Art and Craft of Building Protection

Bird deterrent or displacement tools

Although sold as bird control products, these products do not affect pigeon numbers but seek to make buildings and other environments unattractive for feeding, nesting and roosting.

They consist of physical devices which are attached to buildings in order to deflect landing birds or make it impossible for them to land, perch, roost or nest build.

Physical deterrents include nets, spikes, wires, electrocution strips, gels, mimic predators and most recently, lasers. Biological solutions include the art and craft of flying birds of prey.

Fortunately, there are a wide range of such products that, if well deployed, can be very effective.

However, if not well maintained birds can quickly exploit any weaknesses.

This aspect is particularly critical in relation to bird welfare.

When using such products, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 applies. This deals with all issues relating to cruelty and unnecessary suffering.

It is the building owners responsibility should birds be trapped by any physical device.

Bird reduction

True control approaches that affect pigeon population numbers, include:

Shooting
Trapping
Egg removal and replacement

Lethal control can only be used if the target species presents a demonstrable risk to public health and safety and responsibility rests with the property owner. Lethal control cannot be used to resolve a soiling problem or to protect a building.

The most popular population reduction approach is the culling of birds through trapping and shooting, can be effective at reducing pigeon numbers in the short term but require strict adherence to the appropriate laws, regarding the use of firearms and to animal welfare.