Pigeons nesting under my panels

Ectophile

Since this thread has been resurrected, I had my panels done a couple of weeks back. £900 for 18 panels, including clearing the gutters.

Rather than using wire mesh, they used metal strips glued to the panel frames, with stiff wires pointing down from them.

mickyduck55

Rambolicks said:

theboylard said:

I'm finally getting mine done next week, weather dependent.

I'll report back on the total cost and standard after they've gone.

25% deposit of £140 paid to secure, we'll see what happens.

Couple my wife knows had theirs done last year by some outfit, charged them £1320!

I've had quotes ranging from £480 through to £1640!

Hi, sounds like you might have got a good deal. Out of curiosity, I'm currently getting quotes to have my panels protected. Had one for £600 from local company. My roof is quite hard to access apparently so they are insisting on using scaffolding. Is this something you are having to use as well?

No scaffolding used on mine he just used a ladder and climbed on the roof to do the "ridge" 

Screwdriva

No way will I be able to get away without scaffolding. The roof's too high. 

That said, +1 for all defender bird spikes. Their products are the only ones I've used to deter/ kill pigeons/ squirrels for the past few years. That said, an air rifle is the only permanent solution for the pigeon problem. 

EricMears

 an air rifle is the only permanent solution for the pigeon problem. 

It's NOT a permanent solution !

As fast as you kill the current visitors,  new ones will discover you.

Screwdriva

EricMears said:

 an air rifle is the only permanent solution for the pigeon problem. 

It's NOT a permanent solution !

As fast as you kill the current visitors,  new ones will discover you.

That does happen on occasion but there are periods where none discover me. Pigeons and grey squirrels are horrible vermin - disposing of them is the only real solution (paired with spikes)

Solarchaser

Finally got my mesh fitted by a trusted builder, unfortunately at least one of the pigeons wouldn't leave, and I guess in its desperation for the past week it's managed to kill my solar panels.
Resistance dropped from 17M ohms to 0.8M ohms.
Thought it was the Inverter, so swapped it out with the garage one which was producing when I switched it off, and same result.

I guess it attacked the cables as they come through in a bunch, as both strings are down.

Or maybe one has been down for a while, would be hard to tell in the depths of winter, bit definitely both are down now.
No fit solar for last two days.

Bloody flying rats!!

Exterminator

Sorry to hear about your problems Solarchaser but it's a great example of why you should get the right trade for the job. I wouldn't trust a pest controller to build me an extension so why ask a builder to sort out your pigeons?
Sealing one in there was actually against the law, and while I agree it's extremely unlikely, the maximum penalty under the Wildlife & Countryside Act is £20,000.
I do these all the time, most come in around £500, is it really worth trying to scrimp on that kind of price? I'm a big believer in 'do it right and do it once'.

Solarchaser

Yeah its a fair point exterminator, can't really argue.

mickyduck55

Exterminator said:

Sorry to hear about your problems Solarchaser but it's a great example of why you should get the right trade for the job. I wouldn't trust a pest controller to build me an extension so why ask a builder to sort out your pigeons?
Sealing one in there was actually against the law, and while I agree it's extremely unlikely, the maximum penalty under the Wildlife & Countryside Act is £20,000.
I do these all the time, most come in around £500, is it really worth trying to scrimp on that kind of price? I'm a big believer in 'do it right and do it once'.

Very reasonable price... 
I paid £700 for two houses about 10 miles apart.. but that was a few years ago.. I have heard of people being quoted a LOT more than £500

Victorthe2nd

This thread makes me start to wonder if I should bother with fitting panels! But, perhaps any new fittings can now come with some sort of protection against nesting birds gaining access to the space?