Professional Bird Control Services

The Harris Museum in Preston, a Grade 1 listed building, has been a cultural icon since 1893. Known for its impressive architecture and historical significance, the museum faced increasing issues with feral pigeons nesting in the high areas of the building. The pigeons caused significant damage to the museum’s statues and led to an accumulation of pigeon guano (bird droppings), which affected both the aesthetic value and structural integrity of the museum.

As part of the 2023-2024 Harris Your Place renovation funded by Preston Council, Conlon Construction contracted LES Pest Management, experts in bird control to address the pigeon infestation and prevent further damage to the museum.

The Challenges of Bird Control in a Grade 1 Listed Building

Addressing a bird infestation in a historic building like the Harris Museum presents a unique set of challenges, particularly with regard to preservation and conservation:

• Inaccessibility of High Areas: The pigeons had nested in hard-to-reach areas, particularly behind statues high above the ground, requiring specialised equipment for both cleaning and bird proofing.
• Preserving Architectural Integrity: All pest control solutions had to be discreet and designed to not interfere with the museum’s heritage features or architectural beauty.
• Health and Safety Risks: The buildup of pigeon guano weighed around 7 stone and posed significant health risks to the building and workers, making professional removal essential.

How We Evaluated the Pigeon Problem at the Harris Museum

To provide an effective solution, LES Pest Management conducted a comprehensive bird control assessment for historic buildings. Our approach focused on:

• Identifying High Bird Pressure Areas: We identified areas with the highest pigeon activity, particularly around statues and ledges. These areas were considered high-risk zones due to the pigeons’ tendency to roost and nest in these accessible spots.
• Assessing Vulnerable Points for Bird Proofing: We inspected all crevices and gaps where pigeons gained access to the building to determine where our bird netting and spikes would be most effective.
• Building Preservation: We ensured that all our pest control measures aligned with the building’s conservation goals, working closely with restoration teams and architects.

Steps Taken to Address the Pigeon Problem

We implemented a two-pronged approach to bird control at the Harris Museum:

1. Pigeon Guano Removal: The first step involved the careful and safe removal of pigeon droppings from high and hard-to-reach areas. Our team used specialised equipment to clean without damaging any historical features of the museum.
2. Installation of a Bird Control System: To provide long-term protection from pigeons, we installed a combination of bird netting and bird spikes:
   • Bird Netting: This was installed around high-pressure areas where pigeons were most active. The netting served as an effective physical barrier, preventing access to sensitive areas like statues and ledges.
   • Bird Spikes: In areas where bird netting was less feasible, such as narrow ledges, we installed discreet bird spikes to make the surfaces less appealing for pigeons and discourage them from roosting.

Outcome of Our Bird Control Solutions

Our bird proofing solutions were highly effective. By the end of the project, pigeon activity had been significantly reduced, and the museum was free from further pigeon-related damage. The combination of netting and bird spikes provides ongoing protection against future infestations, ensuring that the Harris Museum remains preserved for future generations.

The bird control system implemented by LES Pest Management ensured that the Harris Museum’s architectural integrity was maintained and that no pigeon damage occurred during or after the renovation.

Preventing Future Pigeon Infestations at Historic Buildings

To ensure the pigeon problem doesn’t return, we recommended several preventive measures:

• Routine Inspections: We advised the staff onsite to conduct regular inspections of the bird proofing system, ensuring that it remains intact and functional.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Regular checks on the netting and bird spikes will help detect any issues before they escalate, maintaining the effectiveness of bird control measures.
• Educating the Client: We educated staff onsite about the importance of monitoring the building’s vulnerable areas and maintaining cleanliness to prevent attracting pigeons.

Lessons Learned from the Harris Museum Bird Control Project

The bird control project at the Harris Museum provided valuable insights for working on heritage properties:

• Custom Solutions for Heritage Properties: Every historic building has its own unique challenges, and pest control measures must be tailored to meet both the preservation and protection needs of the property.
• Timely Intervention Prevents Long-Term Damage: Addressing a pigeon infestation early can prevent significant damage and costly repairs.
• Holistic Pest Management: A comprehensive approach, combining removal, control, and long-term prevention, is the one of most effective way to protect historic buildings from pest damage.

Why Choose LES Pest Management for Bird Control in Heritage Buildings

At LES Pest Management, we specialise in providing expert bird control services for commercial and historical properties. With extensive experience working with Grade 1 listed buildings and historic landmarks, shopping centres, hospitals, council building we understand the need to balance effective pest control with preserving the integrity of the building.

If you’re looking for professional bird proofing solutions for your historic, commercial or council building, whether it’s pigeon control or other pest management services, LES Pest Management is your pest controller. With a proven track record in successfully managing bird control at landmark heritage properties, we ensure your building stays protected for years to come.

Contact us today to discuss bird proofing solutions tailored to your building’s needs and ensure the preservation of your historical landmark or commercial building for future generations.