Bird Control
Pigeon and Gull Infestation
The use of Birds of Prey to clear nuisance birds has become very popular over the last 10 or so years. It is considered a natural predatory effective method for the dispersal and removal of Pigeons, Gulls, and other birds.
The majority of Pest Control companies do not have the specialist knowledge and trained Falconers at their disposal to be able to offer a cost effective method of Bird control. The need to sub contract work out raises the costs when quoting for Bird clearance work, a cost that invariably is passed on to you the customer.
Heart of England Raptors can call upon more than 25 years of Falconry experience. Flying, training and caring for a wide selection of Birds of Prey is what we do. Are Falcons, Hawks and Owls (yes they can be used for control too) are extremely well trained to cope with a variety of tasks.
We offer a number of bird Pest Control solutions for;
Feral Pigeon (columbia livia)
Often referred to as 'flying rats'
Humans are at risk from feral pigeons. Pigeons can carry a number of potentially infectious diseases including salmonella, tuberculosis and ornithosis. They are also a source of allergens which can cause respiratory ailments such as pigeon fancier's lung and allergic skin reaction. There is potential for these illnesses to be spread to people through contact with pigeon droppings. They carry insect pests such as fleas and mites. Their roosts and nesting sites attract mealworms, flies, Dermestes Beatles and many other insect pests.
The presence of pigeon droppings (particularly when wet), can also contribute to slip hazards. Pigeon faeces (Guano) are very acidic and will corrode the fabric of your building, including UPVC, brickwork, guttering and metal leading, leading to costly repairs and increased maintenance.
Pigeons can breed at the age of six months. They normally lay two eggs in a flimsy nest constructed in a sheltered site, and incubate them for 16-18 days. The young feed for several weeks on pigeon 'milk' from their parents. They leave the nest after five weeks but still rely on parental feeding for a further week or two before becoming independent. By this time, the parents are able to commence the breeding cycle again. This ability to breed up to six times per year allows the pigeon population to rapidly expand.
Control Methods
Bird Scaring - The use of birds of prey to 'scare off'pest and nuisance birds has proven very effective. Pigeons and Gulls get agitated by a natural predator in close proximity.
Flying a bird of Prey on a regular basis discourage pests from ledging, roosting and nest making.
Our'3:2:1' contract has proven to be our most effective method of control.
We visit your problem area:
3 times a week in month one
2 times a week in month two
1 time a week in month three
Proofing
Effective proofing, control, fouling removal and insecticidal treatment can save money and reduce risk of disease. The various control methods include:
Bird netting: Ideal for excluding birds from certain areas. Can be used to cover light-wells, roof-plant machinery and balconies etc.
Birdwire systems: Comprises stainless steel metal posts with sprung wires attached that can be fixed to most surfaces.
Shooting: Usually necessary for removing individual birds from private homes, warehouses or in isolated places where other proofing is not available. Air Rifles with 12 ftlb are used nominally.
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Weldmesh: Perfect for excluding pigeons and gulls from fire escapes, walkways, girders and plant machinery. Often the best method for proofing small access holes around soffit boards on domestic premises. Trapping: Ideal for the control of resident populations of pigeons in large areas such as shopping centres, blocks of flats etc. Fouling removal and cleaning: We will remove bird fouling, nesting material and other contaminated waste using a specialist disinfectant followed by an insecticidal treatment to kill all the insect pests associated with the birds.
