Where a building has ledges, gaps and a nearby food source, pigeons will return. Proofing removes the place to perch, which is why it outlasts scaring.
A pigeon needs a flat surface, shelter from rain and a bit of height. Windowsills, string courses, canopies, girders and the tops of signs all qualify. Once a pair settles, droppings build up, feathers block gutters and the birds begin to nest. Hosing the mess away treats the symptom, but the next flock arrives to find the same inviting spot.
Netherfield has a railway history, older terraces and later housing, and sits close to Colwick. That brings a range of structures that pigeons like: railway-side walls and bridges, brick commercial units, shop parades with deep fascias, and terrace rooflines with gaps under the eaves. Wherever there are people, bins and takeaway food, feral pigeons are rarely far away.
Which of these suits a building depends on its shape, its material and how exposed it is. A system that works on a flat ledge will not necessarily work beneath a bridge.
Plastic owls, reflective strips and sound units may work for a day or two. Pigeons are intelligent and soon realise that nothing happens. They may even perch on the deterrent. Proofing is different because the bird physically cannot land, so the behaviour stops. The cost is spent once, rather than on a series of ineffective gadgets.
Think about access for the work itself. Bridges, high gables and shop fascias often need ladders, platforms or specialist equipment, and the cost of reaching a spot should be weighed against the benefit of fixing it properly the first time.
Shop owners should also look at what feeds the flock. Customers dropping food, uncovered bins and spilled takeaway waste can keep pigeons returning even where proofing is in place.
Dried droppings carry fungal spores and bacteria that can cause illness if the dust is breathed in. Cleaning should be done with protective equipment, using damp methods rather than dry sweeping. Proofing over old deposits is less effective, because the birds are still attracted by the smell, and the material can hold moisture against the stonework.
Regular inspection is worth it. A proofing system can be damaged by weather or birds, and a gap of a few inches is enough for pigeons to get back in.
We will look at the building, explain what is needed and carry out the work. Commercial surveys are free and come with a free written inspection report. Call 0115 937 5117 to arrange a visit.
Feral pigeons can be controlled in certain circumstances, but nests with eggs or young are protected, and rules apply to methods. Proofing is usually the lawful and practical route, so check before starting any work.
It depends on the system, the materials and the exposure. Well-fitted proofing can last for years, but it needs occasional checks, because wind, weather and determined birds can create new gaps.
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.
