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Birds & Business: UPDATE ON RISKS
Hidden Costs, Public Outcry, Legal Jeopardy
and How to Protect Your Premises & Finances

Posted by Forward Pests 21 June 2025

Across Hull and East Yorkshire, birds like pigeons and gulls are more than just a nuisance—they can seriously damage property, trade, and your reputation. The impact goes far beyond mess. Left unchecked, birds cause structural damage, disrupt trade, breach health laws, and even spark public backlash.

Real-World Warning: Network Rail’s Bird Disaster

In June 2025, Network Rail came under fire after hundreds of pigeons were found trapped and starving beneath a railway bridge in London. The birds, including chicks, became caught behind improperly installed netting.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said one rescuer. “They were crying, some were dead, some were still alive. All trapped.”
(Source: The Times, June 2025)

This incident triggered national outcry, with campaigners calling for prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and urgent reform in bird deterrent practices. Michael Britton, a volunteer wildlife rescuer, said he was “fed up” with pest control contractors he described as “incapable of doing the job within the law”.

Whilst referring to section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which prohibits causing unnecessary suffering of animals. he said he was prepared to take matters to court, “even if it bankrupts [me]”.

At Forward Pests, our staff are fully qualified and trained to handle all issues in relation to bird nuisance in a professional, ethical and legal manner. You can trust us to effectively protect all threats to your business within the legal framework and with due respect to wildlife.

4 Ways Birds Cost Businesses Money

1. Property Damage
   Acidic droppings corrode stonework, metal, signage, and solar panels. Nesting blocks gutters and causes leaks.
   Estimated annual repair cost: £2,000–£10,000
2. Cleaning Costs
   Fouling on entrances, vehicles, and food areas leads to slips and hygiene breaches.
   Specialist cleaning: £600+ per incident or £1,200–£3,500 per year
3. Health & Safety Risks
   Birds spread diseases like Salmonella and Ornithosis. Nesting attracts mites and fleas.
   Non-compliance with hygiene laws risks fines, closures, and brand damage.
4. Reputation & Business Disruption
   Customers avoid sites with bird mess or aggressive gulls.
   Poor public perception and negative reviews can cost thousands in lost trade.

Forward Pests: Ethical, Legal, Long-Term Bird Control

Recent scandals show why it’s vital to choose bird control that works—and complies with UK law. At Forward Pests, we provide a welfare-first, fully compliant service:

• Site Surveys
  We assess bird activity, check for nests, and plan safe, legal interventions.
• Spikes, Nets & Wire Systems
  Professionally installed to prevent roosting—without harming birds.
• No-Trap Policy
  We never cage or seal birds inside. Nesting birds are protected under law
• Ongoing Monitoring
  We maintain systems to ensure they remain humane, effective, and compliant.
• Legal Compliance
  We follow the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Why Prevention Pays Off

• Fewer cleaning callouts
• Reduced legal risk
• Protected signage, roofing, and solar panels
• Safer, cleaner premises
• Stronger customer confidence
• Positive public image

Serving Hull, Beverley, Cottingham and East Yorkshire.

Don’t wait for birds to ruin your reputation. Contact Forward Pests today for a free site inspection and a tailored bird control plan.