Animals - Pigeon Netting

Summary 

 

The wild pigeon population has increased in recent years due to ample food supplies - often from take away food litter - and roosting locations in our towns, cities and built up areas.

Wild  pigeons  are a potential source of a wide range of diseases.  They can carry bacteria, fungi, viruses, mites and fleas etc, which may harm humans or infest and spoil food products.

Pigeon droppings, apart from being unsightly, can erode stonework resulting in costly long term damage. Gutters and drainpipes can become blocked causing flooding. Ladders and fire escapes can become coated with droppings, making them unsafe to use.

Pigeon droppings are a danger to the public as they can cause slippery pavements and roads, and startled flocks taking flight suddenly, cause hazards to pedestrians and drivers. Some people are frightened by birds in large numbers and are deterred from going to buildings or areas where there are such problems.

It must be recognised that no single measure in isolation is likely to control pigeon numbers to reasonable levels.

The main control measures, in decreasing order of long term effectiveness, can include:

• Reduction in food supply
• Proofing of buildings
• Scare tactics and the use of natural predators
• Biological birth control methods
• Pigeon culls

Authorities have powers, but no duties, under the Public Health Act 1961 to deal with nuisance, annoyance or damage caused by pigeons congregating in built-up areas.

Feral pigeons adapt very well to the urban environment where they are often seen roosting on buildings and railway bridges. They will form flocks wherever there is food available. They can breed throughout the year and their numbers can quickly build up depending on availability of food sources. Should their numbers become depleted, other pigeons flying in from other neighbouring flocks quickly make up the shortfall.

Spikes and netting can be used to discourage roosting, whilst shooting and trapping are alternative options but removing the food source for pigeons is the best option.

The Service can offer advice to building owners on how to pigeon-proof their premises. We advise people not to feed pigeons in public places and strictly enforce laws about litter dropping, which can be a major food supply for feral pigeons.

Pigeons are natural survivors in towns as they are able to roost, nest and breed in situations other birds find unacceptable. In good conditions a pair of pigeons can breed six times a year producing two eggs on each occasion. The young birds quickly mature and are soon able to breed themselves.

Controlled Breeding Facilities

Research has proved that providing artificial breeding facilities for pigeons and then removing eggs once laid can be a very effective method of controlling the size of a flock. This is only going to work as a part of a strategy controlling feeding and restricting the ready availability of nesting areas.

Offer free Advice on Cost Effective Measures

We will make expert staff available free of charge to advise businesses on steps they can take to assist with this project and to effectively proof their buildings.

Where absolutely necessary we will take enforcement action to ensure that public health nuisances are removed.

 

Eligibility

 

Our advice service is open to all Barnsley residents and businesses alike.

 

Procedure

 

The Council does not run a pest control service to deal with wild pigeons, however, we are able to provide advice on proofing methods.

 

Helplines

 

Regulatory Services, Environmental Control Team: 01226 772468.
Email: Regulatory Services

 

Charges/Fees

 

Advice and guidance is provided free of charge. Commercial treatments to proof against pigeons are available at a cost.

If you would like the Council to carry out proofing work, quotes are available on request.  Please contact the Service using the contact details provided.

 

Methods of Payment Available

 

Methods of payment are explained on any invoices raised.

By cash, postal order or cheque.

 

Opening Times/Locations

 

Our office at the Civic Hall on Eldon Street, Barnsley, is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

 

How the customer can help

 

The main way you can help is to make sure you don't provide food for the pigeons. Their numbers will drop if there is less food available for them, but they will not starve or suffer discomfort because of this.  Please don't drop litter or other remnants of take-away food in the borough's streets and open spaces. Make sure you dispose of refuse properly, using strong rubbish sacks and making sure they are securely tied.

 

Legislation

 

Public Health Act 1961

Response Times/NextSteps

 

We aim to respond to a request for advice or a quotation within 5 working days.

 

Owner Officer Contact Details

 

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Regulatory Services
PO Box 602
Barnsley
S70 9FB
Phone: Regulatory Services 01226 772468
Email: Regulatory Services
Fax: (01226) 775699

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why shouldn't I feed pigeons?

Problems with pigeons
Some people like to feed town pigeons. These birds seem harmless enough, pecking around for food, but they foul the pavements and surrounding areas and can also carry diseases.  Feeding them keeps the population artificially high, leading to intense stresses on such pigeon populations.

Droppings
Not only can the droppings be very slippery, especially in wet weather, but they are also acidic and damage buildings and paintwork on vehicles.

Dampness
Accumulations of pigeon droppings and nesting materials in pipes and guttering can restrict drainage and cause dampness in a building.

Diseases
Pigeons can spread diseases such as salmonella via droppings and can distribute mites into a building.

Why stop feeding them?

Feeding the pigeons provides an easy source of food for them and attracts more pigeons into the area. The more abundant the food sources, the more successfully they breed, greatly increasing the problems associated with them. Pigeons are scavengers, and are well able to feed themselves - they will not starve if you do not feed them.  Overpopulation is also harmful to the pigeons, and can vause them unnecessary suffering.

Why do Wild Pigeons need to be controlled?

The control of pigeons is a highly emotive subject. Some people consider wild pigeons a pest. Other people see them as part of the natural wildlife of the area.
The wild pigeon population has increased in recent years due to ample food supplies and roosting locations in our cities and built up areas.
When numbers build up beyond what the natural population should be able to support, problems can be caused to both people and the pigeons, as detailed earlier.

How Can I Control Them?

• Don't feed Wild Pigeons
  People who leave food for pigeons, are putting their health and others health at risk. Please do not feed wild pigeons as they will naturally find their own food. Leaving food may also attract rats and mice to the area.
• Don't drop litter
  Litter, especially takeaway food, not disposed of properly, is the major food source for most pigeons. Please ensure litter is placed into a bin.
• Make sure refuse is disposed of properly
  Please make sure your refuse is stored in a covered bin and regularly collected. Failure to do so provided food for pigeons as well as rats and foxes.

How can buildings be protected?

The use of polythene netting, spring trip cords and bird repellant gel are all effective ways to prevent roosting and damage and protect buildings.  These methods do not harm the pigeons. 

What attracts pigeons?

• Food litter
  More people are choosing to buy from "fast food" outlets and to eat their snacks and meals outdoors. The amount of food spillage and litter containing food waste has increased in recent years, and this source of food has been exploited by the feral pigeon population.
• Feeding Pigeons
  Feeding is one of the main reasons why flocks congregate around many shopping centres. Some people feed pigeons in the mistaken belief that the activities of the birds are harmless to humans.
• Roosting Sites
  Vacant buildings, structural defects and building design can all provide attractive roosting sites. Various proofing methods are available to deter roosting.

Why pigeons should not be fed

• Human food lacks the necessary nutrients the birds require for good health.
• Feeding attracts pigeons into an area that is potentially hazardous to them - resulting in damage to wings and feet.
• Feeding results in all year round breeding which causes overcrowding in roosting sites, allowing disease to spread quickly within the flock. The birds therefore live in an unhealthy and stressful condition, exposed to parasites and disease which can be passed on to other wild birds.
• Pigeons are wild birds, capable of searching out their own natural food supply. Regular feeding by humans destroys their ability to fend for themselves and makes them dependent on humans.

 

Last modified on 17/9/2008