Feathered Foes: A Definitive Guide to Bird Pest Control in the UK
Birds! Ah, the songsters of the skies and heralds of spring. But then something unexpected occurs - droppings on your new car, seagulls digging through bin lids, or starlings nesting on roof surfaces? Suddenly, these feathered friends became feathered foes!
Bird infestations in urban and city centres in the UK can be more than just an inconvenience; their presence poses a real threat to people's health, safety, and property. This article will give an overview of all bird control measures available throughout Britain.
At this point, let's dive in! By the end of this read, you'll learn how to effectively combat bird issues around your property with bird pest control measures.
The Importance of Bird Pest Control
Bird pest control is essential for multiple reasons, including:
Health Concerns: Insect Pests: Pigeons and gulls carry diseases that are transmitted through their droppings; which provides the ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria to flourish and multiply. Also watch out for feral pigeons, which are often carriers of disease.
Property Damage: Bird droppings can corrode buildings, while nests can clog gutters and cause more severe issues. This is where bird control and proofing come into play to address these risks.
Food Contamination: Birds pose a potential threat to businesses in the food industry by contaminating food sources in storage areas, necessitating bird control strategies such as bird netting and spikes for management purposes.
Toolbox For Bird Netting: Physical Control Techniques
Bird netting is the go-to solution when it comes to keeping birds out of certain areas. No one wants pigeon nests on their balcony!
Our materials include polyethylene (a strong yet light material) and nylon (tough material).
Mesh sizes can range between 18mm and 100mm for protection of specific areas from birds. 19mm bird netting can help keep smaller birds such as sparrows at bay, while 50mm bird netting works better against larger birds such as pigeons and gulls.
Some experts also strongly advise bird netting as an effective bird control solution to stop birds from nesting on your property. For an additional layer of defence, you could try Bird Spikes as another preventive measure against nest-building birds on your property.
Bird spikes make surfaces uncomfortable for birds to land on, including popular bird control spikes and pigeon spike installations. Materials used include stainless steel for strength and polycarbonate for lightness.
“Did you know bird spikes can also serve as seagull spikes? By discouraging birds from perching on window and door ledges and roosts, these devices serve to deter birds.”
Lasers can reduce bird populations by more than 70%. When directed at birds, it stimulates their natural fight or flight response and causes them to flee the area.
There are various kinds of bird laser systems:
Handheld versions are designed specifically to work where an automatic system may not.
Automated lasers are set up to scare birds away at all hours of the day, while shock track systems also help ward them away.
Shock track systems are highly effective, high tech ways of controlling birds.
Decoys Sometimes trickery is key! Plastic owls and hawks used as decoys can fool birds into thinking there's an impending predator lurking nearby; but be wary; smart birds may recognise these decoys as such a ruse!
Types:
Static (like a scarecrow for birds).
Moving - More realistic and less likely to be discovered by our feathered foes.
Bird repellers and decoys work hand in hand to deter birds.
Bird Wire acts as an invisible tightrope that birds simply cannot balance on.
There are two different types of Bird Wire available:
Nylon Coated for subtly, nearly invisible use or Bird Wire with Nylon coating are two methods used by birders as deterrents from birds:
Stainless Steel - As durable as a cup of black coffee.
Bird wires work well with post and wire systems for birdproofing purposes and should be an essential component in birdproofing strategies.
Gel Repellent can also help repel birds. Gel repellents work by leaving surfaces sticky, making the birds unable to perch and flying away en masse! Birds tend to find other places more inviting.
We offer transparent versions as an invisible shield, while coloured versions may make their presence known when needed.
Professional bird control companies recommend the use of bird repellent gels in order to discourage pesky birds from roosting and nesting.
Chemical Control Techniques
Chemical bird control involves employing chemicals to discourage birds from visiting certain regions, usually using unpleasant or toxic agents that produce an undesirable environment for them - deterring them from roosting, nesting, or eating in these treated areas.
Avicides may be employed in this regard. Avicides are used to control pest bird populations. Please use them with care!
Each type has different risks:
Fenthion is not for the faint of heart
DRC-1339 can be classified as heavy artillery.
Bird controllers in the UK must comply with regulations for using avicides.
Repellents
Some types of bird repellents include sprays, gels, or granules as a solution for keeping birds at bay.
Types include:
Methyl anthranilate is often referred to as hot sauce for birds.
Anthraquinone - commonly referred to as bird poison.
Hazards must be considered when considering this compound, and safety must come first!
Natural Control Techniques
Mother Nature can often provide the most effective solutions.
Birds of Prey
Nothing says, "Don't mess with me!" like seeing an enormous, menacing hawk standing there, staring back.
Here are the different types available:
Falcons - Falcons are known for being the fierce fighter jets of the bird world.
Hawks serve as intimidating bouncers at clubs.
Birds of prey, such as hawking kites, can also help tackle bird infestation issues efficiently.
Dogs provide additional control against bird infestations. Dogs, specifically Border Collies, are excellent ways of controlling birds. Dogs such as these can be used as humane methods of bird control on large properties where nuisance gull nesting occurs.
Regs and Legislation in the UK
Know Your Boundaries! The Wildlife and Countryside Act in the UK protects several bird species; don't assume you can make decisions without consulting with authorities first.
Environmental Impact
As humans, we should tread lightly on Mother Earth. When considering bird pest control methods, take care to consider their impact on non-target species and ecosystems.
Ecosystem balance
When altering bird populations for any reason, an imbalance can occur within an ecosystem's composition. For example, reducing pigeon numbers could result in an increase in insects as these birds feed on them.
Non-Target Species
To ensure that control measures do not negatively impact other wildlife, bird trapping must be conducted carefully so as not to capture non-target bird species.
Professional Assistance
Know when it's time to call in the experts.
Apex Pest Control's professional bird management and prevention professionals specialise in professional bird control services to prevent birds from nesting or roosting on buildings, structures, or farms; reduce damage caused by birds; and minimise health threats posed by them.
Common professional methods used include:
Bird netting bans birds from certain areas.
Spikes on ledges, signs, and surfaces to deter them from perching or roosting can also deter perches or roosts.
Scarecrows shiny surfaces or predator sounds may help deter birds in certain areas.
Trapping and shifting nuisance birds may help further.
Bird repellents are non-toxic or chemical deterrents designed to stop birds from landing or feeding on the surface.
For expert bird control services near you, contact your local pest control provider that offers bird control.
This may include
Site Assessment
Treatment and Prevention Plans
Monitoring
When it comes to ridding yourself of pest birds like pigeons or other nuisance birds, professional pest controllers with specialist qualifications should always be your go-to option.
Emergency Pest Control
Sometimes bird issues require immediate action to protect public health, which necessitates emergency pest control services as soon as possible. In such instances, it becomes essential that emergency services be availed of.
Heat Treatments and Flea Treatments
Heat treatments can be used to rid buildings of bird mites, while flea treatments address insect infestations - making these options especially helpful when dealing with nests containing crawling pests such as bird mites.
Home Remedies
Don't dismiss simple solutions outright without giving them a fair try first!
Examples:
Aluminium Foil Strips
Spices may prove helpful.
Placing bird feeders away from your house may also help divert birds away.
Wrapping Up Your Bird Pest Control Journey: Reaching Achievable Results
Now you have an all-encompassing understanding of bird pest control in the UK! From physical barriers such as bird spikes to natural methods like birds of prey, there's an effective method for any scenario involving bird removal. When considering this aspect of animal removal, it's essential to take both environmental impact and legality factors into consideration.
When in doubt, don't hesitate to rely on professionals for bird management assistance.
FAQs
What should I do if I discover a nest with eggs on my property?
In the UK, it is illegal to remove nests during breeding season, so it would be best to wait until all birds have left or seek advice from a professional bird controller before taking action.
Can bird droppings make me sick?
Yes, bird droppings can carry diseases and create health concerns, making it essential to keep environments free from bird guano.
Are there humane methods of bird deterrence on my property?
Absolutely! From bird spikes and using birds of prey, there are various effective humane techniques that can deter birds. Solar panel bird proofing is one example that will protect both birds and your property at once.
Take charge and create a no-fly zone on your property, but always remember to respect Mother Nature and the law when doing so. Safe flying! Wink.
What are some effective bird deterrents used for bird pest control?
There are a variety of bird deterrents available, such as spikes, netting, ultrasonic devices and birds of prey that can help to keep birds away from specific areas without harming them; this
makes these devices great for protecting properties against damage or health risks associated with bird droppings.
Can birds bite humans, and should it be a cause for alarm?
Some birds can bite when feeling threatened or protecting their nests from danger. While most bird bites aren't serious, it is always wise to be wary when dealing with larger or more aggressive birds, as it increases your odds of disease transmission through bites.
Do British birds pose any particular problems as pests?
There are certain birds considered nuisance pests in the UK. Pigeons, gulls, and starlings are popular examples that often cause issues in urban environments, including property damage, noise pollution, and health risks due to droppings from these birds.
What role does the British Pest Control Association play in bird pest control?
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) plays an indispensable role in providing training, support, and advice to pest control professionals. Furthermore, they set forth standards and best practises for handling and controlling pest species - such as birds - effectively and humanely.
How can bird control and proofing work together to protect my property from birds?
Control measures aim to decrease or eradicate bird populations from an area, while birdproofing involves keeping them out. Spikes, netting, or other deterrents used alongside control methods such as bird removal or using birds of prey provide an integrated approach for managing bird issues on your property.
How should I handle dead birds found on my property?
It is essential that if you discover dead birds on your property, they be handled with extreme care to reduce any health risks. Wear gloves when handling the bird and place it in an airtight bag before disposing of it in an outdoor bin. If multiple dead birds appear, it might be wise to consult a pest control expert or the relevant authorities, as multiple dead birds may indicate larger issues that need attention.
What entry points do birds use to enter buildings?
Birds commonly gain entry through vents, chimneys, loose siding, or gaps under eaves or roof tiles. Regular inspection and sealing can help stop birds from taking advantage of such vulnerable entryways to gain entry.
Why Are Bird-Proof Fire Escapes Essential?
Birds often use fire escapes as perches or nesting sites, leading to a buildup of droppings that is unsanitary as well as potentially hazardous during an emergency situation. Therefore, birdproofing fire escapes is absolutely crucial for safety purposes.
Why Is Gull Proofing Necessary?
Gullproofing involves taking measures to deter seagulls from nesting or perching on buildings. This practise is essential as their nesting can become aggressive during nesting season, and their droppings pose health hazards that can damage property as well as the environment.
Are house sparrows considered pest birds?
House sparrows can be seen as nuisance birds when their numbers increase significantly on properties, causing damage or creating noise problems. As their populations have decreased significantly in some regions, it's essential to check local regulations prior to taking any measures against them.
What are the most effective methods of bird control?
There are various techniques available for controlling birds, from physical deterrents such as spikes and netting to birds of prey, auditory devices, and chemical repellents - each depending on your bird species and individual circumstances. Which approach proves most successful can vary greatly.
What steps can be taken for bird pest control if there's an extensive infestation?
When faced with an infestation of severe proportions, using multiple approaches to combating it is usually the most successful. These could include eliminating food sources and using deterrents like spikes or nets as deterrents, as well as hiring professional bird removal - it is highly advised to contact someone experienced in pest bird control to assist.
How can I safely remove sparrow nests from my property?
Removing sparrow nests should be carried out outside the breeding season with care not to harm any birds that nest there, although professional assistance might be best in certain instances when nests are hard-to-reach or large.