by developersWhat Is Bird Proofing?
Bird proofing is a term used to stop pest birds from accessing buildings and structures, reducing risks such as property damage and health hazards.
So, now you have the basic answer to the question: what is bird proofing? However, you might still be wondering how it works, and what the best methods are.
As a leading pest control business offering bird proofing and bird control services throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians, Edinburgh Environmental Services understands the problems caused by pigeons, gulls, starlings, sparrows and other birds, as well as how to deal with them effectively, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide.
Why Is Bird Proofing Important?
Birds such as feral pigeons, seagulls and others can cause significant issues for sites across the UK. Some of the problems caused by pest birds include:
- Diseases: Bird droppings can carry diseases, including Histoplasmosis, Salmonella, Cryptococcosis and more, which can be spread to humans through dried droppings in the air. This can be a significant public health hazard.
- Parasites: Alongside diseases, birds can spread parasites including bird mites, fleas, ticks and more.
- Trip Hazards: As well as health risks, bird mess can also be a slip risk if they are left on outdoor walkways and staircases.
- Property Damage: Birds can cause expensive damage to your property, which can cost thousands to repair. Bird guano contain uric acid, which can strip through paint and coatings on signs.
- Solar Panel Issues: Specifically for homes and commercial sites with solar panels, bird droppings can cause significant damage and make the panels less effective, meaning they require more maintenance and won’t generate as much solar energy.
- Fire Risks: If nuisance birds peck at wires, such as those under solar panels or on outdoor lights, they have the potential to cause a fire.
Is Bird Proofing Legal In The UK?
Bird proofing is entirely legal in the UK, and is the most effective solution for ensuring full compliance with relevant laws.
That’s because, in the UK, all wild birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to kill, injure or disturb the nests of birds without a license, which is only issues under exceptional circumstances.
Therefore, if pest birds build nests on your property, you will have to wait until the young birds have fled the nest. This can take several months, as bird nesting season in the UK runs from March to September, depending on the species.
As such, the best solution for commercial sites, and homeowners with solar panels, is to prevent birds landing, nesting, roosting or perching with bird proofing solutions from experts like us.
With our help, you can stop birds from gaining access to structures, trees, surfaces and buildings across your site, or specific areas they like to nest, like underneath solar panels.
Prevention is better than fixing the issues caused by pest birds, so it pays to work with experts like us who can carry out the full design and installation of a bird proofing strategy that’s tailored to your site.
What Are The Best Bird Proofing Solutions?
There are many different bird proofing products on the market, and the best ones depend on your site type, the bird species you’re dealing with and other factors. Some of the most popular and effective solutions that Edinburgh Environmental Services uses to deter birds are listed below.
Bird Netting
One of the most cost-effective and efficient bird proofing solutions on the market, bird netting is made from either stainless steel or HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), and designed to last for many years. It can protect buildings and roofs by creating a physical barrier that birds cannot pass, but that they also won’t get stuck in if it is installed correctly. This discreet and low profile option can be tailored to a wide range of sites, and can last for many years.
Bird Spikes
Bird spikes offer a visual deterrent for birds, as they make ledges look unsuitable for perching. If birds do land on them, the spikes make the space uncomfortable, and they soon fly away. Birds have good memories and are highly territorial, so if they realise that an area is not safe for perching or landing on, they will fly away and look for somewhere else to land and nest.
Bird Mesh
Bird mesh works similarly to bird netting, in that it creates a physical barrier between pest birds and specific areas. Made from similar materials, bird mesh is stiffer and has tighter holes, making it great for solar panel bird proofing and protecting other tight spaces from nuisance birds.
Bird Repellent Gel
Also known as bird free gel, or bird free fire gel, this product makes birds believe that an area is on fire, causing them to fly away. Using a combination of smells that birds don’t like, such as peppermint, a tacky texture that they dislike and UV light to make the area look unwelcoming, this is a humane but effective way to keep birds away from roofs and other outdoor surfaces.
Post And Wire Bird Deterrents
For heritage buildings and other areas where discreet bird proofing is essential, post and wire bird deterrents can be a simple but effective solution. Tensioned wire is held in place bird posts on ledges such as window sills and roof lines to make the areas uncomfortable for birds.
How Edinburgh Environmental Services Can Help With Your Bird Proofing Project
Bird proofing is only effective against nuisance birds if installed correctly. Poorly-fitted bird proofing solutions will be ignored by birds, or could harm birds and other wildlife.
Also, every site is unique, and each bird proofing project requires a tailored approach. Bird proofing is never a one-size fits all solution, which is why creating a bespoke plan with Edinburgh Environmental Services is often the best approach.
Our team have extensive experience carrying out a range of bird proofing projects on sites throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. We’ve worked on a range of premises, including football stadiums, offices, factories, airports and more.
By only using the highest-quality bird deterrents, we can prevent pest birds from gaining access to important structures and vital parts of your commercial premises.
Whether you want bird proofing as part of your ongoing commercial pest control contract, or as a one-off solution, we can help. While most of our bird proofing work is commercial, we offer solar panel bird proofing for domestic homes across Edinburgh.
To book your consultation, contact us on 0131 560 6441 and our team will get to work designing a bespoke solution to keep pest birds away from your site.