One of the challenges facilities managers face at this time of year is making sure bird control methods are in place before pigeons and seagulls settle in for the peak nesting periods of Spring and Summer.
In April and May, pigeons and gulls will start taking advantage of the warmer weather to sit on outside ledges and pipe work. Their droppings then fall to the floor below, creating a dangerously slippery surface. There are many techniques available including installing nets, sprung wire systems and bird spike repellents. The latest weapon in Cleankill’s armoury is a special, highly effective UV gel that discourages birds from landing on buildings because it appears as flames to them. After extensive trials and testing, the company has now started using the gel extensively, particularly for listed buildings. Proofing work, which involves using different methods such as blocking entrance holes, should also be carried out.
Although they like to be beside the coast, gulls will nest anywhere and protect their nests aggressively – diving at anyone they feel poses a danger to their young.
With pest gulls another solution is to use hawks as a deterrent. The hawks make the gulls uncomfortable and encourage them to find an alternative nesting site. Last year, a flock of seagulls that was pestering mourners at Eastbourne crematorium was brought under control using hawks that are specially trained to scatter and scare the gulls away without harming them.
Paul Bates, Managing Director of Cleankill Environmental Services, said: “With pigeons now breeding four or five times a year, compared to two or three times 20 years ago, their numbers are increasing dramatically. The problem is exacerbated by people feeding them and attracting them into town squares where they are fouling on pavements and buildings. If a gap in the netting goes unnoticed and a pair of pigeons gets through and into a roof space, in a matter of months there can be hundreds of birds living there and the floor will soon be covered with fouling up to a foot deep.”
Poorly maintained netting can lead to birds getting tangled up and damaging the netting further – as well as other problems such as retrieving the birds safely and the stress caused to the animals themselves.
Paul added: “Ideally you should choose a pest control company that can offer an installation service with an inspection contract. This means that it is the pest control company’s responsibility to regularly check the netting hasn’t been damaged and make any necessaryrepairs. Also check that any companies you ask to quote have insurance, health and safety procedures in place and are members of the British Pest Control Association.”
Pigeons are the UK’s most unhygienic and messy birds and actually carry more diseases than rats. They nest on their own guano (excrement) and attract mites. Nearly all pigeons carry the bird mite – a tiny insect that feeds off the bird and makes humans itch and scratch. Pigeon fouling and nest materials also provide a home for many other insects such as clothes moths, carpet beetle and mealworm beetles. Pigeon excrement, when it is dry, creates airborne bacteria affecting anybody that may be susceptible to asthma and other breathing difficulties.
Cleankill offers a specialist bird control service, from the initial survey and specification through to the final proofing solution. As registered waste carriers, Cleankill can carry out full-scale removal of bird fouling, as well as contaminated goods and furniture, from infested properties.
Spring is also the time to install fly-control units in kitchens, catering areas, bin rooms and delivery bays to catch the flies before they enter the building. Units available include standard ‘sparking’ units and glue-board units that can be moved around affected areas, particularly in those premises that suffer from the Autumn cluster flies.
Make sure you have a pest control contract with a minimum of eight inspections a year. Cleankill provides a detailed digital report at the end of each inspection which is available within minutes of the service being carried out. The contractor should belong to the British Pest Control Association, with all staff qualified to the RSPH Level Two, have written accreditations in Health and Safety and full employers and public liability insurance.
Cleankill Environmental Services has the accreditations you should expect from your pest control supplier including being members of the PICS supplier scheme (Contractor ID 57321), ISO9001 and 14001, Exor, Chas, Construction Line, Achilles UVDB and Contractor Plus, Safe Contractor and Altius Assured Vendor. As an Investor in People, all Cleankill’s staff are highly trained and offer an exceptionally fast and efficient level of service. The company is a proud member of the British Pest Control Association.
For further information go to www.cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477.
