The problems Pigeons Cause in the UK and How to Prevent them

EXPERT TIPS FROM CATCH-­‐IT PEST CONTROL LTD LONDON

The problems Pigeons Cause in the UK and How to Prevent them London specialists share their insights and top pigeon deterrents

Pigeons on tour property can be a nuisance, damaging to buildings and harmful to health.

Pigeons are known to... ◆ Spread diseases and bacteria ◆ Corrode and cause damage to buildings ◆ Be a general nuisance and attract other pests ◆ Impact the environmental balance

CATCH-­‐IT PEST CONTROL LTD LONDON | www.pestcontrol4london.co.uk | 0208 787 5929

Pigeons are a common nuisance in the UK, and are a problem that is often ignored because we don’t know how to deal with them. Your property could be susceptible to a whole host of issues if you don’t exterminate these pests.

The Problems Pigeons Cause • Pigeons carry an unexpectedly large number of diseases that can be passed on to humans. The most common means of catching diseases from pigeons is from inhaling dust from dried droppings.

• Pigeons don't have many serious predators, which results in them breeding in vast numbers unhindered, leading to overpopulation.

• Pigeons are known to carry mites. These can lead to skin disease in humans, while dust from pigeon feathers may cause respiratory issues.

• Gutter/Vent Destruction -­‐ Pigeons sit on roofs, where they will roost, leave droppings and shed feathers. This waste causes blockages in gutters and vents.

• Accidents -­‐ Fresh droppings are slippery and can cause accidents, especially on window sills and fire escapes, making them very dangerous when trying to move fast.

CATCH-­‐IT PEST CONTROL LTD LONDON | www.pestcontrol4london.co.uk | 0208 787 5929

• Species Depopulation -­‐ Other species of bird may be driven out as pigeons move in to find food, causing problems in the ecosystem and having an environmental impact.

• External damage -­‐ Pigeons cause external damage, staining brickwork and making buildings look unsightly.

• Structure Damage -­‐ Droppings are acidic which corrode the outside of buildings, leaving cracks for other pests to enter through.

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Both commercial and private properties can be affected by pigeons, especially in urban areas.

Deterring & Preventing Pigeons • All pigeon pest control problems should be taken seriously. However, only a specialist pest control technician is permitted to use government-­‐approved control methods include trapping or drugging followed by humane destruction and shooting.

• Under UK law it is illegal to use spring traps, poisons, some types of netting, gassing or sticky substances that may entangle a pigeon. It is also an offence to deliberately kill a racing pigeon.

• You may use landing deterrents such as spikes, legally permitted types of goo, and string, which are all simple and easy to put in place, very effective and cheap to buy.

CATCH-­‐IT PEST CONTROL LTD LONDON | www.pestcontrol4london.co.uk | 0208 787 5929

• Don’t feed them. Pigeons are known to be some of the greediest birds in the country, and if you feed them once they’ll keep coming back for second helpings.

• The use of pigeon netting is probably the most common because of how effective it is, although some types of net are forbidden in the UK. • One of the easiest methods is using pigeon scarers. A model of a bird of prey will be a threat to a pigeon, and keep them away from your home.

• Ultrasonic scarers are also available, which produce high frequency sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. This noise if very annoying to pigeons, but may prevent any birds coming near your property at all.

• Try using spices to prevent pigeons approaching your property. You will love the smell of this all-­‐ natural deterrent, but this method requires a lot of upkeep.

• Mend holes in your property. If you have small cracks in your roof or wall, a pigeon may find them and use them to get into your loft space to nest.

• Always ask for the help of a professional when installing pigeon deterring and prevention equipment.

CATCH-­‐IT PEST CONTROL LTD LONDON | www.pestcontrol4london.co.uk | 0208 787 5929

• Keep your pest control consistent. Many methods require maintenance and vigilance when it comes to replacement, but with proper upkeep you’ll soon notice the pigeon population decrease.

About Us -­‐-­‐-­‐ Catch-­‐it Ltd offer affordable, 24 hour emergency pest services across the whole of London and the home counties. Watch our video about our range of UK services for more info.

-­‐-­‐-­‐ Being one of the most trusted pest control companies in London, we provide the full range of low cost services for pigeon pest control as well as pest infestations of all kinds.

CATCH-­‐IT PEST CONTROL LTD LONDON | www.pestcontrol4london.co.uk | 0208 787 5929