Maintenance contracts are vital where bird netting is used say experts

Cleankill pest controllers are horrifi ed to be regularly coming across large buildings where bird netting is installed but no one is maintaining it.

The result is that when the netting gets damaged, birds can get tangled and trapped resulting in them getting injured or starving to death.

Cleankill Managing Director, Paul Bates explains: “There are many different solutions for discouraging pest birds, and using netting is one of them. We can’t stress enough how important it is for the netting to be maintained.

“There was a recent example of birds getting trapped in netting on a supermarket. It was not only distressing for the birds themselves but horrific for shoppers. In addition, the supermarket faced the risk of prosecution.”

On its website the RSPCA echoes Cleankill’s concerns saying “Bird deterrent netting can be an effective means of keeping birds off structures as it can prevent problems without needing to resort to other measures such as killing birds. However, it’s vitally important that any netting is properly installed and maintained.

“We recommend that anyone with netting installed on their property sets up a system to check regularly for trapped birds and to ensure any netting is in good repair. All wild birds, including pigeons and gulls, and their nests are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence, except under licence, to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird.”

There is also the consideration that if they are under the control of man (for example as a result of having been captured or confined – such as becoming trapped in netting), then an offence could be committed under the Animal Welfare Act which specifi es the

Correctly installed netting

Damaged netting

duty of care conditions that must be applied to any trapped animal.

With Spring on the way, now is the time to make sure your property is protected from nesting birds and make sure you have a contract with pest control experts such as Cleankill.

As the days get warmer, birds will start to look for places to settle such as outside ledges and exposed pipework. Their droppings will then collect on the fl oor below causing an unsightly, dangerously slippery mess.

As well as netting there are many techniques available such as: bird free gel; sprung wire systems and bird spike repellents. Or, for natural bird control, Harris Hawks are the ideal solution. Pigeons, or ‘fl ying rats’, carry diseases and nearly all pigeons carry bird mites - tiny spider-like creatures that feed off the bird and makes humans itch and scratch. Pigeon fouling and nesting material also provide a home for many other insects such as clothes moths, carpet beetle, mealworm beetles and various flying species. When the fouling is dry it creates airborne bacteria affecting anybody that may be susceptible to asthma and other breathing diffi culties.

Cleankill offers a specialist bird control service, from the initial survey and specification through to the final proofi ng solution. As registered waste carriers, Cleankill can carry out fullscale removal of bird fouling, as well as contaminated goods and furniture, from infested properties.

Go to www.cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477.

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