WHY LETHAL BIRD CONTROL METHODS FAIL?

WHY LETHAL BIRD CONTROL METHODS FAIL?
Culling has only short-term reduction in pigeon numbers
WHY LETHAL BIRD CONTROL METHODS FAIL?
Pigeons control their own numbers very effectively
WHY LETHAL BIRD CONTROL METHODS FAIL?
There is no designed facilities for pigeon feeders

The pest control industry has created a niche for itself by recommending lethal control options. This is because the pest control industry pumps out huge volumes of misleading propaganda each year in an effort to convince the public, that there is a need to control wild bird populations lethally, when in reality lethal control will simply exacerbate and compound the problem.

It is not only the bird control sector where the use of lethal control is a wasted effort. Virtually every wild species on the planet will react and respond to lethal controls in the same way that birds do. In reality the average property owner would be better to do nothing at all than to employ lethal methods in an effort to control wild birds on their property. Population size will remain static if no action is taken (unless available food increases dramatically) and yet if lethal controls are used population size will increase rapidly. A bird-related problem can always be resolved by using humane and non-lethal control options that will provide the client with a sustainable and cost-effective control system. There is never a need to use lethal control or a circumstance where it will be anything other than completely ineffective.

Only short-term reduction in pigeon numbers

Scientific research has proven, conclusively, that all lethal methods of pigeon control are totally ineffective in the medium and long-term reduction of pigeon numbers. The same applies to the control of virtually every other species of wild bird. In areas where lethal control operations have been carried out there will be seen to be an initial short-term reduction in numbers but, within a matter of weeks, pigeon numbers will have increased back to the pre-cull figure and in most cases will have exceeded it. This is because killing adult pigeons in a feeding flock favours younger birds that would otherwise have a poorer chance of survival. Many older non-breeding birds are removed during these culling operations and the younger healthy breeding stock remains in situ and thrives as a result. The facts demonstrate quite clearly that lethal control cannot be seen as a viable method of reducing flock size under any circumstance, irrespective of the size or extent of the problem. Quite simply, it is a completely ineffective control option, whether provided as a stand-alone control or whether it is provided alongside the installation of deterrents and anti-roosting devices.

Pigeons control their own numbers very effectively

Pigeons control their own numbers very effectively according to the volume of food available to them. An adult pair of pigeons will usually breed 4-6 times a year but can breed more frequently in optimum conditions, producing 2 young each time. If, however, the food supply reduces and there is only sufficient food available to support the existing flock, adult birds may only breed once or twice a year or possibly not at all. Pigeons will not breed if there is insufficient food to service the needs of their young. If the food supply increases for any reason (following a cull for example), pigeons will breed continuously until the flock reaches the point where it is fully exploiting the food available to it. In other words there is a minor population explosion each time a cull takes place. The end result is an estimated 15% -30% increment in flock size over and above the pre-cull figure. Commercial values have now overtaken good working practice in the pest control sector with pest control contractors recommending culling at every opportunity; as a direct result of this stance pigeon numbers throughout the UK continue to rise year on year. This is clearly not in the interest of those experiencing problems with pigeons (and other species of wild bird) and it is yet another example of the pest control industry putting profit before client’s needs.

Lack of designed facilities for pigeon feeders

Another reason for the steady increase in pigeon flock size is the deliberate and persistent feeding of pigeon flocks by feeders. Because pigeon flock size is based on the extent of available food, no conventional controls, irrespective of their effectiveness, can reduce pigeon numbers in a given area. In order to achieve this goal the problem must be dealt with at source. This is another area where the pest control industry fails its client base. Pest control contractors do not even attempt to deal with the source of the problem, they deal exclusively with the problem itself and normally by recommending methods of control that simply entrench and exacerbate the problem for the client. Excessive feeding by persistent pigeon feeders, combined with lethal methods of control recommended by most pest control contractors have resulted in a growing problem for which there is no quick and easy solution. The only beneficiaries are the pest control industry and those that derive pleasure from feeding pigeons.