Bird Pest Control: How Can I Protect My Property Against Bird Pests?

Native birds are important to our ecosystems; from blackbirds to robins, we have a wide array of species that add to the rich wildlife we can find right on our doorstep. Birds are wonderful, but they can cause damage to our properties and sometimes cause health risks to humans, especially in urban areas or around large public spaces.

In recent years, this came to light after a child became ill and passed away in 2019 from bacteria that were believed to have come from pigeon bird droppings from a contaminated room at a Glasgow hospital. Although this is extremely rare, it highlights the seriousness of what could happen if wild birds are allowed to nest and multiply in certain areas and ultimately become pests.

For homeowners, businesses, and in public spaces, bird control is important and will help to keep nuisance birds away and keep the outside areas safe and clean. As Shield, we specialise in keeping a wide range of pests at bay, including pest birds. In this blog, we’re going to discuss effective solutions to deter birds and when to call the professional bird control experts in.

What kind of birds are you dealing with?

The first step in bird control is identifying what species of bird is causing the problem. Different bird species have different habits and behaviours, and so the approach to control these pest birds will differ.

Common bird species that we see causing problems are feral pigeons, seagulls, starlings, house sparrows, and other wild birds. Pigeons and seagulls commonly cause issues due to their droppings, whereas starlings and sparrows can cause damage due to nesting in buildings. Nesting materials can block gutters, drainage points, and ventilation.

Once you have identified the species causing your bird problem, it’s time to choose the appropriate method of control.

Ways to Deter Birds

Visual Bird Deterrents

As many birds are prey animals, they are very visually perceptive and will avoid areas where they think they could be at risk of being hunted.

Visual deterrents involve using visual stimuli to scare birds away. Some effective visual deterrents include predator decoys, such as owls or hawks, reflective tape, and scare balloons. These simple methods are not only extremely effective, but they are also low-cost.

Physical Deterrents

Bird Netting & Bird Spikes

By installing netting, spikes, and wires on buildings, roofs, walls, and ledges, you can create a physical deterrent that can prevent birds from nesting or landing in a particular area.

If you have a large open area, such as a courtyard, balcony or roof terrace, installing netting can be very effective at keeping birds out. Whereas spikes and wires are ideal for preventing them from landing and perching on narrow surfaces or ledges.

Sound deterrents

Another form of deterrent is the use of high-frequency sounds to repel birds and scare them away. These sounds are usually inaudible to humans, but are very unpleasant for birds. These can be very effective for small areas, such as gardens. However, they may not work in large open areas. This is because the sound may not travel as far.

Chemical Deterrents

Chemical deterrents are used to discourage birds from landing or nesting in certain areas. These include bird repellent gels, sprays, and foams.

These products contain chemicals that are safe for humans and the environment, but are again unpleasant for birds. They are usually applied to surfaces where birds are likely to land, such as ledges or windowsills.

Bird Control: Making Changes to the Surroundings to Keep Birds Away

Habitat modification involves making changes to the environment to make it less attractive to birds. For example, removing food sources, such as bird feeders or trash bins, can help reduce the number of birds in an area. Additionally, pruning trees and shrubs can reduce the amount of cover available for birds to nest in.

It is important to note that some bird species are protected by law in certain regions. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional London pest control company before taking any action to control bird populations.

When it comes to bird pest control, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips to help prevent birds from becoming a nuisance:

1. Keep outdoor areas clean

Birds are attracted to areas with food and water sources. Keep outdoor areas clean and free of food scraps, pet food, and standing water.

2. Cover waste bins & Remove Food Sources

Bins are a common food source for birds. Covering bins with tight-fitting lids can help reduce the number of birds in the area.

3. Ensure entry points are tightly sealed:

Seal entry points in buildings to prevent birds from entering. This includes sealing gaps around windows and doors, as well as blocking vents and other openings.

4. Install bird-proofing measures:

Installing physical deterrents, such as netting or spikes, can help prevent birds from landing or nesting on buildings and other structures. Bird proofing in London is more common than you might think.

5. Seek professional help

If you have a serious bird pest problem, sometimes the only way to deal with it is to call in the professional pest experts, such as Shield. We have decades of experience dealing with all types of pests, including birds, and will only recommend solutions that fit your unique requirements. Speak to one of our friendly team members today to find out more.