I understand how frustrating it is when your property becomes a landing strip for pigeons or gulls. It starts with one or two, and before you know it, your roof, gutters, and walkways are covered in mess. At Bath Pest Controllers, we deal with these situations every day. It isn’t just about the noise; it is about the structural damage and health risks that come with feathered intruders.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about bird pest control, from the risks of bird mites to whether a professional can legally remove a nest.
Why You Need Bird Pest Control
When we talk about birds as pests, we aren’t talking about the robin in your garden. We are talking about feral pigeons and gulls that cause serious issues for homeowners and businesses. These birds are creatures of habit. If they find a safe spot to roost or nest, they won’t leave on their own.
One of the biggest concerns we see is the buildup of guano (bird droppings). It is highly acidic and eats through building materials like stone, brick, and metal. Over time, this leads to expensive repair bills. Furthermore, blocked gutters caused by nesting materials often lead to water damage inside the property.
Understanding the Risks: Bird Mites Pest Control
Many people ask us about the tiny crawling insects they find in their bedrooms or offices near a bird infestation. This is where bird mites pest control becomes essential.
Bird mites are parasites that live on the birds and in their nests. Once the chicks leave the nest or the bird dies, these mites look for a new host. They often crawl through window frames, vents, and cracks in the walls to enter your living space. While they cannot survive indefinitely on humans, their bites cause intense itching and skin irritation. If you have a bird problem, you likely have a mite problem too, which is why we treat both simultaneously.
Can Pest Control Get Rid of Birds?
A common question we get is, “can pest control get rid of birds?” The answer is yes, but it must be done within the strict framework of the law. In the UK, all wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means you cannot simply go out and remove them yourself.
However, professional pest control birds services operate under “General Licences.” These allow us to take action when birds pose a threat to public health or safety. We use various methods to encourage birds to move on, such as:
Bird Netting: A physical barrier that stops birds from reaching specific areas.
Bird Spikes: Blunted spikes that prevent birds from landing on ledges without harming them.
Bird Wire Systems: Tensioned wires that make it difficult for birds to balance.
Can Pest Control Remove Bird Nest?
Timing is everything when asking “can pest control remove bird nest?” If a nest is currently being built or contains eggs/chicks, it is legally protected. We cannot move or destroy an active nest unless there is a very specific health and safety justification.
Once the nesting season is over and the birds have flown, we can safely and legally remove the nesting debris. We also provide solar panel bird proofing to ensure that once the nests are gone, they don’t come back next year. This is a vital step because birds are “site faithful,” meaning they will return to the exact same spot year after year if not blocked.
Professional Bird Control Pest Strategies
Effective bird control pest management isn’t just about shooing them away. It requires a strategic approach. When we arrive at a property, we look at why the birds are there. Is there a food source? Is there a sheltered ledge?
We often combine different techniques. For example, we might install spikes on window sills while using eco-friendly pest control methods to clean and disinfect the area. Cleaning is a huge part of the process because bird droppings contain pheromones that attract other birds. If you don’t clean the site professionally, new birds will simply take the place of the old ones.
Does Pest Control Get Rid of Birds Permanently?
If you are wondering “does pest control get rid of birds” for good, the answer depends on the proofing. “Get rid of” usually implies a permanent solution. Shooting or trapping is rarely a long-term fix because the environment remains attractive to the next flock.
The only way to achieve permanent results is through proofing. By physically blocking access to nesting and roosting sites, we force the birds to find somewhere else to go. We specialize in birds control services that focus on long-term exclusion rather than temporary fixes.
The Health Hazards of Bird Infestations
Statistically, bird droppings are linked to over 60 different diseases, including Salmonellosis and Psittacosis. When the droppings dry out, they turn into a fine dust. This dust can be sucked into air conditioning units or inhaled by people walking by.
This is why pest control for birds is a matter of public health. In commercial settings, a bird problem can lead to a business being closed down by health inspectors. We use specialized “biocidal” cleaners to neutralize these pathogens before we begin the physical proofing work, ensuring the area is safe for you and your family.
Summary of Bird Management
Managing birds requires patience and expertise. Whether it is dealing with the aftermath of an infestation through bird mites pest control or installing high-level netting, the goal is always the same: to make your property unattractive to birds.
We don’t recommend DIY bird control. Using the wrong products or disturbing nests at the wrong time of year can lead to heavy fines. Trusting a professional ensures the job is done legally, safely, and effectively.
Once the host bird is removed, bird mites usually die within 3 weeks if they cannot find a new host. However, they will bite humans in the meantime, so we recommend a professional insecticidal treatment to clear them out immediately.
Washing dry droppings can aerosolize bacteria, making it easy to inhale. You should always dampen the droppings first and wear a mask, or better yet, let us handle the biohazard cleanup with professional-grade chemicals.
The cost depends on the size of the area and the method used. However, compared to the cost of repairing roof damage or cleaning stonework every month, proofing usually pays for itself within a year or two.
No. Bird spikes are designed to be uncomfortable to land on, not to spear the birds. They act as a visual and physical deterrent that encourages the bird to land elsewhere.
Yes, we can. This often involves a "loft clearance" where we remove the birds, the nests, and any contaminated insulation. We then seal the entry points to prevent them from returning.