The Big Fight Sponsored by Area Pest Control: Pigeons v Solar Panels
Pigeon and Solar Panels are not a good mix…
I had a call from Mr & Mrs C, a lovely couple in Luton Bedfordshire, reporting pigeons roosting and nesting under their solar panels.
I arranged to go and survey the roof the following day, there were 11 pigeons sitting on the panels and the roof.
Pigeons were coming and going the whole time I was there.
It soon became very obvious that this was becoming a favourite roost and nesting site for the pigeons.
A report and quote was submitted to proof the ridge, solar panels and guttering.
The quote was accepted and a date was put in the diary.
I really looked forward to this job as it presented new challenges to us as a pest control company.
I am happy to say the job went as planned and the panels are now pigeon free and Mr and Mrs C are very pleased with the work that was carried out by Area Pest Control.
The increase in Solar Panels in the UK will mean an increase in Pigeon issues
Due to the increase in solar panels being retro fitted to roofs and with the majority of new builds giving the option of having them installed during the build, we will start to see a real issue in the UK with pigeons and a variety of other birds utilising the man made nesting sites, we also predict
Squirrels will find their way to making a new home under them.
Find out more information on Solar Panel Pigeon Proofing
What are the issues with Pigeons and Squirrels living under your solar panels?
Pigeon problems
Pigeons are a very messy bird that can produce between 12-14kg of droppings a year. That’s the equivalent of 6 bags of sugar! Just from one bird. Surely the best self cleaning glass panels could not cope with that much bombardment?
When your panels become this dirty the productivity of each panel is severely reduced.
Dirty panels are not the only concern. When birds start nesting under the panel’s wires that have been clipped up during the installation process often get pulled down by the birds, leaving them vulnerable to attack and the elements.
Squirrel problems
Squirrels are great climbers and will have no problem in gaining access to your roof. Once squirrels are under the solar panels, the wiring would be very vulnerable to attack. What would the cost be for the installers to come back and rewire the panels?
What can be done?
Proofing early really is the key here, before the pigeons start to build their nests and before the Squirrels move in.
All droppings are removed
Downpipes are unblocked
Mesh is installed