Bird activity looks like a cosmetic problem until the bills arrive: stained façades, blocked gutters, corroded fixings, damaged roof membranes, contaminated plant decks and slip hazards around entrances. Add the disease risks from fouling and nesting debris, and the case for professional bird control becomes clear. This page outlines the main ways birds damage buildings, how fouling and nesting create health risks, and what preventative systems stop the cycle for good. A&H Pest Control serves London & Southern England with humane, durable bird control.

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How bird fouling damages buildings

Fouling is acidic and gritty. Left in place, it etches stone and render, discolours coated metals and plastics, and stains signage and cladding.

Façade staining and surface etching

Repeated streaks down stone, brick or powder-coated panels are difficult to remove completely. Even after cleaning, ghosting remains. Proofing removes the behaviour that causes it.

Roof membranes and seals

Droppings and trapped debris hold moisture against bitumen and single-ply membranes. Over time, this accelerates deterioration. Regular clean-downs and exclusion protect the roof warranty.

Corrosion of fixings and plant

Metal housings, rails and fixings on plant decks corrode faster under fouling. Electrical cabinets and cable trays suffer accelerated wear; prevention is cheaper than replacement.

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Gutters, downpipes and water ingress

Nesting material and feathers dam outlets. Overflow soaks fascias and internal walls; in cold snaps, ice adds weight and damage. Guards and exclusion remove the cause; cleaning becomes occasional, not constant.

Bird activity around solar panels

Under-panel nesting traps debris against wiring and reduces airflow. Fouling washes across modules, reducing generation and creating a dirty facade below the array. Solar panel mesh prevents access; regular cleaning preserves output and appearance.

Disease and contamination risks (overview)

Bird fouling and nesting debris can harbour pathogens and parasites. On walkways, handrails and outdoor seating, this turns into a hygiene risk. On plant decks and around air intakes, contamination can be tracked indoors. Professional decontamination and safe disposal are part of every A&H installation.

Slip, trip and public safety issues

Fouling at entrances, steps and ramps is a well-known slip hazard. Perch denial on the features above (signs, overhangs, light boxes) removes the source. Netting or wire systems keep birds away from zones where the public congregate.

Business disruption and reputational impact

For shops, restaurants and offices, visible fouling and noise drive complaints. Outdoor seating beneath perches is quickly abandoned. Investing in durable systems pays for itself in reduced cleaning, safer access and a cleaner experience for customers and staff.

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Typical problem areas (and fixes that stop the damage)

Ledges and parapets on heritage façades

Use post-and-wire for discreet perch removal; add spikes only on small projections. Result: clean stone without visual clutter.

Plant decks and atriums

Install netting to keep entire zones clear. Provide zipped access for maintenance. Result: clean access routes and protected equipment.

Signs, conduits and CCTV brackets

Fit stainless spikes edge-to-edge. Result: no landing platform, less fouling, fewer cleans.

Solar arrays

Add clip-on mesh to stop under-panel access. Result: protected cables, clean gutters, steadier array efficiency.

Vents and eaves

Use vent guards and eaves sealing that maintain airflow. Result: no cavity nesting, fewer insect spill-overs, better indoor air quality.

Call us on 020 8295 3402 
Or leave a contact form today

Why cleaning alone isn’t enough

Regular washing addresses symptoms, not causes. In many cases it also spreads residues unless decontamination is done correctly. Long-term protection requires removing the perch or the access so birds cannot return.

Professional decontamination — how we make spaces safe again

We use appropriate biocides, PPE and methods that prevent aerosolisation. Waste is bagged and disposed of responsibly. Clean surfaces accept adhesives and fixings better, so your system stays put.

How to decide what to do next

If you’re seeing repeat fouling, blocked gutters, or under-panel nesting, the most cost-effective step is a survey and a targeted, humane fix. We’ll explain options, compare methods, and give you a competitive, transparent quote. Call 020 8295 3402.

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.

“My second time using...was delighted with the work then,.. for the second set of panels we had installed last week....The quality of work was just as high...great customer service..Friendly, professional...tidy and fast .. and the product is the best quality I've seen...Would highly recommend!”
pigeons pest control london
M Bulle
“Pigeon guard around the solar panels...Mark and Colin are a very professional team.... with years of experience and a well designed proven solid solution....cleaning out a nest to cleaning the panels..clearing up perfectly afterwards...fitting a solid 3mm mesh around the panels...pigeon problem is solved...very good competitive value”
pest control birds
M Bartlett
“Pigeons..under our solar panels, from the moment we found them on the internet...we received the best possible service...advice...brilliant.”
bird control treatment services
G Peppiatt

Other Services

As well as Solar Panel Proofing, we offer a range of other services…

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