Safe and Effective Solutions for Businesses
Pigeons have long been considered the feathered freeloaders of urban landscapes, gracing rooftops, solar panels, and any nook they find cosy enough to call home. For businesses, however, this isn’t just a minor inconvenience, it can lead to significant costs and be a health and safety hazard. While pigeons may seem harmless at first glance, their presence on your commercial property can cause severe damage to your premises and reputation. So, how can you safely and humanely deter these persistent birds? Let’s explore some expert-backed control* solutions designed for businesses, focusing on cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness.
Why Should You Care About Pigeons?
Pigeons are more than just a nuisance. When they choose your business site as their nesting ground, the problems quickly stack up. From defacing buildings with droppings to causing a health and safety hazard, pigeons can negatively impact your property in numerous ways.
Did you know? a single pigeon can produce up to 12kg of droppings annually. This not only causes an unsightly mess but also poses risks to employees, customers, and even the structural integrity of your building. Pigeon droppings are corrosive, damaging solar panels, wiring, and roofing. Moreover, pigeons can carry diseases like Salmonella, Ornithosis, and E. coli, making swift action essential for any business.
Eco-Friendly Solutions to Keep Pigeons at Bay
Now that we understand the risks let’s dive into the humane methods you can use to deter those pigeons. These solutions respect wildlife and are designed to be cost-effective.
1. Hawking: Let Nature Take the Lead
What better way to discourage pigeons than by invoking nature’s very own solution, birds of prey? Through hawking, specially trained raptors such as Harris Hawks are flown over the affected area. These majestic hunters trigger pigeons’ instinctive fear of predators, making your site an unwelcoming nesting spot. It’s like a neighbourhood watch system in the sky. The pigeons see the raptors, feel the threat, and choose a safer nesting location. Hawking is completely harmless, with the birds of prey trained as deterrents rather than predators.
2. Egg and Nest Removal: Controlling the Population
Another practical, long-term approach is removing pigeon nests and eggs from your property. Rentokil’s experts can safely remove nests during the breeding season and treat the area with a biocide. Over time, this reduces the local pigeon population by preventing them from successfully raising their young on your premises. Think of it as breaking the cycle, encouraging pigeons to find alternative nesting sites away from your business.
3. Bird Netting: A Physical Barrier to Stop Roosting
Think of bird netting as a security fence for your rooftop. It’s an eco-friendly solution that effectively prevents pigeons from accessing key areas like roof edges, HVAC systems, and solar panels. The mesh is designed to stop birds from nesting while still allowing easy maintenance access. The best part? Bird netting doesn’t harm the pigeons. It simply discourages them from roosting by making the area inaccessible.
The Rise of Solar Panels: A New Haven for Pigeons
The adoption of solar panels in the UK is booming. However, this comes with an unintended consequence: pigeons have found the perfect place to roost. The panels’ warmth and shelter offer a prime nesting spot. The downside? Pigeons nesting under solar panels can significantly reduce their efficiency and cause damage to wiring. But fear not, there is a simple solution.
Mesh Solar Panel Proofing: The Silent Guardian
Installing mesh around solar panels creates a barrier that prevents pigeons from nesting beneath them. This is a win-win scenario. Your solar panels continue to operate at peak efficiency while the pigeons are safely directed elsewhere. Mesh systems use clips that ensure maintenance access while keeping birds at bay. And the best part? This method is non-invasive and totally bird-friendly.
Going Beyond the Basics: Intelligent Bird Scaring Systems
Birds are smart, adaptive creatures. As they become accustomed to certain deterrents, it’s essential to keep them on their toes. Enter Rentokil’s Intelligent Bird Scaring System, a state-of-the-art deterrent that uses bioacoustics to send distress calls. This clever device tricks birds into believing danger is near, prompting them to relocate.
With its 24/7 monitoring capabilities, the system adjusts to bird behaviours, offering a dynamic and effective solution. Need something even more sustainable? The device can be powered with the addition of a solar charging panel, offering a completely eco-friendly and autonomous bird deterrent.
When Pigeons Cause More Than Just a Mess
Pigeons don’t just damage property; they can also harm your business reputation. Customers are unlikely to be impressed by a front entrance littered with bird droppings nor by the health risks pigeons can bring. Foul-smelling nests, ticks, and mites are common issues when pigeons take up residence, but acting quickly with suitable deterrents will keep your business running smoothly and cleanly.
Pigeon-Free Businesses: The Ultimate Solution
From the sky-patrol raptors to high-tech smart systems, the right pigeon control method will safeguard your property and ensure your business remains clean, safe, and operational. Whether it’s netting, hawking, or intelligent scaring systems, pigeons will soon realise that your premises are off-limits without any harm to them.
So, while pigeons might fancy themselves as urban royalty, with their coos echoing from rooftops, you can rest easy knowing your business is protected. After all, in the battle of the birds, it’s all about outsmarting, not outmuscling.
*Control is subject to local licensing conditions