Folkestone Property Owners: How to Prevent Bird Nesting Issues and Pests

Bird nests can pose a serious nuisance for many property owners in Folkestone and the surrounding areas of Kent and Dover. While wild birds and various bird species add charm to our environment, their nesting behaviour, especially during the breeding season, can cause problems for your property.

Understanding how to deter birds and manage the issues they bring, including secondary infestations, is essential to keeping your home safe and pest free.

In this guide, we’ll explain why nesting birds can be problematic, outline bird control measures that comply with UK law, and show how professional pest control services can help you remove bird nests and tackle associated pests.

Why Bird Nests Cause Problems for Folkestone Property Owners

Many bird species commonly found in Folkestone, such as pigeons and other roosting birds, tend to build nests on or near buildings. During the spring and nesting season, these birds gather nesting material and lay eggs, attracting young birds and increasing activity around your property.

The presence of bird droppings and nesting material can cause significant damage, staining walls and roofs, encouraging the growth of moss, and blocking gutters and drains. Additionally, bird droppings are not only unsightly but can carry diseases that pose health risks.

Another serious concern is the risk of secondary infestations. Bird nests often harbour mites and other pests that can spread into your home, causing further nuisance and health hazards.

Common Nesting Sites and When to Take Action

Nesting birds tend to prefer sheltered locations such as roof eaves, chimneys, gutters, and even trees close to buildings. In Folkestone’s climate, these sites provide protection from the elements and predators.

However, the law in England protects many birds during their breeding season. It is illegal to remove bird nests with eggs or young without permission. Property owners must be aware that disturbing nesting birds during this period can lead to an unlimited fine and, if found guilty, prosecution.

The best time to implement bird control measures is outside the breeding season to avoid destroying protected nests.

Effective Bird Control Measures for Folkestone Properties

There are several humane and legal ways to deter birds from nesting and roosting on your property:

• Installing bird spikes or nets on common nesting sites prevents birds from landing and building nests.

• Using bird control gels or visual deterrents can discourage birds from settling.

• Regular cleaning to remove old nesting material and droppings reduces the attractiveness of your property to birds.

• Securing vents and gaps in buildings to block access to potential nesting spots.

• Maintaining trees and plants near buildings to reduce suitable nesting habitats.

These methods help reduce the risk of bird-related damage and the presence of pests such as mites associated with nests.

Legal Considerations When Dealing With Nesting Birds

It’s important for Folkestone property owners to understand the legal protections around nesting birds. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, many wild birds and their nests are protected. Destroying or disturbing a nest during the breeding season is illegal in the UK and can result in an unlimited fine.

If you discover active nests with eggs or young birds, the best approach is to wait until

the breeding season is over before removing nests or implementing control measures.

How Folkestone Pest Control Can Help

At Folkestone Pest Control, we provide expert bird control services tailored to the unique needs of properties across Folkestone, Kent, Dover, and surrounding areas. Our team works within the legal framework to safely remove bird nests and deter birds without harming protected species.

We also offer treatments to kill or manage pests such as mites that cause secondary infestations linked to bird nests. Our advice covers effective bird control measures and maintenance practices to prevent future problems, especially during the spring nesting season.

Whether you’re dealing with nuisance pigeons, troublesome droppings, or the health risks posed by mites, our professional team is ready to help you protect your property.

Conclusion

Nesting birds are a common part of life in Folkestone and nearby parts of Kent and Dover, but they don’t have to cause ongoing problems for your property. By understanding when and how to deter birds, respecting wildlife protection laws, and acting to prevent pest infestations linked to bird nests, you can keep your home safe and pest free.

If you need assistance to remove bird nests legally, manage pest infestations, or install bird control measures, Folkestone Pest Control is your trusted local expert.