Professional pigeon control in Basingstoke and Hook
Feral pigeon control in Basingstoke and Hook
Feral pigeons are a common sight in the streets of Basingstoke, and they are so often referred to as flying rats. These adaptable birds certainly are an urban pest and no matter where you live, you’re bound to have a flock of feral pigeons living nearby. The reason why pigeons are so successful is that these birds were once domesticated by us for use as a food source, and they are happy to live alongside us, nesting on our houses and businesses.
The pigeon is an intelligent bird, and they act fast when an opportunity presents itself, they will quickly move in and take advantage of any potential roost site and once the birds are in place, they can be very difficult to dislodge.
The birds were domesticated from wild rock doves long ago and they are at home living alongside us, so much so, that they now breed just like rats do; and that’s all year long. Without a set breeding season, this means that suitable nest sites are always in high demand and they are always occupied.
There are many misconceptions on how to successfully control pigeons and not all bird deterrents work as well as others in certain locations, in fact the wrong deterrent will actually make things worse when you have pigeons nesting on your property. The pigeon is a social bird and so they will group together for preening, nesting and roosting and each activity is deemed as a type of pressure; low pressure being resting and high pressure being actual nesting. The correct choice of bird deterrent relies on the pest control technician identifying the level of pressure and working from there.
How to achieve successful pigeon control in Basingstoke
Low pressure is the term given to an area where pigeons are just resting; the edges of buildings and ledges will all allow the birds to sit and watch for food.
At these types of sites, the installation of metal or plastic spikes or a metal post and wire rail system will deter the birds from perching.
Spiking works in low pressure environments; when these systems are installed in high pressure areas, the birds will simply drop twigs and rubbish into the open crown of the spikes.
This material builds up until they have formed a base for the nest and then they will start laying eggs. By installing spikes in the wrong pressure area, you’re actually helping the birds to nest on your property.
Visual deterrents may work in low pressure areas for a time, however as pigeons are one of the few animals that are able to recognise their own reflection, a plastic owl stuck to a roof may not be as effective in the long term as you’d think.
When pigeons are staying overnight at a site, this is called a roost and you’re now moving from low pressure into the medium pressure environment.
Spiking may still be an effective deterrent, but from experience, these birds will persist in trying to get into the area.
Given their intelligence and their habit of filling spikes with twigs, it’s only a matter of time before the birds will begin nesting in this site.
Where the birds are nesting on a site, this is known as high pressure; the pigeons have eggs or young squabs in the nest, and they will not leave the site even if you have a hawk flying over the area.
These birds’ mate for life and form an incredibly strong bond to their young, birds of prey are sometimes used in pest control to scare pigeons off, but they will quickly return to the area when the hawk is gone.
Whether you’re looking at medium or high-pressure sites, the most effective form of pigeon deterrent is by the installation of bird netting; these nets can be used either horizontally or vertically and they encase the entire area, physically preventing the birds from accessing the site. No birds will be harmed through the correct installation of a bird net.
Total bird control for Basingstoke and Hook
There are other advantages of installing bird netting, and that is, bird netting is a very humane way to control the pigeons, we don’t kill or hurt the birds as our presence scares them away from the area whilst we’re installing the system.
This means that once the pigeons leave, they are unable to return and nest, without the overhead protection offered by the building they will have to find a new site on which to nest. As competition for the best nesting sites is high and the most suitable ones are already taken, the displaced flock may be unable to find a new site, this is an effective form of bird control without harming the birds.
Bird netting is effective against any number of birds, and smaller net sizes are available to control different species of birds. Our technicians are trained in the installation of bird netting and we have a wide range of fittings at our disposal which means we can rig a bird net just about anywhere.
In accordance with Working at Height Regulations we are IPAF trained so that we can hire and use a variety of motorised booms and scissor lifts to give us safe access just about anywhere.
Effective bird control from a local company – Reading Pest Control
A correctly fitted bird net should be virtually invisible and its presence means that the pigeons no longer have access so you’re free from the noise of the birds, the discarded feathers and their excrement, and the smell associated with a build-up of pigeons faeces. We fit bird nets for a wide range of premises both in the commercial sector and for residential customers, from underground car parks, hospital roof top plant machinery to a small urban balcony; if you’ve got a problem with pigeons then we can offer you a cost effective solution.
We are also licensed waste carriers and we carryout guano removal and cleaning, this service is available for both the domestic and commercial sectors and we can give you a no obligation quote for any bird clean up required.
Pigeons are a nuisance that everyone can do without, we often clean and rig nets to barrier balconies on flats and I’m surprised that people put up with the mess, the noise and the disturbance for so long. Our netting methods means that we do not harm the birds, we just get rid of them for good.
Got a problem with pigeons in Basingstoke?
Don’t delay phone us on 07491 247 999 and we can have a technician out to you within 24 hours
