You might not think of birds as pests as most of us enjoy birdsong and watching our feathered friends go about their daily business. However, they can cause a mess around your property, and gulls can be a nuisance when you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful al fresco lunch in your garden. They can also cause crop damage and noise pollution, so there may be occasions when you need to take action and use various bird proofing measures.

Although Eradipest employ a team of specialist technicians who offer a wide range of bird proofing solutions, there is plenty you can do yourself to discourage unwanted visitors of the feathered variety!

What types of birds are considered pests?

The types of birds considered pests will most probably depend where you live. 

Any birds which are nesting in or around your property, for example on your roof, can cause a huge mess if they use your patio, furniture or outbuildings as a toilet. Flats and commercial properties may have open stairwells which attract birds, and the resulting poo can be a hazard.

Town and city properties are most likely to be troubled by feral street pigeons, also known as city doves. Seagulls are a common problem for those living in coastal areas. Crows, doves, and magpies cause noise pollution in urban areas, and whilst sparrows and starlings may be welcomed in your garden, they are not in commercial properties.

What attracts birds to properties?

Like most living creatures, birds require food, water, and shelter in a safe environment free from predators. 

Leftover food scraps that haven’t been properly disposed of, or food left out for other creatures may encourage birds to your property. Ponds, puddles, and water sources for pets or smaller garden birds will be as equally attractive to the birds you want to deter.

High up spaces such as the eaves and roofs of buildings provide a safe nesting place. Birds may also create a home on balconies, around solar panels and on ledges.

How can I keep birds away from my garden patio?

While many people like to attract birds to their garden, others prefer to keep birds away due to the fecal mess they leave behind on patio slabs, decorative stones, garden furniture, and windows.

There are several bird deterrents on the market that include everything from high-tech gadgets to simple model animals.

Bird proofing solutions which start at the cheaper end of the market include strategically placing a model owl or crow on your fence, or leaving a rubber snake or realistic-looking cat ornament on your patio. Hang wind chimes or windmills with reflective surfaces in your garden as birds hate sudden movements and noise, and may stay away.

Bird proofing spikes can be purchased to prevent birds from landing on your fences and these may also deter cats, squirrels, and other unwanted guests. If you want to keep birds away from seedlings and food crops, simple netting may suffice.

At the tech end of the bird proofing market, you will find several gadgets that can keep birds away from your garden by emitting noise, water, and even laser lights.

How can I keep birds away from my cafe, restaurant or pub garden?

Birds can be problematic to cafe, restaurant, and pub garden owners. Not just because of the noise annoyance they cause to guests trying to relax, but the risk they pose to public health. Bird droppings can cause slip hazards, staining to customer clothes and garden furniture, and serious illness from salmonella by contaminating food.

Business owners should try all the ideas mentioned previously for keeping birds away from your garden. In addition to these, business owners should add signs asking patrons not to feed the birds, staff should clear areas of leftover food quickly, disinfect tables after use, and hose down any droppings.

Eradipest Bird Proofing Solutions

Eradipest offer a wide range of bird proofing solutions, which you can read more about here.

It is important to remember that the law protects bird nests and they cannot be disturbed while they are active, which is usually during the spring and summer months. Autumn and winter is therefore the best time to bird proof your property.

You can call our expert team on 0333 600 6005 to discuss our permanent bird proofing solutions.