BIRD CONTROL
Be proactive; you insure your business ... now insure your reputation!
BIRDS Abate are reliable and safety conscientious. They provided good feedback throughout the project and practical solutions for the issues that arose. Highly recommended.
Andy Hudson - QHSE Manager NOV HydraRig
WHO ARE WE? ABATE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCED, FAST & FRIENDLY Abate Ltd brings over 70 years of combined experience in solving a multitude of pest problems. Our skilled technicians cover the whole of East Anglia, providing a rapid, friendly and discreet response to a broad-ranging client base that includes pharmaceutical suppliers, food storage and manufacturing industries, local authorities, housing associations and schools. As an ISO registered company, we’re capable of meeting the administrative demands of large businesses including an advanced service for food grade premises, packaging and pharmaceuticals that meet Soil Association, BRC and TFMS specifications. At Abate, we understand that there are all sorts of legal requirements and standards. We’re experienced in making sure you remain in compliance with all terms stipulated by your BRC Auditors (and the Soil Association). We look at what is required in the pest control sector and shape our services to meet your individual needs. Abate removes the burden of dealing with pest control, leaving you free to focus on running your business.
QUALIFIED, ACCREDITED & APPROVED At Abate we’re ‘food safe aware’ and fully conversant with the stringent policies required when working in a food producing environment. Our industry-specific internal training module keeps our technicians fully up-to-date on all health and hygiene requirements. The standard of our work is extremely high; in fact, we’re proud to be one of only a few companies in the country who have achieved NPTA (National Pest Technicians Association) Gold accreditation. This means that all of our facilities, procedures and training practices have been fully audited and approved. Abate technicians are CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) qualified, which ensures safe working practices are observed at all times in the construction workplace. To give you additional peace of mind, CRB checks are carried out on all our employees and we have full public liability insurance. Not only do our technicians undergo extensive training in all aspects of Pest Control, but they’re also fully trained in current risk assessment and
health and safety legislation. This ensures the work we do for you is carried out responsibly and with full consideration for the safety of your customers, clients and pets.
THE RISKS TO YOUR BUSINESS!
Problems associated with Feral Pigeons , Gulls and other Nuisance Birds There are many problems associated with feral pigeons and gulls that can cost you money and adversely affect the smooth running of your business...
Maintenance Costs
Over time, pigeon and seagull nests and droppings block gutters and downpipes. The resulting overflowing rain water leads to timber decay, broken rendering, ruined decorations and, in some cases, structural damage. The resulting repair work can be costly.
Spread of Disease Agents
A close association between birds and humans increases the possibility of disease transmission. Pigeons may carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis. They also carry Ornithosis, a disease similar to viral pneumonia that can be transmitted to humans through infected droppings or respiratory droplets. Ornithosis is often mistaken for flu in humans, so may be far more common than we realise. The rising pigeon population is causing concern for local councils all over the UK. It’s thought to be directly linked to the increase in food waste as well as the public’s tendency to feed them.
Unsafe Conditions
Pigeon droppings can cause footpaths to become very slippery. This poses a risk to public safety and could result in costly injury claims.
Sources of Insect Infestation
Pigeon nests harbour insects and mites that either scavenge on the nest material and droppings or as external parasites on the birds. The following insects and mites are known to occur in pigeons’ nests: carpet beetle, fur beetle, case-bearing clothes moth, brown house moth, white shouldered house moth, dermestid beetles, Australian spider beetle, cheese mite, flour mite, dust mites, lesser housefly, blowflies and bird mites.
BIRD PROBLEMS ... ABATE SOLUTIONS UNDERSTANDING PIGEONS AND GULLS Both types of bird share certain similarities:
They mainly scavenge for food in towns and cities
They favour rooftops and ledges as harbouring and roosting points
They excrete on and around any surface they visit
Pigeons like to gain access to the inside of a structure whereas gulls do not
Gulls can withstand variations in weather better than pigeons
Gulls nest seasonally, while pigeons can nest all year round
Problems
Although many people find birds attractive and pleasant, they can present serious problems if numbers aren’t controlled. Bird droppings are particularly unpleasant because they’re infested with disease-causing organisms and can create slip hazards for your workers as well as members of the public. They’re also unsightly and can cause serious structural damage to your buildings. Nesting materials and feathers often contain many insects, which can lead to secondary infestations of properties. The noisy cooing and screaming cries of birds such as the seagull can cause major unrest in both inland urban areas and seaside towns. In addition, birds such as sparrows, starlings and pigeons can cause economic losses to food-related businesses by eating and fouling the food products being made or stored. (Starlings and sparrows were removed from the General Licences in 2005.)
UNDERSTANDING SPARROWS AND STARLINGS House sparrows and starlings are common visitors to garden bird feeders but are equally at home feeding on food spillages on farms and factory sites. Sparrows in particular are very adept at gaining access to buildings in order to nest and feed, often building their nests in holes in walls or under the eaves of buildings where nesting material can block guttering and downpipes. Starlings will also nest in similar situations but are also more prone to roost inside buildings where their droppings foul anything that lies beneath. Both birds are flock feeders and can roam over several miles to a feeding area.
Problems
Similar to pigeons and gulls, due to their large roosting numbers, sparrows and starlings can cause large scale contamination of bulk stored foodstuffs on farms and commercial food premises. This can lead to goods being returned from the customer as unfit for purpose. Birds trapped in buildings overnight are often responsible for triggering alarms causing false call-outs, so it is important to take measures to prevent them gaining access.
Legislation
The law on bird control is covered by both British and European legislation. The two main statutes are: The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) The European Bird Directive (1979) Under The Wildlife and Countryside Act, there are General Licences, issued by Natural England, that permit authorised persons to carry out a range of pest control activities against specific bird species. Authorised persons include landowners, occupiers, local authorities or any person authorised in writing by their local authority. The listed birds are: Canada Geese Lesser Black-backed Gull Magpie Crow Herring Gull Feral Pigeon Collared Dove Jackdaw Rook Great Black-backed Gull Jay Woodpigeon Other birds can only be controlled via special licences. The purposes for which these licences are granted: To preserve public health or public safety To preserve air safety
To prevent the spread of disease and serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit growing, timber, fisheries or inland water
For the conservation of wild birds Anyone relying on this licence must be satisfied that non-lethal methods of resolving the problem have been ineffective or are impractical.
I’ve worked with Abate at several sites I’ve been responsible for around Norwich and wouldn’t consider using anyone else now. Jon and his team are always friendly and helpful as well as giving me cost effective solutions for any issues that come up. Definitely a first class service!
Christine Beveridge Head of Operations Open Youth Trust
ABATE ... SOLUTIONS Proofing Methods
AviShock
There’s a wide array of bird proofing systems on the market today. The ‘bird pressure’ (the motivation of birds to regain access to a proofed area) of your site should be assessed in order to choose the most appropriate system for your needs.
This is an electrical bird deterrent system that provides a hugely valuable new professional management option. The principles are the same as managing livestock with electric fencing and have been tried and tested to ensure it doesn’t harm the birds.
Netting
Gel Systems
Heavy pressure areas These are characterised by lots of fouling, nesting material and even eggs. They’re usually very sheltered and are used by birds nesting at night. Netting is perhaps the most effective deterrent if you have this problem, but a local cull may also be needed to remove persistent individual birds.
Gel systems are applied to any ledges and ridges on your building using a caulking gun and are then painted with a sealing fluid to create a flexible barrier. The gel feels unpleasant and unstable to the birds’ feet and discourages them from perching.
Medium pressure areas These are less sheltered but often still heavily fouled. They’re favoured daytime perching areas and often overlook a food source. Whilst netting, post-and-wire and spike systems may be appropriate in these areas, birds are likely to move to nearby sites.
Plastic strip curtain doors should always be considered if you have large openings that allow birds to access the inside of your building and cause problems.
Low pressure areas These have infrequent perching places and have less fouling. If this is your problem, any proofing system can be used including barrier coil, spikes and gel. Bird netting systems that screen off problem areas can be 100% successful when installed correctly. Nets come in sizes to suit house sparrows, starlings, gulls and feral pigeons. Netting can be specified in several colours to suit your building’s masonry.
Post-and-Wire Systems
Post-and-wire systems are tried and tested applications which can be used on ledges, ridges and other structures to prevent birds gaining a foothold.
Spike Systems
Spike systems (also known as pin or point systems) are made up of strips, upright metal pins or plastic pins that deter birds from landing. They’re very adaptable, simple to apply and can be used to proof a wide variety of both plain and ornate buildings.
Physical Barriers
Following the installation of the chosen proofing system, regular inspections should be carried out to make sure your chosen barrier is still in place and in good condition. Any damage to your system should be reported and maintenance work carried out. A regular maintenance contract is advisable. It’s likely birds displaced by the installed system will seek an alternative roosting or perching site nearby so neighbouring buildings may also need to be proofed.
Hygiene Control
In most instances of pest infestation, it’s the availability of a convenient food and water source that makes a place attractive. Birds are likewise attracted to areas that have access to food or water. One of the ways of approaching a bird problem is to encourage effective site hygiene by ensuring that any unwanted residual food or water is regularly removed. In order to prevent the recurrence of the conditions that first attracted the birds, we suggest regular monitoring of the problem area. Any new flaws should be identified and reported.
WHAT ELSE DO WHERE DO WE COVER? WE WORK? All types of pest species including, but not limited to: Textile pests Wasps and flies Ants and fleas Cockroaches Bed bugs Rodents Woodworm
Contract servicing of:
Commercial premises Pubs and restaurants Shops and offices Local authorities Housing associations Schools Hospitals Nursing homes Domestic premises
If you have a pest problem, we can help!
Rapid response service 7 days a week Discreet & professional service Fully insured ISO / NPTA registered Free site surveys and estimates Committed to quality - money back guarantee
HEAD OFFICE
IF YOU HAVE A PEST PROBLEM CONTACT THE ABATE TEAM FREEPHONE 0800 980 9609 info@abateltd.co.uk
www.abateltd.co.uk
ABATE LTD
Hawkfield House 20 Chapel Road Morley St. Botolph Wymondham Norfolk NR18 9TF