Urban pest birds such as pigeons and gulls are becoming a real problem in all areas. Bird droppings look unsightly and will damage buildings through direct chemical action and can block gutters and drains leading to water damage.

The main bird causing the problem is the Feral Pigeon (Columba Livia). These not only cause damage, but also transmit human diseases such as ornithosis, allergic alveolitus and cryptoccosis.

Their droppings are extremely slippery, and can lead to problems in public areas. Pigeon nests can also block chimneys and flues causing a build up of dangerous an poisonous gases. The birds also cause distress through their noise and unpleasant smell and the larger birds such as gulls may actually attack humans.

Bird Control Division

Our Bird Control Division specialises in pigeon and gull proofing and provides a range of services including surveying, cleaning, proofing, repairing existing proofing, mantaining new installations and providing all the access equipment needed. Proofing is achieved by methods such bird netting, spiking, culling, scaring and installing bird wire systems at height.

Our technicians are fully qualified on power access platforms, bird proofing and abseiling - with many modern buildings it is not always possible to use access platforms and abseiling can often be the only alternative.

By employing skilled technicians, owning our own platforms and plant and having the expertise to access by rope, we can offer a far more cost effective service, reducing the cost of treatments significantly.

Bird Netting Systems
A tight, well installed Bird Netting System of the right mesh size is the only proofing solution which can be confidently offered to solve virtually any urban bird problem. The netting used is specially made to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. It will not absorb water, will not rot, is stabilised against Ultra Violet light and is chemically inert. If a corrosion-resisting suspension system is used and provided the net is not physically damaged, you should expect a working life of 10 years or more.

Bird Netting can be used vertically or horizontally, in small or large areas. The very wide range of fixings offered means that the netting can be suspended on virtually any structure or substrate. With specially designed fittings, it can even be used to protect roofs.

When properly installed, Bird Netting is very difficult to see from only a few metres away. Very often the only evidence is a shadow against the sky. The most popular colour is black, but on light coloured buildings stone or translucent netting may be preferable. A particularly discreet net is available in the 19mm (3/4") mesh size, appropriately called "Shadow Net".

As one net can be used to protect many perching places, Bird Netting is often the most cost effective solution to urban pest bird problems.

Spiking Systems
Independent scientific research has shown that if they are sufficiently highly motivated, pigeons can overcome any proofing system other than a properly installed and maintained net. Where netting can not be installed, you will always run the risk of persistent birds getting back on the proofed area, particularly where they have been roosting or nesting. This risk is significantly reduced if you use a spiking system.

There is a wide range of spiking systems to deal with a wide range of situations. In terms of material costs, spikes are relatively expensive compared to other systems. However the ease of installation means that they are very quick to install, with consequent savings on labour. Spiking systems are not effective against starlings or sparrows.

Bird Wire Systems
In light pressure situations the Bird Wire System offers a discreet economical solution. However, in areas where the birds are rather more persistent, such as ledges overlooking a regular source of food, special installation techniques must be used to successfully deter these birds. This system should never be used where birds are roosting or nesting at night. It is one of the few systems that can be used against seagulls, but once more only in "Light Pressure" situations. This system is harmless to birds.

One or more rows of thin wire, tensioned with springs, are held just above the surface being protected. They present a physical barrier to the birds normal landing behaviour and even if they do find a way to land, the unstable feel of wires will deter all but the most persistent birds.

Bird Culling
In some situations, significant success can be gained by the control of small, local population of birds through the targeted removal of the problem birds concerned. The likelihood of success is enhanced if other techniques are used in conjunction. In these situations, provided local laws permit, shooting with air guns and trapping may be appropriate.