Harlow was laid out in neighbourhoods, and that layout gives pigeons a lot to work with. Shopping areas have canopies and flat roofs, blocks of flats have balconies and walkways, and the industrial estates offer big sheltered loading bays. Birds that settle in one of these places tend to stay, and the fouling and noise land on tenants, shoppers and staff.
We provide pigeon proofing across Harlow, covering the CM17 to CM20 postcode area. We always survey first, so the work fits the building and the way the birds are using it. Everything we fit is designed to keep birds off, not to hurt them.
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With so many rented homes in Harlow, landlords and managing agents often ask us about pigeons on balconies, stairwell openings and walkway ceilings. Droppings make shared areas unpleasant, can make surfaces slippery and are a nuisance for tenants who simply want to hang washing out or sit outside, and open bin stores nearby give the birds extra food to come back for. A pair nesting on one balcony will usually be joined by more.
We survey the block, noting every ledge, recess and beam where birds settle. Netting across balcony tops or open voids is often the most effective answer, with spikes along parapets and sills. Because several households may be involved, we explain the plan in plain terms and keep the fittings tidy so the block looks cared for. Any heavy fouling is cleaned first.
Harlow's shopping areas are full of the features pigeons like: wide canopies, signage boards, service yards and flat roofs with drainage outlets. Food scraps from customers keep the birds coming back, particularly around seating areas, bins and the service yards at the back where deliveries arrive and doors are often left open. Nesting material and feathers are then pulled into outlets and gutters, which can block drainage and cause water to pool on a flat roof.
For these sites we usually combine methods. Spikes or wire along fascia edges stop birds landing, netting closes off the canopy undersides where they roost, and gutter guards keep nesting material out of drainage. We plan access carefully so the work causes little disruption to trading, and we agree timings with the centre or shop manager before we start, so staff and customers know what to expect on the day.
The industrial estates around Harlow have large warehouses where pigeons enter open loading bays and roost in the roof steel. Droppings can contaminate stock and floors, so they are a real concern for food and storage businesses. We net the openings or the roof space as needed after a full survey. We also cover Epping, Loughton and Great Dunmow if you have another site there.
We cover towns and villages across Essex. Choose your area to see how pigeon proofing works locally.
The warm, sheltered gap under rooftop solar panels is very attractive to pigeons, and the fouling and nesting material they leave behind can cause real problems.
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Netting and spikes are the two main humane ways to keep pigeons off commercial buildings, and each suits different parts of a roof.
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Most household pests leave clues behind, and learning to read droppings, damage, noises and timing will help you decide what you are dealing with and what to do next.
Read the guide →Landlords can have the balcony proofed so birds stop landing and nesting there. We survey first, clear any droppings with proper care, then fit netting or spikes. We do not harm the birds, we simply remove their reasons to return.
We usually fit netting across the open bay or the roof space so birds cannot get in, while keeping doors and lorries working normally. A survey shows where they enter, how high the roof is and what access we need.
They can. Feathers and nesting material wash into outlets and gutters and build up over time. Gutter guards, along with stopping the birds roosting close by, reduce the blockages and the risk of water pooling on the roof after rain.
Tell us what you have found and roughly where it is. We will come back to you — or call 01245 327 274 if it is urgent.
