Churches and heritage buildings now have a sustainable solution to pigeon fouling

Protecting a bas-relief from pigeons; invisible from ground levelThe mess created by pigeons is not only unsightly but, left unchecked, can also cause blockage of gutters and damage to timber and plaster finishes.Churches and heritage buildings are particularly susceptible to pigeon infestations due to their ornate architecture and decorative facades, which provide ideal nooks and crannies for nesting and roosting.

That presents two challenges when it comes to pigeons: the first requirement is a long-term sustainable solution that will not harm the pigeons; and secondly, because such buildings are often listed, a solution that will not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the architecture is essential.

Traditional solutions, such as nets and spikes, will often be deemed inappropriate by heritage officers; moreover in terms of their deterrent effect, they simply do not address the pigeon’s instinctive drive to return to its principal habitat – its nest or night roost – with the result that pigeons will often overcome such physical barriers. With nets, there is also the risk that pigeons will become trapped, raising concerns about animal welfare and maintenance.

Welcomed by heritage officers and architects

There is, however, a solution to pigeon problems that addresses all of those issues: one that is discreet, effective, long-lasting and kind to pigeons. During the past decade or so it has been adopted by many heritage buildings and churches – from parish churches to Salisbury Cathedral and from papal residences to royal palaces. Most heritage officers will readily agree to its use as it requires no mechanical fixings and is virtually invisible from ground level.

Known as Bird FreeTM, it produces sensory stimuli that act on the pigeon’s senses of sight, smell and touch, thus transforming its habitat into an environment that the pigeon perceives as no longer habitable, causing it to abandon the site for good.

How it works

Bird FreeTM is an advanced method of bird control based on the science of bird behaviour. It is applied in small plastic dishes that contain a highly viscous wax-like substance. Its multi-sensory effect works as follows:

• Sight: Pigeons see farther along the spectrum than humans. They see ultraviolet (UV) light, which is invisible to us. Bird FreeTM reflects UV light in a way that appears to pigeons as shimmering fire: an instinctual warning of danger. That alone will often be enough to discourage them from landing.
• Smell: Bird FreeTM contains peppermint oil – long known as an effective bird repellent. The menthol contained in peppermint acts as a primary repellent in birds due to its action on olfactory and trigeminal nerve endings located in the bird’s nose, mouth and eyes. The odour quality and pungency of the menthol is• sensed by the olfactory and trigeminal systems of the bird respectively, and creates a strong aversion response.
• Touch: Pigeons instinctively avoid sticky substances such as tree resin, tar or mineral oil due to the risk of contaminating their feathers. Even without making contact pigeons can see the wax-like substance and identify it as sticky, prompting them to avoid the site entirely. 

When a pigeon returns to its nest or night roost and sees the dishes of Bird FreeTM in place, it immediately perceives the area as unsafe and no longer habitable, causing it to abandon its erstwhile habitat and seek a more welcoming environment. The wax-like substance contained in the dishes, being impervious to rain and other climatic conditions, will remain effective for up to 10 years without replacement.

In conclusion, in the on-going struggle to protect churches and heritage buildings from the damaging effects of pigeon infestations, Bird FreeTM stands out as the best available solution.

Humane, long-lasting, discreet and based on the latest behavioural science, it resolves persistent issues without compromising the integrity of the architecture. For building managers, clergy, conservation officers and caretakers seeking a responsible and effective pigeon deterrent, Bird FreeTM is fast becoming recognised as the gold standard.

• For further information visit bird-free.com.