Pigeon Pest Control

National Pigeon Pest Control - Deterrents & Extermination

We provide Proactive Pigeon Pest Control Services across the UK 

• Our sales office can provide Free Quotes for all Pigeon problems – 0800 234 3140

You may think that a few pigeons are harmless, but they can quickly become a real nuisance for both commercial and domestic properties.

There are many problems brought on by pigeons, aside from the obvious mess. Adopting effective bird control measures as soon as you spot a potential problem will reduce the potentially devastating effects.

How do I spot a pigeon issue?

Many properties can offer pigeons an ideal habitat, especially if there is waste food available. These birds, in particular, have adapted to our urban environment, so even the smallest areas can provide the shelter needed for a nest.

The following areas are common environments for pigeons:

1. Balconies and ledges
2. Chimney stacks
3. Guttering
4. Flat roofs
5. Roof spaces with damaged or loose tiles

A pigeon only needs a gap of 25mm to gain access to a property, so you may be surprised how easily and quickly a problem can develop. If you think you may have a pigeon problem, the following are obvious signs:

1. The noise of bird cries
2. Birds settling on ledges and roofs
3. Bird fouling mess, otherwise known as guano
4. Debris from feathers and nests
5. Damage to vehicles from acidic droppings

What problems can pigeons cause?

You may be surprised to learn that feral pigeons actually carry more diseases than rats and they are one of the largest causes of insect infestations. Aside from the health implications, pigeons can have a major impact on your property, with risks including the following:

1. Defacing vehicles and buildings with their droppings.
2. Spreading of diseases such as E.coli, Ornithosis and Salmonella.
3. Attracting insects such as bird mites, fleas and textile beetles, which could lead to an infestation.
4. Attacking people, particularly when defending their young during breeding season.

If you have spotted pigeons in your property, we advise contacting our avian experts as soon as possible. The longer the pigeons are left, the worse the problem will become. We guarantee safe removal of pigeons from all types of properties, including warehouses, garages, monuments, commercial offices, homes, and historical buildings.

How to get rid of pigeons

There are many factors which can make pigeon removal difficult without an experienced pest control team, for example:

1. The availability of food from dustbins and discarded takeaways.
2. The ability to breed for the full year if food is readily available.
3. Capable of hiding in small spaces within tall buildings and difficult to access flat roofs.
4. Can flock together in large groups of up to 500 birds, especially on flat roofs.

How to deter pigeons

The best way to discourage these birds is to remove their food source, by keeping food well hidden, not leaving food scraps out and securing bin lids. These birds are scavengers, and they will eat almost anything they can find.

However, in densely populated areas, this is not always practical, so you could also try to block access to potential nesting sites. For example, barriers over window ledges can deter birds from nesting. In addition, the risk of nesting can be reduced by removing potential nesting materials.

If you think you have spotted a potential pigeon infestation, give our avian team a call. Our experienced team uses the latest bird control solutions so that you benefit from a cost-effective and discreet service that won’t harm the birds.

During our assessment process, we will monitor how the birds are using your building so that we can recommend the appropriate proofing strategy. Our technicians can utilise a variety of proofing methods which will prevent nesting, including bird scaring systems, spikes on ledges, wiring and netting.

These are all humane bird proofing methods which adhere to the British Pest Control Association guidelines.

Can you shoot pigeons in the UK?

The shooting of pigeons and other wild birds is legislated here in the UK by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). In addition, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to kill or injure a wild bird, which includes pigeons, unless certain licensing regulations are complied with.

However, culling pigeons as a form of pest control is rarely successful. Any shooting which does take place needs to be compliant with a general or individual wildlife licence. In addition, it is important to note that only those which hold a specialised licence are able to remove a pigeon nest.

How to get rid of pigeons without hurting them

Unlike infestations from mice, rats and insects which can be controlled with poison, the density of a pigeon infestation will quickly return to pre-control measures if a food source is available. New birds will begin to nest, and breeding will quickly resume, which is why the best course of action is to dissuade them from rooting and nesting.

There are many effective methods to get rid of pigeons without shooting them, with the exact control method determined by the location, access, and area of application. The most common pigeon control methods used in the industry are:

• Spiking
• Netting
• Falcon response
• Bird gel
• Trapping
• Nest and egg removal
• Electric bird scarers
• Bird wire
• Laser deterrents
• Shock stripes

All of these methods have their own benefits, with some offering a longer-lasting deterrent. However, as with any pest control method, a single deterrent may become less effective over time. For a particularly heavy pigeon infestation, a series of methods may be used, including nest and egg removal, trapping, shooting and the regular flying of falcons or other predatory birds.

FAQ

• How to get rid of pigeons?
• How long do pigeons live?
• What do pigeons eat?

Why use us for your Pigeon problem?

Here at Pest.co.uk, we have teams of local pest control experts throughout the UK.

We provide commercial and domestic pigeon control, in addition to other pest control services.

Our teams are fully trained in bird control and have access to the professional tools and products needed to eradicate a pigeon infestation. To find out more about our competitively priced national pigeon control service, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.