Commercial bird Control

Delivering high impact bird control services across the UK and Ireland.

Free site assessment & quote
Full coverage across UK and Ireland
Over a decade of bird removal
Highly effective & humane bird control
BPCA & CEPA certified

Why pest birds are a problem

In the UK, pest birds like gulls and pigeons can cause significant problems for both urban and rural environments.

Gulls are notorious for aggressive behavior, especially during breeding season, and can disturb businesses and residents, as well as cause a mess as they raid bins. Pigeons, on the other hand, often roost in large numbers on buildings, causing damage through their droppings, which are acidic and can erode structures.

Both species pose health risks by spreading diseases such as salmonella and carrying parasites, and they can cause damage to properties, making effective bird control essential.

Signs of pest birds

Signs of pest birds can include:

Large Numbers of Birds: Seeing flocks of pigeons or gulls roosting or nesting on roofs, ledges, or gutters.
Bird Droppings: Accumulation of droppings around buildings, which can cause damage and present health risks.
Noise and Aggressive Behavior: Gulls can become particularly noisy and aggressive, especially during the breeding season.
Blocked Gutters: Bird nests and debris clogging gutters or downpipes.
Property Damage: Acidic droppings can erode structures and deface surfaces, causing long-term damage.

Why professional treatment is the solution

Professional pest control is necessary for managing pest birds because they are protected under UK law, which prohibits physically harming or killing them in certain situations. This means that influential but humane deterrents, such as bird netting, fire gel or spikes, sound devices or the use of hawks, may be required to manage infestations without violating legal protections.

Our professional pest controllers have the expertise to implement these solutions effectively while ensuring compliance with the law. These deterrents are crucial to protect properties from damage caused by droppings, nests, and aggressive bird behavior without harming the birds themselves.

Book your free inspection

How we work

Want to know what to expect? Merlin offers a tried-and-tested four-stage commercial pest control process from first contact to aftercare. The table below details each of these four stages.

Contact

Call us and we will arrange for one of our technical team to talk to you.

Local experts
Nationwide coverage

Assessment

We will discuss your commercial pest problem, arrange a free survey, and provide a quote and recommendations.

Assessment at a time convenient to you
Solution tailored to your pest problem
BPCA-certified

Treatment

Our RSPH Level 2-certified technicians will come out to your business to provide your commercial pest treatment.

Treatment at a time convenient to you
Tailored treatment and effective solutions offered
Powerful non-toxic treatments available

Aftercare

We can provide you with a preventative commercial pest control service, with a schedule of visits for specified pests.

Eliminate pest problems in very early stages
Eliminate risks that may result in pest problems.
Effective & discreet solutions

Commercial industries we serve

We offer commercial pest control to businesses of all types and sizes across the UK, from major airlines and hotel chains to offices, shops and care homes. We’re experienced in the nuances of each business sector and operate quickly and discreetly to protect your business from pests. Choose a sector from the list to learn more about our unique, tailored approach.

Transport

Hospitality

Offices

Retail

Care homes

Our services

Emergency service

Do you have an urgent bird problem wreaking havoc on your business or causing revenue loss? We offer an emergency next-day pest control service. Call us today to book a discreet visit from our emergency pest control team.

Proactive pest control

Have you had a problem with different kinds of pests in the past? Don’t wait until they return. We can monitor your premises, catching and eliminating them in their infancy through our highly effective early detection and prevention program.

Why choose Merlin Environmental

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Humane bird control

Merlin offers a range of powerful bird deterrents, including fire gel, bird spikes, and netting, designed to prevent pest birds from roosting or nesting on properties. Fire gel creates a visual illusion of fire, effectively deterring birds without causing harm. Bird spikes and netting are physical barriers that prevent birds from landing or nesting in problem areas. Additionally, Merlin’s hawk service provides a natural deterrent by using trained hawks to scare away pest birds, offering an environmentally friendly and legal solution to bird control.

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No interruption

Merlin’s pest control services are specifically designed to minimise disruption to business operations. If needed, we can offer flexible out-of-hours visits to ensure treatments are carried out when the premises are not busy, maintaining business continuity. Additionally, Merlin can offer discreet, unmarked vans for customers who don’t want any attention being drawn to pest control activities. This careful approach allows businesses to stay pest-free without alarming customers or interrupting daily activities, ensuring a seamless, professional experience.

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Legally compliant

Merlin’s bird control solutions are legally compliant as they adhere to UK wildlife laws, which protect birds like gulls and pigeons from physical harm. Our methods focus on humane deterrents, such as fire gel, bird spikes, and netting, which prevent birds from roosting without causing injury. Additionally, Merlin’s hawk service is a natural and legal solution that uses trained hawks to deter pest birds across huge areas of land, all while complying with regulations that prohibit harming protected species. This ensures ethical, effective bird management.

Our accreditations

We hold ourselves to a very high standard and we have the accreditations to prove it. We pride ourselves on offering an unrivalled experience in control as well as better quality service, response, and reliability than other pest control companies.

Learn More

Have a bird problem? Speak with an expert today.

Call now: 0800 037 7332

Frequently asked questions

What does a feral pigeon look like?

Feral pigeons are easily spotted in most city centres around the world, but they are also found in the countryside. They are a light grey colour, with darker banding on their wings. Males often have puffed up feathers around their collar with a light green and purple colouring. Pigeons are scavengers and can often be seen pecking at rubbish or traces of food on the ground. Pigeons can also be identified by the distinctive cooing sounds that they make (and for which they are famous).

How quickly do feral pigeons multiply?

Pigeons breed all year round as continuous food supplies mean it is easy for them to feed their young. Pigeons lay two eggs at a time and tend to raise between four and seven broods a year. This means that in a year their populations can quickly swell from just a few birds to many dozens.

Where do feral pigeons live?

Pigeons will nest in a small crevice or space that is protected from the wind and rain. As they are originally descended from cliff-nesting birds they are happy to find any small hole in which to nest. In properties with weak and damaged walls or roof tiling, pigeons will often be able to force an entry into the property.

What are the signs of a feral pigeon infestation?

Overflowing drains and pipes are often caused by pigeon droppings.
Large flocks of birds congregating around specific roofing areas.
Water damage to the property from holes that pigeons have made in roofing.
Often sounds of cooing can be heard from within the walls and roof near a nesting site. If you can hear cooing during the night and early morning you may have a problem.

Does a feral pigeon infestation need controlling?

Pigeons can spread bacteria and diseases. These include salmonella and a disease called Psittacosis, which can be fatal. Handling pigeons and their droppings is best avoided and you certainly don’t want them around the home.
Pigeons can also infect human beings with bird mites, which are another difficult pest to get rid of. If pigeons die or leave their nest, the mites will travel to areas around the nest, looking for another host.
Pigeon droppings are acidic and can rot wood and damage brick work, making them a serious liability to property.
Killing the birds or damaging their eggs and nests is prohibited according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Some nets and traps that are set up to deter pigeons can kill them, which can lead to prosecution.
Therefore it is best to get professional help to install deterrents and patch up any holes where pigeons might access to your property.

When can you get here?

At Merlin, we completely understand the need for a swift response to pest control issues. We will always speak to you and find the best time for us to attend. If it's an emergency, we would expect to be there the next working day, or if we have the operatives near your business, we would attend the same day if you could accommodate this. We will always work alongside you to provide the best timings for our visits.

How much does the treatment cost?

This is dependent on the type of work and the severity of the problem. It is very difficult to give pre-pricing, even as a general guide, as the true extent of the issue will only be evident once surveyed and looked at. This is why, as a business, we do not charge for our surveys. The survey stage is also an opportunity to get to know you and your site and explore the problem. Pest control is a bespoke service; one size doesn't fit all. Each pest control offering is different, and is tailored to the site in question.

What do I have to do?

In most cases, before we attend, nothing. It’s only when we have attended the site for the in-depth, free-of-charge survey that we can recommend any points that you may need to do. This can take various forms, from a simple quick clear of clutter to removing shrubs and bushes that are providing harbourage and shelter for pests. But again, no two sites are the same, and understanding the site and its requirements is key to a successful pest control process.

How long will it take to resolve the issue?

It depends on the particular situation. We can confirm this after we have carried out a free, no-obligation site evaluation.

Are there any guarantees?

Yes. We provide either a one, or three-month guarantee depending on the treatment method used. We also guarantee that all work will be carried out by a BPCA certified pest control technician.