Agripest Management were contacted by a Wetherby department store after a customer had seen a Pigeon flapping in an upstairs window. We carried out a full investigation and found the feral pigeons were roosting within the disused areas of the town centre property and causing detrimental damage to the internal structure. This posed a possible risk to human health as pigeons are known to carry Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and Psittacosis.
Due to the nature of the building, fully proofing the birds out would prove nearly impossible. The solution was to oragnise a shoot to remove the problematic pigeons.
Feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) can also be known as city pigeons, city doves or street pigeons. The domestic pigeon was initially bred from the wild rock dove, which naturally inhabits sea cliffs. Domestic, and feral pigeons are all the same species and will regularly interbreed. Feral pigeons find the ledges and internal structures of buildings to be a good substitute for sea cliffs. The feral pigeon has become well adapted to urban life, and are abundant in towns and cities throughout much of the UK.
Carrying out a shoot in an environment like this requires professionals and specialist equipment, on this job we used two quality air rifles, The Air Arms S410 carbine .22 and the Gamo coyote .177 both highly capable 12 ft.lb weapons.
To carry out shoots in built up areas after hours, it’s important to ensure that all bases are covered, risk assessments complete, method statements filled out, areas secured and contact the local police force to let them know when we were ready to go.
Two hours later the shoot was complete, all pigeons were cleanly shot and removed to reduce further pest issues. The pigeons had gained access to almost all locations within the derelict upper floors of the town centre shop.
Proffesionally controlling the pigeon pest problem
We will be regularly visiting the site over the next 3 weeks to carry out further inspections. Although we shot and retrieved all the pigeons within the area it is possible more birds may return. Within the three weeks we will be sealing the holes we know the pigeons were accessing to reduce the risk of re-infestation of the property.
For more details of feral pigeon treatment within the Harrogate, Wetherby and York city centres please see this page or contact our specialist team today.
For advice on explosive pest populations or general pest issues give us a call.
Nick – 07716 467 460
