Pigeons

Pigeons are a problem for many people in both rural and urban areas. Originally inhabiting mountains and cliffs in the wild, pigeons have found ledges of buildings a modern-day equivalent, adapting well to living in towns and cities.

There are 18 million feral pigeons in Britain, a number which is increasing due to rapid breeding rates when there is access to food (as in towns, cities and farmland). Pigeons are considered a pest due to their ability to cause significant environmental damage and cause a hazard to human health and safety. Fortunately, pigeons and pigeon problems are easy to recognise, enabling many to take out effective pigeon proofing methods.

Pigeon problems

Many of the biggest pigeon problems come from their droppings.  Pigeon droppings cost £15 million a year to clean up and often the damage they cause to buildings, pavements, vehicles and statues is irreparable as they are acidic and highly corrosive.

Pigeon droppings are unsightly and cause a slipping risk on pavements and emergency exit ladders and stairways. The pest, sometimes known as ?rats with wings?, can also cause diseases such as Chiamdiosis, a flu-like virus, and Psittacosis, similar to pneumonia, when their dried excrement becomes airborne.  The birds? nests harbour insects and bacteria such as pigeon fleas, mites, flies and clothes moths, potentially causing additional pest problems if pigeon deterrents are not installed.

Cleaning public, commercial and residential buildings is an expensive business; taxpayers in London foot a bill of £100,000 a year to remove the tonne of bird droppings from around Nelson?s Column. But pigeons are a pest in rural areas too. An increasing number of farmers are investing in pigeon pest control measures to prevent them from eating their crops.

Whether you live in an urban or rural environment it is likely that you have seen first-hand the problems associated with pigeons. The easiest way to avoid extensive damage, cleaning bills and the hazard to human health is to solve the root of your pigeon problems by investing in pigeon deterrents.

Types of pigeon pest control

Pigeon proofing is an easy, humane and effective method of pest control, helping many people prevent serious pigeon problems affecting their property. Terminex?s comprehensive pigeon pest control programme is an ideal long-term solution which will leave you with a safe and clean environment. Our control methods include installing pigeon spikes, sprung wires and netting to prevent nesting in areas on or around your building, all of which have been proven to be effective pigeon deterrents. A joint biocide/insecticide will destroy any disease organisms, bacteria or insects caused by your pigeons beforehand.

Getting rid of pigeons is easy with pigeon proofing from Terminex.