Very few birds are officially classified as pests. A pest is typically defined as unwanted or undesirable and causes nuisance or damage. While birds are beautiful in their natural habitat, their presence on buildings can lead to fouling and damage, necessitating methods to deter them.
Bird Proofing
Bird proofing involves an inspection of the premises whether commercial, industrial or residential to provide a workable solution. These methods are preventative so once in place birds are discouraged from landing and settling. Naturally, the method chosen will be reviewed to ensure it has the desired effect. Our team our big on communication and transparency so you will be involved at each stage of the process.
To effectively deter birds, it’s essential to identify the species, understand relevant legislation, and determine the reasons for their presence: nesting, feeding, or roosting. Recognising these factors ensures the use of legal and effective proofing methods.
Feral pigeons are the chief culprits in the UK, but you may also experience issues with other types, including gulls, starlings, and crows. In most instances the first step is analysing the issue and find the correct form of bird proofing for your premises.
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Bird Proof Netting
Here is an example of a bird-proof netting project we implemented. Installed professionally, the netting is almost invisible to humans when observed from a distance and harmonises with the building’s aesthetics. Bird netting can be used in various applications and is suitable for all building shapes and sizes. The gauge of the net depends on the bird species and should only be specified by a professional survey and an individual with the correct training and knowledge, avoiding injury to birds and providing effective exclusion. Professionally installed bird netting can be a safe and sustainable solution to your bird issue. Other methods are also available, including anti-perching, spiking, optical gel, Avishock, and bird acoustics scarers. These alternatives can be very effective. All are approved, do not hurt birds, and are sustainable solutions.
Pigeon Proofing Spikes
Due to their large populations, pigeons often do not receive a positive reputation. In urban areas, they can create significant problems by leaving behind droppings, known as guano or fouling; this tarnishes buildings, damages air conditioning, and blocks gutters. While pigeons are not the only culprits of these troubles, they are among the most common concerns we address.
Pigeon proofing spikes also referred to as bird spikes (depending on the behaviour and species causing the issue), can be installed on roofs, gutters, ledges, walls, surveillance equipment, and signage. These spikes serve as an effective deterrent for birds looking to perch, which helps to reduce guano staining and minimise wear and tear on the exterior of properties.
What is Classed as a Pest Bird?
Birds are protected by two laws and not categorised as pests. The Protection of Birds Act 1967 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1982 protect wild birds, prohibiting harm or disturbance to their nests without professional guidance. The general public may well class a pest bird as a bird in urban areas including feral pigeons, starlings, house sparrows, and some gull that causes damage or mess to property.
A pest management company will work within those laws to deal with the issue while protecting birds. This is what makes preventative solutions the best approach. Deter these birds with the help of pest management companies to avoid contamination in food production facilities, where droppings and nesting materials can lead to hygiene issues and increased insect activity. While a single bird poses little risk, large gatherings can damage property, contaminate food, and pose public health risks.
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Commercial Bird Control
We have a depth of experience delivering commercial bird control. Whether introducing bird proof netting or spikes to resolve the issue we have given companies an instant facelift, removing guano and ensuring a subtle solution that works with their brand. In some cases the issue has been plaguing them for many years because they were simply unaware that an affordable approach was available. It is also important to us that we do not disturb trading businesses so we install the preventative measures, avoiding busy times, and can offer our services on evenings and weekends if preferred.
Guano Removal
As we have mentioned above guano is a frequent issue for businesses. Whether you are looking for guano removal or bird fouling removal we incorporate bird proofing alongside a full clean-up process. Guano removal is essential to prevent:
- an unsightly mess that can cause damage to buildings
- risks to health as the guano or bird droppings contain viruses, bacteria and parasites
- staining on buildings, as acidic bird droppings can affect stone, particularly limestone
- blocked gutters or drains as guano and nesting materials build up
What are the benefits of bird pest control?
- Reduce maintenance and cleaning costs to buildings affected. Pest birds (or as we call them ‘nuisance birds’ are a constant nuisance and the droppings and nest building materials they leave behind can cause long-term damage. Limestone is particularly vulnerable to the acidic properties in guano. It is important for health and safety to remove the bird foul but this will result in an ongoing cleaning cost.
- Reduce damage to buildings with a neat and unobtrusive solution like netting and spikes. It improves the look of the building whilst deterring birds from landing or perching. Bird dropping are unsightly and wear and tear on stone and brick can cause unknown problems if the issue escalates.
- Insect infestation prevention. The pest bird droppings attract insects which can carry diseases into food manufacturing and preparation establishments. They may cause damage to property as well as stored foods and they harbour insects and mites.
- If you are near public spaces then it prevents fouling on pavements, around entrances and all important fire escapes. This can pose a slip, trip and fall hazard. A local government premises struggled with their fire escape route being compromised by pigeon droppings until we resolved the issue with spikes on ledges and the roof.
- A nuisance with lots of birds settling over offices is the noise they make. Pest birds can make a disruptive amount of noise. The same issue can hamper customer experience in hotels and restaurants. When they nest in bulk there can also be an associated smell from fouling and regularly used habitats. These issues need dealing with quickly to protect the brands reputation.
- A reduction in the risk of disease. Pest birds carry bacteria, viruses and parasites as do their droppings which can be transmitted to people.