Problem pigeons? Control these pests with pigeon proofing!

Pigeons have become just as much a part of the traditional image of London as red buses, black cabs and Buckingham Palace. They are much beloved by mad old ladies, verdigrised statues and small children. Most other people, however, don’t seem to like them. They are often messy, insect-ridden and diseased.

The sad truth is that London and Hertfordshire have some of the largest populations of pigeons in the UK. While feral pigeons originally lived on rocky cliffs, they now find an abundance of roosting sites in cities as they like flat surfaces, nooks and crannies. Add to this a lack of predators and huge food supply, and it is no surprise that the problem has become so big.

Pigeons do more damage than some people realise. Their droppings are acidic, which can damage stonework, and they make surfaces slippery. This is a particular problem at emergency exits, where ladders may be fouled. The birds also harbour mites and parasites, and can carry diseases such as ornithosis and salmonella. They even cause allergic reactions; there is a condition called ‘bird fancier’s lung’ which is caused by proteins present in the droppings.

The best way to reduce pigeon populations would be to make sure that they are not fed by people, either deliberately or through the dropping of food on the ground. This, however, can be difficult to achieve. A better solution for most people is to keep them away from their property using spikes, sprung wires and netting. The spikes and wires stop pigeons settling on ledges and roosting sites, while the nets can prevent their entry into an area altogether. It is important to get a well-respected pest control company to install these measures, as they will need to make sure that the surfaces are clean beforehand and check that no pigeons are trapped by the netting.

Bird proofing can make your home or business a cleaner and more pleasant place to be.