Seagull Control Explained

Seagulls are a growing problem in the UK. When a lot of people think of seagulls as they think of seaside resorts and trips to beach. However, in recent years, seagulls have started to infest urban areas and cause a number of problems as a result.

The reason for seagulls flocking to urban areas is due to a number of reasons. Firstly the large volume of buildings in cities make for a perfect nesting environment for the seagulls that are free from predators. There’s also plenty of food for them to eat from bins and public waste sites. Lastly, cities and town centers to stay warm during the winter in comparison to coastal areas, which means they don’t have to migrate.

Some of the problems that arise from seagulls nesting in urban areas are –

• Noise pollution
• Droppings causing health hazards
• Swooping on the public and their pets
• Damaging property
• Blocking gutters and gas flues

Although most people might not consider seagulls to be pests, when you want to get rid of them from a particular area, the best way of doing this is to hire a pest control company and better yet, one that specifically deals in bird control.Bird control companies will be able to get rid of seagulls in an efficient and humane way.

Seagull Control Solutions

There is a range of seagull control solutions on the market that are very effective in dealing with the problem. The most common solutions are –

Netting - Netting is a very popular way to control seagull infestation. It is easy to cut and fit on a variety of surfaces and also comes in a number of colours so it can be fitted onto the exterior of a building without being an eyesore. It’s also very low maintenance and will provide years of reliable and effective use.

Spikes - Spikes are another common solution. They can be placed in rows alongside the edge of buildings where seagulls like to perch. The appearance of the spikes will be enough to deter seagulls from perching and nesting where they are placed. They can look unsightly, so whether they’re suitable or not will depend on the type of building where they’re being used.

Wire & post - With this solution, posts are drilled into the fabrication of the building and a wire is hooked onto them. The wire will prevent seagulls from perching where it’s used. The advantage to wire & post is that it’s very discreet and cannot be seen from a distance.

Seagull Control London

If you live in London and want to prevent seagulls from gathering on your building then you’ll want to hire a bird control company who can install one of the solutions mentioned above. A quick Google search will provide you with a list of companies to choose from who will be able to tackle any problems you have with seagulls.

Source: https://medium.com/@jennifermartin/seagull-control-explained-fe18c3e05ff#.5pzlxis9u

What to do When Birds Come Home to Roost.

For some, our feathered friends are a welcome distraction and an opportunity to appreciate what nature has to offer. For others they represent a nuisance and are regarded as nothing more than a pest.

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One of the main causes for this division of opinion is context. Sparrows and starlings frolicking in your garden bird bath are unlikely to cause offense, whereas pigeons perched on your business sign are likely to have you pulling your hair out.

The simple fact of the matter is that birds, regardless of the particular species, can cause significant problems for commercial properties. Birds roosting on window ledges can look unsightly and can also cause damage to buildings.

Droppings are obviously a cause for health concern, especially if they originate from pigeons, but they can also present a slipping hazard. Should a customer, employee or member of the public slip on droppings, and injure themselves as a result, then they could have a legal right to make a personal injury claim against the property owner. 

A Cost Effective and Efficient Solution

The good news is that it is easy, and relatively cheap, to stop birds from taking up residence and causing havoc. While there are many bird control solutions available arguably one of the easiest to install is bird spikes.

These spikes can be installed either by a professional, or someone with a bit of confidence on a ladder. All that needs to be done is ensure that the surface, they are fitted on is thoroughly cleaned and free from debris. A silicone spike adhesive can then be used to secure them in place. Provided that care is taken to cover the entire surface birds will be unable to land, and will therefore be unable to cause any more problems to the property or the wider public.

Besides offering an immediate solution these spikes have other benefits. As they are available in both metal or plastic they have a long life span making them a cost effective solution. They also pose no threat to the environment or the birds themselves.

The spikes are exceptionally versatile and can be used in pretty much any location, including hard to reach area's such as roof tops and aerials. They can also be used on virtually any type of surface, including brick, plastic, metal, wood and canvas, making them the most widely used bird control solution.

Always Seek Professional Advice

Although these spikes can be easily installed by novices, it is still sensible to seek the professional advice of a pest control expert. Spikes can be a fantastic solution for dealing with larger birds such as pigeons, but may prove unsuitable for smaller birds who can nest in between the spikes themselves.

By speaking to an expert and explaining your particular problem, it is possible to ensure you are going to choose the best solution for your property.

Source: https://storify.com/JenniferMartin/what-to-do-when-birds-come-home-to-roost

Bird Netting - An Anti-Entry Bird Control Product

 

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Choose the Right Product and Deny Access of Pest Birds 

 
Bird netting is used all across the UK to keep pest birds away of homes, offices and historical buildings. This bird control product can also be used as a screening device for windows, balconies, air conditioner vents and pipework. Once installed, the netting may typically last for minimum ten years or even more. There are examples of pest bird control nets that have lasted for two decades. 

No Visual Barrier

Many homeowners and businesses have a misconception that installing an anti-entry net may spoil the aesthetics of their property or hamper the natural light’s way to their home or building. Well, this is not true. Netting doesn’t impact much on the visual appeal of the property or space where it is installed.

At the same time, it doesn’t reduce the light reaching the installation site. You may go for a yearly inspection or maintenance to keep the views clear.  The bird control product prevents entry of targeted pest birds from the void areas of the buildings or premises and enforce them to look for other nesting and perching spot without causing any physical harm.

Get Rid of Pigeons

Bird netting product can prevent pigeons from nesting and roosting in particular areas without hurting them. Net is available in many different sizes and it can be custom-designed depending on the size of the area you want to cover and any other need you may have. Households with a roof or any slanted part from outside are more suitable for pigeons’ nestling purpose.

Pigeons mostly travel in crowd in search of a nestling and perching area. And pigeon netting exclude them from a particular nesting location. The product can also be installed to eaves as an alternative of caging. However, if the job site is more exposed to UV rays or harsh climate condition, make sure you choose from weatherproof, heavy-duty netting available out there.

So, no matter how difficult it seems to exclude pigeons from your area, net installation can make the area completely pigeon-proof and keep them away for your good. In addition to pigeons, bird netting can also be used to keep away sea gulls, crows, starling, sparrows and any other pest bird your region may have.

Top Things to Consider While Installing Bird Control Netting

If you are thinking of installing bird control netting in the UK, there are several important things you need to consider before paying for the product including the material of the net, size, coverage, durability and price. Walk around the brick-mortar or online world of bird control netting and know which product best suits your needs. 

From industrial companies, waste management businesses, commercial businesses and corporate houses to residents, netting proves to be an effective barrier for pest birds. It is a great choice for fish farm owners too. Mesh size of the net varies considerably depending on the targeted bird species. For example, mesh size is 50mm for pigeons, 19mm for sparrows, 28mm for starlings and 75mm for sea gulls.

On top of all, make sure the company you choose has ample experience and expertise in bird netting installation and maintenance in the UK. 

Author Bio: Jennifer is a professional copywriter. She has conducted in-depth research for various bird control products across the UK to keep pest birds away. Pigeon netting is widely opted over other alternative of bird control to get rid of pigeons.

5 Methods for Keeping Birds Out of Your Garden

Many people would welcome birds into their garden but these same people would soon become tired of them if they started eating their fruits and leaving droppings. If you have a garden that contains a lot of consumables then birds can soon become a nuisance. 

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To help keep your garden free of unwanted birds, below are 5 great tips to follow – 

1. Use Decoys

Scarring birds away can be a very effective means of keeping your garden free of them. Of course you can’t always be there to scare them away yourself and they’ll soon regroup even if you do. A great solution to this is to use a decoy artificial animal that birds are naturally scared of. This come in different shapes and sizes but when used properly can be a very effective way to keep your garden free of unwanted birds.

2. Use Netting

Netting is used by bird control specialists for a very good reason – it works! Placing netting over your plants will prevent birds from being able to get to them. How you go about positioning the netting will depend on how your plants are laid out and the size of your garden. There are some excellent guides online that show how to set up netting in your garden to keep birds away.

3. Use Wire

Wire is equally as effective at keeping birds away and is easier to set up than netting. To set up wire in your garden simply put posts around your garden and then stretch the wire between them so it’s placed above the plants that you want to protect.

4. Build a Barrier

For smaller plants or ones that are still growing, it’s possible to create your own makeshift barriers to keep birds away from them. Something as simple as a disposable cup with the bottom cut out can be enough to protect your plants from birds. As your plants grow then you can easily switch to netting.

Use High-Tech Solutions

The solutions mentioned above are quite low-tech but there are electronic devices available on the market that can be very effective at keeping birds away. Distress call signal systems are designed to digitally mimic the distress calls that birds send to each other to warn of danger.

Another high-tech means of dealing with unwanted birds are ultrasonic devices such as screeching owls. These are designed to emit a screech that’s frightening to birds and will almost certainly scare them off.

Although birds can sometimes be a nuisance, they can also be very beneficial to gardeners. Annoying pests such as snails, slugs and spiders can cause a lot of damage to your plants. Having birds around will help deal with this problem in an effortless way.

The trick is to attract the right species of birds to your garden whilst keeping the problem ones away. Putting up feeders that only attract certain species of birds is an excellent way to do this.

Always be sure that you never use any forceful means of getting rid of birds from your garden as it could land you in a lot of trouble.

About the Author:

David has a keen interest in bird control and associated with Total bird control. His articles cover topics such as how to keep birds out of your garden.

8 Ideas to Design a Bird Friendly Garden

When it comes to keeping your garden looking good there are certain pests you want to keep away. These include snails, slug and spiders. Whilst you can get pesticides to deal with these insects, a much better way to deal with them is to make your garden as bird-friendly as possible.

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Birds not only help to get rid of unwanted insects that can do harm to your plants but they also help to give you garden a more appealing and organic look. With this in mind, below are 8 great ideas to make your garden attractive to birds.

Re-create Natural Plant Growth

If you observe natural habitats where birds are commonly found then you’ll learn a lot about how to create a bird-friendly garden. The way that plant life is arranged in nature is beneficial to birds in a number of ways. Large trees of course give them somewhere to perch and nest, whilst the shrubs underneath provide them with a source of food. The mud, twigs and leaf litter give them the materials to build their nests with.

You should aim to mimic this sort of plant hierarchy in your garden if you want to make it attractive to birds. 

Select Plants that Provide Nutrition Year Round

When you want to attract birds to your garden, you need to ensure that they have access to nutrition year round. This means selecting plants that will support the different types of birds that visit your garden at different times of the year. 

Plant Conifers

Conifers provide shelter for birds in harsh weather conditions, therefore you should have at least one clump of conifers in your garden.

Group Trees by Species
Grouping trees by species will help to increase fertility and fruit yields. It will also make your garden more attractive to birds when they can clearly see the different types of fruit that are available.

Avoid Non-Native Plants

It might be tempting to introduce exotic plants into your garden and although they might look striking, they’re usually not good for birds. They can easily take over the other flora in your garden and crowd out native plants that are valuable to birds. 

Provide a Source of Water
Although birds get a lot of their water from food, they’ll still seek out water sources for drinking and to bathe in. You can purchase bird baths to place in your garden to make it more attractive to birds. Just be sure to clean them regularly and also ensure that the water isn’t too deep.

Don’t Make Your Lawn Too Big

A lawn is often seen as being the classic centrepiece of any garden. However the truth is that lawns provide little value to birds and can actually become harmful when you have to start using pesticides to control pests in your garden. You should therefore consider limiting the size of your lawn, if you even have one at all. 

Place Nest Boxes
Placing nest boxes is a great way to diversify the species of bird that you attract to your garden. They mimic the natural cavities found in trees that can be scarce in nature. 

About the Author:

 David has a keen interest in birds and wildlife. He is also associated with Total bird control. His articles cover topics such as how to make your garden bird-friendly.

5 Proven Methods Of Bird Control

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There are certain species of birds that are very common, such as pigeons and seagulls. Because these birds are so widespread, they often choose to perch and nest on other peoples’ property, particularly in built up areas with tall buildings.

When birds group on your building, they can cause a lot of problems. The sticks they use to build their nests can easily clog up drainpipes and gutters. Also their droppings are not only unsightly but also spread disease when you come into contact with them. This being the case, you want to get rid of any birds that are on your building as quickly as possible.

Below Are 5 Effective Means To Do This.

1. Wire & Post

Wire & post is a very popular solution for keeping birds away from a property. Posts are drilled into the fabrication of the building and a wire is then stretched across them. This prevents birds from being able to land or perch there. Whilst wire & post is effective, it cannot be used in all settings since drilling is required.

2. Netting

Netting is the most versatile bird control solution available. It works in the same way as wire & post but doesn’t require drilling. Netting can be placed almost anywhere, including under bridges and on scaffolding. This makes it ideal for building projects and hard to reach areas.

3. Spikes

Spikes are another option for keeping birds off your property. They are fairly easy to install and can be placed in rows for maximum coverage. When spikes are placed on a building, it will stop any birds from grouping and nesting there. Spikes can be a little unsightly however, so you may not be suitable depending on the type of property that you have.

4. The Scarecrow Method

There are many props that you can buy to try and scare birds away. Things like rubber snakes and glass owls can be placed where the birds are grouping in an effort to deter them. It’s a safe and clean method of bird control but not always effective, although it is worth trying.

5. Distress Call Systems

Distress call systems mimic the natural sound that birds make to warn each other of danger. The effectiveness of these systems varies but with a high quality system they can be very effective at keeping birds away from your property. They’re best used for flocking birds in search of a winter roost.

What About Shooting Or Poisoning?

If you have a lot of birds on your property then you might be tempted to deal with them forcefully however this is not a good idea. Killing or harming any wild species of bird is illegal in the UK. Therefore if you’re caught shooting or poisoning birds that are on your property you could find yourself in a lot of trouble.

Getting one of the bird control solutions mentioned above installed shouldn’t be too costly and will ensure that birds don’t see your building as somewhere they want to stay.

About The Author:

David has a keen interest in Bird control and also associated with Total Bird Control. His articles cover topics such as how to keep your property free of birds.

4 Common Diseases Pigeons Carry

Pigeons are seen everywhere in the UK and many people assume that they are fairly harmless. Whilst they’re certainly not aggressive, they can certainly be a problem when grouping and nesting where they’re not wanted.

In addition to making a property look unsightly, they also carry diseases, which can very easily be spread through their droppings. Below are 4 of the most common diseases that pigeons are known to carry.

1. Viral Encephalitis

Also known as West Nile virus, Viral Encephalitis can be very dangerous when spread to humans and can cause nervous system damage and even death. The way it is transmitted to humans is through mosquito bites. The mosquito will bite an infected bird and then transmit the disease when it bites a person.

Luckily mosquitos are very rare in the UK so the chances of contracting the virus in this way are extremely low. However you should always be aware of this when travelling abroad to countries where mosquitos are commonplace.

2. E Coli

E Coli is often associated with undercooked meat but it’s just as likely that you’ll contract it by coming into contact with pigeon droppings. To help avoid this risk of getting E Coli, you should make sure that your wash your hands thoroughly whenever you’ve spent time in an environment where there was a lot of pigeons around.

3. Salmonella

Salmonella is another illness that’s commonly linked with food but can also be spread by pigeons. Along with Listeria, Salmonella is a very dangerous to people, especially pregnant women, so you should always ensure that you practice a high degree of cleanliness when you’ve been around pigeons in any setting.

4. Cryptococcal Meningitis

This form of pigeon-borne meningitis is extremely dangerous to people and can easily result in severe consequences such as blindness and death.

Getting rid of pigeons

Now that you’re aware of the types of diseases that pigeons can carry, you’ll almost certainly want to ensure that you don’t have any grouping or nesting on your property. Pigeon infestations are very common in the UK, especially in large cities, but luckily there are effective solutions available to get rid of them and make sure they don’t appear again.

It’s important to note that even if you think of pigeons as being vermin, it’s still not a good idea to kill or harm them in any way. This is because they’re a protected species in the UK, which means causing them harm could land you in a lot of trouble if you’re caught.

Thankfully, there are means of getting rid of pigeons without resorting to violence. Bird netting is one of the most common pigeon control solutions and works by making it impossible for any type of bird from being able to land and perch where it’s placed.

Bird netting can be installed by any good bird control company and will provide you with a long-lasting solution to keep your property completely free of pigeons or any other type of birds, such as seagulls.

About the Author:

Katie has a strong interest in bird control like Total bird control. Her articles cover subjects such as the most common diseases that pigeons carry.

Getting Rid of Unwanted Birds

When birds start grouping and nesting on your property, it can be a very annoying problem to deal with. Typically, they’ll perch high up on the building so it’s no possible to shoo them away. Once a group of birds has decided to make a spot their home, they can be very stubborn and won’t go without a fight.

Why are birds a problem?

If you’ve never dealt with birds gathering on your property before then you might wonder what the big deal is. After all, it’s not like they’re dangerous and likely to attack people. Well, the first problem with birds is that they can very easily spread disease through their droppings. They can also cause a great deal of problems blocking up drainpipes and gutters with the sticks they use to build their nests. Because of these reasons, it’s better to deal with any unwanted birds very swiftly.

Can I deal with the problem myself?

Whilst some people try to deal with the situation in a forceful manner, this is never recommended. Because all wild species of bird are protected in the UK, you could easily find yourself in a lot of trouble if you were to kill or harm any of the birds perching on your building.

Due to this, it’s a much better idea to hire a professional pest control company like total bird control who can deal with the problem for you. Pest control companies have experience dealing with all types of pest problems, including birds, rodent infestations and insects. This experience means they will know how to get rid of any birds that are currently grouping on your building and prevent them from appearing again in the future.

Common bird control solutions

Below are some of the most common solutions that are used to get rid of unwanted birds.

#1. Bird netting  

 

 

Netting is a very common solution for dealing with unwanted birds. It can be used on almost any type of property and it will prevent birds from being able perch, group and nest where it’s placed. Netting is a very low maintenance solution and comes in a range of colours to match the décor of your building.

 

#2. Bird spikes  

 

 

Spikes are another very effective means of getting rid of birds from your property. They can be placed in rows to provide maximum coverage, which makes them very useful for buildings that have curved edges, where birds might otherwise be able to perch.

#3. Wire & post

 

Wire & post is a good alternative to netting or spikes and can be placed anywhere that the posts can be drilled into the fabrication of the building. This is a very subtle and discreet solution so is excellent for use when you don’t want to disturb the look of your building.

When you hire a bird control company, they’ll use one or more of these solutions to make your property completely bird-proof. This will give you full peace of mind that the problem will not occur again in the future.

What Is The Best Solution For Dealing With A Bird Problem?

While it may seem like a simple question to answer, the fact is it is not as easy as you might think. When it comes to determining what the best possible solution is for dealing with a bird problem it is vital to take into account the precise nature of the problem at hand. As with most problems, the solution will vary depending on the individual circumstances.

To help try and answer the question we look at some of the most common bird related problems and outline what might be the best solution.

• Bird droppings on paths and buildings

Where there are birds there are bird droppings. Asides from being unsightly this guano also contains various diseases that can cause serious health problems for humans. On top of this, the substance itself can be corrosive and therefore cause significant damage to buildings and monuments.

Reducing the chance of such droppings being deposited in public areas is therefore a high priority, and something that can be achieved when the right bird control option has been found.

One of the best methods of dealing with this issue is to install bird spikes or wires on ledge, window sills and even roof tops. These will make it difficult, if not entirely impossible for birds to perch and roost on the protected areas. In turn, this will reduce the opportunity for birds to leave any unwelcome deposits behind.

• Unwanted residents

If you own or are responsible for commercial properties such as warehouses, factories or even sporting venues then you may find that birds are able to set up home under your very nose. It is often difficult to prevent access to such places as they are by their very nature likely to open for large periods of the day or night.

It may be difficult to entirely remove a flock that has taken up residence, but there are various methods that can significantly help to reduce the numbers. This can range from the use of poison (not everyone’s option of choice), traps or even using birds of prey.

• Crop destruction

If you are a keen gardener, a fish lover or someone who regularly grows crops of any description they you are likely to be plagued by birds determined to feed on the results of your hard work. The best way to protect vulnerable items from such pests is often by using bird netting solution.

Easy to install and maintain these nets can be purchased with suitable gaps in them to prevent any bird species from getting through. The added bonus is that these offer the most minimally invasive aesthetic option making them ideal for both domestic and commercial venues.

Are Birds Causing you Bother?

While birds may be all well and good in public parks, or even in the woods and other areas you may like to visit the same cannot be true of your work place, or your home. If you suddenly find that birds have moved in and are causing you problems then you might be wondering what your best options are when it comes to bird control.

Finding the right solution to your bird problem will depend largely on the problem itself. This is because there are numerous options available, and some will be more effective for specific issues.

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#1. Domestic problems

If you find that you have a problem with birds at home then it may be that netting is your best option. This is especially the case if you are looking to protect pond inhabitants, or even crops from our feathered friends. 

In such cases it is best to consider who the most likely culprits are that are causing damage. This is because you will need to ensure that gaps within the netting you choose are appropriate to stop such pests from being able to squeeze through and continue causing damage.

If you are finding that birds are causing problems with your chimney they it may be worth investigating having a chimney protector installed. This will stop birds, and other small animals from being able to get inside your chimney stack, and therefore falling down the chimney itself.

However, if you find that birds have managed to get inside your roof or loft space and have set up a nest it is always best to contact the local council or bird removal experts who can provide the best advice in dealing with your unwelcome guests. Once the problem has been suitably dealt with they can also provide advice on ways to ensure that the problem doesn’t present itself again.

#2. Commercial problems

Of course, it’s not just domestic properties that can experience problems with birds. Many public buildings can be destroyed as a result of bird droppings, usually left by pigeons or starlings. The best ways to resolve such problems is to reduce the opportunity for such birds to roost or perch on the side of buildings.

Bird spikes from total bird control offer the best solution to this as it makes it impossible for birds to land on ledges or window sills and roof tops. However, it is again worth considering the species of bird causing problems as if the spikes used are too large, smaller birds will still be able to perch and will continue to cause problems.

If you do not lie the idea of using spikes, then bird wire can be just as effective and is often regarded as being less obvious and therefore more aesthetically pleasing.

What is the Best Form of Bird Control?

Establishing what the best type of bird control could be for you can take some time. The simple fact of the matter is it’s not the sort of question that has a straight forward answer.  This is because there are many things that need to be taken into consideration when trying to determine the right course of action.

 

 

What is the problem?

In order to give you specific advice on the best solution an expert is going to need to know precisely what the problem is.  For example, what type of bird is causing problems and in what location?

It might be that you have a commercial building that is plagued by pigeons. If that is the case then the solution is likely to vary widely from someone who is trying to protect their grass seeds from neighborhood sparrows.

In the first problem it might be suggested that you hire a professional like total bird control who can use a hawk to deter the pigeons. In the second problem bird netting is far more likely to provide you with the solution that you need.

What are you hoping to achieve?

The next important thing to take into consideration is precisely what is it that you are hoping to achieve with your bird control measures?

Taking the example of the commercial property – is it a large warehouse that birds are getting in to and nesting in?  If so, do you want to control the population and ultimately remove it?  In such a case the hawk may not be the best answer as this will not deal with large volumes in one go.  Poison or trapping may work more effectively for you.

However, if you have an office building that is being ruined by pigeon droppings, then it is likely that you are not going to want to invest in such extreme measures. Simple bird spikes or even wires will work well enough to stop the birds from perching on window ledges and roof edges.

Speak to an expert

Knowing what is the best thing to do can be daunting and seem very confusing at times, especially if you do not have any experience in this area. This is why it is always best to do your research or speak to someone who can help you navigate your way through the various options.

They can then advise on the most effective option for your given situation, as well as what needs to be taken into consideration for different bird species. What works for one type of bird and environment may not necessarily work for another and it is important to take this into consideration before forking out on potentially expensive treatment options. Experts will be able to advise you properly.

Bird control doesn’t have to mean extermination

When you think of London you may immediately think of Big Ben, the London Eye or perhaps the River Thames. No matter what monuments your conjure up you are also likely to think of one of London’s most common resident – the humble pigeon.

Bordering on being completely tame these feathered pests dominate as many public spaces as possible.  Their droppings ruin countless buildings, statues and areas of interest and they are invariably found underfoot, causing tourists to trip over.  It is no wonder then that bird control in London is a big business.

However, bird control brings with it its own problems. While many people are not too keen on the pigeons themselves, they also do not want to see them destroyed (even if it is in a humane manner).  It is worth pointing out then that such control measures do not have to result in the death or extinction of any pigeons, or other birds for that matter.

Rather than relying on birds of prey to catch and kill birds, or using poison to bring on a long and slow death more human methods have been developed over the years. These are especially popular among tourists who do not like the thought of birds being killed for the sake of aesthetics and the protection of landmarks.

Humane methods of control

Many professional pest controllers will have a number of ways to humanely control bird populations, so it is always worth having a chat with them first to decide what is likely to be the best option for you.  They will be able to talk to you about the type of pest you have, the area you are trying to protect, and what your goals are.

Some examples include:

• Netting 

  

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This can be used to protect buildings or vegetation. It is important to ensure that you are using the right sized netting appropriate to the size of the bird species you are trying to deter.  This can be difficult to gauge so always speak to a professional for advice.

• Spikes

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While these may sound barbaric, we are not talking about long spikes used to impale anything. Small, pointed plastic spikes can be mounted on window sills, TV aerials and roof tops to prevent birds from landing and therefore roosting.  Again, the gaps between the spikes should be carefully considered to ensure that smaller birds cannot continue to perch and cause problems.

• Wires

If you do not like the idea of spikes (mainly because they can look unsightly on the side of buildings) then it may be worth considering the use of wires.  Again these can be useful ways of preventing birds from roosting on ledges and are almost completely invisible from the ground.

The Problem with Pigeons

Despite their stellar work during the Second World War, pigeons are often seen and imagined in something of a negative fashion. We give pigeons bad names such as “rats with wings” and “flying rats” and we use precautions to help reduce their numbers.

The bird problems faced in city areas is that although we know to be fearful or wary of pigeons, we seldom know why they pose such a problem, and indeed whether the threat is real or imagined.

#1. Diseases in Excrement

As with many birds, the threat of disease from a pigeon lies with its’ excrement. Known as guano, pigeon droppings are believed to carry as many diseases as a common rat. However, there are experts who believe that in this case the threat may not be as severe as we have been led to believe. Whilst it is true that pigeon guano contains a variety of diseases, there are no more therein than might normally be found in the excrement of a common household pet. Therefore, as long as anyone handling pigeon excrement is careful whilst doing so (in that they wear gloves, and wash thoroughly afterwards) they are likely to remain safe.

There are of course instances where a person might not be aware in advance that they’re going to come into contact with guano and therefore has no opportunity to take precautions. Walking along in a heavily infested area might mean that guano from a flying pigeon lands on you which is deeply unpleasant but unlikely to be hazardous to health.

A final problem lies with guano that is well dried but must be disturbed for cleaning purposes. It is believed that the dust given off by well dried excrement can be dangerous for those with existing respiratory problems as it may irritate the bronchial passages. Again this is something which may be dealt with through the use of a dust mask during cleaning.

#2. Compromising Buildings

However, just because the guano is not actually hazardous to humans doesn’t mean that it doesn’t cause problems. Pigeons are considered a pest because they tend to attract other pests. Guano is extremely acidic and when left on roof and building surfaces, it can compromise them, which can in turn be a magnet for activity from other pests and insects.

#3. Overpopulation

There is also the issue of overpopulation from pigeons. Although parks and places such as Trafalgar Square have long been magnets for pigeon populations, there are those who believe that they are now causing such issue because of their numbers that they damage the human visiting experience. As such, many towns and cities have projects in place to limit the amount of breeding that their flocks of pigeons can do. These projects might include the use of bird spikes to prevent nesting.

About the Author:

David is leading expert of pest control in the UK and also deals with the Total Bird Control. He is well equipped to provide advice on bird spikes and netting issues.

Installing Bird Netting for the Garden

Whether you’re growing fruit, vegetables or plants in your garden, the chances are that you’ve toiled long and hard to bring your seeds and plants to fruition. Your garden looks immaculate and you’re looking forward to what the vegetable patch will deliver to you this week.

For many gardeners this is the dream, and to have it ruined by birds would be an absolute travesty. Birds are a vital part of gardens and they have a number of important functions, but they can also be extremely destructive, especially in larger numbers. Therefore, as they’re planning their planting, many gardeners are also planning just how they can go about preventing their hard work being ruined.

 

Bird netting is the ideal way to allow your plants and flowers to blossom and grow whilst protecting them from the incoming threat. However, there are many tips for gardens which could ensure getting it right and getting the results you had hoped for.

 

 

#1. The Right Netting

There are a variety of types of deterrent which may be used. Whilst there is no real right or wrong type in terms of the thickness of the actual net or the gaps in between it, there are a few factors which can help to prolong its’ use. Finding a net with an added Sun Protection Factor and a UV filter might not seem essential but this protection from the sun could ensure that the harsh sun doesn’t cause damage to the net or cause it to weather.

#2. Fitting

As you’re fitting the netting, it’s essential that it covers the entire area you need it to. Firstly, you’ll need to build a foundation. Many people use a wooden box shape and attach their netting accordingly. There are many online videos with bird netting tips for gardeners which give instructions on fitting; however, the main aim as you’re doing so is to ensure that the netting is tightly adhered to the foundation and that there are no gaps through which a curious bird might make their way.

#3. Height

One common mistake is to pull the netting tightly over the foundations. This is always done with the best of intentions from gardeners who think they’re simply protecting their plants but it can become problematic as the plants begin to grow, especially if they have nowhere to grow to. Therefore, there should always be ample space left at the top for growth and plant development.

#4. Maintenance

Birds, especially hungry birds, are experts in finding the weakness of a net and will then exploit it for all they’re worth. Therefore, you should be checking the nets on a regular basis to assess for any damage or weakness and attend to any discoveries as a matter of urgency.

 

About the Author:
 

David is the leading experts of bird control solution in the UK and as such are best placed to provide bird netting tips for gardeners.