Bird & Pigeon Control

Certain species of birds, no doubt, can be a serious nuisance; whether it's the noise, the unsightly bird droppings, the association with transference of disease, or actual damage to buildings. 

Feral pigeons, in particular have been linked to disease, with more than 60 transmittable diseases and dangerous parasitic organisms have been found in bird droppings.  Nevertheless pigeon droppings pose little health risk to the general public as it lies undisturbed, but may cause smells and attract insects and it is certainly not aesthetically pleasing.  However, if the pigeon excrement is well dried, and contained within a fairly enclosed space such as a building, then the health risks increase. 

Bird Droppings and Historic & Listed Buildings

Pigeons, beyond the obvious nuisance and unsightly droppings, can actually have a detrimental effect on heritage buildings, especially those constructed of limestone or calciferous sandstone.  These stones are particularly vulnerable to the acid and organisms contained in pigeon droppings (pigeon guano); the bird droppings actually cause irreversible damage to the fabric of the building, causing scarring and damaging the appearance.  The corrosive effects can continue for a long time, even after the guano has been removed.

How Can We Get Rid of the Problem of Nuisance Birds?

The abundance of pigeons and gulls is dependent on food availability, and ideally, removing the food source would be the best option.  However, this is generally not possible, especially in urban areas, therefore another solution is required.  Killing the birds is not an option (if we exclude notions of humane behaviour), as birds from other areas would move into the space freed up, as there would still be food available (probably more, as the numbers of birds had decreased).  We are therefore left with options of how to deter and repel the birds: or, Bird Proofing the building.