

> you will be awake and able to deal with it.

>

> MAKE SURE YOUR DAMPER IS OPEN BEFORE YOU START THE FIRE.

> And that there is no cap on the chimney besides the ones that keep

> rain from getting in but let gases out.

>

>

>

> On Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:51:01 -0000, you wrote:

>

> >. I'm going to do this. Thanks. If I could do away with

> >anything that could be causing odor inside chimney, outside can

just

> >be stuccoed to keep attic air from coming down into house through

> >cracked chimney brick without rebuilding chimney, assuming chimney

is

> >not about to come down but doesn't look that bad.

>

[Guest guest]

All this talk about fireplaces, are you okay with wood burning

odors. I don't think I could handle a fireplace. I use to love

them, but the smoke odors could cause breathing problems. I know

lately I have tried to open the window a crack at night to sleep and

all I can smell is wood burning from fireplaces.

> >

> > >. I'm going to do this. Thanks. If I could do away with

> > >anything that could be causing odor inside chimney, outside can

> just

> > >be stuccoed to keep attic air from coming down into house

through

> > >cracked chimney brick without rebuilding chimney, assuming

chimney

> is

> > >not about to come down but doesn't look that bad.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

-yes, I have that problem too.my mom and dads house has fireplace and

woodstove and it gets to me even when they are not being used. if its

been raining the smell is really strong.but thats just one of my many

irratants when I go there. -- In

, " ldelp84227 " <ldelp84227@...> wrote:

>

> All this talk about fireplaces, are you okay with wood burning

> odors. I don't think I could handle a fireplace. I use to love

> them, but the smoke odors could cause breathing problems. I know

> lately I have tried to open the window a crack at night to sleep

and

> all I can smell is wood burning from fireplaces.

>

>

> > >

> > > >. I'm going to do this. Thanks. If I could do away

with

> > > >anything that could be causing odor inside chimney, outside

can

> > just

> > > >be stuccoed to keep attic air from coming down into house

> through

> > > >cracked chimney brick without rebuilding chimney, assuming

> chimney

> > is

> > > >not about to come down but doesn't look that bad.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jeanine, I've had it cleaned a few years ago

after I used it but I should have it inspected to

make sure it is safe. Thanks for all the good

advise people.

[Guest guest]

, Re: chimney condition and insurance.

House has been insured with same company since

the 1970's, since I know agent was friend of my

great aunt who formerly owned house. I just

transferred policy into my name with same agent.

Unfortunately I doubt chimney condition would be

covered expense. If we had earthquake or

something but I think rain coming through leak

around flashing wouldn't be covered damage. If

anyone thinks differently, let me know. I never

have had an insurance claim on this old house. I

just pay the premiums and the money is gone.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, I have lit a fire without opening damper

before so I know it's important from experience!!

I have not used fireplace since I had it cleaned

a couple of years ago. I should have chimney

checked, perhaps a fire in it and someone in

attic to tell me if smoke is getting into attic

would be easy way to tell me how bad the

condition of chimney brick is.

If chimney passes test, then having a few good

fires in it would probably be good.

Chimney balloon looks interesting. These are

some good ideas. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Hi , a fire doesn't bother me but I did read

that it can add to particulate amount in house

and so I decided not to burn them anymore since I

am trying to keep air very clean but to have a

few good fires in chimney as way to clean it of

any microbial life might be a good idea.

[Guest guest]

-Barb, I think it depends on if the malfuntion was caused by storms,

like hail damage,wind etc. or if it was from wear and tear or bad

workmanship. where it gets tricky is that even if the water intrusion

is not covered, the damage from the water may be. and most policys

written before 2000-01 did not tottally exclude mold damage. you would

have to have a insurance expert/lawyer look over your policy.-- In

, bbw <barb1283@...> wrote:

>

> , Re: chimney condition and insurance.

> House has been insured with same company since

> the 1970's, since I know agent was friend of my

> great aunt who formerly owned house. I just

> transferred policy into my name with same agent.

> Unfortunately I doubt chimney condition would be

> covered expense. If we had earthquake or

> something but I think rain coming through leak

> around flashing wouldn't be covered damage. If

> anyone thinks differently, let me know. I never

> have had an insurance claim on this old house. I

> just pay the premiums and the money is gone.

>