Birds like pigeons and seagulls can cause many problems, particularly in urban environments, which is why the team at Urban Hawks is tasked with carrying out bird control solutions.
Nesting birds can damage properties, hold up development projects and become a nuisance in the surrounding area.
However, because all species of birds in the UK are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, removing them from a property can be challenging.
There are options though.
At Urban Hawks, we use trained birds of prey as a safe and effective means of pest control in built-up spaces.
In this article, we share everything you need to know about bird prevention and how to remove pest bird species.
What is bird control?
Bird control is the method used to remove pest birds, or to deter them from landing and nesting.
It is extremely important, particularly in urban environments, because their faeces is a hazard to human health and can also damage property and equipment.
Bird control methods include deterrents that are visual, physical, and multi-sensory in addition to trained birds of prey.
Hawks and falcons are the most commonly used by expert bird control companies because they are natural predators to many pest species.
They are effective in scaring away pigeons, gulls and other birds from areas where it is too late to use prevention methods.
Trained birds of prey are generally used in urban and industrial settings because they can work inside and outside properties.
Often they are deployed in factories, warehouses and large shopping centres where they work quickly and efficiently to remove unwanted birds.
How to get rid of birds in commercial buildings
Pest birds, particularly pigeons, are a common problem in commercial buildings and are notorious for seeking shelter inside.
Larger properties like shopping centres, factories and warehouses are susceptible to pest birds because they have big open doors and windows with easy access.
UK law states that once a bird has nested, the bird, its nest and any eggs it has laid cannot be removed.
However, once a bird is spotted in a commercial building, you must take action because it can pose a serious health risk.
The longer species are allowed to nest, the more will be attracted to a site.
In order to remove birds from a commercial building, you must start by identifying and sealing off any entries.
Any broken or loose windows and open doors should be secured to prevent birds from freely moving in and out.
Once the building is secure, you will want to create an inhospitable environment for the birds by introducing a deterrent.
In areas they might nest, you may wish to install wires and spikes as well as fill any gaps that appear inviting.
The final step is to establish an effective bird deterrent system to ensure pest birds will stay away.
How to get rid of birds in roofs
A roof is ideal for birds to nest; it has ample shelter, a view of the surrounding area to watch for predators, and often has nesting materials.
However, it can be problematic for property owners, which is why the best way to rid a roof of birds is to implement preventative measures.
To deter birds from nesting there, you should ensure they cannot get access in the winter, before the prime nesting months.
During the coldest months, you should carry out comprehensive checks of your property to seal any areas that could attract birds and remove any debris that they might use as nesting materials.
Cleaning out the gutters of your property each year will help to make your roof less attractive to birds seeking to settle.
However, if you own a larger property, it isn’t always possible to check every inch.
In that scenario, we always recommend considering bird proofing to protect your property in the long term.
How to stop birds nesting and keep them away
Pest birds such as pigeons are increasingly problematic in the UK, but you can take steps to stop them nesting and deter them from returning.
One of the key factors that draw birds to a property is access to food and shelter.
Any open litter bins or areas where food is dropped should be covered to prevent future entry.
This may include installing new bins or modifying existing containers to stop access altogether, as many birds will throw food out onto the floor to feed on.
Other alterations can be made to your property using bird netting or parallel wires that act as physical deterrents.
Bird netting is effective in keeping pest birds from nesting on large areas of the roof, whereas parallel wires help to keep them away from eaves and guttering.
Bird gels are also regularly used throughout the UK to keep pest birds away by creating a sticky barrier across the roof’s edge.
This non-toxic trap will cause the bird’s feet to become temporarily stuck. After a while, it will be able to free itself but the experience will let it know that this is not a safe place to land or nest.
The final deterrent is in the form of audio and visual installations, which can be activated when pest birds are nearby. Bird control specialists can install laser and acoustic scarers to disturb birds that have congregated or decided to nest on your property.
Can pest control get rid of birds?
Put simply, yes, pest control is an extremely effective method of ridding birds from your site.
Predatory birds like hawks and falcons offer a more natural form of pest control that helps to disperse unwanted birds quickly.
They work by flying over a designated site multiple times to alert any pest birds to their presence in the area.
Once these smaller birds have seen their natural predator in the area, they will leave their nests and move elsewhere. These trained birds are the ideal form of pest control in urban areas, particularly when working with larger sites or large open spaces.
How bird control can help
The Urban Hawks team provides bird control solutions for various industries and clients throughout the UK.
Bird control helps ensure that the daily running of businesses is not interrupted, and that those on-site or inside a property are not exposed to the health risks posed by pest birds.
Through the use of our Bird Proofing solutions and our Falconry Dispersal and Disruption programs, our team can resolve every type of pest bird issues on a range of commercial sites such as supermarkets, shopping centres, waste disposal sites, sports centres and other at-risk properties.
Why should you hire bird control solution experts?
With the strict laws surrounding the protection of birds in the UK, it is always best to employ the help of pest control specialists like Urban Hawks.
With a combined experience of more than 25 years in the field, our team of highly-trained technicians specialise in commercial Bird Control Solutions throughout the North West.
If you would like to find out more about bird proofing your property or suspect that there are birds nesting, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 0151 345 6854 or send an email to info@urbanhawks.co.uk