No sanctuary for pigeons
The Lincoln branch of Peter Cox has completed a programme of bird proofing and fouling clearance at the city’s listed 19th century cathedral St Katherine’s.
An answer to churchgoers prayers
Flocks of pigeons are a serious threat to buildings, causing damage such as blocked rainwater systems and the defacement of architectural features. Then there are accident risks caused by fouling on steps and fire escapes plus other health issues – including ornithosis and cryptococcosis – posed by bird fouling.
An estimated 1/2 tonne of fouling was removed from inside the tower which had been infested for many years by pigeons gaining access via open louvres.
A biocide was applied both before and after the fouling removal. A residual insecticidal treatment was also applied to eradicate bird related insects. Bird fouling can potentially harbour between 30 and 40 different species of insects. Full health and safety measures – including COSHH Assessments, Risks Assessments and Method Statements were produced and implemented, as standard, to ensure all works were completed safely for both the workforce and third parties.
To prevent future problems with the pigeons perching and roosting on the building the various cills, string courses and decorative mouldings were proofed with our sprung wire system. Our pigeon netting was installed to the outer faces of the louvers to prevent the pigeons from perching on the louvers and entering the entering the tower. Pigeons are highly persistent in trying to reach their former nesting sites, so when proofing buildings that are difficult and expensive to access it is important that a suitably robust proofing solution is installed in the first instance to prevent the displaced pigeons causing problems on other areas of the building.
Purpose made covers were also designed and fitted to the gutters where the tower joins the nave at roof level as these were found to be a popular sheltering point.
Bird control requires specialist knowledge of birds and their behaviour. Designed with care, most deterrent installations are unobtrusive and barely visible from ground level.
Peter Cox also carried out damp proofing, dry rot and woodworm treatments on the building.
The perfect solution to keeping birds on the move
Selecting the right system for each site and situation is the key to successful bird proofing. They must be designed for the specific species involved, but at the same time thought needs to be given to the buildings aesthetics and a balanced approach taken.
Sometimes a combination of deterrent systems is required. Peter Cox understands people’s perceptions of what bird proofing is reasonably required will be different, and will change as projects progress.
We are happy to work with clients, architects and conservation officers to help find bird deterrent solutions which are “best fit” for each building or project, are as aesthetically unobtrusive as possible and of course, are effective.
