Ledges and Parapets

Ledges, cornicing and parapets are one of the most common problem areas associated with pest bird infestations.

By their very nature they offer birds a high-up perch, roost and even nest site, often overlooking a food source. Sheltered ledges with overhead cover or in the lee of the building, away from prevailing wind and rain.

Which species can cause problems?

Predominantly Feral Pigeons and on Larger ledges and parapets Seagulls (Herring Gulls and Black-Backed Gulls)

What are the problems?

• Unsightly fouling & staining of the building’s façade with bird droppings & guano.
• Dangerous build-ups of bird droppings on the floor below the ledge, presenting a slip hazard and disease transfer risk.
• Damage to building fabric. Faecal matter absorbs into stonework, tarnishes metallic and painted surfaces and causes damp through retention of moisture.
• Bad smells from high build-ups of faecal matter, dead birds and nests.
• Infestations of ticks, lice, mites and other biting insects into the building associated to the ledge infestation.
• Noise problems inside the building from the gathering of birds outside.
• Parapet walls often have drains behind them which will eventually block from nest debris and faecal matter. Often the water has nowhere else to go and will eventually cause flooding through the building.

How can I stop the problem?

An extensive range of solutions exists to protect ledges depending upon the severity of the bird infestation pressure present.

Light Pressure, perching only no food source present

• 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.
• 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.

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

To improve your success rate try to remove any food sources prior to installing your chosen deterrent.