Strathearn Pest Control can help with your pest birds problem.

Birds can often cause problems and are becoming an increasing risk to public health and safety. Common amongst these pest birds are Gulls and Starlings.

Gulls – Family Laridae

There are several species of Gulls and they are generally, but not exclusively, coastal birds. There are, however, at least five or six species common around the British Isles. There has been a marked increase in numbers this century and the gulls have also been prepared to move inland, corresponding with the increase in the number of domestic refuse tips. They have one brood of 1 – 3 eggs per year and feed away from nesting sites. These sites will typically be high on buildings to afford them protection from predators.

Starling – Sturnus vulgaris

The starling is a common bird, often associated with areas containing scattered trees such as parkland and gardens. More than four million pairs breed in Britain every year and they are joined by at least thity million more that migrate from Europe. They are 20 – 23 cm long with distinctive pointed wings and short tail when in flight. They can have 2 broods a year, with 4 – 6 eggs per brood, breeding normally April – May.

Why Control Pest Birds ?

If left unchecked pest birds can cause a range of problems :

• The general public can be attacked by scavenging or protective adult birds
• Increased maintenance costs, with gutters and drains blocked by fouling and nesting material. The subsequent overflow of water can cause damage to the fabric of the building
• Increased cleaning costs as droppings and acid secretions attack buildings etc
• The fouling of entrances and pavements can create slip hazards
• Bird Fouling and nesting material provides the ideal harbourage for biting insects
• The birds may carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis
• They can also contaminate stored goods and products and tarnish metal surfaces eg cars

Methods of Control

Most birds are protected, pigeons aside, so it is extremely important to identify the correct species. There are several control methods available and include :

• Egg and nest removal
• Bird scaring
• Trapping and Shooting
• Proofing the affected areas with the appropriate deterrent, including bird point and bird netting
• Removal of nesting material and bulk fouling

In special circumstances where protected birds are proving to be a real threat to the public’s health and safety, then the above steps may be implemented, under special licence, whilst the birds are nesting. Proofing should always be carried out after any birds have been displaced to prevent return visits.

To find out more about how we can help you on a one-off job basis or with a longer term preventative Service Plan please call us on freephone 0800 0283 703. Alternatively complete our online contact form for a free survey and detailed quotation on how we can eradicate your pest problem.