Most people don’t consider birds as a pest, because when they’re flying around in the sky they don’t cause issues for humans.
The problems arise when birds start building nests on your property, or landing nearby and leaving behind guano, or droppings, which carry diseases and bacteria.
All wild birds in the UK are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means that during the breeding season, active nests can’t be disturbed or moved, and it is illegal to deliberately harm or kill birds without a license.
Thankfully, pest control providers like Pest-Tech can still help. Our team offer a range of bird proofing services to deter birds and prevent them from gaining access to your property.
As experts in bird control across Maidstone and Kent, we’re here to help you understand how pest control can get rid of birds and protect your property.
Issues Caused By Pest Birds
Birds might not seem dangerous, especially when they’re in the air, but some problems caused by pest birds include:
- Property Damage: Birds nesting and landing on your property can cause significant damage, as bird droppings are highly acidic and can damage your property.
- Solar Panel Problems: For the owners of solar panels, birds nesting underneath your solar panels can cause damage, disturbance and even a fire risk if the birds peck wiring and the nesting materials catch fire.
- Health Risks: Guano spreads a range of diseases and bacteria, which can become airborne when the droppings dry, and so a bird infestation can cause a significant risk to public health.
- Noise: Birds are very loud, especially during nesting season, when young chicks often chirp for most of the day, which can cause a disturbance, especially if they’re nesting on your roof.
- Trip Hazards: Bird droppings can be slippery when wet, making them a slip hazard if left on outdoor walkways and paths.
- Additional Pest Infestations: Pest birds can carry other parasites, such as bird fleas, bird mites, ticks and others. Also, one or two birds could cause other wild birds can start nesting on your property, so it’s vital that you get rid of birds and use bird proofing to prevent birds from gaining access to your space.
Common Pest Bird Species
Most birds aren’t consider pests, as they mainly stay away from humans and spend their time in wooded areas or other secluded spaces. Some pest birds that have adapted to living near humans include:
- Pigeons: A common pest bird species, pigeons are often found in the city and countryside, and they can be highly territorial, meaning they often choose the same nesting sites year after year.
- Seagulls: The term seagulls refers to several gull species, including herring gulls, common gulls, lesser black-backed gulls and great black-backed gulls. Despite the name seagulls, these birds don’t just live by the sea, and often move inland in search of reliable food sources.
- Starlings: They might sing beautifully, but starlings often congregate in large groups, which can cause large amounts of bird droppings and a noise disturbance.
- Sparrows: Another small bird species, house sparrows often like to squeeze into tiny gaps in your property’s exterior to build nests, which can cause property damage.
- Crows: Crows and other corvids, such as magpies and jackdaws, are highly intelligent and often damage crops and food storage areas.
What Can Pest Control Providers Do To Get Rid Of Birds?
There are many bird control methods available that can deter birds from nesting, roosting, landing or perching on your premises. The specific type offered depends on the type of site you manage and the bird species in the area. These are some of the bird control methods provided by pest control companies like Pest-Tech.
Bird Netting Installation
One of the most popular and versatile bird proofing solutions, bird netting creates a physical barrier between birds and specific areas of your property. Bird netting is discreet and can be adapted to most areas and structures, including roof spaces, statues and more.
Bird Spike Installation
An innovative bird control method that deters nuisance birds from roosting on your property, bird spikes might look scary, but they’re actually completely humane. Made from stainless steel or UV-stabilised polycarbonate plastic, bird spikes make birds think that a ledge is unsafe to perch on, making them ideal for protecting balconies, window ledges, gutters and other thin outdoor perches.
Post And Wire Bird Deterrents
Another way to stop birds perching on roofs, ledges and other spaces is to use post and wire bird deterrents. Using a tensioned wire set between metal posts, a post and wire system can make a ledge uncomfortable for birds. Because wild birds are highly territorial, they will avoid the area and look for somewhere else to roost.
Bird Free Gel
Sometimes known as bird free fire gel, this solution uses natural scents to deter birds and make them think an area is on fire. Often used on roofs, bird free gel is easy to install and can providing lasting results for many years.
Electronic Bird Deterrents
There are many highly adaptable, cutting-edge electronic bird control solutions, including Avishock and laser bird deterrents. These solutions are humane and naturally deter birds, distracting them and making them feel unsafe in the area, so they look for another nesting site.
Solar Panel Bird Proofing
One of the few bird control services we offer for residential properties across Maidstone and Kent, solar panel bird proofing protects your investment in solar technology. Birds nesting under solar panels can cause significant damage and disturbance, so it is worth getting expert solar panel bird proofing. Learn more in our guide: How Much Does Solar Panel Bird Proofing Cost?
Bird Dropping Removal
As well as installing solutions to deter birds, pest control providers like Pest-Tech can also carry out professional bird dropping removal. Because bird droppings contain many bacteria and spread diseases, it can be dangerous to get rid of it yourself. With effective cleaning and bird control methods in place, you can ensure a safe environment. Find out more in our guide: The Importance Of Professional Bird Dropping Removal.
Book Your Bird Control Site Visit Today
Bird control isn’t something you can carry out yourself, as you could cause property damage or injure yourself. Pest control providers like Pest-Tech have specialist equipment to work at heights and expert training to ensure safety and efficiency. We can also get rid of bird droppings before fitting your bird proofing measures.
If bird control solutions aren’t installed correctly, then birds could get through gaps and hurt themselves, and cause property damage, which is why it’s best to book professional bird control services.
Additionally, every site is unique, and the types of bird control methods you’ll need depend on the pest bird species you’re dealing with, the type of structures and roofs you have, the size of the area and other factors.
As such, Pest-Tech always provides a site survey before we create your bird proofing strategy. Our team are members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), which demonstrates that our company delivers a professional and reputable commercial bird cleaning service every time. Learn more about our bird proofing solutions on our Services page.
Most of our bird control services are provided to commercial premises across Maidstone and Kent, but we do offer domestic solar panel bird proofing to stop pest birds nesting under solar panels and causing significant damage.
If you’re ready to book your professional bird control for your home or business premises, contact us on 01892 871 008.