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Hints and tips to help you control pest birds
In the case of unwanted visitors roosting in your home or commercial property, PMP strongly advise the help of professional bird control services. These birds are tenacious, determined and prone to attack if threatened.
Prevention methods like those offered by PMP are the best way to deter birds from roosting on your property. In addition, there are ways you can help to deter nuisance birds from making themselves at home.
Here are a few hints and tips on how to spot the signs of an infestation, and some DIY prevention methods.
How to spot the signs of a pest bird problem
- Be vigilant: If you begin to notice regular crowds of gulls or pigeons, rather than just one or two, it may be that they’ve settled close by.
- Droppings: Pigeon and gull droppings are black and white, so look out for a build up on the ground, ledges, doorsteps, fascias and vehicles.
- Tiles and detritus: Pigeons are not averse to breaking and entering and can remove tiles to make themselves at home. So if you notice damaged or loose tiles there could be a problem. Also, look out for detritus such as twigs, feathers, straw and droppings around your property.
- Bird calls: A seagull call is unmistakable, so if you notice an increase in volume there are sure to be nesting sites nearby. Male pigeons coo to protect (what they believe is) their territory. You may also hear the chatter of hungry chicks.
Pest bird prevention
- Food: Where there is food, there are pest birds. Remove the source of food and you reduce the risk of pest birds settling. So it goes without saying – do not feed them! If pigeons and gulls peg you as a regular source of food, you may as well invite them to move in. If you enjoy feeding small birds, then do some research into pigeon-proof feeders. Finally, ensure that food waste is safely sealed and inaccessible – gulls relish the opportunity to rip apart bin bags. This is particularly vital for commercial premises.
- Seal up gaps: Ensure that there are no gaps in your roof or eaves, and replace missing tiles. Pigeons are dogged in their quest to roost, and can squeeze into gaps of no more than 25mm
- Water Some people install water sprinklers to deter birds. While this can be effective, be aware that it also provides a supply of water for them which can be counter-productive!
- Bird scarers: There are many budget-friendly methods of scaring birds away. Gulls are thought to balk at the sight of large eyes, so many use ‘terror eyes’ as a deterrent. The use of reflective and shiny materials on roofs and in gardens is thought to look like fire through a gull’s eyes, if you don’t mind adorning your property with them. Strobe lights have a similar effect. In our opinion, these methods can only offer a short-term fix. Even the more expensive solutions, such as audio systems that replicate gull cries, can be ineffective in the long term as birds come to recognise it as an empty threat.
- Repellants: Pigeon repellents make for a very inhospitable living environment. Usually, they come in liquid or gel form and are soft and sticky. They are cheap and can be effective, but beware that they are also messy and at best a short-term solution.
Ask PMP for advice
If you would like specialist and expert bird control advice, please call us on 0800 1933351 now or email us today.
