Sometimes you need to work with nature in order to fight against it. If you are having problems with feral pigeons and gulls, then falcons and hawks can ward off these pest birds by terrorising the area.
Falconry is an effective form of bird control, as it takes advantage of nature’s instincts. In order to control nuisance birds, we introduce the threat of a natural predator. Falcons have the ability to frighten smaller birds and deter them from returning for good.
Whilst the use of spikes, preventative netting and gel repellents are all good options for keeping pest birds away, they are often not practical for use over large or difficult to access areas. A falcon, however, can take to the skies and act as a high-flying scarecrow.
Learn more about our bird control in Southampton and Hampshire here.
Why are falcons so effective for pest bird control?
Falconry based bird abatement is often much more effective than other techniques, as pigeons and gulls are fairly intelligent and can quickly figure out artificial predators and move out of the way of harmless objects. Yet the random swopping of a raptor, never fails to frighten these smaller birds away from defecating and damaging commercial properties and buildings.
Soaring from the leather-glove of a trained falconer, these birds of prey can take to the sky, covering large distances in order to ward off any smaller birds that may be plaguing the area.
At Malum Southern Pest & Bird Control, our falcons will make their presence known in order to encourage pest birds to move on. Even though falcons are at the top of the food chain, our raptors have been trained to evoke a fright and flight reaction, rather than attack and kill, for a more humane approach to pest bird control.
Our falcons have successfully been flown over hospitals, universities, car parks, harbors and warehouses, frightening pest birds into believing that these areas are now falcon territory.
We have used falconry bird control in urban areas where other forms of pest control have been unsuitable; to clear large sites of irritant birds; and to scare them away prior to installing other bird proofing methods.
How did falconry for pest control come about?
Falconry originated in Western Asia and was used for both sport and as a status symbol amongst the nobles. Today, in the United Arabs, falconry races still prove popular and can be highly profitable for those who win.
It was, however, ancient Rome who saw the benefits in using falcons alongside dogs in order to hunt ducks. But it was during the Persian Empire, that birds of prey were first employed; specifically, for bird control measures as a way of protecting livestock and crops.
Today falcons are regularly used to ward off feral pigeons and gulls who like to roost on the exterior of commercial properties. Often these buildings are listed, which makes other forms of pest control difficult to affix.
In the UK in order to fly a falcon, you need to comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This Act states that the birds should be bred in captivity and a license for falconry needs to be obtained. Timings and places for falconry are strictly regulated and you need permission to fly a falcon over someone else’s land.
Benefits of falconry pest control
Falconry is a great alternative to netting, spikes and gels that some business owners may not want or have the budget for – especially those who own large sites and structures or where huge numbers of people gather (such as a stadium or hospital). Certain buildings such as listed properties, airfields, landfill sites and farmland may also be excluded from using other forms of pest bird control.
The greatest advantage to using a falcon is that it offers a natural approach to bird control. In the main, the target birds are simply scared off and not injured or killed. It is also environmentally friendly as it prevents the requirements for chemicals or traps, making it much more humane and eliminates the risk of secondary poisoning.
How long does falconry pest bird control take?
At Malum Southern based in Hampshire, we look at all of the factors surrounding what is attracting pest birds to a specific place, before we decide when and for long to fly our falcons. The main motivating factors attracting pigeons and gulls to an area, are roosting sites and food sources.
Certain birds nest during specific months of the year and by flying our falcons during courting, coupling and roosting times, we can deter them from making your property their home.
Our bird handlers are fully trained to fly our birds of prey through affected areas and over a prolonged period of time. When flying our falcons, we try to vary the times in which they take to the skies in order to take smaller birds by surprise.
In addition to using falconry, as a business or property owner you should also look to deter pest birds by making improvements to your building, restricting roof and attic access and ensuring that food is always locked away – as this will all help to keep pest birds at bay.
Call Malum for pest bird advice
In addition to flying based pest bird control, at Malum Southern, we offer a number of static bird proofing solutions. These measures include bird netting, spiking, sprung wire, acoustic and visual scaring and optical gel.
We have the latest high-tech equipment, which enables us to scale most buildings and even have drones in order to survey pest entry points and roosting areas.
So, for further advice on professional bird control, methods and deterrents, please contact us for an informal chat and a free, no obligation quote.
Experts in pest control, our friendly specialists are available for you to call or contact online today.
