We provide a service for the removal of common pests including squirrels, mice (within the home), rats, beetles, fleas, bed bugs, moths, ants, moles and wasps.
We do not deal with birds, bats, bees or foxes. If you have a problem with these types of pests we may be able to offer advice or you could contact a private pest control firm.
Our Treatment Charges are detailed below:
| Type of Pest | Charge From 1 April 2024 | No. of Visits | £40 Non-refundable Call Out Fee for 1st visit (whether treatment carried out or not). This may also apply if the Pest Control Officer cannot gain access to property when arranged. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrels | £90 + VAT | Maximum 3 visits | Yes |
| Mice | £90 + VAT | Maximum 3 visits | Yes |
| Rats | £90 + VAT | Maximum 3 visits | Yes |
| Beetles | £70 + VAT | Maximum 2 visits | Yes |
| Fleas | £70 + VAT | Maximum 2 visits | Yes |
| Bed Bugs | £60 + VAT | Per visit | Yes |
| Moths | £60 + VAT | Per visit | Yes |
| Ants | £40 + VAT | Per visit | Yes |
| Moles | £90 + VAT | Maximum 3 visits | Yes |
| Wasps | £40 + VAT | Per visit | Yes |
Pigeons, Seagulls and Bird Feeding
Birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law, and it is illegal to destroy or interfere with them except under licence. Even where their destruction is licensed, non-lethal methods must be considered first, and many killing methods are outlawed. Lethal methods should always be left to pest control professionals.
In terms of pigeons, most lethal methods are totally ineffective. They simply reduce competition for food and shelter, and the remaining birds increase their breeding rates to compensate. Although there is an immediate decrease, numbers soon recover, resulting in an endless cycle of killing and re-population. Reduced food supply, coupled with pigeon proofing where appropriate and possible is the key.
The Council does not provide any pest control services for dealing with pigeons or seagulls but you could contact a pest control company that specialises in birds who may be able to help, they will however charge for this service. You will find details of reputable pest control companies in your area on the British Pest Control Association website.
The RSPB has further information on urban gulls
Can the Council stop my neighbour from feeding pigeons, gulls and other birds?
No. There is no law available to stop a person from feeding wild birds.
We may be able to take action in serious cases, where rotting food is accumulating, or where the feeding can be shown to be the cause of an infestation of rats or mice.
If your neighbour is a tenant, such behaviour, especially on communal grounds, may be covered by tenancy rules. You should contact the housing officer or Landlord to enquire.
If your neighbour won’t stop or reduce the feeding, and you are having problems with pigeons perching or nesting on your property, you can contact a pest control company that specialises in birds.
They will be able to advise you about the various bird proofing options that may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Please note, it is illegal to kill any bird, or destroy their eggs or nests, without a government licence.
Don’t be tempted to do it yourself!
Problems created and actions to consider
Many people like urban wildlife and enjoy feeding birds. However, sometimes pigeons and gulls can pose problems, particularly when they occur in large numbers.
Bird droppings are unsightly and their acid corrodes stonework and damages buildings. Droppings on pavements can become slippery when wet and pose a hazard to passing pedestrians.
Droppings, nest material and dead birds can block guttering and drains and cause water damage to buildings.
In addition dead pigeons in uncovered water tanks can contaminate the water supply.
Many problems arise when neighbours overfeed birds, which can attract lots of pigeons or gulls. There are no laws the Council can use to stop people feeding birds. However, if a large amount of rotting food accumulates, or the feeding is attracting rats or mice, the Council may be able to help.
If the feeding is simply causing nuisance from droppings etc., it is a private matter between neighbours. Try approaching your neighbour to explain the problems that are being caused, and ask them to reduce the amount of food they provide in order to reduce the number of birds that are attracted. A gradual reduction in food will not cause the birds to starve. They will seek food elsewhere and reduce their breeding naturally. In this way populations can be humanely reduced.
Excessive feeding can actually harm birds as it can cause overcrowding at feeding sites, and promote the spread of disease among birds. In addition, many birds are killed each year by people trying to reduce their numbers. People should try to ensure that the number of birds they attract does not cause a problem which might cause a neighbour to hire a pest control company to have them killed.
There are a number of bird proofing devices which can be used to prevent or deter birds from roosting or nesting on your property. It is advisable to leave such work to professionals who can determine the most appropriate system for your circumstances, and install it to maximise its effectiveness.
Are they a health hazard?
Many people express concern that pigeons and other birds pose a health hazard to humans, but this fear is generally unfounded and exaggerated.
Birds can suffer from some diseases that can also affect humans. However, with the exception of people whose jobs or hobbies bring them into close contact with large numbers of birds or their droppings, the actual risk of disease transmission from casual contact is negligible.
Nevertheless, it is important to employ good hygiene practices, like washing your hands thoroughly after contact with birds or their droppings, to prevent breathing in or ingesting any matter which could cause illness.