On a post-war estate, pigeons find the flat roofs, balconies and walkway ledges. Making those spots unusable is what actually moves them on.
Pigeons are strongly tied to places that provide shelter, a flat perch and an easy source of food. Noise, models and shiny tape may work for a few days, then the birds get used to them. The roost is still dry and safe, so they return. The effective approach is to alter the structure so that landing and nesting become impossible.
The Broxtowe estate in north-west Nottingham is a large area of post-war housing. Blocks of that era often have flat roofs, deep concrete overhangs, covered walkways, bin stores and shop-front canopies. All of these provide dry platforms that pigeons love. A small group on a balcony can grow quickly if people feed them, even occasionally, because food is the signal that a site is worth staying at.
Droppings build up on balconies, entrances and washing lines, block gutters and rainwater pipes and create a slippery surface by doors. A managing agent or housing provider will want a long-term fix rather than repeated cleaning.
Which method fits depends on the building. Netting suits large open spaces; spikes work on narrow ledges; wire suits places where birds perch along an edge. A site visit will show what is practical and safe.
Old droppings and nest material should be removed before proofing, with suitable protective equipment, since dried droppings can carry bacteria and spores. Tell residents not to throw out bread or scraps. Without a regular supply the flock will fall in numbers or move on, which helps the proofing work.
For flats and shared buildings, a clear notice to residents explaining why feeding causes problems is often more effective than any single device.
Our commercial division offers free surveys and a free written inspection report, useful for landlords, housing groups and shop owners. The report sets out where birds are roosting and what proofing is suited to each area. How long the work takes, and what it needs, depends on the height, access and size of the building.
If you manage a block, record where birds gather and how many there are, with dates. Photographs of droppings, nests and damaged gutters help show a contractor or insurer what the issue is, and make it simpler to price proofing for each area separately.
Ask any contractor to explain how they will check for active nests before work begins and what will be done if birds are found.
Call 0115 937 5117 to book a survey.
They offer shelter, a flat perch and an overlooking position, and they are often near food. If residents feed them, the spot becomes a regular roost that is hard to shift without proofing.
Poorly fitted netting or spikes can. Work should be done by competent installers who check for active nests first and use lawful, well-tensioned systems that keep birds out instead of trapping them.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. Prices are fixed and there is no call-out charge.
