Feral pigeons and seagulls present a range of health and safety risks to businesses and consumers. Rokill Pest Control has a variety of solutions to prevent and deter birds from both commercial and residential premises.
More information about deterrent solutions
Diseases Associated with Urban Pest Birds
Food poisoning: Salmonella, E.Coli 0157 and Campylobacter bacteria found in the Feral Pigeon population
- CHLAMYDIOSIS: (Ornithosis / Psittacosis)
- CRYPTOCOCCOSIS: Fungal infection
- ERYSIPELAS: Wound infection
- EXTRINSIC ALLERGIC ALVEOLITIS: Serious allergic reaction know as Pigeon Fancier’s Lung
- HISTOPLASMOSIS: Fungal diseases, spores found in bird droppings
NOTE: On rare occasions some of these diseases can be fatal.
Health and Safety
Accumulated fouling, especially on the ground, can be very slippery, particularly when wet. It can render walkways and fire escapes treacherous and should be continually removed to prevent accidents.
Insect Infestation
Pest birds, their droppings and nesting materials, support a variety of insects.
Parasitic fleas, ticks and mites carried by pest birds can cause irritation and bite humans.
Droppings provide a breeding ground for flies and other insects (including stored product insects), which could affect the health and comfort of the occupiers of the infested building.
Smell and Noise from Birds
The combination of the fouling and nesting material can create an objectionable smell. The noise nuisance is aggravated during the seagull breeding season, and can evoke fear in some people.
Structural Damage Caused by Birds
Gutters choked with nests and droppings can cause water seepage, frequently leading to extensive damage. Buildings are stained by accumulations of droppings. The fungi present in the fouling generate acidic secretions which deface and accelerate deterioration of the building. Affected surfaces require continual cleaning and repainting which increases maintenance costs.
Birds and The Law
The law states that food premises must be protected against external sources of contamination such as pests. Under the Food Safety Act (1990), fines of up to £20,000 per charge can be enforced in the Magistrates Court if pests on the premises threaten health or safety. If an immediate threat is posed, the premises can be closed on the orders of the Environmental Health Officer. If prosecution is taken to a Crown Court, the penalty includes unlimited fines and up to six months imprisonment.