Feral Pigeons (Columba livia)
Problem with pigeons? We can help you with cleaning,
netting, installing bird spikes and other preventative measures.
Often know as 'flying rats', the control of feral pigeons
is a highly controversial subject. Some people see them as a natural
part of the local wildlife, while others see them as a nuisance bird.
Humans are at risk from feral pigeons. Pigeons can carry
a number of potentially infectious diseases including salmonella,
tuberculosis and ornithosis. They are also a source of allergens which
can cause respiratory ailments such as pigeon fancier's lung and allergic
skin reaction. There is potential for these illnesses to be spread
to people through contact with pigeon droppings. They carry insect
pests such as fleas, mites. Their roosts and nesting sites attract
mealworm s, flies, Dermestes beatles and many other insect pests.
The presence of pigeons droppings (particularly when
wet), can also contribute to slip hazards. Pigeon faeces are very
acidic and will corrode the fabric of your building, including UPVC,
brickwork, guttering and metal leading, leading to costly repairs
and increased maintenance.
Pigeons can breed at the age of six months. They normally
lay two eggs in a flimsy nest constructed in a sheltered site, and
incubate them for 16-18 days. The young feed for several weeks on
pigeon 'milk' from their parents. They leave the nest after five weeks
but still rely on parental feeding for a further week or two before
becoming independent. By this time, the parents are able to commence
the breeding cycle again. This ability to breed up to six times per
year allows the pigeon population to rapidly expand.
Treatment for Pigeons
Effective proofing, control, fouling removal and insecticidal
treatment can save money and reduce risk of disease. The various control
methods include:
Bird netting: Ideal for excluding birds from
certain areas. Can be used to cover light-wells, roof-plant machinery
and balconies etc.
Birdwire systems: Comprises stainless steel metal
posts with sprung wires attached that can be fixed to most surfaces.
Shooting: Usually necessary for removing individual
birds from private homes, warehouses or in isolated places where other
proofing is not available.
Spike systems: A plastic base with stainless
steel spikes, very popular and widely used, can be applied to almost
any surface.
Weldmesh: Perfect for excluding pigeons and gulls
from fire escapes, walkways, girders and plant machinery. Often the
best method for proofing small access holes around soffit boards on
domestic premises.
Trapping: Ideal for the control of resident populations
of pigeons in large areas such as shopping centres, blocks of flats
etc.
Fouling removal and cleaning: We will remove
bird fouling, nesting material and other contaminated waste using
a specialist disinfectant followed by an insecticidal treatment to
kill all the insect pests associated with the birds.
We
cover the following areas for pigeon infestations; London, South London,
South-East London, East London, Kent and Surrey including the boroughs
of: City of London, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith
& Fulham, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley,
Merton, Epsom & Ewell, Sutton, Croydon, Reigate & Banstead,
Bromley, Bexley, Dartford, Sevenoaks and surrounding areas.
