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A & H Pest Control
The Berries
Yester Rd
BR7 5LT
020 8295 3402
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DIY vs Professional Solar Panel Bird Proofing: Which Is Best?
When pigeons move in under your solar panels, they cause more than just mess. They bring noise, droppings, and damage that reduces your system’s efficiency and lifespan. Once you realise you need solar panel bird proofing, the next question becomes: Should I do it myself, or hire a professional?
At A&H Pest Control, we’ve spent over 30 years protecting homes and businesses across London and Southern England from pigeon infestations. We’ve seen countless DIY attempts fail — often costing customers far more in the long run than if they’d gone professional from the start.
In this guide, we’ll compare DIY vs professional solar panel bird proofing, explain the risks of doing it yourself, and show why our expert service delivers lasting results.
Preventing pigeons under solar panels video
Stop Pigeons under your Solar Panels
Pigeon Proofing installs
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What Does DIY Bird Proofing Involve?
DIY bird proofing kits are widely available online, often marketed as a “quick and affordable fix.” They typically include pre-cut mesh panels, clips, or sometimes basic deterrents like plastic spikes.
At first glance, this seems straightforward: order a kit, climb up on the roof, and fit the mesh yourself. But the reality is much more complicated.
What You’ll Need for DIY
- Bird mesh or skirt kit: Usually comes pre-sized, not tailored for your panels.
- Adhesive or clips: Often low-grade and prone to failure.
- Tools and safety gear: Ladders, harnesses, gloves, and more.
- Time and expertise: Properly installing proofing requires skill and patience.
Even for competent DIYers, installing bird proofing on a pitched roof is dangerous and requires specialist knowledge.
The Risks of DIY Bird Proofing
While DIY kits look appealing for their low cost, they come with serious risks.
1. Safety Hazards
Working at height without the proper training or equipment is extremely dangerous. Many homeowners underestimate the risks of climbing onto pitched roofs, especially when handling tools and awkward materials.
2. Poor Fit and Gaps
DIY kits are pre-sized and not tailored to your roof or solar layout. This often leaves gaps that pigeons can exploit. Birds are persistent — even a small opening is enough for them to get back under your panels.
3. Short Lifespan
Cheap mesh, spikes, and adhesives degrade quickly in the UK’s weather. We regularly see DIY installations fail within months, wasting your time and money.
4. Panel Damage
Incorrect installation — such as drilling or using unsuitable adhesives — can scratch or damage panels. Worse, it can void your manufacturer warranty, leaving you liable for any repairs.
5. No Legal Compliance
If pigeons are already nesting, DIY removal risks breaking UK bird control laws, which prohibit disturbing active nests without proper authorisation.
Why Professional Bird Proofing Is the Better Choice
By contrast, professional solar panel bird proofing delivers reliable, long-term protection without these risks.
Custom-Fit Installations
At A&H, we tailor every installation to your roof and panel layout. Our mesh is cut to size on-site, ensuring there are no gaps for pigeons to exploit.
Non-Invasive Methods
We use specialist clips that attach securely without drilling or damaging your panels, preserving your warranties.
Durable, Weatherproof Materials
Our mesh, spikes, and fittings are made from high-grade, corrosion-resistant materials designed to withstand the UK climate for years.
Humane Deterrents
We use humane methods like mesh barriers and anti-roosting spikes to deter pigeons, complying with UK bird proofing laws.
Long-Term Guarantees
Our installations are backed by a 15-year guarantee, giving you peace of mind that your panels will remain protected.
Pigeon Proofing your Solar Panels
A service we are always in demand for...
Solar panels attract birds because its a warm, sheltered and a safe area to roost and to raise their young. This creates an ideal habitat for the birds and for the mites and fleas that live in and around their nests. Birds living under the solar panels can interfere/discount the wiring of the solar array and their acidic droppings can damage the connections to the panels. Also, heavy staining from their waste can effect the amount of energy the panels generate.
Birds nest under the solar panels between the panels and the roof.
We have received over 350+ positive reviews over the many years we have been in operation. You can see these Reviews by clicking the speech bubble icon.
Just get in contact and we can arrange a time to come to your property to fix your Bird nuisance.
Cost: DIY vs Professional
DIY kits might seem cheaper upfront, but they often end up costing more.
The Hidden Costs of DIY
- Replacing failed mesh or clips
- Paying for roof repairs caused by incorrect installation
- Hiring a professional later to fix or replace the DIY system
- Potential fines if you breach bird control laws
Why Professional Proofing Saves Money
A&H’s professional solar panel pigeon protection is a one-time investment that eliminates these risks. Our installations are built to last, saving you money on repeat repairs, cleanings, and energy losses.
Don’t let the birds wake you at 4am ever again..
With our proven Wire Mesh Solution you will no longer be bothered by your feathered “friends”!
- 15 Year Guarantee
- Guaranteed 100% to stop Birds Accessing under Solar Panels
- Full clean/disinfect of the gutters and under the panels is carried out as standard
- We never drill or screw into panels
- Heavy duty, high grade galvanised mesh
- We only use metal fixings to attached the mesh. We do not recommend plastic cable ties or panels clips
Safety: Don’t Risk It
Roof work should never be underestimated. Without professional training and equipment, DIY bird proofing is a serious safety risk.
At A&H, our technicians use industry-standard safety gear, follow strict protocols, and work efficiently to minimise disruption to your home or business.
The DIY vs Professional Comparison
Here’s how DIY stacks up against professional bird proofing:
Factor
Cost
Safety
Effectiveness
Durability
Warranty impact
Legal compliance
DIY
Lower upfront, but higher over time
High risk
Often leaves gaps
Short lifespan
Likely to void panel warranties
Risk of breaching laws
Our Services (A&H)
One-time investment with long-term value
Safe, trained, and insured
Tailored, gap-free installations
Built to last 15+ years
Non-invasive, warranty-safe
Fully compliant with UK laws
When DIY Makes Sense — and When It Doesn’t
For most homeowners, DIY bird proofing isn’t worth the risk. However, for properties with flat roofs and no existing bird activity, a temporary DIY barrier might provide short-term relief.
But if:
- Pigeons are already nesting,
- Your panels are hard to access, or
- You want a permanent, compliant solution,
then professional proofing is the only sensible choice.
Why Choose A&H for Bird Proofing?
With over 30 years of experience, we’re London and Southern England’s trusted experts in solar panel pigeon protection.
- Decades of expertise: We know how pigeons behave and how to keep them away.
- Custom solutions: Every installation is tailored to your property.
- Long-term value: Our proofing lasts, saving you money over time.
- Proven reputation: Thousands of satisfied customers trust A&H.
We don’t just install barriers — we protect your investment.
Book Your Professional Bird Proofing Today
Don’t waste time and money on risky DIY fixes. Call A&H Pest Control today on 020 8295 3402 for expert solar panel bird proofing across London and Southern England.
Our professional team will assess your needs, design a custom solution, and give you a 15-year guarantee on our installation.
Protect your panels. Protect your property. Choose A&H for bird proofing done right.
What Customers say about us
A small sample of the 100’s of positive reviews we have received recently, see here for all our online reviews.
Protect your Solar Panels from bird nesting/pigeons under solar panels
FAQs
First of all, you can use a bird mesh that will prevent pigeons from nesting under your panels. Pigeons love to eat, so you need to remove their food sources. The excrement they leave behind can be hazardous and may even cause damage to your solar panels. Pigeons will not return if you cover the panels with mesh. Once the pigeons have left, you can apply bird repellent to the area.
Alternatively, you can use a pigeon deflector to protect your solar panels. This type of netting can be placed in different areas of the roof, including those that don’t have solar panels. This method works well, and it will keep pigeons away for a long time, though you may need to replace it every few months. Another option is to install weatherproof string around your solar panels.
You can also use bird mesh to prevent pigeons under solar panels issues. Bird mesh is a humane deterrents, and are very attractive to the eye. The mesh is designed to cover the space underneath solar panels. The mesh needs to be clipped to surfaces and run around the edge, but they are highly effective and can prevent pigeons from nesting.
The cost of pigeon-proofing solar panels is determined by a number of factors, including the size of the solar panels, their location, and safe access. This is particularly important for properties with three storeys or glass conservatories, as birds are prone to nesting in hard to reach places. In addition to the cost of installing wire mesh, you may also need to install bird-proofing spikes or additional scaffolding to prevent the birds from nesting in your panels.
Jackdaws and Solar Panels
We also can help with any problems you may be having with Jackdaws under your solar panels on your roof, please call us if you need any help or advice.
Our team can help remove the Jackdaws humanely and protect you from future disturbances, we know how birds on your roof can ruin your sleep, due to their very early morning movements.
We Clear and improve previous poor installations by other companies
Click Arrow to see BEFORE/AFTER image, prior to us working to remove eye sore ineffective spikes.
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