Wednesday 16 September 2015

Tackling Birds Nesting Under Your Solar Panels


There’s nothing more relaxing than the sound of birdsong when you are out for a stroll in the countryside…but it’s quite the opposite when you’ve woken up to a dawn chorus coming from your rooftop; even less so when the sound emanates from under your newly installed solar panels.

The number of homes powered by solar power energy has rocketed in the UK and almost doubled in 2014 alone, thanks to a government backed energy saving funding scheme. The scheme means qualifying homeowners can generate free solar energy without paying for their solar panels in advance.

….but like all great schemes, there is a downside.

The increase in solar power in East Anglia has gone hand in hand with the rise in pigeons nesting on rooftops, much to the frustration of property owners. However, there are several ways professional pest control companies such as Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions can tackle the problem.

Why do pigeons nest under solar panels?

Pigeons and other smaller birds nestle under solar panels for two reasons: they like the warmth from the lingering heat in the panels, and they see it as a safe place to shelter, away from predators and close enough to food sources.

Why is it a problem?

This creates a serious problem for homeowners for several reasons:


  • Noise – No one likes to be woken up early by a dawn chorus, and as some properties attract a dozen or more pigeons at a time this can prove extremely irritating for home owners.
  • Insects – A host of insect types infest nests, which can then invade your home, especially when young pigeons fledge.
  • Excrement – A flock of birds on the roof, means an awful lot of bird droppings, which can hold up rainwater on the roof, leading to possible water ingress.
  • Danger – The nesting material left under the panels can create a potential fire hazard in the summer months, putting home owners and neighbouring properties at risk. 

Can I tackle this problem myself?

While there are ways that you can tackle this problem yourself, such as attaching a plastic bird of prey to the roof, this method is not always effective so it is likely that the pigeons will continue to be a problem.

Not only this, but bird proofing can be extremely dangerous to install, and unless you have the right safety equipment it is simply not worth the risk. Instead, the best bet is to call on the services of professional pest control companies, such as Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions, who follow the right health and safety procedures and can eradicate the problem in the quickest, most environmentally-friendly way.

What can be done?

The problem of birds nesting under or between solar panels can be resolved in two main ways. We can clip wire mesh to the outer edge of your panels which acts as barrier to keep the pigeons out, or we can place spikes along the edge of the panels which not only creates an impenetrable barrier, but also prevents pigeons nesting as it no longer gives them a comfortable place to settle.

Does any  preparation need to be done first?

A few things need to be done before the panels are pigeon-proofed to ensure an effective solution. The first step is to remove all the birds from under the solar panels first, as well as any dead pigeons and nesting materials.

If relevant, we will also remove bird-droppings from the gutter, and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

About Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions

Essex and Suffolk Pest Solutions provide a friendly and effective service and have all the relevant health and safety equipment for the safe removal of pigeons. We operate in the Essex, Suffolk, Ipswich, Colchester, Clacton, Harwich, Witham, Sudbury, Stowmarket, Woodbridge and Manningtree areas. Just click on the link above to find out more.

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