Pest Control
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When birds roost, perch or nest on a building, the answer is almost always proofing: changing the building so the birds cannot use it. There are several systems, and each suits a different situation. Choosing the right one depends on the species, how determined the birds are, and the part of the building they are using.
Why birds on a building are worth dealing with
Pigeons and gulls are the usual culprits on commercial buildings, with starlings and other species on homes. Where birds have food nearby and shelter on the building, they gather in numbers, and that brings:
- Fouling that stains and wears stonework, brick and signage and is costly to keep cleaning.
- Blocked gutters from feathers, droppings and nest debris, leading to water damage.
- Slip hazards where droppings collect on pavements, steps and walkways below a roost.
- Health concerns. Bird droppings can carry bacteria and fungi, and dried droppings become dust that can be breathed in. Clearing a build-up needs care and the right protective equipment.
Perching or nesting?
The first question in any survey is what the birds are doing. Birds that perch on a ledge during the day, or roost on it overnight, need to be stopped from landing. Birds that nest in a gap, a void or under solar panels need to be kept out of that space. The two problems need different systems, and many buildings have both.
The main systems
Spikes. Rows of blunt spikes fixed along ledges, sills, parapets and the tops of signs. They do not harm birds: the birds see there is nowhere to land and move on. Spikes are durable and suit narrow ledges where pigeons perch. They need to cover the full width of the ledge, or birds will sit beside them.
Sprung wire. Thin stainless steel wires held under tension a short height above a ledge. A bird trying to land finds an unstable footing and leaves. Sprung wire is discreet, which makes it a good choice for listed buildings, shopfronts and anywhere the proofing should not be noticed from the street.
Netting. A tensioned net that closes off a whole area, such as a recess, lightwell, canopy, balcony or the underside of a loading bay roof. Netting is the answer for larger spaces and for heavy bird pressure, where birds are determined to get in. It must be fitted tightly and checked, because a loose or damaged net can trap birds.
Mesh. Galvanised or coated mesh that closes off gaps and openings: the space under solar panels, eaves gaps, open vents and voids. Where a vent is meshed, the ventilation keeps working. Our guide to solar panel bird proofing covers the commonest example.
What about gels, scarers and sound devices?
Repellent gels, decoy birds of prey, reflective strips and recorded distress calls are widely sold. They can move birds in light situations for a while, but birds get used to them, and on a building with a reliable food source nearby they rarely make a lasting difference. We rely on physical proofing because it keeps working.
Clearing up before the proofing goes in
Proofing fitted over fouling and old nests leaves the problem underneath. Droppings, nest material and debris are cleared first, bagged and removed from site, and the area is disinfected. Only then is the proofing installed.
Timing and the law
Wild birds, their active nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Proofing goes in where there are no active nests, which for most species means outside the nesting season. Feral pigeons breed all year, so every site is checked for nests before work starts, whatever the month.
When to call us
Tell us what the building is, where the birds are and what they are doing. We survey the elevation, recommend the system that suits it, and install and maintain it ourselves, including at height. Our bird control page explains how a job runs, and building protection covers proofing for other species. Call 01926 632 929 or request a quotation.
Bird control and proofing → Building protection → Commercial pest control →