For some, birds are harmless creatures of the air, to be admired for their graceful flights of fancy and cute plumage. For others, however, they are little better than flying rodents, spreading disease and destruction wherever they choose to nest or roost.

Birds frequently nest in drain gutters, resulting in blockages that can cause flooding and water damage. Birds nesting in chimneys or ventilation systems can also cause air-flow blockages, giving rise to potentially serious situations. Or they exploit a tiny gap in your eaves to build a base, often making the gap bigger and creating a headache for the homeowner long after their chicks have fled the nest.  Furthermore, if bird nests are located close to electrical cables or installations, their nesting materials can create a fire hazard. Bird droppings are also highly acidic, corroding both metal and concrete and causing structural problems. Last but not least, birds host numerous types of parasites and carry many kinds of infectious diseases.

Kings of the Flying Rodents
Pigeons are the top urban pest bird in Ireland (and elsewhere), causing damage wherever they roost. Since urban pigeons are descended from domesticated European homing pigeons, they are comfortable making their nests in man-made structures. Generally blue-grey in colour with irridescent feathers around the neck and head, their short legs and hind toes allow for effortless perching on pipes and ledges. They frequently nest in small, flat areas above the ground, such as building ledges, air-conditioning units, under roof eaves and on window sills.

Pigeon activity around buildings can lead to structural damage, as these resourceful pests are quite capable of lifting roof coverings to make an entry – especially if the covering is already displaced. This can allow significant water penetration into the building and subsequent decay. Just as seriously, pigeon feathers, faeces and other detritus can block rainwater-drainage systems, creating additional water-penetration risks and decay problems. Nesting activity is especially dangerous in this respect, as pigeons often nest in parapet gutters, leading to complete blockages in a short space of time.

Pigeons carry mites which can cause skin disorders, while dirt from their feathers can exacerbate respiratory problems. As if that wasn’t enough, they also carry a range of diseases, many of which are transmissible to humans, particularly if droppings contaminate foodstuffs. Around food premises, therefore, the presence of pigeons simply cannot be tolerated.

Bird Netting: Simple, Effective, Humane
If you have a bird issue, Central Pest Control can help. Using the latest – and totally humane – bird-netting solutions, we will be able to ensure a speedy and effective resolution to any bird-related problem.

The procedure usually works out as follows:

• SURVEY: A full survey of the affected area will be conducted to identify the cause and nature of the problem.
• DESIGN AND PLANNING: Following on from the survey, a tailor-made bird-prevention strategy to suit your premises will be developed
• CUSTOM BUILD: To ensure that prevention is totally effective, bird screens should be  custom built to fit your exact requirements
• INSTALLATION: Qualified technicians will then install the preventative screening to ensure complete effectiveness and quality

As the summer progresses, the problem of nesting birds rises to the top of the pest-control agenda. Don’t be fooled by the apparent ‘cuteness’ of our feathered f(r)iends – you could end up paying dearly for it in the long run.

Call us today on (01) 200 5900 or (0404) 62026.