When you think about pest control in Ipswich and the surrounding area, feral pigeons and gulls may not be the first species that come to mind. However, the fact is that colonies of these birds pose a real health hazard, and this needs to be tackled before the numbers grow still further. Dealing with these types of birds yourself can be tricky and dangerous; So, to carry out full bird-proofing and get rid of the problem, the best solution is to call in the experts.
Nesting birds can cause a problem for many different types of businesses and organisations, including schools, hotels and food shops. The droppings are unsightly and carry bacteria, while the birds themselves are noisy and may pester people in the area.
Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions is a pest control company based in the Ipswich area with the expert knowledge and experience needed to deal with bird problems. We will come out quickly –on the same day if an emergency appointment is requested – and provide a discreet and effective service, using unmarked vehicles if you prefer.
Pest Control Ipswich – get in touch now for expert help.
Problems Caused by Pigeons and Gulls
Feral pigeons are descended from domestic pigeons, which were themselves originally bred from rock doves, and the three species can all interbreed. Years ago people used to go to feed huge flocks of pigeons at places like London's Trafalgar Square, where they were regarded as a tourist attraction. However, it is now realised the birds are a hazard to the public through the germs they carry, and feeding is discouraged.
Pigeons can cause a problem for businesses if they take up residence there, so it is important to get rid of them. They breed all year round, as many as six times a year, so you could soon be facing a large flock if you do not act early on. Pigeons can also contaminate products, for instance in a factory setting. The birds carry diseases including psittacosis, an infectious condition which can cause fevers and even pneumonia. Another problem is that their nests and droppings attract insects, such as fleas, and so can lead to a second pest problem on your site.
Gulls are another type of bird increasingly requiring pest control, especially in coastal towns such as Ipswich, Felixstowe, Manningtree and Clacton. They are traditionally known as "seagulls", but have now increasingly moved into urban settings. Herring gulls and lesser black backed gulls often nest on roofs, ledges and balconies, where they may damage tiles and can block gutters and even chimney flues.
These birds nest from May onwards and often pose a particular problem during the summer months, when they are raising their chicks and become more aggressive. Passers-by may often find gulls swooping down on them in a bid to protect their offspring, and this can be intimidating. Gulls' screaming calls also cause a noise nuisance, and, as with pigeons, their droppings are unsightly.
Calling in the Experts to Bird-Proof Your Premises
Wild birds in general are protected by law, so it is important to ensure you only take legally sanctioned measures against feral populations. This is one good reason to bring in experts rather than trying to deal with the problem yourself. We at Essex & Suffolk Pest Solutions have full knowledge of the relevant legislation and will ensure that all action taken is correctly licensed.
Another reason to call in the experts is that trying to reach nesting sites yourself, for instance by climbing on a roof, can be dangerous. Our expert personnel will ensure that there is no risk either to your staff or to the public while old nests are removed. We start by carrying out a site survey to assess the damage and examine how widespread the problem is. We then remove used nesting materials and droppings and clean all affected areas. Because of the risk of bacteria spreading, it is vital that this is handled by the professionals.
Once the old nests and fouling/guano have been removed and the areas treated with biocide, the next stage is to bird-proof the premises, usually through bird wires or spikes. Bird wires are a humane and discreet option, with wires attached to posts at different heights to deter pigeons and gulls from perching there. These wires are almost invisible and so won't spoil the look of your building. They can be fitted to many different types of premises, including historic buildings, and are especially useful for long ledges.
Bird spikes are another humane method and ideal for areas with a heavy population of pigeons or gulls. They consist of networks of angled steel or plastic wires which make it hard for the birds to land, but do not harm them.
High quality bird netting is another popular and humane method of bird control and can be used in a wide range of areas, from agricultural buildings to transport hubs, such as train stations and bus depots.
Similarly, Optical Bird Gel, otherwise known as Bird-free Fire Gel, is another good option as it is non-toxic and does not harm birds. It creates the illusion of flames to birds, thus preventing them landing on your premises and fouling. The substance is invisible from the ground - so it won’t affect the appearance of buildings - and lasts for up to two years.
If it is not possible to bird-proof the premises effectively, then a series of humane culls could be considered, carried out by a trained marksman.
About Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions
When there is a need for pest control and bird proofing, Ipswich households and businesses can always call on our expertise. We serve customers across Suffolk and Essex and deal with a wide range of pests, including pigeons, gulls, wasps, rats and mice. Get in touch now to find out more.
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