PEST CONRTOL
When considering the threat of pests, you might think that the main focus is on the interior of a building, with rodents or insects as the prime culprits. However, while these are rightfully a concern for facilities managers, pest birds such as pigeons and gulls, are increasingly the source of exterior building damage and therefore just as important to control.
The abundance of litter in urban areas is the main reason behind the spike in growth behind pigeon and gull colonies. Gulls, once mainly associated with coastal towns, have moved inland to take advantage of a ready food supply and are now a common sight in most urbanised areas of the UK. In fact, a 2015 census showed that the number of gull colonies has nearly doubled since 2000, from 239 to 474, with each of these possibly containing thousands of birds. Pigeons are also colonising towns, cities, and even busy streets, despite the attempts of many local authorities to discourage people from feeding them. The availability of litter has caused birds to congregate in large numbers and thrive.
Yet, pest birds are not only attracted solely to the litter. Commercial buildings make the perfect nesting ground for these birds, from the large, flat surfaces of many retail sites, to cliff-like, covered ledges which provide shelter and sanctuary. Naturally gregarious, pest birds tend to gather in large flocks, and like many other species, both pigeons and gulls are creatures of habit. Once a preferred nesting ground has been established, they often return year after year, bringing recurring problems of high cost, dirt and hygiene issues for the buildings that become their home.
DAMAGING BUSINESS Facilities managers will work with
pest control companies to diligently protect the interior of their sites from pests. However, the exterior is just as important for attracting customers and promoting a professional image. A building stained with bird droppings will look unappealing, and particularly in retail, a sure fire way to discourage footfall. Professionally removing the
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stains is expensive, particularly when it is a common reoccurrence. Should droppings be left untreated they can also cause permanent damage to any masonry or outer façades, leading to expensive repairs.
Repairs can also be incurred should a large number of birds decide to nest on roofs, as an accumulation of feathers, guano and other nesting detritus can easily block gutters and drains, potentially causing water to leak through and damage the building’s interior. Pigeons are also prone to seeking out shelter in enclosed spaces, such as air vents and fire escapes, often leading to them gaining access to upper floors or loft space. They are capable of squeezing through gaps as little as 25mm wide, and cause a vast amount of structural damage should they go unnoticed for a period of time. Without regular inspection, it’s easy for these problems to only make themselves apparent when the damage appears, by which point it’s usually too late to avoid a hefty repair bill.
Not only do pest birds cause damage to a building’s structure, but they can also bring considerable harm to those who work in them. Bird droppings can cause serious infections in humans, such as Ornithosis and Salmonellosis, and should be treated with care. Their nesting sites are also a haven for other pests such as flies, mites and fleas, causing secondary infestations and additional costs.
Gulls in particular can also prove a nightmare for a building’s residents. Gulls become very protective during nesting season, and will often aggressively dive at any passers-by, such as staff or customers, that they consider a threat to their chicks. With growing numbers of gulls in urban areas, this behaviour is on the rise. Local media are often quick to report on such attacks, bringing negative attention to a business should it happen on their premises.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Like all wild birds, gulls and pigeons
are protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, meaning that once a nest has been established
it cannot be disturbed or harmed. This can cause severe delays to any external refurbishment work that may be carried out and even more costs, as improvements are halted until the birds move on from their nest.
Given the protected nature of wild birds, there is a common misconception that nothing can be done to remove them once they become a pest problem to a business. However, certain species, such as feral pigeons and herring gulls, can be controlled by culling or nest destruction under specific licenses. This requires specialist supervision, and only under certain circumstances, with the legal requirements for removal and treatment of pest birds differing between location and species. With these complications in mind, it’s important to protect a business long before the problem takes hold and it is especially important to seek expert advice before any action.
PREVENTION OVER CURE To prevent the nesting of pest birds,
non-lethal preventative measures can be used such as installing spikes on ledges, UV gels and repellents. Netting and proofing vulnerable areas are also all highly effective at discouraging gulls and pigeons from roosting on a building. During the spring months, when birds begin to locate their nesting grounds for the summer, introducing hawking or ‘flying birds of prey’ can also be a particularly successful deterrent to keep birds at bay. It may seem obvious, but making sure any litter or waste food is protected and kept to a minimum is also imperative to dissuade birds from choosing a building as a nesting site.
As with any pest control measures, there is no ‘one size fits all’ strategy, so a business would be wise to consider a full wildlife survey before deciding on a plan of action. A survey can help facilities managers identify pressure points and individual needs for their business, making it easier to decide on the best way to handle a bird problem and minimise any future costs to the business.
www.cannonpestcontrol.com TOMORROW’S FM | 35
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