Bird Control Legislation

Most of us like to see birds in their natural habitat, but it's a very different matter when too many congregate in the wrong place. Birds like pigeons, starlings, and seagulls can become a nuisance if they're allowed to gather on business premises. However, any actions taken that affect bird species in Ireland have significant legislative implications, primarily governed by the Wildlife Acts 1976 (and amendment 2022) and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021.

Put simply, ALL wild birds, their eggs, and nests are protected by law and should not be disturbed when in use, and in some cases, protection applies at all times. At Rentokil Pest Control, all our methods for controlling nuisance birds strictly comply with this legislation.

However, certain species of birds that can become a pest in specific circumstances are listed on a General Declaration, which is updated annually by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This permits limited lethal control when certain preconditions have been met. We'll advise and guide our customers through this process to ensure they remain compliant with current Irish legislation. Never take a chance, call the Experts.

All wild bird species (including their nests and eggs) are protected by law in Ireland. Any offences regarding this legislation may lead to substantial fines and prosecution of the parties involved. You should be able to avoid harming birds by timing any work to avoid the breeding season, typically between March and August, and by using professional pest control methods that deter birds without harming 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 authorisations or licences required under the Wildlife Acts and the Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations.

Certain nuisance bird species can be dealt with for the following reasons, provided the strict conditions of the General Declaration or a specific licence are met:

• 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 Declaration can be removed by an authorised, qualified person. If the relevant pest bird species is not covered by this declaration, Rentokil Pest Control will advise you of this and assist in applying for a specific licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on your behalf, where permissible.

If nuisance birds are causing problems for your business, there are legal solutions to deal with them, but you'll 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 for reference:

• Limiting food sources and access to anything 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 bird entry as much as possible.

All "reasonable endeavours" should be undertaken to make your premises less attractive to nuisance birds. This can include using professional deterrent solutions such as hawking with Birds of Prey and the Rentokil Intelligent Bird Scaring system.

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