Much like rats, pigeons have become very well adapted to life in urban environments, and there’s hardly a city anywhere in the UK that won’t be dealing with pigeon problems on a regular basis. But this isn’t easy, which is why a company that specialises in commercial pest bird control will be needed if a flock sets up home.
Pigeons Infesting Construction Sites
Buildings and structures, together with construction sites provide excellent roosts for pigeons, which is why they live among us in cities, in such great numbers. They are also largely free from predators in urban areas, and our waste provides plenty of food for them to eat. Wherever waste disposal methods are lax, you can expect pigeons to arrive for a good feed sooner or later and if the food source persists, so will the pigeons.
Good waste disposal practices are therefore crucial to prevent pigeon infestations, in and around buildings and construction sites.
Like all pest birds, pigeons will set up home wherever there is a regular food source and good shelter. Sizeable construction sites will often have large numbers of workers, who of course will all be eating food at various times throughout the day. As a build can last for several months, food waste can mount up quickly, and, if it is not managed and disposed of properly, will eventually start to attract unwanted pests such as pigeons.
If this happens, the birds will then start to build their nests in the surrounding buildings, creating an infestation before construction is even complete. This means food waste disposal must be taken as seriously as all other waste disposal on building and construction sites.
Pigeons have sharp beaks and claws, allowing them to easily tear into plastic rubbish bags. As such, you should avoid leaving rubbish bags exposed, as in an open skip or bin with no lid. Instead, food waste should be disposed of in a container which can be covered and locked, meaning no one can thoughtlessly open it and leave the rubbish inside accessible to birds.
In addition to food, pigeons will also forage construction sites for nesting materials, such as bits of plastic and wood, of which there will usually be plenty, if adequate cleaning and waste disposal is not conducted.
Pigeon Problems and Diseases
The noise and droppings created by pigeons can be disruptive and hazardous on construction sites. Pigeon faeces when fresh, creates slipping hazards for workers. It is also corrosive, which means it will cause damage to metal and stonework if left over extended periods.
Pigeons can cause damage by dislodging roof tiles – which are then at risk of falling – and can block guttering with nesting materials and other refuse.
Aside from damage and a general lack of cleanliness, pigeons are also carriers of a number of diseases, posing a serious health risk for construction site workers. These include viruses, such as avian influenza; bacterial diseases, such as psittacosis; and fungal infections such as histoplasmosis. These diseases can spread to humans via direct contact with birds or feathers, or even by inhalation of dried-out pigeon dropping particles.
Pigeon Control Methods
Due to their protected status, DIY methods of pest bird control should always be avoided. By far the best thing to do is to call in the pest bird control experts to deal with an existing problem, or, even better, to prevent an infestation before it becomes a problem.
Pest control professionals have a number of solutions to deal with pigeon problems on construction sites.
Anti-perch Spikes
Bird spikes are a tried and tested method of discouraging pigeons and other birds from landing or nesting on building ledges and other exterior surfaces. They are not designed to harm the birds, but rather to render surfaces uninhabitable.
Pigeon Netting
Pigeon netting is made from polyethylene and is used all over the world as an effective pest bird control device to protect buildings. Nets can be secured to many different types of surfaces, including structural steel, masonry, roof cladding, wooden beams and other timber.
Birds of Prey
The controlled introduction of a natural predator into an established roosting area can quickly see off pigeons and other pest birds that have already taken up residence, and will discourage any new arrivals from setting up home, too. Importantly, birds of prey are trained not to kill the birds, but rather to simply scare them away.
Safeguard Pest Bird Control
If your construction site is attracting unwanted pigeons and you have concerns that an infestation may be taking hold, call in the pest bird control experts at Safeguard Pest Control. We have over three decades of experience designing bespoke bird pest control solutions for commercial clients. Get in touch today to organise a free site survey which will allow us to advise you on the most appropriate pigeon control method at your site.
