Last Updated: 10/03/2025

Dealing with feral pigeon infestations can be challenging and unsanitary for property owners. If you're experiencing issues with pigeons, Pestforce is your go-to solution for professional pigeon control services.

Understanding UK Laws on Bird Protection

In the UK, all wild birds, including pigeons, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to harm or kill birds or destroy their nests. However, in some circumstances, for certain birds, property owners are allowed to take action to control pigeons for health and safety reasons. Licencing is available for a range of birds, including pigeons, when they are causing certain problems. Pestforce operates in full compliance with UK bird protection laws, ensuring our control methods are humane and legal.

Understanding the Problem: Pigeons and Their Impact

Pigeons, while seemingly harmless, can cause a variety of problems when they nest and roost on buildings and structures. Beyond the noise and nuisance, they can lead to health risks and property damage. However, under licencing conditions, property damage, on its own, is not usually a valid reason for killing, taking or removing birds and their nests.

Problems caused by pigeons include:

• Property Damage: Pigeons can cause significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and machinery due to their acidic droppings.
• Health Risks: Pigeon droppings can carry diseases such as Psittacosis and Salmonella, posing health risks to humans. Droppings are also very slippery when wet and so, any accumulation in walk ways can cause significant hazard to the public or/and workforce.
• Blocked Drains and Gutters: Accumulating droppings and nesting materials can clog drainage systems, leading to water damage.

Guano Cleanup: Dealing with Pigeon Droppings

Pigeon droppings, or guano, are not only unsightly but also hazardous to health. Our guano cleanup services ensure safe and thorough removal of pigeon waste from your property.

Our guano cleanup process includes:

1. Risk Assessment: We evaluate the area to determine the extent of cleanup required and any associated health risks.
2. Safe Removal: Our trained professionals use protective equipment and specialized methods to safely remove pigeon droppings.
3. Sanitization: After removal, we sanitize the affected areas to eliminate any lingering health risks and odours.
4. Disposal: We responsibly dispose of the waste in accordance with environmental regulations.

Protecting Your Solar Panels: Pigeon Proofing Solutions

Solar panels can attract pigeons, as they provide a perfect nesting spot, protected from the elements leading to efficiency loss and damage. Our solar panel proofing services prevent pigeons from nesting under or around your solar installations.

Our pigeon proofing measures for solar panels include:

1. Installation of Mesh: We install durable mesh around the perimeter of solar panels to prevent pigeons from accessing the underside.
2. Spikes: Depending on the structure, we may use spikes or nets to deter pigeons from roosting on or around the panels.
3. Maintenance Advice: We provide tips for maintaining a pigeon-free environment around your solar panels.

Effective Pigeon Control Strategies

Our comprehensive pigeon control services include:

• Deterrents: We install deterrents such as spikes, nets, and visual scare devices to discourage pigeons from roosting.
• Population Management: We use humane methods to manage pigeon populations in urban areas.
• Removal: Where legal and necessary to do so, nests, eggs and birds can be humanely removed from an area, if they cannot be scared away.
• Custom Solutions: We develop tailored strategies to address your specific pigeon problems, considering the building's architecture and local regulations.

Staying Ahead: Pigeon Prevention Tips

Preventing pigeons from becoming a problem in the first place is key to a healthy and clean environment. Here are some tips:

• Food Sources: Remove accessible food sources and keep outdoor eating areas clean.
• Access Points: Seal off entry points and potential nesting areas. Birds may perch on your building to overlook a food source.
• Professional Inspection: Schedule regular inspections to identify and address potential pigeon problems before they escalate.

Your Concerns Addressed: Common Pigeon Control Questions

We understand that dealing with pigeons can be complex. Here are answers to common questions:

Is pigeon control harmful to the birds?

Our methods focus on deterrence and population management without harming the birds, in compliance with UK laws. Only in bery extreme circumstances is there a need for removal of the birds themselves i.e. a trapped pigeon in a food production area.

How can I permanently remove pigeons from my property?

While complete removal may not be feasible, if they are on the outside of the building, ongoing management and deterrents can significantly reduce pigeon presence. If the pigeons are living inside a building then they can be moved on (humanely) and the area can be proofed to stop them gaining access again.

Are pigeon control services expensive?

Costs vary based on the extent of the problem and the solutions required. We provide cost-effective, tailored solutions for your needs.

 

If pigeons are becoming a nuisance in your area, take action now to protect your health and property. Contact Pestforce for a consultation or to book our professional pigeon control services. Our dedicated team is ready to help you maintain a pigeon-free environment.

 

Author: Natalie Bungay

Pestforce Technical Director.

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