COMBATING THE GROWING URBAN BIRD MENACE
Birds are causing growing headaches in and around public and private sector buildings and spaces across the UK. As well as complaints, building damage and public safety risks, they are adding substantially to cleaning and maintenance costs. Yet these problems can easily be eliminated by simple and relatively inexpensive deterrent measures.
This is the experience of international bird management expert, Grahame Turner who
heads-up a series of specialist Network training courses helping the industry cope with the challenge of urban birds.
"Urban seagull populations have increased markedly in recent years, adding to the already significant problem of pigeons, together with starlings and house sparrows," he explains.
"At the same time, avian flu has made the public very much more aware of the health risks posed by birds. Growing street feeding of birds and increasing litter in many areas has increased bird nuisance – both real and perceived. And budgetary pressures are placing increasing restrictions on building cleaning and maintenance schedules.
"Because birds, their feathers and droppings harbour a range of diseases, allergens, insects and mites harmful to humans, legislation makes it an offence to allow birds into food preparation or storage areas. In most areas, though, image, cost and safety are probably the most important issues facing facilities managers.
"Bird fouling looks and smells unpleasant, and frequently puts off people from using areas in the vicinity of nesting and perching sites. Droppings further present a serious slip hazard on pavements and walkways; and one that rapidly builds up to troublesome levels again after clearance.
"Significant also is the extent to which acid bird droppings damage stone and metalwork, and the accumulation of nesting materials and droppings causes water damage by blocking gutters and downspouts. This can be very costly in many cases."
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