Bird Control Legislation

Most of us like to see birds in their natural habitat, but it can be a very different matter when there are too many of them in the wrong place. Birds like pigeons, starlings, and seagulls can become a nuisance if they’re allowed to congregate on business premises. However, there are legislative implications with any actions taken that affect bird species in the UK, governed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

All our methods for controlling nuisance birds at Rentokil Pest Control comply with the legislation set out in the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and are approved by the relevant Legislative Bodies:

• Natural England
• Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
• Natural Resource Wales
• Northern Ireland Department of the Environment

The most important pieces of legislation dealing with Birds in Ireland are the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2022 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021.

Put simply ALL wild birds, their eggs and nests are protected and should not be disturbed when in use, and in some cases at all times.

However, certain species of birds who could become a pest in certain circumstances are listed on a General Declaration which is updated annually. This permits limited lethal control when certain preconditions have been met.

We will advise and guide our Customers through this process to make certain that they remain operating within current legislation.

Never take a chance, call the Experts.

All wild bird species (including their nests and eggs) are protected by law in the UK. Any offences regarding this legislation may lead to an unlimited fine and prosecution of the parties involved. You should be able to avoid harming birds by timing any work to avoid the breeding season, usually between March and August and by using professional pest control methods that deter the birds, but do not harm them.

Avoiding bird issues by taking preventative measures such as bird netting, scaring, hawking or specialist bird proofing will reduce the need for more complex bird control solutions and any associated licences required under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

Certain nuisance bird species can be dealt with for the following reasons:

• To conserve wild birds
• To preserve public health and /or safety
• To preserve air safety
• To prevent serious damage or disease

Only birds listed in the relevant General Licence can be removed by an authorised, qualified person. If the relevant pest bird species is not covered on this licence, Rentokil Pest Control will advise you of this and look to apply for a special licence on your behalf.

If nuisance birds are causing problems for your business, there are solutions to deal with them legally, but you will need the knowledge, experience and advice of professionally qualified avian specialists for a long-term resolution to your bird issues.

Our bird control recommendations will help you create a less attractive environment for pest birds on your premises, however before undertaking any form of lethal control every possible attempt must be made to dissuade nuisance birds from the location.

The following bird deterrent actions must be considered and where undertaken recorded so they can be used as a reference;

• Limiting food sources and access to anything that they can use to build nests is strongly advised
• Removal of old and redundant nests and nesting materials from previous seasons (you must always check that the nest is not currently being used)
• Birds should be scared away by site personnel, when they notice them congregating in and around a certain area repeatedly
• Wherever practical, entry points should be proofed to deny birds access
• Where doors must remain open for extended periods they should have strip curtains or similar fittings to limit birds entry as much as possible

All "reasonable endeavours" should be undertaken to make your premise less attractive to nuisance birds.

This can include using professional deterrent solutions such as Hawking with Birds of Prey and Rentokil Intelligent Bird Scaring system.

We will always use our professional knowledge, expertise and experience to ensure that we keep your business operating within all relevant bird legislation.