Bird deterrents such as, spikes and netting on buildings, should be installed by a professional to protect both wild birds and property, a national trade body has said.

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA), is urging the owners of homes, businesses and public buildings in Banbury to ensure they choose a trained and qualified professional to offer advice and install bird-proofing measures.

Bird spikes and nets are a non-lethal solution and should cause no harm to any wild bird, when they are installed properly. However, BPCA have had reports of birds being caught in improperly installed nets and even impaled on dangerous spikes.

Oxford Mail: Choose professionals to protect wild birds in Banbury, says trade body

Dee Ward-Thompson is head of technical and membership at BPCA. She said: “All wild birds, their eggs and their nests are protected by law, so we strongly recommend that you don’t try to control or manage birds yourself.

“Bird proofing is completely harmless and is designed to deter birds from nesting and this in turn, moves birds on to an area where they aren’t in conflict with people.

“We’ve heard some disturbing reports of birds being caught in improperly installed nets and even impaled on dangerous spikes.  

“This is completely avoidable when nets and spikes are properly installed and maintained by a professional.

“A trained and qualified professional will create an integrated avian pest management solution that protects the birds – and this will include working with premises owners to identify the root of the problem, such as openings allowing access to a nesting site, or waste disposal systems that may offer a food source to birds.”

Wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, but certain species may need to be controlled for specific reasons, including public health and safety concerns.

BPCA members employ trained technicians and have been audited to the British Standard EN 16636 in Pest Management.

They are trained in bird control and will have access to a range of professional use products and tools which are not available to the public.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.