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Why Bird Control is Essential in the Winter

You may be under the impression that most of our avian friends have migrated to warmer climes when winter sets in, but bird control should still be very much on your agenda.

Whichever time of year it happens to be, nesting birds pose a massive issue for businesses. They carry a wide range of diseases which can be communicated to humans through their droppings, contamination of food, or physical contact and can cause damage as well as disturbance to property. Their droppings are acidic and can cause permanent damage to almost all materials – including steel – as well as presenting a significant slipping hazard.

All these issues can result in a loss of earnings, customers and staff – either through illness, reputation damage or litigation – and could even result in a business being shut down altogether, should environmental health get involved.

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The Winter

Contrary to popular belief, only about half of the UK’s bird population leaves for warmer climates during the winter. What is also noteworthy is that 40% of the world’s bird species do the same. You may be surprised to learn that many birds migrating from locations such as Eastern Europe, Canada, or Scandinavia, see the UK as a far warmer prospect than their country of origin.

Therefore, while half of the UK’s birds leave for the winter, a significant number of birds from other countries enter, keeping population numbers (and the necessity for bird control) relatively high.

In the winter, birds are looking for locations in which to make their homes. They want places where they can roost undisturbed, build nests and have access to reliable food sources and commercial properties offer an ideal solution. Warehouses, shopping centre loading bay and train stations often have elevated rafters which make ideal roosting spots. An abundance of man made food supplies is also another factor as to why pest birds inhabit a commercial property.

All these factors combine to make commercial properties an attractive prospect for birds looking to make their homes for the winter.

What to Look Out For

Now we understand why bird control should still be a major concern for business owners even during winter, we need to know the signs to look out for which may indicate an infestation is imminent, or has already taken hold.

Look for large numbers of birds hanging around outside the property, especially towards the end of the day. Once the sun begins to set, birds will return to their nests or roosts to settle down for the night.

Large numbers of droppings around your property are a sure sign that birds have been present. If you find droppings inside the building, then it’s time to take immediate action as birds have clearly gained access.

Damage to roofing materials may suggest birds have attempted – or succeeded – to access the property. Damage to products and packaging can also be an indicator of the gathering of nest-building materials or food.

Birds tend to make a lot of noise, so if you can hear cooing which appears to be originating from inside the building, you could already have an infestation.

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What to Do

If you have identified, or even suspect, pest birds have taken up residence in your property this winter, you should not attempt to tackle the problem yourself. Wild birds are protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and killing them or destroying their nests and eggs can land you in a lot of legal hot water.

Far better to contact an experienced bird control expert. With over 30 years’ experience dealing with all manner of pest infestations, Safeguard can quickly and effectively deal with a bird control issue in a humane and legal manner.

For example, one of the methods Safeguard Pest Control use, which sets them apart from the competition, is in their use of birds of prey as a deterrent. The birds are introduced into the environment, where their mere presence will discourage nesting birds from remaining. Regular patrols from our handler and trained raptor will keep the birds away permanently. Safeguard’s bird of prey bird control method is 100% humane and compliant with established UK law.

If you suspect you have a bird control issue and you want a professional and expert solution, get in touch with Safeguard Pest Control today.

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