Balconies

Balconies, with overhead shelter afforded by the balcony being either recessed or having further balconies above, provide idyllic conditions for birds to shelter, roost and nest.

Which species can cause problems?

Predominantly Feral Pigeons with the odd exception of Seagulls (Herring Gulls & Black-Backed Gulls)

What are the problems?

Heavy accumulation of bird droppings preventing safe use of the balcony.

Nest site debris and bird droppings accumulating in drains, causing flooding of the balcony area.

Infestations of ticks, mites, lice and other biting insects into the property that live both on the birds and in their faeces / nests

Pigeons carry more than 30 known zoonoses (bacteria/viruses/infections transferable between animals and humans)

Repulsive smells emanating from the faeces, nests and dead birds that invades the property’s interior.

How can I stop the problem?

There are four main ways in which you can protect your balcony from pigeons / gulls. Split into two categories. Before you do anything you should invest in a bottle of PX Ornikill avian disinfectant Link to Guano Clearance, a Guano Clearance Tool Kit Link to Guano Clearance and a Guano PPE Kit Link to Guano Clearance to prevent infection whilst cleaning away the droppings, which is essential prior to installing any protective measures.

1) Solutions for when the pest birds are showing an interest in the balcony by perching and roosting over night but are not nesting and there is no food source nearby (light pressure).

Visual Deterrents (Decoys/Visual Scares)

Ultrasonics

Bio-Acoustic Deterrents

2) Solutions for when the pest birds are nesting and/or being fed from an artificial food source i.e. persons, bins or litter (heavy pressure).

Pigeon Netting