Bird Control - Shopping Centres
Shopping Centres and other similar vicinities are a major attraction for scavenging birds.
In urban areas pest birds such as Pigeons, Gulls and Starlings are drawn by the food sources available from over spilling litter bins, dropped food on the floor and even public intentionally throwing food for birds to feed on. The birds find roosting and nesting points in shop buildings and shopping centres
It is important that we discourage pest birds such as gulls and pigeons away from these public areas. They create colossal Health and Safety risks, and damage to buildings. There are an abundant number of diseases carried by pigeons, in-fact pigeons have been referred to as ‘rats with wings’. Feral pigeons are becoming completely adaptable to living in and around these public areas
Damage to buildings
Nesting material and other bird debris can block drains and other waterways, resulting in costly cleaning, maintenance and even flood damage.
Air conditioning Units can become damaged or blocked from nesting material and moulting feathers.
The nests can also block gas flues resulting in serious consequences if the gas fumes are prevented from venting.
Gulls- A Public Nuisance
There have been countless cases of general public and personnel being attacked by possessive birds. The BBC reported of postmen being attacked by nesting gulls in Somerset. A Post Office spokesman said:
We've got a sense of humour but this is a real problem – we're not talking about a little peck but two kilos of gulls dive-bombing your head. Our regular postman was dive-bombed, and the manager got knocked off his feet. He had to make a run for it after falling to the ground.
Other problems associated with pest birds:
- Bird droppings present a serious Health and Safety risk from diseases spread via the droppings or from potential accidents from slipping on wet guano on walk way and paths.
- Pigeons have been known to interfere with security alarms and systems.
- Gulls are noisy, sending calls to each other and walking up and down the roofs of buildings.
Cleaning Costs
- Bird Guano causes permanent damage to buildings, steel work and masonry if not cleaned off regularly. Cleaning costs to companies are often massive.
- Car parks and other areas are stained with mess from bird droppings
There are options of control available
Proofing
Birds can be deterred by making the building un-inhabitable and in-accessible to the birds. This is called Bird Proofing. Using nets, spikes and other systems, professionally installed can prevent any nests being built and can prevent birds from roosting on the building. This option is a long term solution and will prevent costly damage to buildings from nuisance birds, providing the correct system is installed. Incorrect proofing will not be effective and birds will gain access easily. In-fact some birds will use unsuitable spikes and nets to nest on!
Birds of Prey
For sites with a persistent bird control problem the presence of a predator will have the desired effect of deterring the pest birds from roosting or nesting in the area.
If a Bird of Prey is flown in a scheduled manner of visits a residence is assumed by the prey species, being gulls and pigeons. Usually, depending on the extent of the bird problem, an intensive period of visits will be required to start the programme. Numbers of visits can then eventually be lowered.
Egg Oiling
An option of control for birds already residing in the area is to reduce the numbers of successful hatchings during breeding season. This is a technique called Egg Oiling. Egg Oiling is 100% successful in preventing eggs from hatching if carried out correctly by a professional. However it is not suitable for all situations or species.
With all of the options available it is important to deploy the correct methods according to each unique situation.
EcoPro have the professional experience and knowledge that customers expect to receive when faced with bird population problems.
Whilst pro-active businesses do all they can in discouraging these flock birds, the general public must also be educated. EcoPro offer public relations activities to support the services we offer.
Talk to our friendly knowledgeable team to discuss your options
We are available to conduct a no obligation site survey and all quotations are based on individual circumstances.
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