Pigeon Netting Maintenance

The number one most significant reason why pigeons need to be controlled is their excretion. Since these birds normally habituate buildings and other structures in large flocks, the amount of excretion that the left behind can also amount to tons. Apart from the smell, their excretion is also an eyesore and a threat to human health because of the bacteria and viruses that it harbors. To avoid pigeon habituation and infestation, some owners install bird exclusion systems in their buildings, gardens and other properties. The most popular system uses nylon nets which are more commonly referred to as "pigeon netting". The netting is pretty effective in inhibiting pigeons from coming into the property. In short, the net serves as a barrier between the bird and its target roosting area. Just like all other systems built for the same purpose, nylon nets also need maintenance.

However, before we can talk about maintenance, we need to talk about the nature of bird nettings first. Almost every time, bird netting is installed by specialists because it usually covers an entire building which can be massive. Moreover, since the installation is above-ground, it will be quite difficult for someone who does not have that much knowledge on pigeon netting installation to do the task himself or herself. Unless the installation area is small, a single storey house or a tiny garden for example, do-it-yourself installation is really highly discouraged.

Now, since pigeon netting installation is supposed to be performed by a specialist, it can be expected that many contractors have already made themselves available for such kinds of services. In fact, you can search the internet for these people and expect to get thousands of results. The materials, equipment and tools needed for the installation are also widely available online. Thus, if you prefer to have this type of bird exclusion system, rest assured that you won't have to worry about how on Earth will you ever find what you need. If you don't know anything about pigeon nettings yet, you can also check the internet for blogs like this one you are reading to detailed information and instructions.

You should expect though that pest control contractors are affiliated to netting dealers so if ever you hire one, they would definitely insist on using one type or brand of pigeon netting. These contractors would get an extra commission for every client who gives in to the brand that they endorse. While you can be almost certain that the contractors will not recommend a brand that is not durable (at least to maintain his/her credibility), the problem with the nylon nets that they endorse is that these nets are usually overpriced in order to cover the commissions that the contractors give. This practice actually makes nylon netting expensive, giving some people that a bird exclusion system using nylon nets is not at all practical. Nevertheless, if you know well enough, you would see that nylon nets are inexpensive and you can actually buy the nets and pay for the installation separately.

Reminder

However, if you are particular with animal welfare, you should know that pigeon nets account for the most deaths of pigeons living in the urban setting. While the nets do not appear harmful at all, because of the size of the meshes in the net, many pigeons often find themselves trapped in it, killing them in the process because of starvation. If you do not like the sound of this, explore your other options -- you can try anti-perching and anti-roosting spikes. You can read more about these spikes in my other entries in this blog site, just check the article archive below.

Why is Maintenance Important?

Nylon net is installed by fastening its ends into a base that stretches it so that it can property cover a building or garden. Because of this set-up, nets have to be maintained regularly in order to make sure that the tension in the net is just right to stop birds from flying in. Nets which are not properly stretched will be "baggy". When a strong wind hits a baggy net, the hog rings that attach the ends of the net to the building might fail and the net will fall out. This condition can lead to two things: 1. The entire system will fail at certain points or 2. The net will tear apart. Either of these two is not a pretty result since the installation costs much. You need to know that these conditions are very common because many property owners do not really maintain their pigeon nets as much as they should. However, it should be noted that while maintenance can be costly, re-installation is more expensive.

How much will the maintenance cost?

Like what has been said earlier, the actual net is inexpensive. It only becomes expensive because of the contractors recommending specific brands that give them commissions. But beyond that fact is an ugly truth; everything about pigeon netting can be really expensive. For example, one needs to rent a scissor lift for the installation and this equipment has to be rented for at least £1000.00 per day. The same equipment is also used for repair work, so the whole process can be really financially draining. However, many property owners still prefer to have this option because it does not alter the overall structure of their property and at the same time, the nets are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Nevertheless, in order to entice clients, pigeon net installations contractors would often offer service guarantees (some reaching up to 10 years). Within this period, the property owner is assured of a free or a low-cost maintenance service, as well as repair services when needed. Installation services with such guarantees are often more expensive by they are the best options for a property owner who is looking for a long-term pigeon infestation protection. However, some contractors tend to be tricky in the declaration of their guarantees. They would ask owners to maintain the nets in accordance to their guidelines (which can be really difficult) and would not give the guaranteed services if they are not convinced that the owner did follow the guidelines. It is up to the owner to discern which contractor is truthful to their offers and which are not.