Bird Proofing in Berkshire, Hampshire & Oxfordshire

Problem birds, including pigeons and seagulls, have lived amongst us for years. However, their growing populations are forcing many home and business owners across the UK to invest in bird proofing measures in order to protect their properties.

With an estimated 18 million feral pigeons currently living in the UK, it’s no wonder that properties across the South East of England regularly suffer from bird-related issues and infestations. 

So, to help keep people and properties protected against pest birds, we offer a wide range of professional bird-proofing services in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. 

If you’re looking to keep your property bird-free for years to come, then contact us today on 0800 078 7255, and your local bird-proofing technician will be with you as soon as possible for a free site survey.

What is Bird Proofing?

Bird proofing is a safe, legal and humane method of protecting your property from the damage and issues that nesting birds create. With methods designed to be unobtrusive and highly effective for years to come, bird-proofing treatments are becoming increasingly popular for both domestic and commercial properties across the UK.

Most bird-proofing techniques work by either denying birds access to specific areas or scaring them off using visual or auditory deterrents. They are highly effective at stopping birds from perching, roosting, and nesting where you don’t want them to.

Countrywide's Bird Proofing Services

Here at Countrywide, our experienced and highly qualified pest control technicians are trained in delivering a wide range of bird control methods. Every bird problem is unique, just as every building is different; with such a range of proofing techniques to choose from, there’s always a solution for everyone.

Let’s take a closer look at the bird-proofing services we offer.

bird spikes used at a shopping centre in Reading

Bird Spikes

Bird spikes often get a bad rep just because of the way they look. However, despite their rather medieval-looking appearance, bird spikes do not cause any harm to birds and are a completely humane bird-proofing option. Birds are smarter than we assume and will see the spikes from a distance. Once identified, they know that they can no longer access their perching spot and will need to move on.

Available in plastic or metal, the gaps between the spikes come in various sizes to deter different-sized birds. Bird spikes are an incredibly popular choice for bird proofing as they are more cost-effective than other methods. They can be installed on brick, metal, wood and more and are often completely unnoticeable from a short distance.

Bird spikes are commonly used on shop signs, window ledges, lamposts, etc., as they're great for deterring birds from small areas and difficult-to-reach locations because of their size.

Bird netting installed at a facility in hampshire

Bird Netting

Bird netting is one of the most popular choices for effective bird-proofing, mainly thanks to its ability to cover and protect large areas with ease. It works similar to bird spikes in that it acts as a physical barrier between problem birds and a specific area. Bird netting is commonly used in commercial bird control on buildings with large open spaces, including roofs, car parks, warehouses, etc.

It's a totally unobtrusive bird-proofing solution available in a wide range of colours to help it blend into your building as much as possible. It's suitable for all types of buildings and is a very versatile bird control solution that can be tailored to suit all shapes and sizes. Plus, when installed correctly, bird netting lasts for years, making it a long-term bird-proofing solution.

post and wire bird deterrent installed at offices in oxfordshire

Post & Wire

Post and wire systems are a more traditional type of bird-proofing that still remains highly effective at preventing birds from perching on ledges, windowsills, roofs, and more. It's one of the most inconspicuous and discreet methods of bird-proofing, which is why it's commonly used on domestic properties.

They work by acting as a barrier; birds are unable to find stability when attempting to land on the affected areas, and so they move on to find somewhere more suitable.

Metal posts and plastic-coated wires are installed across your problem areas to deny access to all kinds of birds. It's easy to fit and can be screwed or glued onto any surface where required. Once installed, the post and wire system requires little to no maintenance and will remain effective for years to come.

bird gel deterrent applied along windowsills in hampshire

Bird Gel

Compared to post and wire systems, bird gel is a relatively new and innovative bird-proofing solution. Small dishes containing a bird-free optical gel are installed using a high-strength adhesive on ledges, rooflines, and gutters. To the birds, this gel creates potent visual effects that send them flying. They will appear to be on fire to the bird's eyes, and the scent of peppermint also helps to keep them away.

They are non-toxic and often unnoticeable from the ground, meaning they're a popular option for a wide range of customers. Once installed, they will need replacing at regular intervals but should stay effective for around two years on average.

Avishock electric track bird proofing solution

Avishock

Avishock Electric Track is another more contemporary bird-proofing option that has gained a lot of traction over the past few years as it's particularly useful in high-risk areas with a lot of bird activity. A metal track is fitted along your problem area before being connected to an energiser unit which sends a low current around the full circuit.

When birds land on the track, they receive a small and completely harmless shock; however, it's enough to send them running and prevent their return. It's one of the more pricey options when it comes to bird-proofing, as the track must be a bespoke design to suit your property.

bird of prey being flown as part of a falconry bird proofing service

Falconry

Falconry, often referred to as hawking, is a process in which birds of prey are flown over problem areas in a safe and controlled manner. Their presence alone is enough to send problem birds running as birds are incredibly protective of their nests and young. Once they spot a predator in their vicinity, they know the area is no longer safe, and they will move on.

This method of bird scaring is most suitable for large open spaces suffering from bird problems, including farms, sports grounds, school fields, etc.

Bird Alert bird scarer

BirdAlert

BirdAlert is another rather new innovation in the world of bird proofing. It uses an advanced microphone system which is active 24/7 to detect bird calls on your land. When a problem bird is identified, the system will activate one of five available input options to scare away the pest. Similar to falconry, it's great for use in large open spaces that are vulnerable to bird infestations.

Want to learn more about our bird-proofing techniques? Call 0800 078 7255 or email office@countrywide-pestcontrol.co.uk to speak with a bird-proofing expert for advice and further guidance. 

Why is Bird Proofing Necessary?

  • Damage

    Pest birds are capable of causing a considerable amount of damage to your property in a number of ways. First, they move onto the property and begin building their nests. Bringing nesting materials, like sticks, leaves, and whatever else they can get hold of, onto your property. These nesting materials regularly end up blocking drains, leading to drainage issues and even flooding. Your gutters will then need to be cleaned professionally and maybe even replaced, depending on the extent of the damage caused.

     

    Birds can also create issues with your ventilation systems and chimneys, blocking vital air flows that could end up filling your property with carbon monoxide!

     

    Bird guano, another name for bird droppings, is incredibly acidic and can cause corrosion and severe damage over time. Permanent damage to your roofline can result in leaks and further pest problems, which adds up to costly repair bills and remedies.

  • Nuisance

    Pigeons and seagulls are particularly disruptive birds. Their calls and coos can begin to grate on your nerves over time, distracting you from important work or disturbing your sleeping pattern.

     

    When birds perch on your window ledges and rooflines, they will drop their guano onto your windows which sends a bad impression to the neighbours and can be a nightmare to clean. Plus, bird droppings are very slippery; when they land on the floor below, they create a significant slip hazard where visitors or even passersby could injure themselves.

     

    Pest birds, and their droppings, also bring a risk of secondary pests such as mites, ticks, and fleas which can easily make their way inside your property.

     

    Plus, gulls are particularly vicious and have been known to attack humans and other animals on occasion – particularly during breeding season.

  • Disease

    The most important reason for employing bird-proofing techniques on your property is to protect your loved ones, customers, staff etc., from the dangerous diseases birds carry. Pigeons alone carry hundreds of diseases, including Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis and Psittacosis.

     

    Such pathogens are known to cause respiratory illnesses and further health complications, including pneumonia, meningitis, and even death if left untreated. Therefore, it’s vital to take the necessary precautions and bird-proof your property to prevent such diseases from passing to you and your family.

Choosing the Most Appropriate Bird Proofing Method

With such a wide range of bird-proofing methods available on the market, it can be difficult and somewhat overwhelming when trying to decide upon the most appropriate method for you. But don’t worry – that’s where we come in.

Our experienced technicians have seen it all. We’ll start by conducting a thorough site survey of your property, and once complete, we will be able to tell you exactly which method is the most suitable for you.

Whichever bird-proofing method you decide to go with in the end, please remember that all of our techniques are humane, legal and highly effective.

Commercial Bird Proofing

Bird proofing is absolutely essential for businesses. Not only are you required by law to maintain a pest-free environment in your workplace, but pigeons and seagulls nesting on your property places you at risk of damage to your property, health & safety issues, and even potential business closure.

If your business premises is covered in guano, what sort of impression is that sending to your potential customers regarding your standards? Bird problems can have a huge impact on your business’s reputation, so it’s vital to prevent them from day one. 

We’re here to help, delivering our wide range of bird-proofing techniques to businesses in areas including Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire, as well as all London Boroughs. We’ve helped to protect hundreds of businesses across the South East from the issues birds create. Plus, all of our bird-proofing services are 100% guaranteed! 

If you’re looking to protect your business from birds, then get in contact with us today. Call our team on 0800 078 7255 or email office@countrywide-pestcontrol.co.uk with your requirements, and we’ll book you in for a free site survey as soon as possible.

Bird Netting Installation

Pigeon Netting Installation

Why Countrywide?

  • Your local pest control service in Newbury, Reading, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Farnborough and Southampton
  • Fair pricing with fast, guaranteed results.
  • Full British Pest Control Association Member
  • Which? Trusted Trader
  • Fully trained (BPCA) and insured with safe working practices
  • We offer a 100% Guarantee on our pest control treatments

Areas we cover

Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire

Contact the regional office:

0800 078 7255

Hampshire, Surrey

Contact the regional office:

0800 078 7280

Your local pest control team in Berkshire