Home Money My new home has an infestation of pigeons: How can I get rid of them?

My new home has an infestation of pigeons: How can I get rid of them?

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It's a disaster: the new balcony of our reader's apartment is riddled with pigeon droppings

We just moved into our first property: a new apartment. After moving in, we were surprised to discover that there was a serious pigeon problem.

The pigeons have been nesting for what must have been months and the entire balcony was covered in bird droppings.

We have been at the property for a couple of months and have asked the owner, the same company that sold us the property, to fix the problem.

However, the management team has failed to address the issue so far. The pigeons keep coming no matter how much we scare them.

They continue to poop everywhere, which means our efforts to clean up are in vain. But perhaps worst of all is that they make a lot of noise.

It’s a disaster: the new balcony of our reader’s apartment is riddled with pigeon droppings

What is the best way to address this problem? A friend suggested we put up a net, since it is an enclosed balcony.

But we’ve seen examples of people doing this in the past and it looks horrible.

Do you have any advice on how we should order it? What will the likely cost be? And should it be our responsibility to classify them? Shouldn’t it be the owner and the management company?

Ed Magnus from This is Money responds: Congratulations on buying your first home.

If it’s any consolation, it’s rare that someone moves into a new house and doesn’t find something wrong, whether it’s new construction or something built more than a century ago.

That said, the pigeon problem is annoying to deal with, given the mess and noise they cause.

Since you just moved in, you’re right to wonder if fixing the problem is your landlord’s responsibility, although that will depend on the terms of your lease.

Most new construction homes also come with a 10-year structural warranty, of which, for the first two years, the developer is usually required to fix any issues found on the property.

In most cases, this would include something like a leaky pipe, but arguably it should also include a pest problem, especially if it was present when you moved into the property.

As for techniques to get rid of pigeons, there are many.

As you mention, installing bird netting could be an option, but it is quite unsightly.

There are also anti-bird spikes, which aim to prevent pigeons from nesting or perching on the balcony.

There are also bird sticky gels that basically serve the same purpose.

Pigeons also fear the sight of dominant birds.

For example, using a fake owl that lights up or makes realistic sounds could also be a way to send them packing. These are available to purchase online.

For expert advice on the best way to deal with pigeons and also on the question of who is legally responsible, we spoke to Niall Gallaghertechnical and compliance manager for the British Pest Control Association, as well as Lisa Gibbs and Samantha Houldenboth residential property partners at HCR Law.

Prepare defense: anti-bird spikes are intended to prevent pigeons from nesting or perching on the balcony

Prepare defense: anti-bird spikes are intended to prevent pigeons from nesting or perching on the balcony

How can you get rid of pigeons?

Niall Gallagher responds: What a nightmare. When feral pigeons come into our space they are a public health problem as they can spread diseases among other problems, so you are right to want this resolved as quickly as possible.

The first thing we must be very clear about is that all UK birds, their eggs and nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

This means that any action carried out must be by a competent professional with knowledge of this law and the licenses related to the management of birds.

There are many ways to prevent birds from nesting on your property, and pest professionals will use items such as barriers, spikes, netting and wire to great effect.

Other options, such as electric strips, audible scarecrows, and optical gels, have been used to create negative associations in birds that want to land or perch on buildings.

All of these testing methods have their advantages and some may provide a stronger, longer-lasting deterrent, but as with any control method, they may become less effective over a prolonged period.

Bird net: Perhaps the most effective solution would be a bird net, but it is quite unsightly.

Bird net: Perhaps the most effective solution would be a bird net, but it is quite unsightly.

Can they just install the deterrents?

Niall Gallagher responds: It is important to note that bird protection is a complex task that should always be left to trained pest professionals rather than attempted as a DIY project.

There are several key reasons why professional expertise is essential, including safety, effectiveness, and compliance with animal welfare laws.

It is difficult to suggest how much this might cost. A quote for the works will be provided during the study, but the cost depends on factors such as access, materials and size of the installation, as well as variations between companies.

Niall Gallagher, Technical and Compliance Director, British Pest Control Association

Niall Gallagher, Technical and Compliance Director, British Pest Control Association

Is the owner responsible for fixing the problem?

Lisa Gibbs responds: Firstly, you should review the terms of your lease, which will set out the obligations of the landlord, the management company and you, the tenant.

Generally, the owner or management company will be responsible for the maintenance of the building.

You’ll need to check the definitions in the lease to see if the balcony is part of the building structure (and is probably the landlord’s responsibility) or if it’s part of the demise, which may mean it’s your responsibility.

If the lease states that the landlord or management company is responsible for the balcony, you can turn to them to fix the problem.

A formal letter to the owner, attaching photographs of the mess, pointing out that, in addition to being unsightly, the droppings could have serious repercussions on human health and cause structural degradation of the balcony, should encourage the owner to take action.

Lisa Gibbs, Associate Director of Residential Property and Partner at HCR Law

Lisa Gibbs, Associate Director of Residential Property and Partner at HCR Law

The letter may also note that if action is not taken within a reasonable period, you may need to take formal court action for breach of the landlord’s obligations.

Any litigation is likely to be time-consuming and expensive, so it might be worth contacting a local pest control company to help you in the short term. Keep records of all your expenses for any legal claims.

Samantha Houlden adds: You may be tempted to withhold the service charge or ground rent until the matter is resolved, but the lease is likely to prohibit this and you could end up being saddled with late payment or action charges. non-payment.

On the other hand, most leases will include a covenant stating that the tenant has the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property.

Samantha Houlden, Partner and also Associate Director of Residential Property at HCR Law

Samantha Houlden, Partner and also Associate Director of Residential Property at HCR Law

Pigeon noise could constitute an interference with this covenant and this is something else that could be explored.

Niall Gallagher adds: In terms of who is responsible for resolving the problem and paying a pest professional, this depends on what is in the contracts you have signed.

However, the landlord is typically responsible for the repair and maintenance of the exterior and common parts of the building, so they are supposed to be responsible for resolving this issue if that is where the problem lies.

If birds were nesting inside the property as a result of leaving a window open, it is safe to assume that you would be responsible for it.

Do you have a problem with a property? Get in touch: editor@thisismoney.co.uk

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