Feral Pigeon Control in Derby
Pigeons are descendants of the Rock Dove so they are comfortable living in an urban environment. They tend to scavenge for food, often in substantial numbers where a good food supply is readily available. Feral pigeons come in all shades, some bluer, others blacker some are pale grey with darker chequered markings, others an unusual shade of dull brick-red or cinnamon-brown, and still others can be or less white while others look exactly like wild rock doves. In urban areas where the numbers are allowed to increase they can become pests.
The Problem
Pigeons carry a variety of diseases such as Ornithosis, Listeria and E-coli that can be transmitted to man not only from the droppings but also the birds themselves. Pigeon droppings are acidic and can corrode/erode metals, stonework and brickwork. Pigeons foul on buildings, creating unwanted stained glass windows and decorated architecture and buildings covered in fouling looks unpleasant can smell, and projects a poor image of business, potentially ruining an organisation’s reputation. If customers spot evidence of a heavy Pigeon infestation on premises, they may not want to do business with you.
The nesting materials birds use can block chimneys, flues and guttering, causing possible issues with carbon monoxide and damage to buildings as water overflows from blocked gutters. As well as this there are many pests such as mites, ticks, fleas and beetles that can migrate from their nests into for domestic or business premises.
The Solution
Pigeon prevention, proofing and control are a highly specialised skills, requiring specialist equipment and tools. Control of Pigeons through population reduction techniques is generally both less desirable and less effective than removing their food sources or blocking off sites where they perch or roost. The latter technique, known as proofing, is now used extensively.
For proofing, professional pest controllers will use methods such as barriers, spikes, nets and wire to great effect. More recently active systems like shock strips, audible scarers and optical gels have been used to create negative associations in birds wishing to land or roost on buildings. All of these methods of proofing have their merits, and some can offer a stronger and more lasting deterrent, but as with any method of control, they may become less effective over an extended period. For a heavy Pigeon infestation, your professional contractor may have to employ methods of control such as shooting, trapping or flying of predatory birds. for more information or advise on Pigeon control please call LBS today.
