Crows
Crows are a large, glossy black bird that makes their presence known with their loud caws. These birds are very social and will live and travel together in groups, called a murder of crows, sometimes in groups of thousands. Adapted to living near people and taking advantage of the food and shelter our commercial properties offer them, these birds can become a huge source of frustration in urban areas. These birds are very inquisitive and adept at solving problems, which is why keeping these pests off our commercial properties is difficult.
Tall, steep buildings are where this birds like to roost; urban buildings are reminiscent of the cliffs where they would roost in the wild. Crows eat insects, plants, carrion, and almost anything they can scavenge from trash cans and dumpsters. They are a significant issue for commercial farmers and commercial business owners. The large numbers of crows that flock to our properties make these birds especially difficult to control and prevent and increase the amount of damage they can cause. These birds will tear through garbage bins, damage crops, are noisy, leave behind mass amounts of feces, and cause structural damage to the buildings they are roosting on.

Health & Safety Issues
Crows can carry and spread certain diseases or parasites that pose health concerns for humans, pets, and other animals. These health issues primarily arise due to the environments they inhabit (such as urban areas or garbage dumps) and their diet, which often includes scavenged material. Below is an outline of potential health concerns related to crows:
1. Disease Transmission
Can carry pathogens that may pose risks to humans and animals. Key examples include:
West Nile Virus (WNV)
- Transmission: Crows are known to be susceptible to and amplify the West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Infected crows can increase the prevalence of the virus in mosquito populations.
- Risk to Humans: Humans can contract WNV from mosquito bites but not directly from crows.
- Symptoms in Humans: Fever, headache, body aches, and, in severe cases, encephalitis or meningitis.
Avian Influenza
- Transmission: While less common, crows may act as carriers of avian influenza strains.
- Risk to Humans: Rarely transmitted directly to humans, but outbreaks in bird populations can lead to economic and ecological impacts.
Salmonella
- Transmission: Crows can spread Salmonella bacteria through their feces or contaminated surfaces.
- Risk to Humans: Contact with infected surfaces or ingestion of contaminated food or water can cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Cryptococcus
- Transmission: A fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, often found in bird droppings, including those of crows.
- Risk to Humans: Inhalation of fungal spores can lead to respiratory infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
2. Parasites
May harbor external and internal parasites that can affect humans, pets, or other wildlife:
- Mites and Lice: While primarily affecting crows, these can occasionally cause irritation to humans upon close contact.
- Ticks and Fleas: Crows can carry these parasites, which are potential vectors for diseases like Lyme disease or plague.
- Roundworms or Tapeworms: Parasites in crow droppings may pose risks to other animals.
3. Fecal Contamination
Crow droppings can accumulate in urban or suburban areas, creating:
- Slip Hazards: Accumulated droppings can make surfaces slippery.
- Airborne Pathogens: Disturbed droppings may release fungal spores or bacteria into the air.
- Contaminated Water: Feces can pollute water sources, potentially leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
4. Zoonotic Concerns
Although direct transmission of diseases from crows to humans is rare, indirect exposure through feces, feathers, or contaminated surfaces is more common. Proper hygiene, including hand washing after contact with areas frequented by these birds, helps minimize risks.
Mitigation and Precautions
- Avoid handling dead crows without gloves.
- Clean areas contaminated with crow droppings using protective equipment.
- Reduce standing water to minimize mosquito breeding, which can reduce WNV risks.
- Prevent feeding or attracting large flocks of crows to urban or residential areas.
Understanding these risks and implementing precautions can help coexist with crows safely while appreciating their ecological contributions.