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Why Falconry is a Great Bird Control Method

It can be a challenge to achieve effective pest bird control while sticking to the strict letter of the law. However, innovative pest control companies have an interesting method of keeping avian infestations under management.

The issues caused by out of control bird infestations can be myriad. Birds damage property and stock as they scavenge for food, build their nests, or attempt to gain access to buildings. Their droppings are highly acidic and will corrode metal, wood or brickwork, and cause damage to clothing, vehicles, and paintwork, while also presenting a significant slipping hazard. Birds can also carry a range of bacterial, fungal and viral diseases which they can transmit to humans through physical contact, contamination of food products, or inhalation of their dried and atomised faecal matter.

 Bird Control

The net result of all these dangers is a risk of lost revenue through sickness, damage, litigation, or, in extreme cases, closure by environmental health.

A Solution from the Annals of History

In Mesopotamia, an ancient kingdom which covered parts of the areas we now call Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, the people of the age discovered they could train and domesticate birds of prey and the practice of falconry was born. From there it rapidly spread across the Middle East and as far as Mongolia and Medieval Europe, adopted as a hobby, sport and status symbol among nobles.

The first records of raptors being used to hunt other animals can be traced back to Rome, circa 500BC, where they were used alongside dogs, on duck hunts.

Fast Forward to Today

When pest birds take up residence in commercial properties they can prove incredibly difficult to remove. They build their nests in elevated locations, such as warehouse rafters or lofts, posing practical and safety concerns for employees tasked with removing them.

However, by introducing a trained bird of prey to an area infested by nesting birds, a company can discourage them from remaining. The raptors are trained, not to hunt and kill the pest birds, but rather simply provide a clear and present danger to them when considering whether to take up residence. Nesting animals are evolutionarily programmed to avoid areas which are home to their natural predators, and regular patrols by a bird of prey plays on those fears.

Trained Birds of Prey with Safeguard

John Lacy is Safeguard’s resident bird of prey expert and is responsible for handling and training our team of bird control raptors. John’s avian friends include a male Harris hawk named Beau. Female raptors are generally larger and more powerful than their male counterpoints, however the presence of either bird would successfully deter any pest bird control.

John first became interested in falconry at the young age of 12, and his first bird was a female kestrel named Kes. Since then he has immersed himself in the world of falconry, eventually joining the nationally accredited LANTRA falconry award programme.

Safeguard’s bird of prey pest control solution offers safe, legal and environmentally friendly protection to customers in all kinds of environments from warehouses, to heritage sites and stadiums. Safeguard has over 30 years’ experience dealing with pest control issues for all manner of residential and commercial concerns and are able to consult with you and design a bespoke solution, tailor made for your situation.

Whether you have a problem with bird control or any other pest infestation, Safeguard Pest Control is on hand to help you avoid the negative consequences of unwanted animals.

Please get in touch with one of our experts today.

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