Whilst it might sound less common, pigeon pest control is something that we’re frequently approached to assist with. Most people will just think of pigeons as a general nuisance, but there are actually a number of more serious issues that pigeons can cause outside of general disruption.
The obvious and most common issue that people will associate with pigeon infestation is the fact that they foul buildings, windows and other outdoor fixtures. However, they have also been known to pass on diseases to humans. They can be carriers of such diseases as salmonella, listeria and e-coli. These diseases can be passed through their droppings (Guano), or through contact with the bird itself.
Pigeon droppings can also cause issues outside of the potential passing of diseases. They’re actually acidic, which means that they can cause corrosion of brick/stonework and metal. This damage can build up and cause large repair bills over time.
As well as the direct issues that a pigeon infestation can cause such as disease and damage, they can also indirectly cause insect infestations. Insects such as fleas, textile beetles and bird mites are all attracted to their nests. So, left untreated, pigeon infestations have the capability of causing serious pest control problems which can quickly spiral out of control.
We offer pigeon pest control to Shropshire and the North West of England in areas such as
Pigeon pest control is arguably one of the more complex forms of pest management, and generally involves more specialist equipment. The most common form of pigeon pest control is known as proofing.
This essentially involves blocking off common nesting areas and removing any potential food sources. Blocking off areas usually involves the use of things such as spikes, nets and barriers. Recently, more specialised methods have been introduced, these include the use of shock strips, audible scarers and optical gels to create negative associations for certain nesting spots with pigeons.
Historically, population reduction techniques were used for pigeon pest control. However it is now widely accepted that such methods are less effective than proofing.
It’s worth noting that there is currently legislation in place, published by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), which details guidance on how to deal with pigeon pest control problems. Due to this, it is crucial that when dealing with a pigeon infestation, you work with someone well versed in the legalities of pigeon pest control – this is something that Complete Pest Control can help with.