Fresnaye climbs the slopes above Sea Point toward Lion's Head, all steep streets, big houses and apartment blocks with sea views. Most calls here are about rats in roofs, ants in kitchens and pigeons on balconies.
Birds in Fresnaye: what we see
Pigeons nest on balconies, flat roofs and air-con units, and gulls take over roof terraces. Netting balconies and fitting spikes on ledges is the usual fix.
Homes range from large modern houses with flat roofs, pools and glass to older double-storey homes and blocks of flats. Many are built into the slope with retaining walls, basements and garden terraces, which create plenty of hidden voids. Flat roofs and roof gardens attract pigeons and gulls. Staff quarters, garages and pool rooms add more places to check.
Signs to look for
- Twigs, grass and feathers sticking out from under roof tiles or panels.
- Blocked gutters and downpipes full of nesting material.
- Birds regularly perching in the same spots over doorways or walkways.
- A sour smell around a roof area where birds have been nesting for a long time.
- Droppings building up on ledges, walls, windowsills or under solar panels.
Worth knowing
Proofing over an active nest is a mistake. You either trap birds inside or they break through, so the clean-out always comes first.
For landlords and body corporates, pigeon problems become a tenant complaint quickly. Proofing the common areas once beats cleaning them every week.
What happens when we come out
We start by watching where the birds actually land and nest, because proofing the wrong ledge is a waste of money. Ledges and beams get bird spikes or tensioned wire systems that stop birds settling. Larger open areas such as courtyards, loading bays and light wells get bird netting fixed to a frame so birds cannot get in at all. Gaps under solar panels and roof tiles are closed with mesh or panel skirting so pigeons cannot nest underneath. Old nests and droppings are removed first, and if bird mites are present we treat the area as well.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our bird proofing service works.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Deal with the first nest quickly. Pigeons that breed on a site get attached to it.
- Keep refuse bins closed and clean up spilt food around outdoor eating areas.
- Close off broken air vents, missing tiles and open eaves as soon as you notice them.
- Fit mesh skirting around new solar panels at installation, before birds discover the gap.
- Clean gutters before winter, and check for nesting material at the same time.
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.
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.
Bird Proofing questions from Fresnaye
Do you come out to Fresnaye for bird proofing?
Yes. Fresnaye is part of our regular City Bowl & Atlantic Seaboard route, along with Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Three Anchor Bay. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Do bird spikes hurt the birds?
No. The spikes are blunt and simply stop birds from landing comfortably. They move somewhere else.
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.
Do the rats in Fresnaye come down from Lion's Head?
Many do, especially in winter. Homes on the upper streets see the most activity, and cutting back creepers and sealing roof gaps makes a big difference.
How do I stop pigeons nesting on my Fresnaye balcony?
Netting the balcony or fitting spikes on ledges stops them landing. Clearing any old nests first is important to get rid of bird mites.
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.
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