Open barn doors, grain and a high rafter: for pigeons, a farm building is nearly perfect. Closing those roost sites works better than any scarecrow.
Feral and wood pigeons are drawn to places that offer shelter, nesting spots and food. Agricultural and rural buildings supply all three. Open-fronted barns, workshops with missing panes, stable roofs and the space below a roof overhang give shelter, while spilled feed, grain stores and livestock areas supply food. Once a few birds settle, the numbers build up, and the droppings that accumulate attract more.
Staunton is a rural village in the Newark and Sherwood area, surrounded by farmland. Properties there include houses, converted outbuildings, garages and working yards. Birds flying in from the fields find ledges, rafters and gaps in the eaves, and the same few holes are used over and over. Even a house can have birds nesting behind loose soffits or in an unused chimney.
Proofing is the process of physically stopping birds from getting in or landing. For open barns, netting across the open front or bays may suit, but must be strong and tensioned to avoid birds becoming trapped. Smaller openings can be closed with mesh. For ledges and beams, spikes or tensioned wire stop birds landing. For broken windows and gaps in eaves, repair or cover with durable mesh.
Wild birds are protected by law. Feral pigeons may be controlled, but active nests with eggs or young are subject to rules, and wood pigeons and other species are treated differently. We will tell you what is lawful for your property, and plan the work to avoid harm to nesting birds. Droppings should be cleared with protective equipment before any proofing is installed.
Food control completes the picture. Keep feed in sealed containers and clear up spills promptly, as pigeons will keep visiting while food is easy to find.
After proofing, expect some birds to circle for a few days looking for the old spot. That is normal and it fades. Check netting and mesh after storms and at the start of each nesting season, and fix any gap straight away. A small tear is all it takes for a bird to get back in, and once one gets in and nests, the whole job is at risk of being undone.
Fixed cost pricing means you know the cost before we start. Call 0115 937 5117 to arrange a survey.
Control of birds is regulated, and the methods allowed depend on the species and circumstances. Proofing is lawful, humane and long lasting, so it is often the first thing to try.
Swallows are protected wild birds and their nests must not be damaged while in use. Proofing should be planned outside the nesting season and avoid blocking access for protected species.
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.
