Courtyards and Lightwells

Light wells and courtyards are normally very well sheltered by the nature of their location in a building.

Pest birds are warm blooded like you and I and are always looking for a cosy, dry spot to perch or roost in.

This is a particularly prevalent problem on older Victorian properties where there are external pipes ledges and cornicing present.

Which species can cause problems?

Feral Pigeons (Columbia Liva)

What are the problems?

• Perching birds can deposit bird droppings on pipes, ledges, sills, down the building facade and on the floor below.
• Nest materials, food debris and feathers can block the drainage systems in the floors of courtyards and light wells causing floods and damp problems.
• Bird droppings and old nests deteriorate into a nutrient-rich substance from which vegetation can grow, blocking drainage hoppers and down pipes.
• Lice, ticks, mites and maggots associated with the infestation can find their way inside the building affecting the occupiers.
• Heavy build-ups of bird droppings, dead birds and nest debris can be both smelly and unsightly, de-valuing the property.

How can I stop the problem?

A range of solutions exists to protect courtyards and light wells depending upon the severity of the bird infestation pressure present.

Light Pressure, perching only no food source present

• Bird Repellent Gels
  Bird repellent gels and liquids can be applied to the areas where the birds are perching in the courtyard or light well, such as gutters, pipe work and ledges.
• Ultrasonic Bird Deterrents
  Judicious use of our Ultrasonic Bird Repellers can have a dramatic effect on bird infestations in courtyards, driving birds away. Ensure there are no sound shadows where birds can hide by use a multi-speaker system.
• Bio Acoustic Bird Scarers
  Use Bio-Acoustic Deterrents to scare birds away from courtyards, atriums and light wells using their own natural distress calls.
• Visual Bird Scarers
  Visual deterrents such as our Hawk Kite Kits can discourage birds from roosting in an area. For maximum effect the visual deterrent should be constantly moving and above the affected area

Medium Pressure, roosting overnight either with or without a food source present and perching but with food sources present.

• Bird Spikes
  Bird Spikes can be installed on the areas where the birds are perching in the courtyard or light well, such as gutters, pipe work and ledges. Use our specialist clips and ties to attach to windows, pipes and gutters
• Post and Wire
  For a more professional yet technical solution use our Pigeon Post and Wire system with special gutter clamp posts that clamp to the outer lip of the gutter.

Heavy Pressure, Nesting, with or without food sources.

• Bird Control Netting
  Bird Control Netting is the best solution. Installed at the highest possible point above all perch points to seal off the problem area.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Use an avian disinfectant such as PX Ornikill or Guanaway to neutralise any bird droppings and nests before removing them to avoid disease transfer to humans.

We also stock personal protective clothing and tools appropriate for guano clearance.