How Can I Protect My Property Against Bird Pests?

The UK’s native birds are an important part of our ecosystem. From blackbirds and robins through to peregrine falcons, we have a wide array of different species in this country which adds to the rich flora and fauna we find right on our doorstep. However, sometimes birds can cause damage to property or cause health risks to humans. This can become an issue in urban areas or around large public spaces or buildings.

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

Bird pest control is essential for many businesses, homeowners, and public spaces that want to keep their buildings and outdoor areas safe and clean. At Shield, we specialise in keeping a wide range of pests at bay, including managing and controlling birds. In this blog post, we will discuss some effective methods of bird pest control, and look at when to call the experts in.

What kind of birds are you dealing with?

Firstly, it is important to identify the species of bird causing the problem. Different bird species have different habits and behaviours, and therefore require different approaches to control.
Some common bird species that cause problems are pigeons, seagulls, starlings, and sparrows. Pigeons and seagulls commonly cause issues due to their droppings, which as mentioned above can cause health hazards. Whereas starlings and sparrows can actually cause damage to property if they start nesting in buildings.

Once you have identified the bird species, you can then choose the appropriate control method.

Visual 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, they are also low cost.

Physical Deterrents:

By installing netting, spikes and wires on buildings, roofs, walls and ledges you can create a physical deterrent which 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.

What Making changes to the surroundings:

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:

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 which fit your unique requirements. Speak to one of our friendly team members today to find out more.