Know what you are dealing with
Most of our bird proofing jobs involve feral pigeons nesting under solar panels, in roof eaves and on the ledges of commercial buildings. Common mynas are a growing nuisance in some suburbs and like to stuff nests into gaps in roofs and gutters. Red-winged starlings nest in roof spaces and on high ledges, especially on older buildings and in the city. We also deal with birds roosting over shop entrances, loading bays and parking areas where droppings land on customers and cars. Warehouses with open roller doors are another regular job, because birds move in and nest on the steel beams.
Myths, mistakes and lesser-known facts
Bird proofing involves no poison at all, which makes it a good option for homes with children, dogs and cats.
For landlords and body corporates, pigeon problems become a tenant complaint quickly. Proofing the common areas once beats cleaning them every week.
Bird mites are the hidden side of nesting birds. When the chicks fledge, the mites go looking for a meal and sometimes find the people inside.
Warning signs
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: Pigeon droppings are acidic, mark paintwork and roofing, and become slippery underfoot on walkways. Accumulated droppings and old nests can carry fungi and bacteria, and cleaning them up dry raises dust you do not want to breathe. Nests block gutters and cause water damage when winter rains back up into the roof. When birds leave a nest, their bird mites often wander indoors looking for a new host, which leads to itchy bites.
Can you do it yourself?
A few spikes on a low windowsill is a fine DIY job. Netting and solar panel proofing at height is not, both for safety and because poorly tensioned netting sags, traps birds and ends up looking messy. I would rather do it once and do it properly.
Seasonal pattern
Pigeons breed throughout the year in Cape Town, so proofing is a year-round job. We see a rush in late winter and spring when birds start nesting heavily, and again before the winter rains when people find their gutters blocked.
Prevention checklist
- Do not feed pigeons near your home or business. A reliable food source keeps them coming back.
- Clean gutters before winter, and check for nesting material at the same time.
- Fit mesh skirting around new solar panels at installation, before birds discover the gap.
- Close off broken air vents, missing tiles and open eaves as soon as you notice them.
- Keep refuse bins closed and clean up spilt food around outdoor eating areas.
- Deal with the first nest quickly. Pigeons that breed on a site get attached to it.
What affects the price
The cost depends on how many areas need proofing, how high they are and how much access equipment is needed. Netting a large courtyard or a warehouse roof is a bigger job than spiking a few ledges. Clean-out of heavy droppings and any mite treatment are included in the free quote once we have done the site survey.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas do you cover for bird proofing?
All of Cape Town and the Boland: 133 suburbs from Atlantis and Melkbosstrand to Simon's Town, Khayelitsha and Gordon's Bay. We are based in Brackenfell.
Can I deal with pigeons and nesting birds myself?
A few spikes on a low windowsill is a fine DIY job. Netting and solar panel proofing at height is not, both for safety and because poorly tensioned netting sags, traps birds and ends up looking messy. I would rather do it once and do it properly.
How do I get a quote?
Call 021 012 5825 or send us a photo on WhatsApp. Quotes are free and we will tell you what you are dealing with.
Will netting be visible?
Bird netting is fine and usually black or clear, so from the ground it is hard to see once it is fitted.
Why am I getting bites after the pigeons left?
That is often bird mites leaving an abandoned nest. They do not live on people, but they bite, and we treat the nest area to stop them.
Can you do commercial buildings?
Yes, a lot of our bird proofing is shops, warehouses and blocks of flats where droppings affect staff and customers.