Pigeon Netting and Spikes for Commercial Roofs

Why commercial buildings attract pigeons

Warehouses, factory units, retail parks and offices give pigeons exactly what they want: ledges to perch on, sheltered voids to nest in and food scraps nearby. Across Essex, from commuter-town business parks to the port and estuary-side industrial areas, the same pattern appears. Once pigeons settle on a building they return daily, and numbers grow if nothing is done. Large flat roofs, open eaves and steel-framed units are particularly appealing, and so are buildings next to car parks or bins where food waste is easy to find. A quick look at the roofline at dawn often shows how many are already using it.

What the problem costs a business

Droppings foul entrances, loading bays and signage, and can create slip risks on walkways. Nesting debris blocks gutters, downpipes and roof outlets, which can lead to water getting into the building. Contamination near food areas raises hygiene concerns, and the visual effect on customers and staff is hard to ignore. Left alone, these problems tend to grow, and cleaning costs and disruption grow with them. Each of these is easier to prevent than to put right afterwards.

• Fouled entrances, canopies and walkways
• Blocked gutters and outlets causing leaks
• Hygiene concerns near food and production areas
• Damage to signage, vents and rooftop equipment
• Complaints from staff, visitors and neighbours

How netting works

Netting creates a physical barrier across an open space, such as a roof void, loading bay, under a canopy or between steel beams. Birds cannot reach the area, so they cannot roost or nest there. It is the most complete answer for large areas, and once fitted correctly it is discreet and long lasting. It needs careful fitting so there are no gaps or loose edges that could trap a bird. Netting that is sagging or torn should be reported straight away.

How spikes work

Spikes are rows of blunt, upward-pointing prongs fixed along ledges, parapets, signs and beams. They do not harm birds; they simply make the surface uncomfortable to land on. They suit narrow, linear perches and are quick to fit, but they are not a solution for wide, flat areas where birds can land between the rows. Debris can also build up in them, so they need occasional checks. They are also useful as a finishing touch beside netting.

Choosing between them

Often the answer is a mix. Netting covers voids and larger open spaces, while spikes protect ledges and edges, and some sites also need mesh around plant or solar equipment. The right choice depends on the roof shape, access and the number of birds. Avoid improvised fixes such as loose tape or trinkets, which pigeons usually ignore within days. We will explain which option we recommend for each area and why, so you can see how the parts fit together.

Why a survey comes first

Before anything is fitted, we survey the site to find roosts, nesting spots, entry points and the areas most fouled. Active nests must be left until nesting has finished, and heavy fouling often needs cleaning before proofing, so nothing is sealed in. Working at height on commercial roofs also needs proper access equipment and planning, which is not something to attempt without trained staff.

Keeping the proofing working

Proofing is not a one-off job if it is left unchecked. Storms, roof repairs and contractors can loosen netting or knock spikes out of line, giving birds a way back. Arrange periodic inspections, tidy up food waste around bins and loading areas, and tell us promptly if birds start returning. Small repairs early prevent a full re-proof later. Property managers with several units often find a simple yearly check keeps costs and disruption down, and it gives a clear record if tenants ask what has been done about birds.