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A & H Pest Control
The Berries
Yester Rd
BR7 5LT
020 8295 3402
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When to Install Bird Proofing for Solar Panels & UK Bird Proofing Laws
Solar panels are an attractive nesting spot for pigeons, offering warmth, shelter, and protection from predators. Once they settle underneath, they bring droppings, nesting debris, noise, and potential damage to your panels and roofline. Many property owners know they need bird proofing — but aren’t sure when to install it or what UK laws apply when removing nests or deterring birds.
At A&H Pest Control, we provide professional solar panel bird proofing across London and Southern England. In this guide, we’ll explain the best time of year to install pigeon proofing, clarify the legal framework for bird control in the UK, and share why choosing a professional service like ours ensures compliance and lasting protection.
Preventing pigeons under solar panels video
Stop Pigeons under your Solar Panels
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When Is the Best Time to Install Bird Proofing?
A common question we hear is: “When should I install bird proofing for my solar panels?” The short answer: as soon as possible.
The longer you wait, the more established pigeons become. Once they’ve nested and bred under your panels, it’s much harder to remove them.
Why Sooner Is Always Better
- Preventing nests: It’s far easier to block birds out before they nest than to remove an active infestation.
- Avoiding damage: Early proofing stops droppings from corroding your panels and nesting materials from clogging gutters.
- Preserving efficiency: Panels perform best when kept clean and free from obstructions.
Installing proofing at the time of panel installation is ideal, but if you already have panels, don’t delay — the sooner we act, the less damage pigeons can cause.
Is There a “Best Season” for Installation?
While bird control is often seasonal for some species, pigeons breed year-round in the UK. This means there’s no off-season for nesting, making pigeon proofing an all-year-round requirement.
That said, some property owners choose spring or summer for installation because:
- It’s easier to spot bird activity in good weather.
- Longer daylight hours make installation quicker.
At A&H, we provide proofing services throughout the year, using weather-appropriate methods to ensure safe, reliable installations in any season.
Post-Nesting Season Installation
If pigeons are already nesting under your panels, we can safely remove the birds and their nests before installing proofing. Our methods are humane and fully compliant with UK laws.
Understanding UK Bird Proofing Laws
Bird control in the UK is governed by strict laws designed to protect wild birds. It’s essential to work with a professional service to ensure you stay compliant.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
This legislation protects all wild birds, their nests, and eggs. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild bird or damage/destroy an active nest.
For pigeons, this means:
- Active nests can’t be disturbed unless done under specific conditions (e.g., health and safety exemptions).
- Eggs can’t be removed or destroyed unless authorised.
Failing to comply can result in heavy fines or prosecution.
General Licences for Bird Control
The UK issues General Licences for certain bird control activities. These allow for the legal removal or deterrence of birds under specific circumstances, such as:
- Protecting public health and safety.
- Preventing serious damage to property.
At A&H, we work under these licences where necessary, ensuring all our pigeon proofing methods comply with the law.
Why Compliance Matters
Improper bird removal can lead to legal consequences and unnecessary harm to wildlife. By using a trusted provider like A&H, you know your proofing project is handled ethically, legally, and professionally.
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.
Why Professional Bird Proofing Is Essential for Legal Compliance
DIY bird proofing often leads to legal issues. Many homeowners aren’t aware that:
- Disturbing active nests is illegal.
- Killing pigeons without a licence is prohibited.
- Using certain deterrents improperly (e.g., harmful spikes or adhesives) can violate welfare regulations.
Our team understands when and how pigeon nests can be legally removed. We also install humane deterrents like mesh and spikes, ensuring compliance with UK laws and industry best practices.
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
Our Process: Legal, Safe, and Effective
When you hire A&H for solar panel bird proofing, you get a comprehensive, lawful service.
1. Property Survey
We assess your solar panels, roof access, and bird activity to design a custom proofing solution.
2. Nest and Waste Removal
If nests are present, we remove them in compliance with UK law, disposing of waste safely and hygienically.
3. Humane Proofing Installation
We use flush-fitting mesh and anti-roosting spikes to prevent future nesting — methods that are effective yet harmless to birds.
4. Long-Term Guarantee
Our installations are backed by a 15-year guarantee, giving you peace of mind that pigeons won’t return.
Benefits of Early, Lawful Bird Proofing
Protecting Your Panels and Roof
Our proofing stops droppings from damaging panel surfaces and prevents debris from blocking gutters or damaging tiles.
H3: Maintaining Solar Panel Efficiency
Bird-free panels collect more sunlight, maximising your system’s energy output.
H3: Avoiding Legal Trouble
By working with experts who follow UK bird proofing laws, you eliminate the risk of accidental breaches.
H3: Improving Hygiene
We decontaminate your roofline, removing harmful droppings and reducing pest risks.
Why Choose A&H for Bird Proofing?
With over 30 years of experience, A&H Pest Control is trusted across London and Southern England for providing lawful, effective solar panel pigeon protection.
- Legal expertise: We operate under UK General Licences where required.
- Tailored solutions: Every roof and solar array gets a custom installation.
- Non-invasive methods: Our specialist clips protect your panel warranties.
- Long-term results: Our proofing is built to last, with a 15-year guarantee.
We don’t cut corners — we provide solutions that protect your property and keep you fully compliant.
When Should You Act? Now.
Every day you delay bird proofing increases the risk of more damage, more fouling, and greater repair costs. The sooner you install solar panel pigeon protection, the easier it is to block birds and restore your system’s efficiency.
Book Your Bird Proofing Consultation Today
Don’t risk damage to your solar panels or fall foul of UK bird laws. Call A&H Pest Control today on 020 8295 3402 for a free consultation.
We’ll guide you through the best time to install bird proofing and ensure everything is done lawfully and effectively.
Protect your panels. Protect your property. Stay on the right side of the law with A&H Pest Control.
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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